bloomshorts EU’s Humanitarian Gesture to Benue State
The European Union has announced a generous allocation of €1.5 million to provide essential humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State, Nigeria. This initiative specifically targets victims of the Yelewata killings, among others, who have been severely affected by ongoing violence.
Escalating Crisis in Benue
Since 2018, over 1.5 million individuals have been displaced from their homes in Benue State due to escalating armed conflicts. The situation worsened in 2024 and 2025, with nearly 6,900 lives lost and more than 400,000 people displaced, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention.
Focus Areas of the EU Funding
The EU’s funding, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will focus on several critical areas over a six-month period. These include protection services, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and multi-purpose financial aid to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.
Dire Conditions in IDP Camps
Reports from the camps reveal dire living conditions, with severe shortages of shelter, inadequate access to clean water, and heightened protection risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities. The EU’s intervention is a timely response to these challenges.
The Yelewata Attack
The recent Yelewata attack on June 13 has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, resulting in numerous deaths and displacements. This incident underscores the volatile security situation in Benue State and the critical need for sustained humanitarian support.
