The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a strong condemnation of the brutal attacks in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Benue State’s Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed by suspected herders over two days. In a statement signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara, the association expressed grave concern about the devastating impact of the violence on Benue’s fragile healthcare system.
Dr. Osundara highlighted that the violence has not only caused loss of lives but also weakened the health workforce, with some health professionals caught in the crossfire. “The mounting death toll is a potential for humanitarian crisis and epidemics which will overwhelm the ability of health workers to cope,” he said, lamenting the government’s apparent lack of resources to protect citizens.
NARD mourned the killing of young pharmacist Matthew Lormba, describing his death as symbolic of the broader threat to healthcare workers nationwide. The association warned that the violence is causing increased anxiety among medical personnel, leading to absenteeism and reduced access to primary healthcare in affected areas.
Beyond healthcare, Dr. Osundara raised alarms about the psychological toll on doctors and the broader socio-economic effects, including threats to agriculture, food supply, and child nutrition. He noted that the attacks are striking at the heart of food production, risking malnutrition among children due to food shortages and rising prices.
The association also condemned similar violence in Katsina, Zamfara, and other volatile regions, citing over 10,000 deaths in the past two years and the resulting displacement and disruption of livelihoods.
Dr. Osundara called on all levels of government to implement effective security measures to halt the bloodshed, especially in Nigeria’s North Central and North East zones. He concluded by extending condolences to the families of victims, praying for their souls’ rest.
