U.S.-Based Equipping The Persecuted Supports Displaced Christians in Nigeria Amid Rising Religious Violence

Aid arrives as U.S. and African monitors warn Fulani militia attacks remain one of the world’s most severe religious freedom crises.

By TruthNigeria Reporters

MAKURDI, Nigeria — Hundreds of displaced Christian families in Nigeria’s Benue State received food and essential supplies Friday from Equipping The Persecuted, a U.S.-based nonprofit working in one of the world’s deadliest regions for religious violence. The relief comes as thousands of survivors of Fulani militia attacks remain stranded in camps years after fleeing destroyed homes, churches, and farmlands.

The beneficiaries received items including rice, soap and slippers at the Daudu II and Ortese internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Guma County (Local Government Area).

According to the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, armed Fulani militants were linked to nearly 24,000 civilian deaths during a four-year reporting period, making the conflict among the deadliest sources of violence in contemporary Nigeria.

According to a May 2026 report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), armed Fulani militia violence remains one of the most significant drivers of religious freedom violations in Nigeria, contributing to civilian deaths, displacement, and growing instability. 

Many of the displaced have lived in camps for years after fleeing attacks that destroyed homes, churches and farmlands across Benue. Local authorities and humanitarian organizations estimate that thousands remain unable to return because of continuing insecurity.

The humanitarian intervention comes as many displaced families say they have spent years waiting for lasting government support and safe resettlement.

During the distribution, Mike Odeh James, an Award-winning journalist with TruthNigeria who represented Equipping The Persecuted, said the assistance reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to persecuted Christian communities.

“This relief effort is part of our commitment to stand with families displaced by violence. While humanitarian assistance is essential, lasting peace will only come when affected communities are secure enough for people to return home and resume their livelihoods,” James Odeh told TruthNigeria.

He urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, noting that continued attacks have left thousands dependent on humanitarian aid.

“The leadership of Equipping The Persecuted, led by Chief Executive Officer Judd Saul, together with Media Relations Officer Barr. Franc Utoo, remains committed to supporting persecuted Christians in Nigeria. We will continue advocating for affected communities while providing humanitarian assistance to those in need,” James added.

Speaking separately, Benue ETP representative Andy Nomsoor, praised the organization for consistently supporting victims of violence in Benue and neighboring states.

He said ETP has provided assistance to displaced families in several parts of Benue, including Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Agatu and Otukpo, as well as communities in Plateau, Nasarawa and Kaduna states.

Nomsoor also conveyed a message from Barr. Franc Utoo, assuring displaced families that the organization would continue advocating for their welfare until they can safely return to their communities.

For many recipients, the assistance represented more than food supplies—it offered reassurance that they have not been forgotten.

One displaced resident at Daudu II camp, Mrs. Rebecca Iorhemba, said the donation came at a time of severe hardship.

“We are grateful to Equipping The Persecuted for remembering us. Many families here struggle to feed their children. These items will help us survive, but our greatest prayer is to return safely to our homes and farms”, she told TruthNigeria.

Another beneficiary at Ortese camp, Mr. Terna Aondoakaa, said years of displacement have taken a heavy toll on families.

“Life in the camp has been extremely difficult. We depend largely on the kindness of organizations and individuals. We appeal to the government to restore security so we can rebuild our lives with dignity”, Terna told TruthNigeria 

Benue has experienced repeated waves of violence that have displaced large numbers of residents and disrupted agricultural production in one of Nigeria’s key food-producing states. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for stronger protection of civilians, expanded relief assistance and durable solutions that allow displaced families to return home safely.

Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia (a Former Catholic Priest) pledged during his 2023 inauguration to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their communities. However, many IDPs remain in camps, citing continued insecurity as the main obstacle to resettlement.

Similarly, the federal government announced rehabilitation funding for communities affected by violence in Benue in 2018 but failed to release the fund.

 While reconstruction efforts have been reported in some areas, many displaced residents and local advocates argue that significant humanitarian and recovery needs remain unmet.

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