No fewer than 18,000 people were displaced this month following the recent attacks on some communities in Benue State.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency and Management Agency, Emmanuel Shior, disclosed this on Tuesday during the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons in the state.
Recall that some communities in Apa, Otukpo and Guma local government areas of the state were attacked by suspected armed herders between April 5 and 9, leading to the loss of at least 135 lives.
Giving the breakdown of displaced persons within the month of April, the SEMA boss said 8,000 IDPs were recorded and camped in Adoka, Otukpo LG; 10,000 others are in Apa, taking refuge in Ugbokpo, the local government headquarters.
He said, “Benue has continued to be under siege for a long time. Recent killings in Benue State have added the burden of taking care of the IDPs.
“For instance, 8,000 people are currently camped in Adoka in Otukpo Local Government and another 10,000 people taken refuge in Ugbokpo, headquarters of Apa LG.”
Shior appealed to the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency; the National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons; and other partners to help in lessening the state’s burden.
“They should do more to increase their support,” Shior said.
