The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that 6,527 people have been displaced following recent attacks in Benue State, with thousands in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
In an official statement released on Monday, NEMA revealed that the displaced population includes 82 pregnant women, 252 lactating mothers, and 657 children under 18 years of age.
Urgent Humanitarian Needs
According to the agency, over 3,000 displaced residents, including vulnerable women and children, require immediate assistance in the form of food, non-food items, clean drinking water, and essential medical supplies.
"As of last night, displacement figures stood at 1,069 households, comprising 6,527 individuals. Among them are 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, 1,870 adults above 18, 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons," NEMA stated.
The agency added, "Urgent humanitarian support is being mobilised and delivered to alleviate the hardship of the displaced persons."
Casualty Figures Remain Uncertain
NEMA explained that casualty figures from the attack in the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area remain inconsistent due to the volatile security situation and limited access to affected areas. However, ongoing rescue and recovery operations are expected to provide more accurate data in the coming days.
The agency confirmed that dozens sustained injuries in the recent attack, with 46 individuals taken to hospitals. Tragically, 20 of the injured later succumbed to their wounds while receiving treatment.
Coordinated Relief Efforts
NEMA is currently collaborating with other local and international agencies to coordinate relief activities for those affected. A new Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp has been established at the Makurdi International Market to accommodate the displaced residents.
The Yelewata community attack represents one of the most severe security incidents in Benue State in recent months, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's Middle Belt region.
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