Benue Attack Victims Receive Medical Relief as US Charity Deepens Humanitarian Response

Long after the headlines fade, survivors of violent attacks are often left to face a different battle, recovering from physical injuries, rebuilding their lives, and finding hope amid unimaginable loss.

For more than 20 survivors of the recent attack on Sai community in Mbajir, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, that journey became a little less difficult following the intervention of Equipping The Persecuted (ETP), a United States-based faith-based humanitarian organisation committed to supporting communities affected by violence and persecution.

The attack, which occurred on June 30, claimed more than nine lives, left over 20 people injured, and displaced several families, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis affecting communities across Benue State.

As part of its emergency response, Equipping The Persecuted distributed relief materials to affected families and settled the medical bills of more than 20 victims receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack, including internally displaced persons admitted at NKST Hospital.

Leading the organisation’s delegation to the community, Andy Nomsoor, Benue State Representative for Equipping The Persecuted, described the attack as heartbreaking and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to standing with communities affected by violence.

“While no amount of assistance can replace the lives that have been lost, we believe survivors should not have to face recovery alone,” he said. “Our commitment is to help families heal, rebuild, and find hope again, while continuing to advocate for safer communities across Benue State.”

Nomsoor also called on governments at all levels to strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities and prevent recurring attacks, stressing that humanitarian assistance must go hand in hand with long-term measures that address insecurity and protect lives.

He acknowledged the efforts of Benue-born legal practitioner Franc Utoo for helping bring international attention to the plight of affected communities and mobilising humanitarian support, while also commending Judd Saul, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Equipping The Persecuted, for the organisation’s continued commitment to responding swiftly whenever communities are affected by violence.

Speaking on behalf of the community, President General of the Mbajir Development Association, Peter Uungwa, expressed gratitude to the organisation for providing practical support at a time when many families were struggling to cope with the aftermath of the attack.

“Our community is grateful that we have not been forgotten,” he said. “This support has brought relief to families carrying unimaginable pain, and we appreciate everyone who helped make it possible.”

For Equipping The Persecuted, the intervention reflects its broader mission of providing emergency relief, medical assistance, protection, and long-term support to communities affected by violence and persecution across Nigeria. Beyond responding to emergencies, the organisation works to help vulnerable families recover, rebuild their lives, and strengthen community resilience.

As affected families continue the long journey toward healing, the organisation says it remains committed to ensuring that survivors are not forgotten once the immediate attention surrounding such tragedies has passed.