A new report by Amnesty International has revealed that at least 500,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Benue State due to relentless attacks by armed groups.
The report, published on Thursday, highlights the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, where entire communities have been uprooted by violence.
The latest attack occurred on June 14 in the town of Yelwata, where more than 100 people were killed, and nearly 4,000 others fled for safety.
Amnesty International’s fact-finding team visited the area and described harrowing scenes, including the lingering stench of decomposing bodies, spent bullet casings littering the ground, and freshly dug mass graves for victims. Survivors were seen carrying whatever belongings they could salvage as they sought refuge in overcrowded displacement camps.
According to interviews with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps across Gwer West, Agatu, Ukum, Kwande, Logo, Guma, and Makurdi, communities under attack often receive no immediate help from security forces.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, stated that security personnel typically arrive long after the attackers have left, leaving residents to fend for themselves.
The report accuses Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Benue’s residents, leaving them vulnerable to repeated violence that has stripped them of their basic rights, including safety, freedom of movement, and livelihoods. Displaced families now face dire conditions in makeshift camps, battling disease outbreaks, food shortages, and a lack of clean water.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to take urgent action to provide humanitarian aid and strengthen security measures to prevent further bloodshed. The organisation warned that without immediate intervention, the suffering of Benue’s displaced population will only worsen.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
