from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – A HUMANITARIAN crisis is escalating in the Nigerian north-central state of Benue where attacks by gunmen have displaced at least 500 000 people.
Many are languishing in squalid camps without access to sufficient water, poor sanitation, food and healthcare.
Amnesty International has expressed concern and has appealed to Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps to avert a catastrophe.
In the most recent attack as documented by Amnesty, on 14 June, gunmen raided the town of Yelewata, killing more than 100 people and forcing over 3 941 more to flee their homes.
“The Nigerian authorities have failed the people of Benue state again and again,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
The official said rampant attacks by militants had deprived thousands of people of their rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, freedom of movement and access to livelihoods.
“Survivors of these harrowing attacks face the fresh torment of being displaced in overcrowded, unhygienic camps where disease runs rampant and essentials such as food and clean water are scarce.”
As of December 31, 2024, an estimated 500,182 people had fled to internally displaced persons IDPs camps in Benue state to escape years of attacks by gunmen.
This is according to Amnesty.
More than 10 000 additional people have been displaced since the start of 2025 following attacks on communities.
“The situation risks creating a humanitarian disaster, which the authorities must urgently address by ensuring that people’s essential needs are met by providing desperately needed aid,” Sanusi said.
There have been escalating bandit attacks and clashes between herders and farmers in Benue since 2016.
Last week, police announced the arrest of 25 suspects.
– CAJ News