..funds will be transparently used – govt

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Government says it has received a total of N1.275 billion as donations to support victims of the June 13, 2025 armed herdsmen attack on Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, with N1 billion contributed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Deborah Aber, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the first State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of the year held in Makurdi.

She said “following the Yelewata incident, the state received donations amounting to about N1.275 billion, including N1 billion from the First Lady of Nigeria,” Aber said, describing the EXCO meeting as “robust and focused on the well-being of Benue people.”

She announced that the Council approved the flag-off of resettlement construction in Yelewata, noting that Governor Hyacinth Alia had constituted a committee, chaired by her, to ensure transparent and effective utilization of the funds.

According to the SSG, consultations with displaced persons led to interventions grouped into immediate, mid-term and long-term needs, many of which have been addressed, including schooling for children in IDP camps.

On resettlement, Aber said the state adopted a United Nations model, adding that 62 two-bedroom housing units with sanitary facilities would be built in the first phase at a site within Yelewata.

“The long-term goal remains the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes once security improves,” she said, adding that solar-powered boreholes have already been completed at the site.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Peter Egbodo disclosed that the Council also reviewed the state’s security situation and acknowledged improvements, while warning that the influx of herders posed new concerns.

“Security is a collective responsibility. Citizens must share timely and credible information with security agencies,” Egbodo said.

On health, the Commissioner Dr. Paul Ogwuche said Governor Alia had directed an urgent resolution of the ongoing strike by resident doctors and nurses at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital to ease patients’ suffering.

Meanwhile, Director-General of Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Jerome Andohol, said the Council approved the reviewed N695.1 billion 2026 budget and introduced quarterly accountability briefings by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to enhance transparency.