By Matthew Tegha
In a demonstration of compassion and solidarity, the Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation, led by Pastor Bolaji Idowu, extended a lifeline to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) recently uprooted by violent attacks in the Yelwata community of Benue State.
The foundation visited two major locations on June 27, 2025, the IDP camp at the International Market in Makurdi and the Yelwata community in Doma Local Government Area — to distribute essential relief items including food, medical supplies, clothing, toiletries and sanitary items, under its Benue Relief Project.
Speaking during the distribution, Diepriye Okunye-Olu, who led the team on behalf of the foundation, said the initiative was born out of the dire need to respond to the overwhelming humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of displaced persons.
“We saw the pathetic condition these IDPs are passing through and decided to act. These items are meant to provide immediate relief and restore a sense of dignity and hope,” she stated.
The donations were received with tears of joy and deep gratitude by the displaced persons, who have been grappling with loss, trauma, and extreme hunger since the brutal attacks that claimed over 200 lives earlier in June.
Okunye-Olu noted that the support was not carried out in isolation, appreciating the collaboration of partners such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, Glovo, Megawatts, Regency Alliance Insurance, and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).
At the Makurdi camp, Camp Commandant Nyongbro Betuambe highlighted the growing challenges faced by the over 4,000 displaced persons housed there.
“Feeding remains a major challenge,” he told journalists. “We appreciate the donations we’re receiving, but the need is far greater than the supply. Our clinic is overstretched — with pregnant women and patients requiring urgent care. We appeal for continued support.”
Titus Terfa Abbah, a youth leader from Yelwata, recounted the community’s descent from a thriving farming settlement to a land of sorrow.
“Last year we had a bUMPER HARVEST. THIS YEAR, FAMILIES ARE TOO AFRAID TO RETURN TO THEIR FARMS. HERDERS ARE STILL GRAZING OPENLY, AND FEAR GRIPS EVERYONE. WE’RE APPEALING TO THE WORLD — WE JUST WANT PEACE,” HE SAID.
According to him, many of the community’s food stores were destroyed during the attack, and the trauma has left survivors unable to function normally.
“People are starving. Some haven’t eaten since morning. The food aid from the foundation is a blessing, but it’s just a drop in the ocean,” he lamented.
Speaking on behalf of CAN Benue, Apostle General Michael Nkire, Assistant Secretary, echoed the fears of widespread hunger and reduced agricultural output.
“Majority of our people have fled. They can’t go back to the farms. Even those willing are afraid to go alone without protection. This will severely affect Benue’s food production.”
He also commended the foundation’s timely intervention, saying it brought a much-needed sense of hope to a traumatized people.
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) officially received the foundation’s team, expressing sincere gratitude for their thoughtful support.
Former Special Adviser on Primary Education to the Benue State Government, Hon. Matthew Mnyam, also commended both the Harvesters Foundation and the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Foundation for standing by the displaced community.
“May God replenish you all. You’ve not only brought food — you’ve brought comfort and love,” he said
