More than 6,500 people have been displaced following a wave of coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen across multiple communities in Benue State, with the latest incident reported in the early hours of Saturday at Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
As of late Saturday, verified displacement data revealed 1,069 households comprising 6,527 individuals, including 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, 1,870 adults over 18, 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons.
The displaced populations are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance—food, potable water, medical supplies, and non-food items—as relief agencies ramp up emergency support. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), UNHCR, Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have set up an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Makurdi International Market to shelter victims.
The humanitarian crisis follows a series of violent raids that have left dozens injured and at least 20 people confirmed dead from injuries sustained in the attacks. Forty-six victims are currently receiving treatment, with medical teams calling for urgent blood donations.
Security forces, including personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed in response to distress calls. However, an ambush near Daudu led to the deaths of two soldiers and one NSCDC officer.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attacks and reported that some of the gunmen were neutralized in an exchange of fire. Security operations remain ongoing, with access to some affected areas still restricted due to safety concerns.
Authorities have appealed for public cooperation and sustained support as efforts to restore peace and provide critical assistance to displaced communities continue.
