A farmers’ group, operating under the banner of the United Farmers’ Association Kadarko, has urged governments at all levels to support the return of thousands of displaced farmers from Nasarawa State currently sheltering in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Benue State.
The appeal follows the displacement of farmers from several communities in Nasarawa’s Southern Senatorial District after the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which claimed several lives.
The proximity between Yelwata in Benue State and Kadarko community in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State forced many farmers, mostly of Tiv extraction, to flee their homes over security concerns, as both communities share a common boundary.
Speaking to journalists in Lafia after a visit to the Lafia Emirate Council, the association’s chairman, Dennis Denen Gbongbon, disclosed that no fewer than 14,718 farmers from 314 communities in Nasarawa State were displaced and are now taking refuge in Benue State.
According to Gbongbon, the affected farmers abandoned their ancestral homes, farmlands, and sources of livelihood due to fear of further attacks by armed assailants.
He noted that many of the displaced persons have spent the last six months in harsh conditions, particularly those camped at the International Market in Makurdi, adding that efforts are now underway to ensure their safe return home.
He explained that while over 14,000 farmers are registered in recognised IDP camps, a large number remain unaccounted for.
“About 80 per cent of the displaced persons are not staying in the camps. Some are living with relatives, while others are scattered across host communities or have moved farther away in search of farmland,” he stated.
Gbongbon stressed that the association, which has members across Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, and Kogi states, remains committed to the welfare and protection of its members.
He revealed that January 31, 2026, has been fixed, in collaboration with community leaders and security agencies, for the return of the displaced farmers to their communities in Nasarawa State.
“We have consulted them, and they all agree that life in IDP camps is not dignified. Returning to host communities will help them begin the healing process and rebuild their lives,” he added.
The association appealed to the governments of Nasarawa and Benue states, traditional institutions, security agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the planned return, particularly with transportation, food supplies, and relief materials.
Gbongbon also called on Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, to urgently intervene by providing food, medical supplies, and psychosocial support to the displaced farmers, noting that many are still traumatised and unable to harvest their destroyed farmlands.
Earlier, the association had written to the governor through the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), requesting a formal reception for the returning IDPs as a show of compassion and reassurance, as well as assistance with transport logistics.
During the visit to the emir’s palace, the Secretary of the Lafia Emirate Council, Hudu Mailafia, received members of the association and assured them of the council’s full support toward ensuring the safe and successful return of all displaced Nasarawa farmers currently in IDP camps across Benue State.
