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The Benue State Government has officially launched the construction of permanent resettlement housing for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, marking a significant step toward restoring dignity, safety, and stability for families displaced by the devastating attack of June 13, 2025.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Thursday, January 23, 2026, was performed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, who represented Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The initial phase targets over 62 two-bedroom housing units built to international resettlement standards, designed to provide durable, safe homes that enable displaced families to transition from temporary camps to permanent communities.
The project has received substantial support from the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her ₦1 billion intervention via the Renewed Hope Initiative, alongside contributions from Nasarawa State, United Bank for Africa, the Department of State Services, and other partners. A dedicated Technical Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Deborah S. Aber, Esq., has overseen the transparent management of donated funds since its inauguration on August 19, 2025. The committee engaged extensively with IDP leaders across the state to prioritise needs, with Yelewata given immediate attention due to the scale of the recent attack.
Deputy Governor Sam Ode described the initiative as a concrete demonstration of resolve to heal, rebuild, and resettle affected communities with safety and dignity. He expressed optimism that sustained funding and collaboration would accelerate completion within record time.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aonowase Kunde, called the flag-off a milestone in Benue’s drive to rebuild lives and foster resilience. He stressed that the project goes beyond constructing buildings — it embodies collective commitment to ensure no displaced person is left behind, offering safe pathways whether through return to ancestral homes or alternative resettlement.
Deaconess Deborah Aber highlighted the committee’s comprehensive blueprint covering food, shelter, water, sanitation, cash transfers, education, agriculture, peace, security, and housing. She noted that several interventions are already underway and expressed hope that more support would reach communities with large displaced populations.
The contractor, Engr. David Anifowose of Civil Advancement and Rural Initiatives, described the scheme as a top-level intervention providing permanent housing solutions. He pledged value for money, strict timelines, transparent resource management, and full beneficiary involvement throughout construction, while calling for sustained funding.
Dr. Helen Tete, speaking for Civil Society Organisations and international partners, expressed optimism that interventions would continue. Mediartrix Berangayab of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed they are on track to collaborate with authorities on constructing a healthcare facility near the existing clinic to complement existing efforts by the EU and other partners.
Traditional ruler Tor Lobi, His Royal Highness Chief Moses Anagende, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Alia, and the Minister of Defence for security support, while appealing for more housing units and employment opportunities. He urged his subjects to shun criminal acts and support ongoing efforts.
The Chairman of Guma LGA, Hon. Maurice Orwough, praised federal and state support but raised concern over persistent insecurity, calling for intensified security measures. Former House of Representatives member Hon. Cletus Upaa thanked partners and assured strict oversight through the dedicated committee.
Governor Alia, in a message read by the Deputy Governor, reiterated gratitude to all partners, security agencies, host communities, and individuals whose goodwill has sustained the response. He described the ground-breaking as a reminder that peace is possible, recovery achievable, and a brighter future awaits Yelewata, Guma, and Benue State.
The resettlement housing project is widely regarded as a beacon of hope, embodying compassion-driven leadership and global best practices in post-crisis recovery and inclusive development.
