The European Union (EU) has released humanitarian funding of €500,000 (approximately ₦886 million) to support thousands of people displaced by the latest wave of violence in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.
This funding, channelled through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), will aid critical humanitarian activities over a six-month period.
The support will focus on urgent needs such as protection services, emergency shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as multi-purpose cash assistance for affected populations.
The intervention comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis triggered by escalating armed violence across communities in Benue.
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According to a statement by the Union, in June 2025 alone, nearly 23,000 people were forced to flee their homes following a series of deadly attacks, many of them already displaced from previous violence adding to the growing number of people caught in a vicious cycle of vulnerability and displacement.
“Living conditions in displacement camps remain dire as many families lack proper shelter and are exposed to the elements.
Access to clean water and basic sanitation is severely limited, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
“Livelihood opportunities are almost nonexistent, while the threat of exploitation and abuse, especially for women, children, and people with disabilities continues to grow.
“This surge in displacement has compounded an already critical situation. Protection risks are now at alarming levels, and basic needs are going unmet”, EU said
It was learnt that the violence in Benue is part of a protracted crisis that began in 2018, and over 1.5 million people have been displaced from their communities.
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It was further learnt that the years 2024 and 2025 have seen a sharp escalation, with an estimated 6,900 people killed and more than 400,000 newly displaced, highlighting the urgent need for sustained international attention and support.
The European Union reiterated its commitment to standing with vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
“Humanitarian aid is an expression of European solidarity. Our mission is to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and preserve the dignity of those affected by conflict and disaster”, the EU said
The EU provides emergency relief through the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
