The government of Benue State has started the resettlement of victims displaced by the 2025 Yelewata attacks, marking a significant step toward rebuilding affected communities and restoring livelihoods.
At a press briefing in Makurdi, the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, confirmed that internally displaced persons (IDPs) are gradually returning to their communities under a structured resettlement plan.
According to Aber, the state received about ₦1.27 billion in donations to support victims of attacks across the state.
Major contributors include Oluremi Tinubu who donated ₦1 billion, the Nasarawa State Government with ₦150 million, United Bank for Africa with ₦100 million, and the Department of State Services Director-General who contributed ₦25 million.
The funds are being distributed across key humanitarian sectors to support displaced residents.
Allocations include ₦224 million for food and nutrition, ₦277 million for resettlement projects, ₦112 million for healthcare, and ₦125 million for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Additional funding has been set aside for agriculture, education, peacebuilding, and support for host communities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia established the technical committee overseeing the project to ensure transparent and effective use of the donations.
As part of the resettlement strategy, the government is constructing 60 two-bedroom homes in Yelewata to accommodate displaced families.
Officials said 38 of the houses have already reached the roofing stage, while three have been fully roofed.
The initiative aims to relocate affected residents closer to their ancestral lands and farming areas so they can resume their livelihoods and regain stability.
Health support is also part of the programme. About 5,883 displaced persons have been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, with a premium of ₦10,000 paid for each beneficiary to guarantee access to medical care.
Education support has also been introduced, including the construction of four new classrooms, as well as the distribution of textbooks and school bags to students affected by the crisis.
Aber added that humanitarian partners are supporting the effort, noting that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is currently constructing a modern clinic in Yelewata to strengthen healthcare services in the recovering community.
The resettlement programme is expected to help displaced families rebuild their lives while promoting long-term peace and stability in affected parts of Benue State.
