Benue: we have achieved 85 per centimplementation of relief package, settlement

The Benue State Government has reported achieving 85% implementation of relief and resettlement projects for internally displaced persons (IDPs) following donations totaling N1.275 billion received after the Yelewata attack in June of the previous year. The donations were largely spearheaded by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu with N1 billion, alongside contributions from the Nasarawa State Government (N150 million), United Bank for Africa (N100 million), and the Department of State Services (N25 million).

A technical committee, chaired by Deborah Serumun Aber, allocated funds across various sectors including cash transfers (N56,325,000), food & nutrition (N224,500,000), shelter (N28,900,000), WASH (N125,325,000), security (N56,125,000), agriculture (N56,125,000), resettlement (N277,350,000), health (N112,250,000), peace & reconciliation (N16,000,000), sustainability (N24,800,000), livelihoods (N21,625,000), host communities (N127,500,000), and education (N148,175,000). 1,000 beneficiaries have received N50,000 each in cash transfers, with some payments pending due to NIN issues.

Progress includes enrolling 5,833 IDPs in the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme, drilling boreholes, establishing a water treatment plant, constructing classrooms and shelters, distributing agricultural inputs, and building 60 new homes in Yelewata, 38 of which are nearing completion. The government, with support from organizations like UNHCR and the Benue Peace Commission, is also focusing on psychological support and long-term stability for affected communities, prioritizing both resettlement and the needs of host communities.

(Source：The Nation Newspaper)