At least two pregnant internally displaced women have died within five days in Agagbe, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. The victims, Aondona Dooshima, 30, and Sumali Blessing, 28, passed away on February 26 and March 1, 2026, respectively.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the deaths to poverty and limited access to medical care. Dooshima, displaced from Tse Nongu Tswarev in Gaambe Ushin Council Ward, reportedly experienced severe abdominal pain and was taken to a local clinic in Agagbe, where she later died.
While the community was still mourning, Sumali Blessing, from Tse Ameen in Mbapa Council Ward, also fell ill. Her husband reportedly took her to a primary healthcare centre in Abani, but she died the following day. Both women had been living in Agagbe after fleeing attacks in their home communities.
The source urged the state government, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals to provide urgent support to displaced persons, particularly in healthcare and welfare.
Benue State Emergency Management Agency clarified that the women were not residing in the official IDP camp but were living within the host community. Agagbe is one of 14 official IDP camps in the state.
The tragic deaths highlight the ongoing struggles of displaced families in Benue State, who face limited access to healthcare, food, and basic necessities due to years of conflict.
