Humanitarian Crisis Deepens at Naka IDP Camp as NAS Medical Mission Calls for Urgent Action

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A new advocacy report by the NAS Medical Mission has laid bare the worsening humanitarian conditions at the Naka IDP Camp in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State, calling for urgent intervention to address critical health and living challenges.

The report, based on a medical outreach conducted on December 14, 2024, highlights severe public health risks driven by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a lack of access to essential healthcare. The camp, home to approximately 1,000 displaced persons—predominantly women and children—exemplifies the broader humanitarian fallout of the prolonged farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

During the medical outreach, the NAS Medical Mission documented alarming health trends, including high rates of hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis, and HIV among camp residents. Cases of malnutrition, peptic ulcer disease, and preventable infectious diseases were also prevalent, reflecting the harsh living conditions faced by IDPs.

“The situation at Naka IDP Camp is dire, and without immediate action, the health and well-being of these displaced persons will continue to deteriorate,” said Dr. Chiazor Odoemene, Chief Medical Officer of the NAS Medical Mission. “We are seeing critical cases that require urgent medical attention, yet access to healthcare remains severely limited.”

Beyond health concerns, the report highlights the impact of economic hardship on IDPs, many of whom have lost their means of livelihood. Poor sanitation infrastructure and inadequate clean water supply further compound the risks of disease outbreaks.

In response to its findings, the NAS Medical Mission is urging the Benue State Government, the Ministry of Health & Human Services, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster Management, and other relevant authorities to take decisive action. The organization has emphasized the need for functional healthcare facilities within the camp, including mobile clinics for routine medical care, and an upgrade of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to prevent disease outbreaks. The group also called for livelihood support initiatives to help IDPs become self-sufficient and reduce dependency on aid, as well as the development of durable solutions, including safe resettlement and integration programs.

The medical outreach at Naka IDP Camp was a collaborative initiative sponsored by regional chapters in Rima Deck (Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba) and Longhorn Deck (Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Louisiana). The initiative brought together a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, data collectors, security personnel, and humanitarian volunteers to provide much-needed medical assistance.

Dr. Peter Umaru Bulus, Cap’n of Rima Deck, emphasized the urgency of multi-stakeholder collaboration.

“Addressing this crisis requires collective effort. We need the government, NGOs, and private sector partners to step in and implement sustainable solutions,” he stated.

Similarly, Engr. Elisha Shomefun, Cap’n of Longhorn Deck, underscored the importance of international support in tackling Nigeria’s IDP crisis.

“We cannot ignore the plight of these displaced persons. The international community, especially Nigerians in the diaspora, must contribute to relief efforts and long-term rehabilitation programs,” he urged.

The Naka IDP Camp is just one of many across Benue State where displaced communities struggle to survive amid dwindling resources and limited government intervention. Over one million people have been displaced in the state, making the crisis one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges in Nigeria today.

Without urgent action, experts warn that worsening conditions in these camps could lead to a surge in preventable diseases and fatalities. The NAS Medical Mission’s report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the health and dignity of Nigeria’s displaced populations.

For further information or media inquiries, NAS Medical Mission officials, including Dr. Chiazor Odoemene, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Peter Umaru Bulus, Cap’n of Rima Deck; and Engr. Elisha Shomefun, Cap’n of Longhorn Deck, have urged stakeholders and the media to reach out for additional details and collaboration on solutions to the humanitarian crisis.