In a renewed demonstration of its commitment to humanitarian intervention in Nigeria, the European Union (EU) has announced a financial pledge of €250,000 (approximately ₦437 million) to assist thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue and Plateau States. The aid, which will be channelled through the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), is aimed at addressing the urgent needs of communities severely impacted by ongoing violence and insecurity in the North-Central region.
This latest intervention is expected to provide critical relief to vulnerable families who have been displaced due to persistent communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, and sporadic armed attacks that have plagued both states over the past few years. According to humanitarian assessments, tens of thousands of individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, have been forced to flee their homes and are currently residing in makeshift camps or host communities with limited access to basic necessities.
The EU’s funding will support a range of life-saving services, including access to clean water, food assistance, emergency shelter, healthcare, and psychosocial support. Particular attention will also be given to the protection of women and children, who often bear the brunt of displacement, suffering heightened risks of exploitation and abuse.
A statement released by the EU noted that the humanitarian situation in Nigeria remains one of the most complex and protracted in Africa, and the plight of IDPs in Benue and Plateau requires urgent and sustained attention. The European bloc reaffirmed its solidarity with affected populations and emphasized the importance of safeguarding human dignity, especially in crisis situations.
Over the years, the European Union has remained a consistent partner in Nigeria’s humanitarian response framework, committing millions of euros to emergency relief and development programmes across conflict-affected zones, particularly in the North-East and Middle Belt regions. The current gesture towards Benue and Plateau marks a strategic expansion of the EU’s support to areas that, while often overshadowed by the insurgency in the North-East, continue to endure devastating levels of violence and displacement.
Local authorities and humanitarian actors have welcomed the funding announcement, urging for more international support as internal displacement continues to surge due to the deteriorating security landscape in parts of the country. While efforts are ongoing by the Nigerian government to restore peace and facilitate the return of displaced persons, the need for immediate relief remains pressing.
With this €250,000 pledge, the EU is not only reinforcing its role as a key humanitarian partner to Nigeria but also shedding light on the enduring struggles of internally displaced populations in Benue and Plateau. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the hope is that more global attention and resources will follow, helping to alleviate the suffering of those who have lost everything in the wake of violence.
