Gunmen believed to be herders have perpetrated an attack resulting in the death of 10 people at the Gbajimba Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Camp Commandant, Felix Aponi Banke, disclosed this on January 31, 2024, during a fact-finding visit by the Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, and representatives from International Humanitarian Organizations. Banke revealed that the assailants killed nine individuals in Camp 2, and the latest fatality, bringing the death toll to 10, occurred at Gbajimba Camp 1. The victim had not been buried at the time of the disclosure.
Banke informed the humanitarian team that the camp management regularly engages with the district head and other community leaders to secure a piece of land for the burial of the deceased. He also highlighted the prevalent challenge in the camp, citing diarrhoea as a consequence of the lack of access to clean water.
The IDPs expressed their distress, noting that the constant fear of attacks makes it difficult for them to sleep at night.
Sir James Iorpuu, the SEMA boss, emphasized the collaborative efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration with the Federal Government and the international community. These efforts aim to facilitate the safe and prompt return of the IDPs to their original homes.
