Poverty in Nigeria is on the rise, particularly in the North Central region of Benue State, which has endured persistent killings, clashes and displacement for many years. This has resulted in thousands of residents becoming homeless and trapped in cycles of hunger. Both international and local organizations play a crucial role in addressing and alleviating the ongoing crises in this region of Nigeria.

About Benue State

Benue State was established on February 3, 1976, during the reorganization of Nigeria’s states. It was carved out from the former Benue-Plateau State. With more than 30 distinct ethnic groups, including the Tiv, Idoma, Igede and other indigenous communities, Benue boasts a rich cultural tapestry, each contributing its language, customs and artistic expressions.

For decades, the region has been marred by crises, including violent clashes between farmers and herders, which have significantly contributed to the rise of poverty in Nigeria. A particular episode occurred in 2012, known as the “Agatu Massacre,” which persisted until 2016. This conflict between native Idoma farmers and Fulani herders in the Agatu Local Government Area resulted in the loss of approximately 3,920 lives between 2013 and 2017, with an additional 2,000 individuals succumbing to internally displaced person (IDP) camps.

The Benue Crisis

The Benue crisis has continued to escalate, with numerous incidents reported over the years. Notably, in June 2025, about 200 individuals, including IDPs, were killed in the Yelewata and Daudu communities within the Guma Local Government Area. As of 2024, the number of internally displaced persons in Benue has surged to about two million, increasing poverty in the region by preventing people from working and children from attending school, among others.

Local Impact on Internally Displaced Persons

Local humanitarian organizations, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society and various security agencies, have collaboratively conducted a rapid needs assessment to facilitate the distribution of essential relief materials. These materials include bags of parboiled rice, maize, spaghetti, vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, tomato paste, iodized salt and nonfood items like mattresses.

On its part, the Foundation for Justice Development and Peace (FIDP) has made significant contributions to the welfare of IDPs in the Guma Local Government Area. It has provided vital support, including constructing an optimized toilet block, solar-powered lighting and a solar-powered borehole for the Daudu 1 and Gbajimba 2 IDP camps. These facilities were developed with generous support from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to end poverty in those areas.

Furthermore, in January 2025, Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia launched a comprehensive five-year action plan to enhance IDPs’ livelihoods. This initiative includes the establishment of 210 farmers’ cooperatives across all camps in the state, which will benefit more than 4,200 IDPs. The program is designed to provide extensive training in cultivating rice, maize, cassava and vegetables, covering all stages of agricultural production.

International Impact on Internally Displaced Persons in Benue

In addition to local interventions to support IDPs, international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have collaborated to produce a biometric registration progress report. This report reveals verified figures indicating that there are currently 184,711 IDPs across 48,163 households in Benue State.

Notably, 86% of these individuals are women and children, with a demographic breakdown of 56% female, 44% male, 5% elderly, 12% classified as vulnerable and 16% children under five. These statistics were derived from six Local Government Areas (LGAs) identified as having IDPs, based on the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Round 11 conducted in March 2023.

As of 2025, the IOM has reported an expansion in the locations covered, with 31 new sites added to the 65 previously documented in 2024. This expansion has resulted in an additional 26,165 IDPs being recorded. While the overall distribution of demographics remains consistent, there has been a notable change in the percentage of individuals classified as vulnerable from 12% to 13%.

Utilizing the IOM biometric report, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) actively supports the residents of Benue State through various programs, psychosocial resources and counseling initiatives.

Final Remarks

Despite ongoing local and international efforts, the humanitarian crisis in Benue State remains far from over. As displacement continues to rise and resources fall short, sustained support and decisive government action are urgently needed to restore hope and dignity to millions of affected lives.

– Damilola Bukola Omokanye

Damilola is based in Abuja, Nigeria and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr