The Benue State Government has unveiled a structured resettlement framework for residents displaced from Yelwata, aiming to address humanitarian challenges and support long-term recovery following last year’s attack on the community by suspected armed herdsmen.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Deaconess Deborah S. Aber, announced the initiative on Wednesday during a press briefing at Government House, Makurdi. She revealed that the program was approved by the State Executive Council (EXCO) as part of a broader strategy to restore social stability, rebuild livelihoods, and strengthen confidence among affected populations.
Aber disclosed that the physical phase of the project will be formally flagged off on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at a purpose-built site within Yelwata. The location was selected to keep displaced residents close to their original settlements, allowing continued access to farmlands, family networks, and local markets.
“The initiative adopts an internationally recognised United Nations post-conflict resettlement model, which emphasizes community proximity, phased reintegration, and the provision of essential services as a foundation for sustainable recovery,” she said. The land for the project was provided by the local government to accelerate deployment and reduce displacement fatigue among residents.
The first phase will deliver 62 two-bedroom housing units, each equipped with sanitary facilities, designed to accommodate families currently residing in temporary camps. Aber explained that the housing layout prioritizes safety, privacy, and functionality, reflecting the government’s commitment to creating a livable and dignified environment for recovery.
Funding for the program totals about N1.275 billion, sourced from donations mobilized after the Yelwata incident. This includes a N1 billion contribution from the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, alongside support from other public-spirited individuals and organizations.
To ensure accountability, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia constituted a dedicated oversight committee, chaired by the SSG, to manage and track the utilization of funds. Aber said the committee’s mandate extends beyond financial supervision to include continuous engagement with affected communities.
Consultations with displaced residents and host communities informed the classification of needs into immediate, medium-term, and long-term priorities. Emergency interventions have included enrolling displaced children into nearby schools, providing basic relief materials, and restoring access to healthcare and sanitation services.
On infrastructure readiness, Aber revealed that the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) component of the resettlement site has been completed, with solar-powered boreholes installed to ensure reliable access to clean water—a development she described as central to disease prevention, personal dignity, and overall community wellbeing.
Aber emphasized that the resettlement program is a transitional solution rather than a permanent relocation. She said the government remains committed to working with security agencies and community leaders to address the root causes of displacement and create conditions for residents’ eventual return to their ancestral homes.
“The objective is not just to rebuild structures, but to rebuild trust, livelihoods, and social cohesion. Sustainable peace remains the cornerstone of any long-term development effort in conflict-affected areas,” she said.
The SSG described the Yelwata project as a potential template for future humanitarian and recovery interventions across the state, combining transparent fund management, community participation, and infrastructure development. She also called on development partners, civil society groups, and the private sector to complement government efforts, stressing that post-crisis reconstruction requires shared responsibility and sustained investment.
Aber assured the public that progress reports on the Yelwata resettlement project will be released regularly, emphasizing that transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement will continue to guide the administration’s approach to recovery and development.
