Amnesty International Warns of Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Benue, Urges Nigerian Government to Act

Global human rights organization, Amnesty International, has issued a strong warning to the Nigerian government, urging immediate and decisive action to prevent a full-scale humanitarian disaster in Benue State, where relentless attacks by armed groups have displaced over 500,000 people.

In a statement released this week, Amnesty decried the worsening conditions in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where thousands are living in overcrowded, unsanitary environments without access to basic necessities such as clean water, food, and healthcare.

“The Nigerian authorities must take urgent steps to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the central state of Benue,” the organisation stated, pointing to the government’s repeated failure to protect vulnerable communities from violent attacks.

Amnesty described harrowing scenes of displacement, with survivors fleeing violence while carrying whatever they could—bags of grain, firewood, and household items—as they sought safety in makeshift camps. Many of these camps, such as those in Gwer West, Agatu, Ukum, Kwande, Logo, Guma, and Makurdi, remain severely under-resourced and largely neglected.

Eyewitnesses revealed that communities often face attacks with little or no security presence, with authorities arriving only after the attackers have fled. This continued insecurity, coupled with the lack of adequate humanitarian response, has left displaced persons in worsening conditions.

“Survivors are suffering in overcrowded, unhygienic camps where disease spreads easily, and there’s barely enough food or clean water,” Amnesty noted.

The situation reached a boiling point in June when hundreds of IDPs staged a protest in Makurdi, blocking a major road near the Makurdi International Market. They alleged that relief materials meant for their survival were being diverted, leaving many to starve. Protesters claimed at least two people had recently died from hunger and poor health conditions at the camp.

“There’s no food. Our children are starving. We sleep on the floor, and mosquitoes are almost killing us,” a female protester lamented.

Amnesty International is calling on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to not only increase security presence in the region but also ensure the swift delivery of humanitarian aid, improved shelter, healthcare services, and long-term protection for displaced communities.

The organisation warned that without urgent intervention, the crisis in Benue could spiral into a deeper humanitarian tragedy with far-reaching consequences.