At least 41 babies have been delivered at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Makurdi, Benue State, where survivors of the June 13, 2025, herdsmen attack on Yelewata community are being sheltered.
The deadly attack, which claimed over 200 lives, forced thousands from their homes. The displaced persons have since been housed at the IDP camp located at the Makurdi Ultra-modern International Market.
According to the Camp Manager, Robert Nyom, who briefed journalists in Makurdi over the weekend, the camp has also recorded three stillbirths since its establishment.
“We lost two adults in the camp,” Nyom revealed. “They had pre-existing health issues before arriving here. Despite efforts to manage their conditions, they unfortunately passed away. Aside from those cases, the IDPs are generally in stable health, and there is peace and calm in the camp.”
Nyom confirmed that humanitarian assistance is being provided by government agencies and international partners, including UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR, WHO, Save the Children, Christian Aid, Caritas, and other NGOs and individuals.
“These partners have been supporting us with food and non-food items, medical aid, psychological services, and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programs,” he said.
To streamline aid distribution, the camp management created a block system. “We divided the IDPs into seven blocks, each with its appointed leader. Relief items are distributed according to these blocks, ensuring an organized and equitable process,” Nyom explained.
“We place the items in seven sections, proportionate to block sizes. The block leaders, accompanied by their members and SEMA supervisors, collect the items and distribute them within their blocks. This system has brought calm and orderliness to the camp.”
Nyom also disclosed that the agency has launched an “intention survey” to determine the future plans of the displaced persons.
“The survey is designed to find out whether IDPs intend to return to their communities, relocate elsewhere, or remain in the camp,” he said. “Those who wish to return are also being asked what kind of support they would need to facilitate their reintegration. The survey began on Thursday and is still ongoing.”
The Yelewata attack remains one of the deadliest incidents in Benue State this year. In response, security has reportedly been heightened in the area following a visit by President Bola Tinubu.
