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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Amid allegations of embezzlement of N4 billion donations to victims of June 13 attacks by armed herdsmen, Yelewata Community in Benue State has called for accountability and transparent utilisation of the funds.
The demand is coming as some displaced persons at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have accused the state government of diversion of relief materials donated to them by public-spirited individuals and humanitarian organizations.
The attack on the Yelewata community had reportedly claimed over 200 lives including women and children with several houses and market stalls burnt down.
In an open letter to Governor Hyacinth Alia dated August 29, 2025, The Yelewata Professionals (TYP), called for a transparent utilisation of the donations made in the wake of the attack to rebuild the community to enable the people particularly those displaced live normal lives.
The group equally urged the state government to resuscitate the economy of the community by rebuilding the market razed by the invaders to provide a platform for the people to engage in economic activities and rebuild their lives.
The letter titled “A call for transparent reconstruction and justice for Yelewata” was jointly signed by Franc Utoo (Great son of the founder of Yelewata, Papa Nomgbera) as Chairman, Dominicd Aondoaver, Vice Chairman and Dr. Peter Ikyapa as Secretary respectively.
The letter read: “Your Excellency, in our darkest hour, Nigeria and the world responded with unprecedented generosity: His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu personally visited our state and made substantial donations, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, donated N1 billion specifically for our rehabilitation. His Excellency, the governor of Nasarawa State, extended support to our people. International humanitarian organizations, many of which we influenced and persuaded, contributed billions (in Naira) more to our cause.
“Conservative estimates place the total documented donations at over N4 billion, funds specifically earmarked for the reconstruction of Yelewata and the rehabilitation of our people. These are not statutory allocations from government coffers but extraordinary donations born from human compassion and a commitment to justice.
“Your Excellency, the over N4 billion donated for Yelewata’s reconstruction represents more than money; it embodies the compassion of millions of Nigerians and the international community who were moved by our suffering. Every naira carries the prayers, hopes, and expectations of those who believe in justice and human dignity.
“We cannot allow this unprecedented goodwill to be squandered through bureaucratic inertia or mismanagement. The world is watching, and history will judge how we stewarded this opportunity to transform tragedy into triumph.
“Your Excellency, the world witnessed the unspeakable horror that visited our peaceful community. Over 250 of our kinsmen were slaughtered in cold blood by Fulani terrorists who came with automatic guns, machetes, and fire. They burned our homes, destroyed our market and foodstuffs, and left our children orphaned and our women widowed. The images of that night of evil which displayed bodies burned in market stalls, families fleeing in terror, and the acrid smoke rising from our destroyed community remain etched in the collective memory of our nation. But from these ashes, we rise with a message of hope, accountability, and reconstruction.
“Your Excellency, with over N4 billion in donations, we envision a comprehensive reconstruction that transforms our tragedy into triumph.”
Meanwhile, some IDPs have decried worsening and deplorable living conditions at the camps as they expressed anguish about starvation and an unhygienic environment.
TYP specifically accused the state government and some officials of diversion of relief materials donated to them by public-spirited- individuals and humanitarian organizations.
Findings by Daily Sun revealed that overcrowding and inadequate shelter, insecurity, food and water, health challenges and inadequate medical services are the major issues in the camps.
Although there are humanitarian response efforts by government, NGOs, international organizations and well-meaning individuals, they are grossly inadequate.
Efforts to speak with the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BESEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, were not successful.
The Information Officer for the agency, Tema Ager, said he was appointed by the governor to head a burial committee for a member of one of his staff, and was in the village where he was going to spend some days.
“Sorry to come back to you late. The Permanent Secretary is not disposed because the Executive Governor lost a staff member and made him the Chairman of the burial Committee. As we speak (Wednesday), he is in the village and will be there till Friday,” Ager responded, through a WhatsApp message.
