One thousand families affected by the June 2025 attack on Yelewata community have each received N50,000 in financial support, as calls intensify for transparency regarding over N1.275 billion in donations meant for victims.
The Benue State Government confirmed that a total of N56 million was distributed to 1,000 households impacted by the deadly assault on Yelewata by armed bandits last year. Each beneficiary household received N50,000 through direct cash transfers.
Yelewata, a border community in Guma Local Government Area between Benue and Nasarawa states, was violently attacked in June 2025 by suspected armed herdsmen.
The incident reportedly claimed more than 200 lives and left thousands displaced.
Many of the displaced residents were temporarily sheltered at the International Market in Makurdi.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Makurdi, Chairperson of the Technical Committee on the Implementation of Donations to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Deborah Aber, disclosed that the tragic attack drew national attention, prompting a visit by President Bola Tinubu to the state.
Aber, who also serves as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), explained that following the president’s visit, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, donated N1 billion to help address the humanitarian crisis affecting displaced persons.
She further stated that additional contributions were received from the Nasarawa State Government, which donated N150 million; United Bank for Africa, which contributed N100 million; and the Department of State Services, whose Director-General donated N25 million — bringing the total donations to N1.275 billion.
According to Aber, the state governor constituted a committee to ensure proper and transparent management of the funds and appointed her to head the body overseeing the disbursement process.
Yelewata attack: Benue Govt disburses N50,000 to 1,000 families
