Benue State in Nigeria is currently facing a significant financial burden due to the displacement of over 18,000 residents following ongoing attacks on its communities. The attacks, which are believed to be perpetrated by suspected Fulani herders, have caused immense suffering and loss of life in the affected communities.
The Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Dr. Emmanuel Shior, recently spoke to the press in Makurdi, where he expressed his concerns about the huge financial burden that the state is facing as a result of the attacks. He called for intervention from the international community to help alleviate the situation.
The attacks have led to the death of over 100 farmers in just one week, with 60 deaths recorded in Otukpo and Apa Local Government Areas, and 40 deaths in Guma. This has resulted in a significant number of people fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps. The state government is responsible for providing food, shelter, and medical care for those in the IDP camps, and the increasing number of people seeking refuge has put a strain on the state’s resources.
Dr. Shior revealed that the state government has been doing its best to provide for the IDPs by distributing food items and other materials. However, the rising number of people in the camps has made it more challenging for the government to cater to their needs.
Checks by News About Nigeria revealed that the attacks on Benue communities have been ongoing for years, with no solution in sight. The state government has tried various measures to address the problem, including the enactment of anti-open grazing laws, but the attacks have persisted. The financial burden on the state due to these attacks is significant, and it is clear that more needs to be done to tackle the root cause of the problem.
The call for intervention by the international community is a plea for help, as the state government is struggling to provide for the IDPs adequately. The displaced persons are in dire need of assistance, and it is hoped that the international community will respond to the call and help alleviate the situation.
