Benue seeks urgent support for Naka IDPs as displaced persons triple due to armed conflicts. Officials call for action from CSOs and international donors

Benue seeks urgent support for Naka IDPs as the number of displaced persons in the camp continues to rise due to frequent armed attacks on local communities.

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The state government has made an emergency appeal to civil society organisations and international donors to intervene urgently.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, made the call on Thursday in Makurdi during a policy validation meeting for the Benue State Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy.

The meeting, held at Benue Hotels Resorts, was aimed at addressing the prolonged humanitarian crisis plaguing the state.

“In Gwer West Local Government Area, particularly in Naka, displaced persons are in dire need of assistance. We must ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind,” Kunde said.

According to him, the population of displaced persons in Naka has now surpassed that of the Yelewata camp, located at the International Market in Makurdi, which itself has seen a major influx following a recent attack that killed over 200 people.

Kunde emphasised the lack of access to basic amenities at the Naka camp, such as clean drinking water and sufficient food, urging humanitarian actors to channel more attention to the area.

“The displaced persons in Naka do not have access to basic resources like potable water and food,” he added.

The validation of the state’s IDP policy aims to localise national frameworks to ensure that durable solutions can be implemented effectively.

Stakeholders across government, development agencies, and NGOs were present to contribute to the process.

Murjanatu Kabir, Advocacy Campaign Policy Manager of Save The Children International, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the welfare of children affected by displacement in Benue.

We must ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

She stated that the policy offers a crucial opportunity to uphold the rights of IDPs, particularly vulnerable children.

Kabir said, “The government’s initiative to find durable solutions for IDPs would address the needs of vulnerable individuals, including children. Any resettlement must be guided by a comprehensive policy that prioritises safety and successful reintegration.”

In his remarks, Peter Uchi, who represents Guma State Constituency, highlighted the psychological toll of the crisis.

He noted that several families in Yelewata had been wiped out overnight, urging that trauma and mental health support be part of the policy strategy.

“Some people in Yelewata woke up to discover their families had been wiped out. These traumatic realities must be captured in our policy,” Uchi said.

James Umoru, member for Apa Constituency and chairman of the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, promised legislative backing for swift IDP interventions.

He advocated for direct oversight visits and enhanced engagement with affected populations.

“Nobody in an IDP camp enjoys the comfort of home. Oversight visits to some affected camps will inform real decisions,” Umoru declared.

Also speaking, the Director General of Benue State SDGs, John Akuse, stressed the importance of aligning federal frameworks with Benue’s realities.

He described the validation process as inclusive and chapter-based to ensure cultural and regional relevance.

“By tomorrow, we expect a fully validated policy owned by the people of Benue State,” Akuse affirmed.

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The Naka camp remains one of the most overpopulated and under-resourced sites in the state, reinforcing calls for immediate external support to avert a deepening humanitarian disaster.