Two pregnant IDP women die within five days in Benue community

 

At least two pregnant internally displaced women have died within a span of five days in Agagbe, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Local sources confirmed on Monday that the women — Aondona Dooshima, 30, and Sumali Blessing, 28 — passed away on February 26 and March 1, 2026, respectively.

A resident of the community, Terna, who spoke anonymously, attributed the deaths to poverty and poor access to healthcare services. He explained that Dooshima, who was displaced from Tse Nongu Tswarev in Gaambe Ushin Council Ward, developed severe abdominal pain on February 26.

According to him, the family could not afford adequate medical care. She was eventually taken to a clinic in Agagbe when her condition worsened, but she later died.

Terna added that while the community was still mourning her death, another expectant mother, Sumali Blessing, also lost her life. Blessing, said to be from Tse Ameen in Mbapa Council Ward, reportedly fell ill but was unable to access proper treatment due to financial constraints.

Her husband later took her to a primary healthcare centre in Abani on Sunday, but it was too late. She died the following day, and her body was deposited at the Agagbe morgue.

The source noted that both women and their families had sought refuge in Agagbe after fleeing attacks in their ancestral communities. He called on the state government, humanitarian organisations, and concerned individuals to urgently assist displaced families in the area, particularly with healthcare and welfare support.

When contacted, the Information Officer of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager, clarified that although the women were internally displaced persons, they were not living inside the official camp.

“The two women were not staying in the camp but within the host community,” Ager said.

The deaths highlight the continuing challenges faced by displaced families in Benue State, many of whom struggle with limited access to healthcare, food, and other essential services after years of violence that forced them from their homes.

Agagbe is one of the 14 officially recognized Internally Displaced Persons camps in the state.