EU Pledges Additional €250,000 in Aid for Displaced Persons in Benue, Plateau

Abuja, Nigeria — The European Union has announced fresh humanitarian support for victims of ongoing violence in Benue and Plateau States, committing an additional €250,000 (approximately ₦450 million) to assist thousands of internally displaced persons across both regions.

The new funding, revealed in a statement on Thursday, will be channeled through the Nigerian Red Cross Society to provide urgent relief to over 2,500 displaced households—estimated at around 15,000 individuals—who have been forced from their homes in recent months due to persistent attacks by armed groups.

“This funding will allow the Nigerian Red Cross to deliver immediate, life-saving assistance including cash support, essential items, healthcare services, water, sanitation, and psychosocial care,” the EU announced, stressing the severity of the humanitarian crisis.

According to the EU, the intervention will prioritize vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and individuals who have experienced multiple displacements. Many of them are currently sheltering in overcrowded and poorly equipped camps, with limited access to clean water, food, healthcare, and basic protection.

“The humanitarian situation is dire. As of July 2025, over 615,000 people remain displaced in Benue State, with an additional 65,000 in Plateau. Most are subsistence farmers cut off from their lands during the critical planting season,” the statement added.

This latest tranche of funding forms part of the EU’s ongoing support through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In July, the EU had earlier allocated €500,000 (₦886 million) to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for emergency response operations in Benue over a six-month period.

“Recurring and targeted violence in Benue and Plateau States has deepened a prolonged protection crisis. With security threats escalating weekly, sustained humanitarian engagement is essential,” the EU noted.

Officials warn that displaced communities face long-term instability unless urgent and coordinated humanitarian efforts are maintained. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting crisis-hit regions, emphasizing that its aid policy is rooted in global solidarity and respect for human dignity.

“As the world’s leading donor of humanitarian assistance, we will continue to act where needs are greatest,” the EU stressed.

Under its existing agreement with the IFRC, the EU is currently backing DREF operations with up to €12 million in support, ensuring rapid funding is available for small-scale emergencies that may not attract international appeals.

By Adeola Olaniya | August 7, 2025