A coalition of professionals, civil society groups, and religious leaders in Benue State has raised the alarm over ongoing deadly attacks in the region. They reported that over 6,000 people have died and more than two million have been displaced in the past 12 years. In the first half of 2024 alone, more than 200 deaths were recorded across several local government areas, including Guma, Logo, and Agatu.
The group described the conditions in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps as inhumane, citing overcrowding, lack of food and healthcare, and disrupted education for children. They stated that these camps do not provide any real safety or dignity for the victims.
The coalition called on the international community—especially the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union—to intervene. They urged global powers to grant emergency asylum to vulnerable people from Benue and referenced key international laws like the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Kampala Convention.
Although the group did not name any group responsible for the attacks, they emphasized that the violence seems targeted and systematic. They plan to engage international human rights bodies and humanitarian organizations in a long-term campaign to secure justice, peace, and dignity for the people of Benue.
