The European Union (EU) has approved a humanitarian assistance package of more than ₦800 million (€850,000) to provide vital support to thousands of displaced persons in Benue State, Nigeria. This decision comes in response to the growing humanitarian needs caused by ongoing communal conflicts and insecurity in the region.
The funds will be channeled through trusted international and local humanitarian partners to deliver emergency relief — including shelter, clean water, food, health services, and psychosocial support — to vulnerable families currently living in overcrowded and under-resourced displacement camps.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, emphasized the EU’s commitment to alleviating human suffering and promoting stability.
“We stand with the people of Benue during this difficult time. Our support is aimed at addressing urgent needs while contributing to longer-term recovery and resilience,” she said.
According to recent reports, over 1.5 million people have been displaced across Benue State due to farmer-herder clashes and banditry, with many of them living in poor conditions and facing food insecurity and limited access to healthcare and education.
This funding is part of the EU’s broader humanitarian aid package to Nigeria, which aims to address urgent needs in conflict-affected regions, particularly in the North-East and Middle Belt.
The EU also reiterated the need for sustainable peace-building measures and stronger coordination between the government and development actors to prevent further displacement and ensure safe return and reintegration of affected persons.