Tension grips Benue as IDPs stage protest after Tinubu’s visit

Tensions flared in Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Yelwata crisis staged a protest over what they described as worsening living conditions and gross neglect at their camp.

The demonstrators, mostly women and children, took to the busy road near the Makurdi International Market, blocking traffic and causing a major gridlock. Holding placards and chanting in frustration, the IDPs decried the lack of food, medical care, and proper shelter, accusing camp officials of diverting essential relief materials meant for their survival.

“There’s no food, our children are starving, we sleep on bare floors, and mosquitoes are almost killing us,”. “We are suffering, and people are dying”—The protesters said.

The protesters alleged that at least two individuals recently died due to starvation and complications related to poor living conditions in the overcrowded camp. Of particular concern was the claim that donations, including food items and mattresses reportedly provided by Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre never reached the intended beneficiaries.

According to the IDPs, corrupt practices among some camp officials have worsened their plight. They called on the Benue State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other humanitarian organizations to investigate the alleged hoarding and mismanagement of relief supplies.

Despite the growing outrage, state authorities had not issued an official response to the protest or the allegations as of the time of filing this report.