Benue Massacre: Over 6,000 displaced, 20 dead in hospital — NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that at least 6,527 individuals have been displaced following the recent wave of violence in Benue State.

In a statement released on Monday, NEMA revealed that more than 3,000 displaced persons—mostly women and children—are in dire need of urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, non-food items, and medical supplies.

According to the agency, the displaced population includes 82 pregnant women, 252 lactating mothers, 657 children under 18, and 91 elderly persons. The displacement spans 1,069 households, with 1,768 females and 759 males among the affected.

“Urgent humanitarian support is being mobilised and delivered to alleviate the hardship of the displaced persons,” the statement noted.

The development follows a brutal attack on Yelwata town in Guma Local Government Area, where suspected Fulani militiamen reportedly killed more than 100 residents. While locals claim the death toll exceeds 200, NEMA said casualty figures remain unclear due to restricted access and ongoing security threats.

The agency also disclosed that 20 of the 46 injured persons initially hospitalised have died, with medical teams calling for emergency blood donations to support critically wounded victims.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that some of the assailants were neutralised in a gun battle. It added that rescue operations and efforts to assist the displaced are ongoing.

Relief efforts are being coordinated at a newly established IDP camp at the Makurdi International Market, with support from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), UNHCR, Red Cross, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the 13 June massacre and directed security chiefs to put an end to the violence. His message was echoed by Pope Francis, who offered prayers for the victims.

Protests erupted in the aftermath of the killings, with enraged youths taking to the streets. However, the demonstration was forcefully dispersed by police using tear gas.

Rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the violence and called on the federal government to prioritise the safety of residents in Benue and other conflict-prone areas.