Benue Accounts for N1.275bn Donations After Yelewata Attack

The Benue State Government has broken down how it spent the N1.275 billion donated to support victims of the June 13, 2025 Yelewata attack, detailing interventions across relief, healthcare, education and resettlement.

Addressing reporters in Makurdi, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Iber, said the funding followed President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the affected community, where he assessed the damage and assured residents of improved security.

She listed the contributions: N1 billion from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu; N150 million from Nasarawa State Government; N100 million from United Bank for Africa; and N25 million from the DSS Director-General.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, she said, inaugurated a technical committee to supervise transparent implementation. “Our assignment was to identify the real needs of the displaced persons and their host communities and respond accordingly,” she explained.

She emphasised that IDPs were consulted directly. “We wanted the people to tell us what they needed, not for government to assume,” she said.

The support covered food distribution, cash transfers, healthcare access, water supply, education infrastructure and livelihood restoration. While the Yelewata victims were prioritised, other displaced communities also benefited.

Under the cash transfer scheme, N56.325 million was disbursed at N50,000 per household through Novus Bank, achieving “about 90 percent success,” with outstanding cases due to incomplete documentation such as NIN registration.

Healthcare received N112.25 million, enabling the construction of a clinic at the International Market camp and the enrollment of 5,883 IDPs into the state health insurance scheme at N10,000 per person. “This guarantees them access to medical care,” Mrs. Iber noted.

WASH projects received N125.325 million for boreholes and water reticulation, while an EU-supported water treatment plant in Naka implemented by IOM was recently commissioned.

Education projects worth N148.175 million delivered new classrooms, learning materials and a temporary camp school. Agricultural inputs and training were also provided to help families rebuild.

For resettlement, N277.35 million is funding the construction of 60 housing units in Yelewata, many of which have reached roofing stage.

“Our objective is to restore dignity and help our people return to normal life,” she said.

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