Major highway blocked as Benue IDPs protest hunger, despite N1bn First Lady Donation

Hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Maga camp in Mbayongo, on the outskirts of Makurdi, Benue State, took over the Makurdi-Lafia highway on Wednesday, protesting alleged food shortages and poor living conditions.

The aggrieved IDPs blocked the major road at the junction leading to their camp, waving tree branches and chanting songs such as “We are hungry” and “We want to go back home,” drawing attention to their deteriorating welfare.

Their protest came barely 24 hours after Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, visited the state and announced a ₦1 billion donation to support displaced families.

One of the protesting IDPs, Rebecca Awuse, explained that the demonstration aimed to highlight their worsening plight. “We want to go back home, we are hungry and tired of staying in the camp where we are not being taken care of,” she said.

However, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) attributed the protest to political motivations. Tema Ager, the agency’s Information Officer, said the IDPs were not being neglected, claiming the state government continues to provide food and essential items.

“The IDPs are not being starved. Government is providing food for them. The issue is politically driven, especially after the First Lady’s visit and her announcement of the ₦1 billion donation,” Ager said.

He noted that some IDPs from Yelewata had been relocating to the International Market camp in Makurdi to receive additional rations. “Even when food is taken to them in Yelewata, they still go to the International Market camp for more,” he added.

Addressing the recent donation, Ager clarified that the First Lady’s gesture was intended for resettlement purposes and not immediate food distribution. “They are protesting because they believe money was brought and not shared to them,” he stated.

He also revealed that food distribution across IDP camps was ongoing, with the last major supply effort in May. “Currently, food is being distributed to IDPs across the state,” he said.