The growing mental health crisis among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State has become a source of concern to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Over 100 people were killed by armed attackers in Yelwata on the night of June 13, forcing thousands to flee to an IDP camp located at the Makurdi International Market.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Gerida Birukila, who led United States government officials on a tour of the camp’s health facilities, acknowledged the progress made in healthcare but raised concern about the mental illness of the IDPs.
She urged religious leaders and civil society organizations to provide long-term psychosocial support, stressing that those invisible wounds from such violence can last a lifetime.
“The trauma is real. Women witnessed loved ones being slaughtered, and children saw their parents being killed. The grief and pain they carry may only surface after emergency teams leave,” Birukila said.
The camp clinic, established with support from the Benue State Government, WHO, UNFPA, Red Cross, and others, treats 250-300 patients daily and renders services to include antenatal care, immunizations, and general treatment.
UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo said the agency quickly deployed a multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses following the Yelwata attacks, creating a 24-hour functional clinic to handle urgent medical needs.
She reported nine safe deliveries and over 30 referrals to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, with no deaths recorded.
“More than 1,000 children have been vaccinated against polio, while 218 others received routine immunizations for diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and tuberculosis.
“Many children missed school exams due to the crisis. UNICEF has started makeshift classes for Basic One and SS1 students,” Birukila said.
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