The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 6,527 people were displaced in the aftermath of the recent gunmen attacks on some communities in Benue state.
In a situation report posted on X. on Monday, NEMA said that more than 3,000 displaced persons, including children and women, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance such as food, non-food items, potable water, and essential medical supplies.
Among the displaced people are 82 pregnant women, 252 lactating mothers and 657 children under 18.
“As of last night, displacement figures stood at 1,069 households, comprising 6,527 individuals,” the agency stated.
“Among them are 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, 1,870 adults above 18, 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons.
“Urgent humanitarian support is being mobilised and delivered to alleviate the hardship of the displaced persons.”
According to NEMA report, multiple coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen have targeted various communities across Benue.
“The most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area,” the report said.
“Casualty figures remain inconsistent due to the volatile security situation and limited access to affected areas. Ongoing rescue and recovery operations are expected to provide more accurate figures.
Following a distress alert, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to the scene.
“Tragically, two soldiers and one NSCDC officer lost their lives in an ambush while responding to the incident in Daudu. Dozens sustained injuries, with 46 individuals rushed to hospitals.
“Sadly, 20 later succumbed to their injuries at the Hospital. Medical teams have called for urgent blood donations to support critical care efforts.”
The agency said efforts to support displaced populations are underway.
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), UNHCR, Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are coordinating relief activities at a newly established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Makurdi International market,” it added.
