Residents of several communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State have appealed to the Federal and state governments, as well as the United Nations (UN) and other humanitarian organisations to facilitate their safe return home. The displaced communities, including Okpopkolo, Ikpele, Ogumogbo, Wari, Okpancheni, Eko, Icho Golugu, and Eno Gaje, have remained deserted despite the return of relative peace to the areas. The residents, who spoke on Friday, narrated their plight and the devastating impact of the displacement on their livelihoods.
A visit to some of the affected communities revealed that houses, marketplaces, and other facilities were destroyed, while schools, health centres, and economic activities remained at the lowest ebb. The Executive Director of Apa/Agatu Foundation for Development, Mr. Apochi Nelson Owoicho, described the situation as a large-scale humanitarian crisis that required urgent intervention. He said over 15 communities in Agatu West remained displaced, with many residents unable to return due to destroyed homes and persistent insecurity.
According to Owoicho, the displaced residents suffered the destruction of their houses and marketplaces, while economic activities had collapsed. The affected communities, which depend heavily on farming, fishing, and trading, have been severely impacted by the prolonged displacement. Owoicho also expressed concern about the impact on education and healthcare, with the absence of functioning schools and health facilities likely to have long-term consequences for residents.
Owoicho urged international organisations, including the UN, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), governments, and well-meaning individuals to lend a hand. He said rebuilding the affected communities would require substantial resources and sustained commitment. The impact of the displacement also extended beyond Agatu, with several communities in neighbouring Apa affected by insecurity.
The Secretary-General of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Mr. Dandy Adoba Odoje, said their outcry was not political or aimed at witch-hunting anyone, but to draw attention to the conditions confronting displaced residents. He said over 15 villages had been sacked by attacks, leaving residents unable to return to their homes or sustain their normal economic and social activities. Odoje urged the Federal and Benue State governments, as well as international organisations, to come to the aid of the affected communities.
A resident, Mr. Jeremiah Abraham, said he had not lived in his home since 2013 after armed herders attacked the community, forcing residents to flee. He said displaced residents were struggling to survive due to a lack of financial resources to rebuild houses destroyed during the attacks. Abraham appealed for security in their land and assistance to rebuild their homes.
The residents' immediate needs include security, reconstruction of destroyed homes, restoration of schools and health facilities, and assistance to revive their livelihoods. The situation has left residents without adequate access to healthcare, while many children have remained out of school.
Key points
- The displaced residents are seeking help from the Federal and state governments, as well as international organisations, to facilitate their safe return home.
- Over 15 communities in Agatu West remain displaced due to attacks and insecurity.
- The prolonged displacement has had a devastating impact on the livelihoods of residents, with many struggling to access basic necessities like healthcare and education.
