The Benue State Government has raised serious concerns regarding the infiltration of a camp set aside for displaced persons from the Yelwata community, located along the International Market in Makurdi. According to Aonduwaser Kunde, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, criminals, members of host communities, and market women have all found their way into the camp, causing significant issues.

Commissioner Kunde addressed journalists on Saturday, detailing the problems encountered over the past two days. He reported that on Friday night, alleged criminals stole non-food items, including mattresses, by exploiting a collapsed section of the camp fence. Investigations following a protest at the camp revealed that both criminals and individuals from the host community in Makurdi were behind the disturbances and infiltration.

Further compounding the challenges, it was discovered that market women have been entering the camp to purchase food items that were distributed to the displaced persons, effectively diverting aid intended for those in need. Another alarming discovery was that some women, falsely claiming to be lactating mothers, borrowed babies from outside the camp to gain access. This deceitful tactic was employed after it became known that initial aid distribution prioritized pregnant women and genuine lactating mothers. When asked to breastfeed the babies, it became evident they were not lactating.

In response to these infiltrations and fraudulent activities, authorities took swift action. The Commissioner confirmed that 50 fake displaced persons have been apprehended. The Benue State Government continues to work on securing the camp and ensuring that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries.