Desperate Search for Assistance: See how Benue Residents Flood Relief Camps Amidst Crisis
In Benue State, approximately 1,800 individuals from Makurdi have descended upon the NKST Church camp established for flood victims, urgently seeking palliative assistance.
Reports indicate that many attendees were not directly affected by the flooding yet attempted to register for relief supplies. During a visit to the camp in Wadatta, it was noted that some individuals expressed frustration over being denied registration by officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
SEMA had previously distributed essential items such as mattresses, 25kg bags of rice, and mosquito nets to those officially recognized as flood victims. However, several people at the NKST Church camp alleged that their requests for assistance were overlooked, despite their homes being damaged.
Grace Noah, a resident of New Garage, reported that floodwaters had destroyed her belongings. She stated, “My children are at home while I’m here trying to register, but the SEMA officials have turned me away, claiming there’s no flooding in my area. I invited them to see my home for themselves.”
Another resident, Favour Terfa, a mother of four, claimed that water had invaded her property and ruined her possessions. She expressed frustration over the lack of support from SEMA, saying, “I’ve been coming here since Monday, but the officials refuse to register us. They have relief materials but only distribute them after assessing homes.”
Camp manager James Iorhumn explained that while over 2,000 people visited the camp on Monday, only 150 households were officially recognized as flood victims after an assessment. He stated, “We have distributed relief items to those confirmed to be affected. Many of those complaining have not allowed our staff to assess their homes.”
Iorhumn emphasized the need for proper evaluations, noting that some individuals had rushed to the camp upon hearing about the aid. He clarified that SEMA is working to identify genuine flood victims, urging those seeking aid to return home for proper assessment. He acknowledged the economic pressures that may be motivating some to seek assistance, even if they weren’t directly impacted by the floods.
