19 States in Nigeria Now Host IDP Camps Due to Fulani Herdsmen Attacks

A growing humanitarian crisis is unfolding across Nigeria as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have emerged in at least 19 states, following violent attacks allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen. The increasing violence, especially in rural communities, has forced thousands of Nigerians to flee their homes, with many now taking shelter in overcrowded and under-resourced camps.

A breakdown of affected states shows that the IDP camps are located in both northern and southern parts of the country, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis. The states include:

1.  FCT, Abuja

2. Enugu

3.  Benue

4.  Ondo

5.  Kaduna

6.  Katsina

7.  Nasarawa

8.  Niger

9.  Sokoto

10. Borno

11. Adamawa

12. Yobe

13. Taraba

14. Pateau

15. Lagos

16. Imo

17. Ebonyi

18. Kwara

19. Nasarawa (listed twice due to multiple camps across different LGAs)

These camps are often set up in schools, churches, mosques, and open fields, with displaced persons living in extremely poor conditions. In Benue, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” over 1.5 million people are reportedly displaced due to relentless attacks on farming communities.

Human rights organizations and civil society groups have raised the alarm, urging the federal government to intensify security efforts in affected regions and provide immediate humanitarian aid. There are growing concerns over the lack of food, medical care, clean water, and security in the camps.

Security analysts have blamed poor response strategies and delayed justice for the persistence of these violent attacks. Some of the displaced persons, speaking to Sahara Reporters, expressed frustration over the government’s silence and failure to arrest and prosecute known attackers.

As the crisis deepens, calls are mounting for a nationwide intervention, including the establishment of a dedicated commission to address herdsmen-related displacement and post-conflict resettlement of victims.