Benue crisis: Displaced persons flood Lafia

“We had to run. They are killing and burning villages too close for us to remain in our homes,” a displaced villager told Daily Trust. He was seen in Lafia, on a fully-loaded truck with his family and some household items.
 Our correspondent also observed that the Lafia-Makurdi road, which links Nasarawa and Benue States witnessed heavy traffic yesterday due to movement of displaced persons, some of whom trekked long distances.
“We trekked several kilometres to get to Lafia. We could not afford the transport fare because business has been slow. We have not been able to sell crops to get money,” said another displaced person.
 When contacted, Nasarawa State police spokesman, ASP Umaru Ismaila, said those moving to the state are acting on rumours, adding, “I am not aware of any killing or burning of nearby villages.”