Hospitalised and Forgotten: Survivors of Benue Herdsmen Attack Cry for Help Over Unpaid Bills

Survivors of the deadly herdsmen attack on Logo Local Government Area of Benue State are being detained in hospitals due to unpaid medical bills, raising growing concern over their welfare and the government’s delayed intervention. More than a week after the attack that left dozens dead and several others seriously injured, patients in hospitals across the area are being threatened with the discontinuation of treatment unless their bills are settled.

Among the survivors is Yershima Tyokombo, a resident of Mbater Council Ward, who suffered gunshot and machete wounds, including the loss of two fingers. He is currently admitted at Live Clinic Ugba, where his wife says they have not been able to pay a kobo since his admission. Clinic staff confirmed that both Yershima and another survivor, Terver, who also sustained deep cuts, have accrued bills of N260,000 and N150,000 respectively. Without payment, the clinic insists, treatment will stop, and discharge will not be granted.

Similar situations have been reported at Kusugh Clinic, where three other survivors are being treated. The clinic’s director, Kusugh Victor, said none of the victims has received any form of support or visits from officials. One of the patients, Apake Joseph, needs urgent referral for a compound fracture, but his N667,000 bill remains unpaid. The two other patients at the facility owe N287,000 and N220,000, respectively.

At Maranatha Poly Clinic in Ugba, staff confirmed that all treatments have so far been covered by the clinic’s own resources. One survivor, Orbeega Mbaliga, owes N75,000 for gunshot wound treatment, while Sooter Ubaver, who suffered machete injuries, needs to pay N90,000. The clinic is clear that without payment, patients will not be released.

This distressing situation persists despite a public pledge by Governor Hyacinth Alia to cover medical and burial costs for all victims. According to the National President of the Ugondo Youths Association, Shim Gabriel Msuega, many survivors in these hospitals were not included in the list submitted to the governor. He attributed this oversight to a lack of comprehensive verification, noting that officials failed to visit several clinics where victims were admitted.

Beyond the mounting hospital bills, the emotional toll remains heavy. Some residents recounted how they lost family members in the attack, with survivors now scattered across internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. A man identified as Henry said four of his relatives were killed, and the N300,000 given per deceased was barely enough to cover burial costs. Others, like Jacobs, described the chaos of the attack and the failure of local security to prevent it.

Residents of Ukum Local Government Area, which was attacked prior to the Logo incident, shared equally harrowing stories. Zungwenen Nenshi, now displaced in Zaki Biam, revealed that his elderly father was shot and killed during the attack. He described the suffering they’ve endured since fleeing their homes, including lack of water and food. Another local, Hange David, who lost two brothers, said he has no plans to return due to continued threats of violence.

Despite repeated efforts, the Benue State government and Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, who represents the area, have yet to respond to inquiries about support for the survivors. As victims lie in hospital beds with unpaid bills and little hope of discharge, residents continue to call on the government and well-meaning individuals to urgently intervene and save lives.