Benue IDPS protested to ignore, alleged transfer of aid material

The displaced population of the Yelwata community in the Guma Regional Government in the state of Benue took to the streets of Makurdi on Thursday, protesting what they described as a terrible condition and ignored the Internal Refugee Camp (IDP) where they had been protected after new attacks by armed herds.

The protesters, many of them were victims of the deadly attack that killed the score and the houses caught fire, blocking the main entrance to the camp while located along George Akume Way in Makurdi to express their frustration. They accuse officials of managing the hoarding camps and transferring assistance material intended for their welfare.

Yelwata residents have been transferred to camps in the Makurdi international market after their community was attacked in one of the most brutal incidents in recent weeks.

“We fled from our comfortable home because of the attacks of the pastors after our parents, children and wives were killed and now, we are here to face other critical challenges,” said Fidelis Igban, one of the protesters.

“There is no food, our children are starving, we sleep on the floor, and mosquitoes almost kill us. We suffer, and people are dying. Officials who oversee the management of the camp are hoarding and diverting the material donated.”

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Igban accused that regardless of food contributions and assistance inventory by individuals and humanitarian organizations, no one reached the people who were moved.

“Imagine, people will come to the camp and donate food items and other assistance materials to us (refugees), and once the goods are handed over to the officials, that is the end,” he said.

“Only a few days ago, the Federation Government Secretary, George Akume, came to the camp and contributed several items to be distributed further to refugees. Until now, we have not seen anything.”

He also remembered that senior Dunamis International Gospel Center priest, Dr. Paul Enenche, had visited and contributed food and supply, but the ingredients had never reached the real victim.

Another displaced population, Erdoo Targa, a pregnant woman, condemned the lack of health care and basic facilities in the camp. “The government brought us here and left us. There was no food, no medical treatment, hungry to tell us. We are starving and our children are sick day after day,” he said. “We started protesting this to attract the attention of the government and people who were passionate about our situation.”

Their protest came only a day after the President of the Tinubu Bola and several North-Middle Governors visited the benue to sympathize with the victims and hold a city hall meeting to end violence in the region. The President, however, could not visit the Yelwata community itself because of a poor road access but visited the hospital that took care of several victims.