Abuja – The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) says about 24,117 persons are affected in Benue as a result of communal clashes between suspected herdsmen and some locals.
This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Disaster Management Team of the society on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement identified the affected four local government areas as Agatu, Guruku, Tarka and Kwande.
Also the statement estimated the number of persons affected by the crisis in Agatu at 2,874; Guruku 9,055; Tarka 6,263, and Kwande 5,925.
It said the figures were recorded between February to March.
According to the statement, not less than 18,503 persons were displaced in the localities within the period under review.
It added that 658 persons were displaced in Agatu; Guruku 7,330; Tarka 4,760, and Kwande 5,755.
Similarly, it noted that the affected communities were taken over by the suspected attackers while displaced residents relocated to various IDP Camps in the country.
According to the statement, the society would embark on an assessment need evaluation and intervention in each locality across the state.
It said such assessments would include shelter needs, livelihood needs, food and non-food items, water and sanitation, with interventions such as counselling, psycho-social support and restoration of family links, among others.
“Today, the humanitarian need in Nigerian is on the increase due to insurgency in the north-east, communal clashes and other nature-induced disasters.
“Therefore, in keeping with our mandate, we will step up response to humanitarian needs for 2016.
“In reality, an organisation alone is not capable of providing all the needs of people affected by disasters and communal clashes across the country.
“Well-meaning Nigerians should join hands with the society as we strive to put smiles on the suffering populace,’’ the NRCS said. (NAN)
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