Forced to move: Communities stand together across Benin | IFRC

Country: Benin Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies On 14 February 2026, Valentine’s Day, a day when much of the world paused to celebrate love, families in Konkoso community in Niger State, northcentral Nigeria, expressed it in a different way. As violence engulfed their homes, hundreds of residents gathered what little they could carry and began a long journey by foot toward safety. Their destination was Segbana, a border community in Benin Republic, about 187 kilometres away. The residents who escaped death or abduction had no other choice than to seek refuge far away from the comfort of their homes. The people of Segbana, supported by the local chapter of the Benin Red Cross, opened both their homes and their hearts. For many families arriving exhausted and uncertain, this welcome marked the beginning of a new chapter, one shaped not only by loss, but by solidarity and shared humanity. Aliou Guene Koussi, President of the Benin Red Cross in Segbana, captures this spirit warmly: “Yes, the community welcomes them. The parents from Nigeria are all lovely people who bring a breath of fresh air to households and community life.” Even as resources are stretched, generosity continues to define the response. Koussi notes that spaces have been transformed to accommodate as many people as possible: rooms built for two now “house 15, 20 people in some cases. ” It is a powerful reflection of a community choosing togetherness over comfort, and kindness over convenience.

Read full story on Reliefweb