Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Yelwata crisis on Thursday took to the streets of Makurdi to protest worsening conditions at their camp, alleging hunger, neglect and the diversion of relief materials meant for their survival.
The aggrieved IDPs blocked the busy road near the Makurdi International Market, causing traffic gridlock as they demanded swift government intervention and accountability from relief agencies.
According to the protesting IDPs, at least two people recently died in the camp due to starvation and the deteriorating health environment.
Some alleged that food items and mattresses, including those reportedly donated by the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, never reached them.
“There’s no food, our children are starving, we sleep on the floor, and mosquitoes are almost killing us,”; a female protester said, holding up a placard.
“We are suffering, and people are dying.”;
The protesters accused officials overseeing camp management of hoarding and possibly diverting donated materials.
They urged the Benue State Government and relevant humanitarian agencies to investigate the alleged misconduct and ensure transparency in the distribution of aid.
As of press time, government officials had yet to release a formal statement regarding the protest or the allegations.
