The death of Damian Ahanbee, a teenager from Ortese IDP Camp in Benue State, has sparked outrage and renewed criticism over the plight of internally displaced persons in the state.
According to reports, Damian suffered a snake bite and urgently needed medical attention. Despite appeals for assistance, his family could not raise the required deposit of approximately ₦600,000 at Bishop Murray Hospital in Makurdi. He was eventually taken to the hospital but passed away shortly after arrival.
The incident has been described as a sad indictment of government neglect, highlighting the challenges faced by displaced families, including lack of access to timely healthcare, poverty, and inadequate support systems. Many residents still remember Governor Hyacinth Alia’s 2023 campaign promise to return all IDPs to their ancestral homes within 100 days of assuming office. Years later, thousands remain in IDP camps across the state, struggling with hunger, disease, and insecurity.
A public statement by Tivta Samuel Aondohemba from one of the IDP camps noted that Damian’s death has become a symbol of the frustrations and abandonment felt by many displaced persons. The family and community continue to mourn the young boy, with calls for improved welfare and emergency support for vulnerable IDPs.
