PFN Raises ₦42.6m for Benue Victims, Zamfara Protests
LAGOS/ZAMFARA— The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter, has raised ₦42.6 million to support families displaced by recent violent attacks in Yelwata, Benue State. This initiative comes as communities in Zamfara State take to the streets to protest the growing insecurity in their region.
The attacks in Yelwata, carried out by unidentified assailants, left hundreds of families homeless and drew widespread condemnation from individuals, churches, and humanitarian groups across Nigeria.
In the aftermath of the violence, PFN Lagos Chairman, Pastor Yemi Davids, urged the church community to act. “Instead of cursing the darkness, the church must shine the light,” he said in a video message encouraging support for the victims.
Responding to the call, PFN Lagos, in collaboration with Acts of Mercy and Sensor Empowerment Foundation, launched the Benue Relief Campaign to mobilise aid for affected families. According to Rev. Tonye Oliver, PFN Lagos Publicity Secretary and Director of Digital Media, the campaign successfully raised ₦42.6 million through generous donations from churches and individuals across Lagos.
The funds were used to purchase essential relief items, including mattresses, bedsheets, and other household supplies. These Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in and around Yelwata. materials were distributed to about 1,000 displaced families, particularly those residing in Internally
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Zamfara Communities Demand Government Action Amid Rising Insecurity
While humanitarian aid reaches victims in Benue, several communities in Ruwan Bore Ward, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, held a peaceful protest demanding urgent intervention over worsening insecurity.
Protesters from communities including Mada, Wonaka, Fegin-Mahe, Kanawa, and Tudun Wada marched to the Government House in Gusau to express frustration over repeated attacks by armed bandits. The demonstrators called on the state government and security agencies to provide adequate protection for lives and property.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Aminu Bello from Fegin-Mahe decried the lack of security presence in the affected communities. “Our people are living in fear. There are no security operatives on the ground to protect us from the constant attacks,” he said.
He also called for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the unrest, stressing that community engagement and support were essential for restoring peace. Local leaders are now urging the state government to take immediate action to safeguard the lives of residents and restore their sense of security.
These simultaneous events in Benue and Zamfara underscore the dual challenge of insecurity and humanitarian crises in parts of Nigeria. Mada also highlighted the importance of collaboration between local communities and security forces to effectively address these pressing issues. As tensions rise, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions that not only enhance security but also foster resilience among the vulnerable populations affected by violence and displacement.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Vanguard news.com
