NEMA: 6,527 persons displaced, two soldiers killed in Benue attack

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 100 people have been killed, with 6,527 displaced, following a series of coordinated attacks by gunmen in Benue state.

On Saturday morning, gunmen launched a fresh attack on Yelewata, a community in Guma LGA of Benue, killing dozens of residents and leaving others severely injured.

In a statement on Monday, NEMA said two soldiers and one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed in an ambush near Daudu, Guma LGA while responding to a distress call.

NEMA said the Benue police command confirmed that some of the assailants were also killed in a gun battle, and that efforts were underway to restore order in the affected communities.

The agency said 20 persons, out of 46 people taken to hospitals with varying degrees of injuries, died while receiving treatment.

It noted that 1,069 households had been registered as displaced including 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, and 1,870 adults above 18.

NEMA said vulnerable groups among the displaced include 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons.

The agency noted that relief efforts are ongoing for thousands of residents forced to flee their homes, as a new internally displaced persons (IDP) camp has been set up at the Makurdi International Market to provide temporary shelter.

It added that there is an urgent need for food, non-food items (NFIs), clean water, blood donations and medical supplies to support those affected by the attacks.

The recent attack, which sparked protests by youths in the state, brings the number of assaults on the town to three in one week.

The attack has also received international attention, with Pope Leo offering prayers for Benue during Sunday mass.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to arrest perpetrators of the attacks and avoid utterances that could heighten tension in the state.