High House Rents Emerge as Another Dimension of Insecurity in Benue State

Social media users in Benue State are drawing attention to skyrocketing house rents, describing them as yet another form of insecurity plaguing residents of the state.

In a widely circulated Facebook post, Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya highlighted the harsh economic reality confronting many in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. According to the post, a two-bedroom apartment with parlour rents for ₦1.8 million per annum in Makurdi, compared to just ₦700,000 for a similar property in Kaduna. A one-bedroom apartment with parlour in Makurdi is listed at ₦1.2 million, while self-contained apartments go for ₦850,000 annually.

The author questioned the disparity, asking, “How is Benue richer than Kaduna?” while noting that the high cost of housing is slowly killing people amid the broader insecurity challenges in the state. The post further alleged that many politicians show little concern because a significant number are heavily invested in the rental apartment and hotel businesses.

The concerns were accompanied by screenshots of rental advertisements, including one from Kaduna showing a newly built two-bedroom flat available for ₦700,000 per year, complete with modern amenities such as POP ceilings, dining space, water heater, kitchen cabinets, and borehole security features.

As housing affordability becomes a growing talking point, residents continue to call for measures to address the escalating cost of living, which many believe compounds the existing security and economic pressures in Benue State.