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Agatu IDPs Seek Protection From Herdsmen, Scramble For Supplies

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Agatu crisis, are asking the state government to beef up security at the Apa IDPs’ camp to prevent further … Continue reading Agatu IDPs Seek Protection From Herdsmen, Scramble For Supplies


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Agatu-IDPsInternally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Agatu crisis, are asking the state government to beef up security at the Apa IDPs’ camp to prevent further attacks, amidst challenges of food shortage and lack of medical aids.

A traditional ruler in Apa Local Government Area, Mr John Anteyi, made the demand on behalf of the IDPs, whom he said were vulnerable to further attacks and lacking basic needs.

Responding to the rumoured attack on the IDPs’ camp in Apa by herdsmen, the state government represented by the Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu, said intelligence had been passed on to security agencies to act accordingly.

He assured the IDPs of immediate security response to the area for protection.

Last week, the Benue State Deputy Governor, Mr Benson Abounu, visited the IDPs’ camp in Apa with four Hilux trucks loaded with food items, but the supply ran out so fast due to the huge number of IDPs at the camp.

The lack of humanitarian aid to the IDPs also led to the food crisis.

The development prompted a retired Permanent Secretary from the Federal Ministry of Defence, Mr Mike Onoja, some Benue State Commissioners and the Otukpo Diocese of the Catholic Church to reach out to the IDPs.

Mr Onoja made a donation of 500,000 Naira while the commissioners and the Catholic Church handed over some food items to the camp manages.

The traditional ruler and the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Michael Apochi, said food and medical supplies were important, but security was the most pressing need at the camp.

While fighting and intense hostilities seem to be abating in Agatu, the herdsmen have turned attention to the Tiv land as Buruku, Logo and Kwande Local Government Areas have being attacked.