Displaced residents of Yelewata, currently a temporary camp in Makurdi’s International Market, have rejected calls to return to their community, citing ongoing security concerns.
More than 3,000 people fled to the camp following a deadly attack on Yelewata on June 13, 2025, in which about 200 residents were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders.
During a visit to the camp on Sunday, our correspondent learned that traditional rulers and community leaders have been urging the displaced persons to return, allegedly due to growing infiltration of the camp by non-Yelewata residents.
“These infiltrators are benefitting from humanitarian aid meant for us,” said 41-year-old Uker Amos, a survivor of the attack. “We protested yesterday at the camp gate, insisting we won’t return without proper security guarantees.”
Tema Ager, Information Officer for the State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the pressure from local leaders. “Yes, traditional rulers are encouraging their people to return, but the displaced residents are demanding clear assurances from the government about their safety first,” Ager said.
He added that the government is still assessing the situation and will decide when it is safe for the people to return.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kumde, recently raised concerns about infiltration of the camp by market traders, criminals, and some individuals from the host community.
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According to him, at least 50 of such infiltrators have already been arrested.
