By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Government has dismissed as untrue rumours of death of some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Yelwata Community taking refuge in Makurdi following the recent attack on the community in Guma LGA of the state.
State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, refuted the rumours describing the rumours as untrue.
The rumour began following a protest on Thursday staged by the IDPs over allegations of diversion of relief materials and funds intended for their support.
During the protest, the displaced persons accused government officials, acting through the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), of removing food supplies from the camp under the cover of darkness.
Commissioner Kunde also dismissed claims of diversion of relief materials. According to Hon. Kunde, while some IDPs had fallen ill, there were no recorded deaths.
He attributed previous irregularities to the former camp leadership, stating that the IDPs themselves had identified the misconduct, particularly concerning financial mismanagement, and subsequently elected new representatives to oversee the camp’s administration.
An IDP with informed knowledge of activities in the camp, who pleaded anonymity, corroborated the claims of the commissioner, stating that no deaths had occurred but acknowledged cases of illness and one instance of miscarriage.
Asked about the possible causes of the ailments, the displaced woman cited psychological trauma from recent violent attacks on their community, as well as inadequate access to clean water.
“The water from this tank is unsafe for infants and has contributed to some of the illnesses,” she stated, pointing to a nearby storage unit, as she also revealed acute hunger in the camp.
“Hunger is another factor; it weakens people to the point of collapse. However, the state government is rehabilitating underground water pipes, which we hope will alleviate the water scarcity. Even daily deliveries of sachet water would be insufficient, given that over three thousand people reside here.”
Regarding the alleged nocturnal removal of food supplies, the IDP admitted that while no concrete evidence existed, the IDPs’ desperation led them to suspect foul play.
“We are hungry, and when we see vehicles leaving at night, we assume they are taking our food,” she explained.
When asked how they were sustaining themselves amid delayed food distribution, she noted that some long-term camp residents, who had previously received provisions, occasionally shared cooked meals with newcomers.
National Record had in the past reported complaints from IDPs regarding alleged diversion of relief materials and funds. The IDPs had advocated for direct food donations to mitigate such concerns.
During a visit to the International Market temporary camp, our correspondent observed that relief materials, including mattresses, were being delivered, while food items were being consolidated into a central warehouse under the supervision of camp officials.
Commissioner Kunde assured that food distribution would commence promptly to address the scarcity, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the welfare of the displaced persons.
