Benue Govt Approves Yelewata Resettlement, Sets January 22 for Groundbreaking

Benue Govt Approves Yelewata Resettlement, Sets January 22 for Groundbreaking

The Benue State Executive Council has approved the full resettlement of the Yelewata community, with the official groundbreaking scheduled for Thursday, January 22.

The project forms part of the state government’s wider plan to restore peace and stability following the unrest that affected the area last year.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Government House in Makurdi, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, described the maiden Executive Council meeting of 2026 as “robust,” noting that discussions centered on issues affecting the socio-economic welfare and development of Benue residents.

Barr. Aber disclosed that the council approved the commencement of the Yelewata resettlement project, which will be funded through donations amounting to about ₦1.275 billion. She revealed that ₦1 billion of the sum was donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She added that an oversight committee chaired by her office has been constituted to ensure transparent and judicious use of the funds.

According to her, the first phase of the project will deliver 62 two-bedroom housing units with full sanitary facilities, allowing displaced persons to leave Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps and return to permanent homes.

Barr. Aber explained that the resettlement plan was developed using a United Nations model for rebuilding conflict-affected communities and was designed after extensive consultations with stakeholders from the area.

She further noted that the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, component of the project is already underway, with solar-powered boreholes currently supplying water to the settlement.

On security matters, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Peter Egbodo, said that while the overall security situation in the state has improved, the continuous influx of herders into Benue could pose a risk to the fragile peace.

He called on residents and traditional rulers to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.

Giving updates on the health sector, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, addressed the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors and nurses in the state. He explained that although the national strike has been suspended, the Benue chapter is still on strike due to unpaid arrears linked to the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

Dr. Ogwuche said Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed immediate action to resolve the matter, assuring residents that outstanding issues will soon be addressed.

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Also speaking, the Director-General of Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Jerome Andohol, said the Executive Council reviewed the amended 2026 budget, now standing at ₦695.1 billion following adjustments by the State assembly.

He confirmed that expenditure details have been approved and announced that quarterly accountability sessions will be held to monitor budget implementation.

Hon. Egbodo also disclosed that Governor Alia has directed regular media engagements, including quarterly press briefings, to promote transparency, strengthen open governance and keep citizens informed on policy execution and budget performance.