Over 500,000 Displaced in Benue State Amid Ongoing Gunmen Attacks – Amnesty International

Amnesty International has raised alarm over a deepening humanitarian crisis in Benue State, reporting that at least 500,000 people have been displaced following repeated attacks by gunmen.

       

In its latest update published Thursday via its website and official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Amnesty described horrifying scenes in the aftermath of a June 14 assault on Yelwata, where over 100 people were killed and nearly 4,000 fled for their lives.

“The smell of decomposing bodies hung in the air,” Amnesty wrote, noting that the community bore visible scars of the attack bullet casings scattered and fresh mass graves still uncovered. 

According to Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, the organization interviewed displaced persons (IDPs) across multiple camps, Gwer West, Agatu, Ukum, Kwande, Logo, Guma, and Makurdi, including a makeshift site at Makurdi Modern Market.

The report paints a picture of a population abandoned in crisis:

• Security forces often arrive hours or days after the attackers have left.

• Survivors are forced to bring their own food, firewood, and basic supplies to overcrowded and unsanitary IDP camps.

• Outbreaks of disease are rising due to a lack of clean water, shelter, and healthcare.

Amnesty International accused the Nigerian government of repeated failure to protect the lives and rights of its citizens in Benue, urging immediate humanitarian intervention and a better security response.

“Continuous attacks by gunmen have stripped thousands of their fundamental rights,” the report states.
“Survivors endure additional suffering in overcrowded camps where basic necessities are scarce.”