Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
The Benue State Government has officially begun the rebuilding of Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, a significant step toward restoring normalcy and hope for residents devastated by a deadly attack that claimed over 200 lives.
The reconstruction initiative, launched under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is part of a broader commitment to rehabilitate communities ravaged by violence, resettle displaced families, and create safer, more structured living environments.
Yelewata suffered widespread destruction following an attack reportedly carried out by armed Fulani marauders. The assault resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, the burning of homes and property, and the displacement of numerous families, drawing national attention and calls for urgent intervention.
In response to the tragedy, the Federal Government demonstrated solidarity, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paying a condolence visit to the state and assuring continued support for peace restoration and community recovery. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also visited Benue, announcing a ₦1 billion donation to aid relief and rehabilitation efforts, complemented by support from other institutions and humanitarian organizations.
The state-led rebuilding project includes a comprehensive plan to transform Yelewata into a well-planned and secure settlement. A recent inspection tour by Ohitty TV and Radio on Friday, March 6, 2026, confirmed that construction is already underway. The pilot phase involves the development of 62 housing units, expected to be completed before the end of March 2026.
Beyond residential housing, the full reconstruction encompasses over 360 residential apartments to accommodate displaced families, alongside critical social infrastructure: a primary school, an ultra-modern health centre, a warehouse, and a town hall. These facilities are designed to support education, healthcare delivery, economic activity, and community governance.
Recognizing security as central to successful resettlement, the plan includes the establishment of two major security outposts within the community to enhance surveillance, deter future attacks, and ensure the safety of returning residents.
The rebuilding effort reflects Governor Alia’s determination not only to reconstruct homes destroyed by violence but also to rebuild the social and economic foundations of affected communities. The emerging structures stand as visible symbols of recovery, resilience, and the collective resolve to rebuild lives after tragedy.
The initiative represents a turning point for displaced residents who have endured months of grief and uncertainty, offering a pathway back to dignity, stability, and hope in their ancestral homeland.
