Benue: we have achieved 85 per centimplementation of relief package, settlement
Benue State Government says it has achieved 85 per cent implementation of relief and resettlement projects for internally displaced persons (IDPs) following donations totalling N1.275 billion, which were made in
Benue State Government says it has achieved 85 per cent implementation of relief and resettlement projects for internally displaced persons (IDPs) following donations totalling N1.275 billion, which were made in response to the June, last year’s Yelewata attack.
Speaking at the press conference in Makurdi at the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Deborah Serumun Aber, who chairs the technical committee overseeing the fund, the donations were spearheaded by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with a contribution of N1 billion.
Additional support came from the Nasarawa State Government, which contributed N150 million, United Bank for Africa with N100 million, and Department of State Services (DSS) with N25 million.
The committee, comprising representatives from government agencies, international organisations, and humanitarian partners, developed a work plan across multiple thematic areas.
The approved allocations include N56,325,000 for Cash Transfers, N224,500,000 for Food & Nutrition, N28,900,000 for Shelter, N125,325,000 for WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene), N56,125,000 for Security, N56,125,000 for Agriculture, and N277,350,000 for Resettlement.
Other allocations include N112,250,000 for Health, N16,000,000 for Peace & Reconciliation, N24,800,000 for the Sustainability Fund, N21,625,000 for Livelihoods, N127,500,000 for Host Communities, and N148,175,000 for Education.
Aber explained that 1,000 beneficiaries received N50,000 each through cash transfers, although some payments are pending due to issues with National Identification Numbers.
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She added that 5,833 IDPs have been enrolled in the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme, while three boreholes have been drilled in Yelewata and a water treatment plant in Naka now supplies the local IDP camp.
The SSG noted that classrooms and makeshift shelters have been built to ensure displaced children continue schooling, and seedlings and pesticides have been distributed to support livelihoods.
Furthermore, 60 homes are under construction in Yelewata, with 38 already at the roofing stage.
The Benue Peace Commission has introduced psychological support programs, and UNHCR is developing a world-class facility in Yelewata.
Emphasising that Yelewata was prioritized as the catalyst for the donations, Aber stated that host communities were also included in the relief efforts.
The governor’s model of resettlement aims to provide decent housing and restore dignity.
With most interventions nearing completion, the Alia administration has pledged to sustain efforts in health and peacebuilding, ensuring long-term stability for affected communities.
