A United States faith-based non-governmental organisation, Equipping The Persecuted (ETP), has settled medical bills and provided financial and humanitarian assistance to victims of an armed attack in Tine Nune community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The intervention targeted injured survivors receiving treatment in hospitals as well as families who lost loved ones in the attack. It aimed to alleviate the suffering of affected families, settle the medical bills of injured victims, and offer financial relief to those mourning relatives killed in the incident.
Speaking during the presentation of cash donations, the Benue State Focal Person of ETP, Mr. Andy Nomsoor, described the organisation as a Christian-based humanitarian NGO committed to supporting persecuted Christians, particularly those affected by armed Fulani attacks and violence linked to their faith. He expressed sympathy with the victims and bereaved families, assuring them of the organisation’s continued concern for their welfare. Nomsoor also commended ETP’s Chief Executive Officer, Judd Saul, and its Media Relations Officer, Mr. Franc Utoo, a Benue indigene, for their commitment to supporting victims of such attacks.
He prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved families, healing for the injured, and protection for the affected communities, expressing hope that an end would come to the persistent attacks.
The District Head of Mbatian, Tyoor J.N. Hirnan Ato, who spoke on behalf of the community, appreciated ETP for its humanitarian services, describing the intervention as a demonstration of compassion that extends beyond Benue State. He noted that he had learned of ETP’s activities through Judd Saul and Franc Utoo. According to the traditional ruler, nine people were killed in the attack while several others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention in hospitals within and outside the community.
Among the beneficiaries was Mr. Shaku Ufe, who was attacked alongside his son. The son died in the incident. Expressing gratitude, Ufe said he was short of words to describe what ETP had done for him and his family. He thanked Judd Saul and Franc Utoo for their compassion.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Nancy Kaaior, recounted the painful experience of losing her husband in the attack and giving birth on the same day. Despite the trauma, she expressed appreciation to ETP for remembering her and other affected families, describing the intervention as a source of encouragement during a difficult period.
As part of the outreach, the ETP delegation visited victims receiving treatment at Koholsua Clinic and Maternity in Tine Nune, Hope Clinic and Maternity in Tse Ndor, and St. Anthony’s Hospital in Zaki Biam, all in Ukum Local Government Area. During the visits, the organisation provided financial assistance to settle the medical bills of injured victims.
Through the intervention, ETP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of attacks and persecution, providing relief to affected families, and standing with vulnerable Christian communities facing violence and hardship.
