The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered emergency relief materials to victims of the June 13 attacks on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which left many people dead, homes destroyed, and properties in ruins, has drawn nationwide concern and urgent calls for assistance. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community was severely affected, with dozens of residents displaced.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the relief materials were swiftly mobilized and delivered to help victims begin their path to recovery.
“We moved in quickly with these essential supplies to ease the immediate suffering of those displaced and affected by this tragic incident,” Umar stated. She added that the agency was committed to supporting the state government’s humanitarian efforts and would continue to monitor the situation for further intervention if needed.
The relief materials include food items, household essentials, sleeping materials, and hygiene kits intended to cater to the basic needs of the displaced individuals and families.
Local leaders and residents expressed gratitude for the gesture, but also urged for lasting solutions to the repeated violence that has plagued the region. Many called for stronger security presence and proactive government action to prevent future attacks.
The June 13 assault is one of a series of violent incidents in Benue, where farming communities have often been targeted in conflicts linked to land disputes, herder-farmer tensions, and banditry.
The D-G, who was represented by NEMA North Central Zonal Director, Mr Aliyu Waziri, said that a more detailed assessment of the affected population and infrastructure would be carried out to determine any additional support that might be required.
She listed the relief materials as food and non-food items, including bags of parboiled rice, maize, spaghetti, vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, tomato paste, iodised salt and mattresses.
“NEMA remains committed to working with all stakeholders to alleviate the suffering of victims and restore normalcy to the affected community.
“We pray for peace in our communities to avoid this kind of harrowing experience,” Umar said.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume received the items on behalf of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Akume appreciated NEMA for the swift response and noted that the items would go a long way in providing relief to the victims.
