3,160 Displaced, 810 Children Affected, N6.7bn Intervention Budget for Yelewata Attack — Minister

3,160 Displaced, 810 Children Affected, N6.7bn Intervention Budget for Yelewata Attack — Minister

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has disclosed that at least 3,160 persons were displaced following the recent deadly attack on Yelwa community in Benue State.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News’ Morning Show, the minister revealed that among the displaced were 810 school-age children, and about 48 homes, along with numerous shops and business centres, were completely destroyed during the violence.

Yilwatda said the Ministry, in partnership with the Benue State Government and international organisations, conducted a comprehensive needs assessment in the affected community.

“We discovered that 3,160 people were displaced, including about 810 school-age children.

We also recorded the loss of about 48 homes, excluding shops and business centres that were destroyed,” he stated.

The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Government has developed a N6.7 billion intervention plan aimed at emergency relief, peacebuilding, and long-term solutions for the victims.

He noted that the European Union has already committed €1.5 million (about N2.7 billion) towards the plan, while the remaining amount will be pooled from the federal and state governments, as well as non-governmental organisations.

Yilwatda said the intervention goes beyond relief distribution, with a focus on rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and ensuring children return to school.

The Minister also highlighted that similar humanitarian initiatives are underway in Benue, Borno, and Niger States, where communities face challenges ranging from insurgency and flooding to severe malnutrition.

“Some of these challenges are due to climate change, natural disasters, and insurgency.

We are working with all stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable response,” he added.

The Yelewata attack is one of the latest in a series of violent incidents affecting rural communities in Benue State, often leaving behind trails of displacement and destruction..