Benue: Agatu IDPs protest over food shortages, call for return to ancestral homes

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State staged a demonstration on Friday, expressing frustration over their prolonged stay in camps.

The protesters blocked the Iweto Bridge, disrupting traffic, and complained of food scarcity within the camps.

They urged authorities to facilitate their return home, noting the urgency to prepare farmland ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

Speaking to journalists, the Agatu LGA chairman, Melvin Ejeh, said the government is open to allowing residents back once the communities are deemed safe.

“We’ve acquired drones and cameras that will soon be deployed to monitor conditions in real time,” Ejeh said.

“While the area seems calm, we need to ensure no hidden threats exist. Security camps are being established at strategic locations before any returns are allowed.

Our security agencies are working diligently to have these ready as soon as possible.”

On the concern over hunger, Ejeh noted that IDPs continue to receive regular food support from both the state government and private donors.

He added that the State Emergency Management Agency recently delivered supplies, and Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, contributed additional food items.

The chairman praised the security agencies for managing the protest professionally, ensuring no one was injured while clearing the road.

He also thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia for his continued efforts to support IDPs with essential supplies and for equipping the local government with security tools and personnel for the area.

(NAN)