Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State are experiencing an increase in births despite enduring severe economic and living conditions, an investigation by Arewa PUNCH reveals.
The 14 official IDP camps across Benue State house a majority of women and children, many of whom have lived there for nearly eight years. These camps suffer from inadequate water, food, security, and healthcare, adding to the daily struggles of the inhabitants.
Surprisingly, despite the harsh conditions, many inmates continue to have children. Reliable sources indicate that new births are recorded almost every month. Overcrowding and poor sanitation do not deter inmates from engaging in sexual activities in unsanitary and secluded areas such as makeshift toilets, dusty floors, and overgrown bushes.
Data from the State Emergency and Maintenance Agency office in Makurdi shows that in just two months, 25 births were recorded across seven camps. For instance, Agagbe Camp in Gwer West LGA reported nine births, while Otese Camp in Guma LGA recorded six. Other camps such as Daudu II and Naka also reported new births, indicating a consistent trend across the camps.
A thirty-year-old woman, Akpeku Nyemana, residing in the Agagbe camp since 2020, confirmed she recently gave birth to a baby boy in the camp. Despite the challenging conditions, she praised the state government and partners for their support to pregnant and nursing mothers.
Living conditions in the camps are extremely challenging, with substandard shelters and insufficient sanitation facilities. Food scarcity is a major issue, compelling able-bodied male inmates to engage in farming and menial jobs to supplement their provisions.
A volunteer at Agagbe camp, Terna Jacob, highlighted the critical issues of inadequate shelter and food. He noted that inmates are dispersed across five locations due to insufficient shelter.
State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Executive Secretary James Iorpuu recently distributed food and non-food items to IDPs, underscoring Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to alleviating their suffering. The distribution included rice, beans, garri, Indomie, cooking oils, and other essentials.
Iorpuu emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and the international community to address the humanitarian needs of the state. He praised the United Nations and other international organizations for their support, particularly in areas of camp management, shelter, water, sanitation, and transitional recovery.
"We appreciate the efforts of the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Population Fund, and Plan International for their continuous support in improving the living conditions of our IDPs," Iorpuu stated.
He assured the IDPs that their plight remains a priority and reiterated the government's commitment to improving their living conditions and facilitating their eventual return to their ancestral homes.
