The Benue State Government has arrested over 50 imposters who were posing as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Makurdi Ultra Modern International Market camp, which currently serves as temporary shelter for victims of the recent armed herdsmen attack on Yelewata community.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, disclosed this development while briefing journalists on the situation at the camp. The imposters were discovered following a suspicious surge in the camp's population after the June 13 attack in Guma Local Government Area.
Early Morning Operation Reveals Camp Infiltration
Kunde personally led a covert team to the camp at 4:00 a.m. to verify the identities of those seeking shelter. "The verified number of actual IDPs from Yelewata in this camp is 219, yet the current population far exceeds that," the commissioner stated. "Our investigations over two days revealed that people from nearby communities and even IDPs from the Mega Camp have been trooping in here, which is inappropriate."
The operation uncovered that residents from the host community had been infiltrating the facility in large numbers and taking advantage of services meant for genuine victims of the Yelewata attack.
Criminal Activities Reported Within Camp
According to the commissioner, there were reports of criminal activities within the camp, including theft and intimidation of legitimate IDPs. "One young man, wearing an official IDP tag, led others to steal mattresses after threatening traumatised women in the camp. Some women have also been borrowing children from the host community to collect extra rations during distributions," he noted.
Kunde further lamented that individuals with criminal intentions were creating tension and inciting protests within the camp, putting the welfare of legitimate IDPs at risk. "We are aware that some people are trying to create unrest. Host community members and other intruders are causing problems, but we are taking firm steps to restore order," he emphasized.
The Yelewata community was attacked by armed herdsmen on June 13, forcing hundreds of residents to flee to the temporary shelter in Makurdi. The government's intervention aims to ensure that genuine victims receive the necessary humanitarian assistance without disruption from imposters.
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