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Residents of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, are increasingly voicing frustration over what they describe as exorbitant rental costs that have placed decent housing beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. Social media posts circulating widely in recent days highlight rents for basic accommodations reaching unprecedented levels, with a one-bedroom apartment plus parlour reportedly going for as high as ₦1 million annually, while a single self-contained room is said to command around ₦500,000.
A prominent voice in the ongoing discussion is that of D’Nnaked Elder Sughnnen Yaaya, who has taken to public platforms to decry what he calls “greedy landlords” and “overnight agents” driving the surge. In detailed posts, he questions the factors pushing rents so high and accuses certain categories of people—sidechicks to politicians, office-holding politicians allegedly embezzling public funds, and internet fraudsters (commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys”)—of being among the few groups still able to afford such prices.
The complaints extend beyond housing affordability. Yaaya has also raised serious concerns about the alleged high incidence of human trafficking in Benue State, claiming that efforts to combat the issue are hampered by inadequate resources. He specifically mentioned that the Public Safety Authority (PSA) officer responsible for human trafficking and child labour cases often fails to respond to distress calls due to the lack of an operational vehicle.
In an emotional appeal, Yaaya recounted his previous attempts to address the rent crisis. He praised the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, for responding to earlier complaints by setting up a committee under Hon. Gbenda Terver. The committee reportedly summoned representatives from building materials dealers, landlords’ associations, property owners, and rental agents, and initial meetings appeared promising. However, progress reportedly stalled after Dajoh resigned as Speaker shortly afterward, leaving follow-up efforts in limbo.
Yaaya expressed disappointment that the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Embergera, has not responded to multiple messages on both the rent issue and human trafficking concerns. He noted Embergera’s background—having reportedly struggled on the same Makurdi streets—suggesting the Speaker should empathize with the plight of ordinary residents facing housing hardship.
The public outcry has included direct calls on key figures and institutions for action. Yaaya urged the Benue State House of Assembly, particularly Speaker Embergera, to revive and continue the stalled committee work initiated under Dajoh. He also tagged the Benue State Police Command, the Makurdi Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, appealing for broader intervention to address both skyrocketing rents and related socio-economic challenges.
The situation reflects deeper pressures on urban living in Makurdi, where rapid population growth, limited new housing development, inflation in building materials, and speculative practices by some property owners and agents are frequently cited as contributors to the rental crisis. For many low- and middle-income earners, including civil servants, traders, and students, the current market has made finding affordable accommodation increasingly difficult, fueling calls for regulatory measures, increased housing supply, and enforcement against exploitative practices.
As the conversation gains traction online, residents hope it will prompt renewed attention from state authorities to tackle the twin issues of housing affordability and broader vulnerabilities such as human trafficking in Benue State.
