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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State government has flagged off the construction of 62 units of resettlement houses for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yelwata community of Guma Local Government Area of the state.
Residents of the community were attacked and sacked by suspected ethnic militia last year.
The state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, said the durable and decent houses are part of the response to the humanitarian crisis in the area and represents both remembrance and renewal for a community deeply scarred by violence.
He stated that: “We are gathered here today at a very significant moment in the life of our state, one that reflects both sorrow that we have endured as a people and a hope we are determined to restore. It is both an event of hope and a solemn event of the sad occurrences that have taken place in this community.”
He recalled that the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelwata, led to the loss of lives, displacement of families and destruction of homes and livelihoods, forcing residents to flee their ancestral homes overnight.
“Men, women and children and the elderly were forced to flee from the ancestral homes in fear, becoming, unfortunately, internally displaced persons overnight,” Ode said, adding that the memory of the tragedy remained fresh”.
The deputy governor, who said the flag-off was more than a formality, described it as a demonstration of leadership through action saying: “Today’s event is not merely ceremonial. It is symbolic of healing, responsibility and the resolve of government and partners to rebuild lives that are broken by violence,” he said.
He said the Alia administration responded promptly to the crisis, making it clear that the plight of displaced persons would be addressed with “urgency, compassion and sustained commitment.”
