AfriPulse
The Benue State Government has officially flagged off the construction of resettlement housing for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yelewata Community, Guma Local Government Area, as part of sustained efforts to restore dignity, stability, and livelihoods to victims of violent attacks in the area.
The event, which held on Thursday, 22nd January, 2026, also featured the distribution of cash support to affected households and the commissioning of water facilities to improve access to safe and potable water for the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, who represented the Governor, His Excellency Hyacinth Iormem Alia, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons across the state. He noted that the resettlement housing project underscores the Governor’s resolve to move displaced persons from camps to permanent homes and to restore normalcy to affected communities. He emphasized that in due time, the IDPs will have unhindered access to their ancestral homes without any security infractions.
The Deputy Governor commended development partners and stakeholders for their support, stressing that the Alia administration remains people-focused, compassionate, and determined to rebuild communities devastated by insecurity.
Read also:Benue community helpless as herders’ attacks continue despite government promises
Earlier in her address, the Secretary to the Government of the State (SSG), Deaconess Serumun Deborah Aber, described the flag-off as a major milestone in the state’s coordinated response to the Yelewata crisis. She explained that the resettlement housing project is part of a broader intervention framework developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, including inputs from IDP camp leaders.
The SSG disclosed that, as part of the intervention, 1,000 affected households received cash support of ₦50,000 each, aimed at cushioning immediate economic hardship and supporting household recovery. She also highlighted the commissioning of water facilities in the community as a critical step toward improving public health and sanitation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government for prioritising the needs of his people. He described the intervention as timely and life-changing, assuring the state government of the continued support and cooperation of the local council.
Speaking on behalf of the elders of Guma, Cletus Upaa commended the state government for listening to the cries of the people and translating promises into concrete action. He noted that the resettlement housing initiative would go a long way in restoring hope and confidence among displaced families.
Also speaking, Aza Aondoakaa, who represented the youth, praised the inclusive approach adopted by the government and its partners, calling on young people in the area to embrace peace and support ongoing recovery efforts.
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and development partners equally spoke at the event, applauding the Benue State Government for its transparent and coordinated response to the IDP situation. They pledged continued collaboration to ensure the sustainability of ongoing interventions.
The high point of the ceremony was the foundation laying for the resettlement housing units, the distribution of cash support to beneficiaries, and the commissioning of water facilities, marking a significant step toward long-term resettlement and community recovery in Yelewata and the wider Guma axis.
The event was attended by members of the Benue State Executive Council, traditional rulers, security agencies, host community leaders, IDP representatives, and members of the press.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
