Gridlock as Displaced Persons Decry Starvation, Demand Government Action
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Yelwata crisis on Thursday staged a protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, decrying worsening living conditions in their camp and alleging the diversion of relief materials meant for their survival.
The aggrieved IDPs took over the busy road near the Makurdi International Market, causing significant traffic gridlock as they chanted and displayed placards demanding urgent government intervention.
According to the protesters, at least two people recently died in the camp due to hunger and poor health conditions. Many claimed they sleep on bare floors, with children exposed to harsh conditions, including mosquito bites.
“There’s no food, our children are starving, we sleep on the floor, and mosquitoes are almost killing us,” one female protester cried out, holding a placard that read “We Are Suffering, People Are Dying.”
The IDPs also alleged that essential supplies—including food items and mattresses reportedly donated by Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre—never reached them. They accused officials managing the camp of hoarding and possibly diverting donated materials for personal gain.
“We are tired of the suffering. People bring help, but we never see it,” another protester lamented.
They called on the Benue State Government and humanitarian agencies to investigate the alleged misconduct and ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of aid.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by the state government or relief agencies concerning the protest or the allegations raised.
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