Internally displaced persons in their hundreds in Abegena camp on the outskirts of Makurdi, capital of Benue State, were in joyous mood on Sunday, December 15, 2019 when they were showered with relief materials.

Famers and their families displaced by migrant Fulani herdsmen could not hold back their joy as food and non food items were distributed to them in the camp including bags of rice, beans, semovita, spices, vegetable oil, sleeping mats, blankets, cardigans and other forms of clothing.

The materials were provided by The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services and distributed to the IDPs in collaboration with Benue State Emergency Management Agency.

Utmost hygiene and disease prevention were also addressed through provision of soap and washing detergent by the relief team.

For a people that have experienced brutality in the hands of insurgents, the joy among recipients receiving such vital supplies was palpable, with spontaneous singing, dancing and thanksgiving.

The exercise was seen by many in the community as a practical demonstration of love, and therefore boosted morale and confidence among the IDPs.

One of the recipients, Madam Rachael Madaki said the provision of the relief items has restored her hope of living.

In an emotional ridden voice, Madaki explained how she had lost her husband and children to the herdsmen attacks. She went on to express her gratitude to The Salvation Army.

Speaking to News Express, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Relief Services Coordinator for Nigeria, Major Godspower Anozie said,

“Assisting the IDPs in Makurdi was a timely response which helped to cushion their pains and suffering. The provision on this scale was also intended to help safeguard women in the camps, some of whom had been vulnerable to sexual exploitation in exchange for food.”

Continuing, Anozie said, “This is the second time The Salvation Army relief team would embark on such distribution of massive humanitarian relief materials to the same displaced victims in the last three months.”