Introduction

The Benue State government has committed over N160 million to treat internally displaced persons for snake bites within six months, officials confirmed. The expenditure covers healthcare interventions from March through September, primarily at the Benue University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.

What Happened

Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, disclosed the figure to journalists following concerns raised by displaced persons about their welfare. Through a formal arrangement, the agency facilitated treatment for IDPs at the teaching hospital, ensuring access to medical care for snake bites and other serious health conditions. The state also maintained a monthly food distribution programme for camp residents, though resources have diminished significantly over time.

Why This Matters

Beyond the immediate health costs, the situation highlights the broader challenges facing displaced communities in Benue. Irregular food supplies, inadequate shelter, poor sanitation, and limited humanitarian support have been cited by camp leaders as ongoing concerns. With many ancestral communities still deemed unsafe, residents remain dependent on camp-based assistance, and the sustainability of aid programmes remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

  • N160 million+ spent on snake bite treatment for IDPs between March and September.
  • Monthly food distributions to camps have been reduced and are now irregular.
  • Camp leaders report gaps in healthcare, sanitation, and livelihood support.
  • Some IDPs are returning to ancestral lands periodically as security improves.
  • The State Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with the UNHCR on long-term resettlement plans.

Conclusion

As Benue State grapples with the dual challenges of health emergencies and displacement, the need for sustained humanitarian coordination and safe return pathways becomes increasingly urgent. Officials say ongoing engagement with partners and security actors will determine the pace at which IDPs can safely rebuild their lives outside the camps.