Over 3,000 displaced residents of the Yelewata community in Benue State, currently sheltering at a temporary camp in the Makurdi International Market, have rejected calls to return home, citing persistent insecurity.
The survivors were forced to flee after suspected armed herders launched coordinated attacks on June 13, 2025, killing nearly 200 people in Yelewata.
During a visit to the camp on Sunday, PUNCH learned that local traditional rulers and community leaders have been urging the displaced persons to return. However, the residents say they will not leave the camp without guarantees of safety.
“We protested yesterday because there’s no adequate security in our village,” said Uker Amos, a 41-year-old survivor.
“Some people who are not victims have infiltrated the camp and are benefiting from the aid meant for us, but that doesn’t mean we should return to danger.”
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the pressure from traditional rulers. Speaking by phone, SEMA Information Officer, Tema Ager, said displaced residents have insisted they will only return once the government assures them of their safety.
“Some of them staged a protest against the return plan. The government will assess the situation before making a decision,” Ager said.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kumde, recently warned about the growing number of infiltrators in the camp. He disclosed that market traders, criminals, and some members of the host community have entered the camp, and at least 50 of them have been arrested.
Despite this, the displaced Yelewata residents remain firm in their decision to stay in the camp until concrete security measures are put in place in their community.
