The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that more than 6,500 people have been displaced following a fresh wave of violent attacks in Benue State, highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
According to a statement released by NEMA on Monday, the affected individuals are currently taking shelter in makeshift camps across Guma, Logo, and Ukum local government areas, following coordinated assaults on several farming communities over the past week.
“These are largely women, children, and the elderly who fled their homes with nothing,” said Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA. “We are working with state authorities and humanitarian partners to deliver food, medical aid, and temporary shelter.”
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos as gunmen stormed villages, torching homes and forcing residents to flee. Local leaders have blamed the attacks on suspected armed herders, though official investigations are still ongoing.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the violence and called on the federal government to intensify security efforts in the region. “We cannot allow this cycle of displacement and bloodshed to continue,” he said during a press briefing.
Human rights groups warn that the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue risks overwhelming existing relief efforts. They also stress the need for long-term security reforms and reconciliation initiatives to address the root causes of the conflict.
NEMA has urged international donors and development partners to scale up their support as the agency works to prevent a worsening humanitarian disaster.
