Fresh violence in Benue State has left thousands displaced, as coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen continue to unsettle communities in the region. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that at least 6,527 individuals have been forced to flee their homes, including vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
According to a post shared by NEMA on Monday, the most recent attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Yelewata area of Guma Local Government. Armed attackers reportedly stormed the community, leaving several people dead or injured. The agency noted that the exact number of casualties remains unclear due to security challenges and restricted access to some of the affected areas.
Security forces, including personnel from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed in response to distress calls. Unfortunately, three operatives, two soldiers, and one NSCDC officer lost their lives in an ambush while responding to violence in the Daudu area. Medical personnel on the ground reported that 46 people were taken to nearby hospitals, but 20 later died from their injuries. Medical teams have appealed for urgent blood donations to support emergency care.
In response to the crisis, relief operations are being coordinated by NEMA, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration. A temporary camp has been established at the Makurdi International Market to shelter those displaced.
As of the latest update, the displaced population comprises over 1,000 households, consisting of 1,768 women, 759 men, 657 children, 1,870 adults, 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly individuals. Relief officials say urgent aid, including food, clean water, non-food items, and medical supplies, is needed to ease the suffering of those affected.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to stabilize the region, with security operations continuing and humanitarian assistance being scaled up.