From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The IDPs, who staged a peaceful protest at the camp gate last weekend, stated they would not return due to the risk of further attacks.

They insisted on remaining in the camp until the government guaranteed adequate security in their community.

Our correspondent reports that over 3,000 IDPs were displaced on June 14, 2025, following a gruesome massacre of over 200 people in attacks on the community by gunmen suspected to be herder militia.

According to anonymous sources, Yelwata traditional rulers and stakeholders have been pressuring the IDPs to return home to prevent infiltration of the temporary camp by displaced persons from other areas.

One displaced person, Uker Amos, said, “These infiltrators have continued to feast on humanitarian support meant for survivors of the Yelwata community.”

Uker explained the protest was in response to the traditional ruler’s call to return, citing ongoing security concerns. “On Saturday, July 5, 2025, some of us came to the gate of this camp and voiced our position that we are not returning now until there is adequate security for us,” he said.

The camp manager, Jacob Segh, also from Yelewata, confirmed the protest.

“Yes, it happened. The security situation there is not yet favourable. People are still being killed daily. So, we have refused to go back immediately until the government provides enough security,” he said.

Segh noted that the government has urged the IDPs to suspend plans to return until further notice.

In a telephone interview, the Information Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Tema Ager, confirmed that Yelwata traditional rulers are pressuring the IDPs to return.

“But the displaced persons are opposed to the move. They said they would only go back when the government assures them their community is safe,” Ager said.

Ager added that the state government would meet to assess the situation and determine when it is safe for the IDPs to return.

Our correspondent observed that the temporary camp has become a hub, with various groups and individuals visiting daily to donate relief materials to the displaced persons.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, recently raised concerns about significant infiltration of the camp by market women, criminals, and members of the host community, noting that about 50 infiltrators had been arrested.