Makurdi, Benue State — Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area staged a peaceful protest in Makurdi on Thursday, decrying the dire living and feeding conditions at their temporary shelter. The protesters, who survived recent brutal attacks by suspected armed herders that left over 200 people dead, accused authorities of neglect and mismanagement of relief resources.

Gathering at the Makurdi International Ultra Modern Market where they are currently housed, the IDPs marched through Abu King Shuluwa Road, chanting and demanding urgent intervention. Many said they had not received any of the N12 million donation announced during recent visits by government officials.

“They brought us here and left us to starve,” said a protester identified as Liambe. “Even the money Senator Akume donated never got to us. If they won’t help us, they should return us to our villages.”

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) dismissed the protest as “sponsored,” asserting that aid, including food, was being distributed and the protest was incited by unregistered individuals seeking to benefit unjustly. Dr. Donald Komgbenda, BSEMA's Administrative Officer, said:

“We started with 190 people in the camp, but now the number has surged beyond 3,500. We’ve been profiling and distributing raw food daily. The protest was instigated by those outside the initial list of IDPs.”

Meanwhile, political and civil society leaders have sharply criticized both the federal and state governments for their handling of the crisis.

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu, Alia for ‘Insensitive’ Visit

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned President Bola Tinubu and Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as a “campaign-style condolence visit.” In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Obi said:

“Instead of mourning the tragic loss of over 200 lives, the visit turned into a celebration. Children lined up in the rain to cheer, while banners and rehearsed performances replaced solemnity.”

He said a genuine leadership response should have focused on relief supplies, trauma counseling, and support for survivors — not political optics.

Atiku: Presidential Visit Was a ‘Political Spectacle’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also denounced the visit, calling it a missed opportunity to show genuine empathy.

His media aide, Paul Ibe, stated:

“Empathy is commendable, but staging theatrics while victims grieve is unacceptable. The same security agencies that failed to prevent the massacre tear-gassed peaceful protesters.”

He criticized the government’s misdiagnosis of insecurity, noting that political appointments to security roles hinder real solutions.

Farotimi: Better If Tinubu Hadn't Visited

Legal activist Dele Farotimi echoed this sentiment, saying the only meaningful contribution during the visit came from Tor Tiv V, Professor James Ayatse, who described the attacks as “a calculated genocidal invasion and land-grabbing effort.”

“The visit lacked empathy. It looked more like a pre-campaign rally than a condolence. The President’s actions were a disservice to the victims and a shameful performance.”

Tinubu Orders Committee to Address Benue Crisis

In response, President Tinubu directed SGF Senator George Akume to lead a high-level committee comprising Benue stakeholders — including traditional rulers and former governors — to devise a long-term solution to the violence.

A statement from the SGF’s office confirmed the committee’s goal is to “develop strategies that address root causes, promote reconciliation, and ensure sustainable peace.”

Yari: Tinubu Will Ensure Justice

Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources, assured Benue residents that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

“President Tinubu does not issue empty threats. Those behind these killings will face the consequences,” he declared. “This madness must stop, and it will.”

Police Trust Fund Urges Swift Arrests

Femi Sheidu, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, also called for urgent action.

“This tragedy highlights the need for responsive policing. We must never normalize violence against innocent Nigerians,” he said during the commissioning of a new police division in Ebonyi State.