Benue relocates 850 IDPs to new mega camp

The Benue State Government, on Thursday, relocated 850 internally displaced persons from NEPA Quarters, North Bank, Makurdi, to a newly established mega camp along Gbanjiba Road in Guma Local Government Area.

This is the second relocation of IDPs to the mega camp in October, following the earlier transfer of over 1,000 IDPs from Bakka camp at the 72 Military Barracks in Makurdi.

The Information Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager, revealed that a third group, from Ichua camp, is also set to be moved to the mega camp soon.

Ager stated, “We have relocated 850 individuals from 170 households from the NEPA quarters camp to the mega camp.

“The camp is designed to accommodate IDPs from Bakka, NEPA, and Ichua camps and is expected to house nearly 5,000 tents upon completion.”

The mega camp, which is still under construction, will include essential facilities such as a school, hospital, market, and church. Already, solar-powered lights, public toilets, and boreholes have been installed.

Ager assured that adequate security measures are in place for the camp residents.

When our correspondent visited the site on Thursday, construction workers were seen erecting additional tents and installing street solar lights.

One of the relocated IDPs, Margaret Jubu, shared her story, stating that she had been living at the NEPA quarters camp for seven years.

Having lost her husband in a herdsmen attack on their community in Ipav, Guma LGA, she has relied on menial jobs to support her children.

The Benue government continues to make efforts to provide better living conditions for the displaced amid ongoing security challenges in the region.