Benue Govt Flags Off Construction of Over 60 IDP Resettlement Houses in Yelewata

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has commenced the construction of 62 resettlement housing units for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by last year’s attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

Laying the foundation for the project, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, assured that the houses would be durable and decent, describing the initiative as part of the government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in the area.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Ode said the occasion was both solemn and hopeful, reflecting the pain the people had endured and the government’s determination to restore hope. He recalled the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelewata, which resulted in loss of lives, destruction of homes and livelihoods, and the displacement of families who were forced to flee their ancestral homes overnight.
According to him, men, women, children and the elderly were suddenly turned into internally displaced persons, adding that the memory of the tragedy remained fresh. He stressed that the exercise was not merely ceremonial but a clear demonstration of leadership through action.
“Today’s event is symbolic of healing, responsibility and the resolve of government and partners to rebuild lives shattered by violence,” Ode said, noting that the Alia administration responded promptly to the crisis with urgency, compassion and sustained commitment.
The Deputy Governor commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her N1 billion intervention, describing it as a historic and compassionate response to the plight of displaced persons in Benue State. He also appreciated the support of the United Bank for Africa and the Department of State Services, saying their interventions went beyond material assistance and helped restore hope.
Ode disclosed that consultations with IDPs and stakeholders led to the development of a comprehensive intervention framework covering food and nutrition, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, cash transfers, education, agriculture, peace and security, as well as resettlement housing.
He also laid the foundation for a clinic to be constructed by UNHCR and made a symbolic presentation of Special Protection cards for N50,000 cash transfers as livelihood support to 400 households.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Aber, described the event as a defining moment for the state, noting that the government’s response to the Yelewata attack was driven by compassion and accountability. She said the resettlement housing project marked a transition from emergency response to long-term recovery, moving people from displacement to resettlement, dependency to productivity, and despair to hope.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, called for collective action, stating that the state’s IDP policy and durable solutions plan provided a clear roadmap for voluntary return or alternative resettlement. He emphasized that the project was not just about rebuilding structures but restoring dignity and hope, stressing that everyone deserves a place to call home.
The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, commended the efforts of security agencies but urged them to intensify operations to ensure lasting peace and safety in the area.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, IOM’s Mediatrix Berengayabo disclosed that UNHCR would soon commence the construction of a health facility in the community, while IOM had already supported livelihoods, installed street lights, sunk boreholes and planned to deploy mobile clinics in Yelewata.
A civil society representative, Dr. Helen Teghtegh, praised the coordination efforts and expressed optimism that the initiative would help revive local culture threatened by years of attacks. She noted that much support was needed to help affected persons rebuild their lives.
The contractor handling the project, Engr. David Amifowose of Civic Advancement Initiative, assured of quality and durable construction, while appealing to the government for timely release of funds.
In his remarks, the Tor Lobi, HRH Moses Anagende, said the people would have preferred resettlement in their ancestral homes but encouraged IDPs to cooperate with the state government. He called for watertight security, describing the 60 housing units as just the beginning, and warned youths against colluding with armed herders and bandits, stressing that peace and security were essential for Benue State to thrive.