Yelwata, Benue State | SaharaNews247.com – July 30, 2025
Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Guma Local Government Area of Benue State staged a major protest on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, by blocking the Benue–Nasarawa highway at the Yelwata axis. Their demand was simple yet urgent: the right to return to their ancestral homes after months of living in overcrowded camps.
The demonstration, which brought traffic to a standstill, was a desperate cry for attention from a population displaced by violent attacks and forgotten in the long aftermath.
Protest Details
The IDPs, mostly women, children, and elderly people, blocked both lanes of the highway early in the morning, halting movement between Benue and Nasarawa States for several hours. They carried placards with messages such as:
“We want to go back to our homes”
“Government has forgotten us”
“Let us return to our farms”
Many of the displaced persons expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises from authorities. They insisted that the government must act now, as life in the camps has become unbearable.
One of the protesters, Mrs. Comfort Tyokyaa, a widow with five children, said:
“We have stayed in these camps for too long. There is no food, no clean water, no health care. Our children cannot go to school. We want to return to our farms and live in peace.”
Background of the Crisis
The protest follows the deadly June 2025 attack on Yelwata community, where over 200 people were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen. Thousands were displaced, and entire communities were burned to the ground.
Since then, more than 3,000 residents have been forced to live in makeshift IDP camps with little access to basic services. Despite public assurances, no concrete steps have been taken to resettle them.
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had previously stated that plans were underway to return the IDPs to their homes. However, security concerns have delayed this process indefinitely.
Impact of the Road Blockade
The protest caused heavy traffic along the Yelwata–Lafia expressway, a vital route connecting Benue, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Commuters and transporters were stranded for several hours while law enforcement agencies engaged the protesters in dialogue.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the protest, adding that the situation was being monitored and managed peacefully. No violence or arrests were reported.
Reasons Behind the Refusal to Return
1. Ongoing Insecurity
The Yelwata area remains volatile, with limited security presence. IDPs say they fear another round of attacks if they return without adequate protection.
2. Destruction of Homes and Infrastructure
Entire villages have been destroyed. Schools, health facilities, homes, and farms were razed. There is little to return to unless reconstruction begins.
3. Broken Promises and Delays
Despite several government promises, there has been no implementation of return or resettlement plans. The displaced communities feel abandoned.
Official Reactions
A senior official at SEMA, who asked not to be named, admitted that “security concerns are delaying the return of over 3,000 IDPs.” He stated that a return plan will only commence when the security situation improves.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a recent media statement, acknowledged the plight of displaced persons and said his administration was working with federal agencies to ensure a safe return. However, he did not provide a specific timeline for resettlement.
Current State of Benue’s IDP Crisis
Benue State continues to face one of the largest humanitarian challenges in Nigeria. Over two million people are currently displaced across various local government areas. Many IDPs live in overcrowded camps with inadequate food, shelter, or healthcare.
The situation in Guma LGA is particularly severe. Those affected by the June 2025 attacks have no homes to return to and are reluctant to go back without assurance of protection and support.
Displacement Overview – Benue State (2025)
Category Estimated Data
Total IDPs (statewide) Over 2 million
Displaced in June Yelwata attack Over 3,000
Fatalities in Yelwata massacre Over 200
Functional IDP camps in the state 11 main camps + others
Broader Implications
The protest in Yelwata is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing displacement crisis and the failure of both state and federal authorities to provide timely and effective relief.
Beyond the humanitarian cost, the continued displacement of farming communities in Benue is threatening food security in the region. Thousands of hectares of farmland have been abandoned, and the agricultural economy is at risk.
Without urgent intervention, the displacement crisis could deepen, increasing tensions between host communities and IDPs, and potentially worsening insecurity across North Central Nigeria.
What Needs to Be Done
Restore Security: Deploy adequate security personnel to Yelwata and surrounding areas to ensure safe resettlement.
Rebuild Communities: Begin immediate reconstruction of homes, schools, and health centers.
Implement Transparent Return Plans: Provide displaced persons with clear timelines and support for voluntary return.
Improve Camp Conditions: Until safe resettlement is possible, living conditions in IDP camps must be improved to prevent disease, malnutrition, and further trauma.
Conclusion
The Yelwata protest marks a breaking point in the patience of displaced persons in Benue State. It sends a clear message to the authorities: the people want to go home, and they cannot wait forever.
The time for delays and excuses is over. It is time for decisive, compassionate, and coordinated action to ensure that every displaced Nigerian can return home with dignity and safety.
