Attachments
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Yelewata community in Guma LGA is 40km North of Makurdi. Over 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were relocated to the newly established Ultra International Modern Market IDP Camp, Makurdi, Benue State following deadly herdsmen attacks in Yelwata, Daudu, and Udei communities in Guma LGA, where over 200 people were killed. The attack on Yelewata community, reported to have occurred during the night of June 13th into the early hours of June 14th, 2025, caused widespread panic and led to the displacement of the community. The killings resulted in restiveness among the youths with a road protest march to Makurdi. The attack had also created panic in nearby communities, a growing feeling of insecurity among the IDPs, particularly in Dauda IDP camp with IDPs migrating to Modern Market IDP Camps. Within 24 hours of establishing the camp, a 10-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted by a community member, signaling severe child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) risks in the camp.
UNICEF Child Protection CSO partner’s rapid assessment indicates that children and women are at high risk of SGBV, psychological trauma, and neglect, due to the absence of protective systems, safe spaces, and mental health services. 70% of IDPs, including children, report symptoms of psychosocial distress, linked to the traumatic events that led to their displacement. The camp currently lacks Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS), psychosocial services, and clear referral mechanisms for GBV and other child protection violations.