In response to the recent attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, the National Emergency Management Agency has deployed truckloads of relief materials to displaced residents.
The intervention came after a joint rapid needs assessment by officials of NEMA, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and security operatives.
Over the weekend, suspected armed herders reportedly invaded the community, leaving dozens of residents displaced and property destroyed. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for urgent humanitarian support.
Speaking on Monday, Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said the agency’s North Central Zonal Office, led by Mr Aliyu Waziri, had been activated to coordinate immediate distribution of relief items in collaboration with Benue SEMA.
She said, “Our priority is to provide emergency relief to affected persons and support the state government in restoring normalcy. We have also directed a more detailed assessment to determine further assistance that may be required in the days ahead.”
Items dispatched to the community include food and non-food supplies such as bags of parboiled rice, maize, spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, iodised salt, and mattresses.
Umar noted that the agency remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to alleviate the suffering of victims and ensure the safety and dignity of displaced persons.
The relief comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in Benue communities, where attacks by suspected herders have displaced thousands in recent months.
