Benue Development Professionals Lead Critical Humanitarian Response for Displaced Communities in Makurdi Following Yelewata Attacks

Restoring Hope in Benue: Local-Led Humanitarian Outreach Brings Relief and Dignity to Displaced Communities

In the aftermath of the devastating attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area—which claimed over 100 lives and forced thousands from their homes—a remarkable story of resilience and collective action is unfolding in Benue State. At the heart of this response is the Benue Development Professionals (BDP), a group of dedicated local experts who have stepped forward to lead a comprehensive humanitarian outreach at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp at Makurdi International Market.

A Homegrown Response Rooted in Compassion

This initiative, technically supported by MSI Reproductive Choices and coordinated by Dooshima Agur, Founder and CEO of WRAHI, stands as a testament to the power of homegrown leadership. It is a model of how local professionals, diaspora networks, technical partners, and government institutions can come together to deliver impactful humanitarian interventions rooted in community values and global solidarity.

Prioritizing the Most Vulnerable: Women and Children

Recognizing that women and children are often the most affected in times of crisis, the outreach prioritized:

• Free reproductive health and family planning services: MSI Reproductive Choices ensured that displaced women and girls, many of whom had lost access to healthcare, received essential reproductive health care and safe contraceptive options.

• Mental health and psychosocial support: Specialized support was provided to help survivors cope with trauma and rebuild resilience.

• Hygiene promotion and relief materials: Hygiene kits and other relief materials were distributed, with a special focus on women-headed households and other vulnerable groups.

Collaboration and Coordination: The Key to Impact

Dr. Zasha, a key member of BDP, coordinated the health response and formally handed over relief items to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA). The agency praised the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by the team. Government representatives, including Mr. Aondo-aseer Leonard-Angelo Viashima, Director General of the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, conducted on-site assessments and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to coordinated, people-centered responses.

Support for the initiative extended beyond local actors, attracting the backing of international partners such as UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and IOM. All emphasized their readiness to support sustainable solutions for displaced populations in Benue State.

Voices from the Field: Leadership, Service, and Resilience

The outreach has been shaped by powerful voices from the field. Dooshima Agur highlighted the transformative power of collective service and compassion, while Dr. Zasha underscored the foundational role of health services in crisis response. Government officials expressed strong support for this partnership-driven approach, recognizing its potential as a replicable model for humanitarian action.

A Beacon of Hope Amid Ongoing Challenges

The Benue Development Professionals, together with WRAHI and MSI Reproductive Choices, remain steadfast in their commitment to working with state actors and international stakeholders. Their goal: to address the urgent and evolving needs of displaced communities across Benue State.

In a time of profound loss and uncertainty, this local-led initiative offers a beacon of hope and resilience. It demonstrates that, even in the face of immense challenges, communities can come together to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and chart a path toward a brighter future.