A woman displaced from Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State collapsed due to hunger at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on Thursday, triggering protests among fellow displaced persons.
The incident, which occurred at the Makurdi International Market camp, prompted angry IDPs to block a major road nearby, causing significant traffic congestion as they demanded immediate government intervention.
According to reports, the woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was successfully revived after fainting. The protesters claimed they had been suffering from inadequate food supplies for days despite previous donations of relief materials from individuals and organizations.
Deteriorating Conditions Despite Aid Efforts
The protest highlights the ongoing humanitarian challenges facing those displaced by the Yelwata crisis, with demonstrators specifically mentioning hunger, deaths, and alleged diversion of relief materials as key concerns.
This development comes amid broader tensions in Benue State, where security concerns have prompted responses from various stakeholders. Recently, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, assured residents that "days of bloodshed are numbered," while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant vowed to crack down on those responsible for attacks on civilians.
The Catholic Church has also shown solidarity with victims, organizing a prayer walk to honor those affected by the Yelwata attacks.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to commission several projects in neighboring Kaduna State, including a healthcare center and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
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