FG Confirms Benue Killings Displaced 3,160, Destroyed 48 Homes

Over 3,160 people have been displaced following a violent attack on the Yelwa community in Benue State, according to Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News’ Morning Show, the minister disclosed that 810 of the displaced are school-age children, while 48 homes, shops, and business centres were destroyed in the deadly assault.

“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 said.

The ministry, in collaboration with state authorities, NGOs, and international agencies, has completed a comprehensive needs assessment and is launching a long-term response plan with an estimated budget of ₦6.7 billion.

According to Yilwatda, the intervention includes: Emergency relief, Peacebuilding initiatives, Reconstruction of destroyed homes, Education reintegration for displaced children, Restoration of livelihoods

The European Union has already committed €1.5 million (₦2.7 billion) towards the response, while other stakeholders including the federal and state governments and development partners will cover the remainder.

Yilwatda emphasized that similar interventions are ongoing in Benue, Borno, and Niger States, where communities continue to suffer the effects of insurgency, flooding, and malnutrition, often worsened by climate change and natural disasters.

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