Displaced families in Benue call on government to restore peace after years in makeshift camps.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Agatu West in Benue State have urged the Federal Government to help them return home after fleeing attacks by unknown gunmen over two years ago.
Speaking at a camp in Agatu Local Government Area, Mr. Ebi Lucky, National Youth President of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, said the displaced families are living in dire conditions with little support, while children have no access to education and basic necessities are scarce.
“We have been here for over two years with no hope of returning. People are struggling to survive, and our children cannot go to school,” Lucky said. He appealed to both federal and state authorities to intervene and restore peace so residents can resume farming, fishing, and normal life.
Mrs. Ajumi John, an IDP, explained that they settled in the camp near soldiers for safety, but fear of new attacks still haunts them. “At night, we hear rumors of attacks and have to flee to protect our families,” she said.
Another displaced resident, Mr. Ogah Sale, said most of what they have now—including clothes—is from donations, highlighting the urgent need for government support. He noted that people from multiple villages are forced to live together in the camp, hoping for a safe return home.
The IDPs called for peaceful resolution and government intervention to allow them to rebuild their lives in their ancestral communities.
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