170 Widows, Vulnerable Women Receive Food Aid As ETP Intervenes In 4 Benue Communities

Equipping The Persecuted has delivered food to 170 widows and displaced women across four Benue communities and paid hospital bills for two elderly tuberculosis patients.

The U.S.-based humanitarian organisation, led by Executive Director Judd Saul, carried out the interventions between October 27 and 31.

They covered Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area, Akpachi in Otukpo Local Government Area, Daudu 2 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps and the IDP mega camp on the outskirts of Makurdi.

In Obagaji, 50 widows received 30 bags of cassava and maize on 27 October. Their families were affected by attacks attributed to Fulani Ethnic Militias (FEM), which have left many women in Agatu widowed and struggling to feed their children.

On 28 October, ETP distributed rice to 20 widows in Akpachi, in the Ugboju District. The women lost their husbands to FEM attacks over the past five years and lost their livelihoods with them.

The Akpachi distribution followed an earlier ETP intervention this year that provided food and cash assistance to the community. After villagers reported that some affected families had been left out of that round, Saul approved further support to reach them.

The traditional ruler of Akpachi, His Royal Highness Udenyi Alechenu Samuel, thanked ETP and Saul for standing with his community.

At Daudu 2 IDP Camp, ETP distributed 50 bags of rice on 31 October to vulnerable women, including elderly widows, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It was the organisation’s fourth intervention at the camp since January 2026. Earlier deliveries included food, shoes, toiletries and other essentials.

According to the camp management, Daudu 2 holds more than 15,000 displaced persons. Many of them face persistent food shortages, inadequate shelter and limited access to basic necessities.

The same day, another 50 widows received rice at the Makurdi IDP mega camp. Some beneficiaries have reportedly spent more than eight years in displacement after attacks destroyed their communities.

“I have not eaten rice for a very long time. Even eating normal food other than rice is like a luxury from heaven, or manna from heaven,” said Torkwasi Terwase, 30, a mother of two whose husband was killed by terrorists. She thanked ETP and Saul for their generosity.

Another beneficiary, Lubem John, said the assistance was timely and that the rice would help families struggling with hunger.

ETP also responded to two medical emergencies at the mega camp. At the request of camp management, and with Saul’s approval, two elderly women suffering from severe tuberculosis were taken to hospital, and ETP covered their immediate treatment costs.

“The Executive Director of ETP, Judd Saul, has made it clear that victims of Fulani Ethnic Militia attacks must be rehabilitated and taken care of, whether through medical attention, food assistance or shelter,” said Mike Odeh James, who coordinates ETP’s field interventions in Benue.

“Since January 2026, this organisation has carried out humanitarian interventions in Agatu, Apa, Ukum, Guma, Gwer West and Otukpo, all in Benue State,” he said. “Widows, orphans, children and elderly people have benefited, and ETP remains committed to ensuring victims receive the assistance they need.”