Forty-one new births have been recorded at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp located at the Makurdi Ultra-Modern International Market, which currently shelters individuals displaced from the Yelewata community following the deadly June 13, 2025, armed herdsmen attack that claimed over 200 lives.
In addition to the new births, the camp has also witnessed three stillbirths since the arrival of the displaced persons. Camp Manager Robert Nyom, who disclosed this over the weekend in Makurdi, confirmed the deaths of two adult residents due to health complications. According to Nyom, both individuals were already ill before arriving at the camp and could not survive despite receiving care.
“Outside those two, the IDPs are doing very well. There is peace and calm in the camp,” he stated.
Nyom noted that the welfare of the displaced persons is being supported by the Benue State government alongside key humanitarian partners such as UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), Save the Children, Christian Aid, Caritas, and several other organisations and individuals. These partners provide a wide range of assistance including medical care, food, non-food items, psychological support, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.
To ensure an organized distribution of relief items, the camp has adopted a block system, dividing residents into seven groups. Each block has a designated leader who coordinates with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) staff during the distribution process. Relief items are arranged based on block size and shared accordingly, a strategy Nyom says has ensured calm and orderliness.
He also revealed that the camp has initiated an intention survey to determine the displaced persons’ future plans. “We want to understand their intentions whether they wish to return home, relocate, or stay here, and the reasons behind their decisions,” he explained. “If someone chooses to return, they will indicate what kind of support they would need. We just began the survey on Thursday, and we are yet to conclude or release the results.”
The Yelewata attack, one of the deadliest in Benue State in recent times, continues to draw local and international attention, with humanitarian efforts focused on stabilising and supporting survivors at the IDP camp.
