In a direct response to rising concerns over sexual assault and criminal exploitation in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, the Benue State Government has established dedicated reporting desks across displacement centers in the state to fast-track justice and support survivors.
​The initiative was officially announced on October 5, 2026, during a media briefing at the Ministry of Justice in Makurdi, held at 2:00 PM.
​Speaking on behalf of the state administration, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yangien Ornguga, disclosed that the desks were created to break the silence surrounding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and ensure prompt legal intervention for survivors residing in displaced communities.
​”The Benue State Ministry of Justice has established a specialized reporting desk across IDP camps to provide a confidential and accessible pathway for victims to report cases of rape and sexual assault without fear of intimidation,” Prof. Ornguga stated. “We are actively prosecuting several SGBV cases and will ensure perpetrators face the full weight of the law.”
​The newly established reporting desks will operate directly within major displacement locations, including the Ichwa IDP Camp and the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi.
Trained personnel deployed to these desks will collaborate with law enforcement, civil society groups, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure swift case tracking, confidential evidence gathering, and immediate psycho-social support for survivors.
​Addressing representatives of the Correspondents’ Chapel during the session, Prof. Ornguga emphasized the critical role of verified reporting:
​”Benue State is our home, and accurate information is crucial in handling sensitive legal and human rights matters,” Ornguga added. “We urge journalists to verify reports before publication to assist the state in effectively prosecuting cases and protecting vulnerable citizens.”
​The creation of these dedicated desks forms part of broader institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the judicial pipeline, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and curbing human rights abuses across displaced settlements in Benue State.
