Public health pharmacists from the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) have condemned the brutal attacks on residents of Benue State by armed herders, which claimed over 100 lives and left scores injured in Yelwata community. They warned that unless the Federal Government implements immediate control measures, the situation could escalate into a wider health crisis involving both traumatic conditions and infectious disease outbreaks.
The healthcare professionals expressed deep concern that beyond the tragic loss of life, the incident has further strained the already fragile healthcare system in the state. The influx of injured, displaced, and deceased individuals has compounded an emerging humanitarian emergency. They called on both the state and federal governments to act swiftly by providing essential medical support and surveillance, in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Pharmanews reports that the Yelwata community recently suffered devastating attacks by suspected armed herdsmen. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the village was razed, with many residents—including women and children—either killed or injured. Survivors are now grappling with trauma, the loss of livelihoods, displacement, and minimal access to healthcare.
In an exclusive interview with Pharmanews, Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, chairman of the Faculty of Public Health Pharmacy at WAPCP, sympathised with families of the deceased and those injured. He emphasised the need for an urgent response to minimise the health risks associated with such violent attacks, particularly the rise of psychotrauma and the spread of infectious diseases.
“Government should provide trained mental health professionals—particularly psychotrauma specialists—who can offer trauma-informed care,” he said. “Affected children and women should also be linked to social support groups where they can receive emotional support, share experiences, and access counselling.”
According to ScienceDirect, a reputable health platform, conflict and fire survivors require immediate wound care using evidence-based protocols such as silver sulfadiazine, appropriate dressing techniques, fluid resuscitation, and pain control. Psychosocial support should commence alongside physical treatment, as recovery entails not only medical rehabilitation but also physical therapy, reconstructive surgery where necessary, and long-term wound care.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also advises rapid health assessments of displaced persons to detect and manage potential outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and respiratory infections. Preventive steps include ensuring access to clean water, temporary toilets, sanitation kits, and administering vaccines against tetanus, measles, and other preventable diseases.
Expressing further concern about the Benue’s health infrastructure and the wellbeing of survivors, Oreagba urged the government to take immediate action. “Delays can be detrimental to the recovery process. As a matter of urgency, government must provide immediate medical care to the injured, including first aid, stabilisation, and transport to appropriate healthcare facilities,” he said.
He also recommended search and rescue operations to locate and evacuate the wounded; the provision of food, water, and essential supplies to affected communities; availability of surgical and other medical interventions; and the deployment of psychological support teams to counsel victims and their families. Additionally, he underscored the need for robust infection control measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
With healthcare facilities in the state overstretched, the public health leader called on providers to collaborate with government in setting up temporary medical tents or mobile clinics in safe zones to deliver both emergency and ongoing care. He also suggested the use of telemedicine and virtual healthcare platforms to extend medical support to victims in remote areas.
Reflecting on the long-term health implications of recurring conflicts in the region, Oreagba called for comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. He urged government to strengthen access to quality care by expanding and upgrading health facilities, developing updated emergency response plans, and investing in healthcare workforce training—particularly in conflict-prone areas, where ensuring the safety and wellbeing of health professionals is paramount.
