Benue killings: Over 18,000 displaced in Nasarawa – Govt

Nasarawa State Government said over 18,000 people in the state have been displaced due to the spillover from the killings in Benue State.


The Special Adviser to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura on security matter, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Adeka (retd.) revealed this at a press conference on Thursday in Lafia.

Adeka, however, added that the press conference followed a decision taken at the state expanded Security Council meeting that was chaired by the governor.

He added that the report received showed that the spillover attacks in some communities in Benue State had led to the displacement of so many people in the border towns between the two states.

Adeka said currently, there were over 18,000 Internally Displaced Persons from various communities of Awe and Keana
Local Government Areas taking refuge in 11 camps in the state, affirming that most of the IDPs were Tiv people.

He said that already, security has been beef up in the affected areas and the government has set up mobile clinics, while it has also distributed relief materials to the IDPs.

However, TIDA president in state, Mr. Boniface Iter, attributed the attack and killings of some Tiv people in some communities of Awe and Keana LGAs to the activities of ‘terrorist group.’

Earlier, Mohammed Hussaini, chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, explained that the Fulani and Tiv
people in Nasarawa State lived peacefully.

He added that the Fulani in the state were determined more than ever to stay in peace and harmony with other tribes for the
development of the state.

The briefing had in attendance all the security chiefs in the state, Tiv Development Association and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, among others.