The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) has confirmed that 4,253 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fleeing the recent killings in Yelwata, Benue State, have sought refuge across various camps in Nasarawa.
According to Benjamin Akwash, Director-General of NASEMA, the state is witnessing a sharp influx of displaced persons following the tragic attacks in Guma Local Government Area of Benue. The affected individuals, mostly women and children, are currently sheltering in IDP camps located in Obi, Doma, and Lafia.
Speaking over the weekend in Lafia, Akwash stated that the state is preparing to begin the distribution of relief materials to ease the growing humanitarian burden.
“The situation is that of an influx of internally displaced persons coming to Nasarawa State, and the number keeps increasing. We are now at the procurement stage and will soon begin distribution of food and non-food items,” he said.
Breakdown of Displacement Figures
- St. John Agyraragu Camp (Lafia): 1,852 IDPs
- Idadu Camp (Doma): 672 IDPs
- Kpata Camp (Doma): 709 IDPs
- Obi Camp (Obi LGA): 1,020 IDPs
According to NASEMA, some displaced families initially relocated to Kadarko camp have now fled further due to perceived insecurity in that area.
“Most of the people who relocated to the Kadarko camp have moved to other safer places because they feel Kadarko is no longer safe for them,” Akwash added.
He noted that food insecurity, overcrowding, and trauma are among the major issues facing the IDPs and assured that government support would be delivered promptly.
The mass movement of IDPs into Nasarawa followed the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Guma LGA of Benue State, where over 200 persons were reportedly killed. The attack came shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state, drawing criticism over the perceived ineffectiveness of government intervention.
In response, Nasarawa authorities have reportedly engaged in coordination with humanitarian agencies and local stakeholders to improve camp conditions, with efforts now focused on logistics and timely delivery of assistance.
The Nasarawa State Government is also assessing longer-term plans to relocate the IDPs to more secure and better-managed facilities.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
