Humanitarian Crises: Benue’s Challenges Revealed
In northern Nigeria, Benue State is facing a series of humanitarian crises that have ravaged local communities and displaced thousands of people. The figures are alarming: more than ₦425 billion worth of property and agricultural land have been destroyed in eight local government areas, affecting more than two million people.
The causes of these crises are varied, ranging from attacks between herders and farmers to land conflicts, armed banditry, kidnappings and cultism. The consequences are disastrous: thousands of people have lost their lives, others have been injured, and hundreds remain missing.
In addition to human losses, these crises have also led to food shortages in Benue State and beyond. Farmers were displaced from their farmlands, leading to a decrease in agricultural production and an increase in the number of children out of school. In addition, human trafficking has intensified, thus accentuating already existing humanitarian problems.
Faced with this situation, the Benue State government has taken measures to assist the displaced people. A biometric registration operation has been launched in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in six local government areas. The aim is to collect accurate data to plan assistance and resettlement of affected people. So far, 77,109 individuals and 19,973 households have been successfully registered.
Despite efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen security, security challenges persist in Benue State. Military operations mainly focus on highways, leaving rural areas vulnerable to criminal activity. Additionally, the use of primary schools as military bases disrupts educational activities in affected communities.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management stressed the importance of continuing the arrests of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and ensuring harsh sentences to deter others. He also called for new strategies to address the evolving security challenges in Benue State.
This worrying situation has attracted the attention of an international team of researchers, made up of representatives from two African countries, who are researching the issue as part of the Senior 46 course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College. Their aim is to provide solutions to address the internal security challenges facing Benue State.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crises in Benue State require urgent and coordinated action. It is time for authorities to step up efforts to ensure the safety of local communities, provide adequate humanitarian assistance and promote justice by prosecuting perpetrators of crimes. Only strong commitment can help prevent further tragedies and restore hope to the people of Benue.