Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Goshwe Yilwatda, has said that at least 3,106 people were displaced and 48 homes destroyed following recent violence in Benue State, with the Federal Government putting together a recovery plan estimated at N6.7 billion.
Speaking on Arise Television, Yilwatda noted that the crisis in Benue was part of a broader humanitarian challenge across the country, which includes floods in Bauchi, insurgency in Borno, and ongoing violence in Plateau and other states.
“These are some of the key issues we are trying to address recently,” he said, adding that a coordinated, multi-agency approach was being adopted to find sustainable solutions. “Some of these problems are not issues the Federal Government alone can solve. We need comprehensive action by all relevant partners.”
He stated that following a directive from the Presidency, his ministry conducted a field assessment in the affected communities in Benue. The findings revealed that in addition to the 3,106 displaced persons, there were 810 school-age children among them, and the violence had led to the destruction of 48 homes, shops, and several local businesses.
The Ministry carried out what the minister described as a “comprehensive assessment” covering humanitarian needs, peacebuilding, and long-term recovery. The process included on-site visits, community meetings, coordination with state governments, and collaboration with international NGOs and UN agencies.
Following the assessment, a validation meeting was held where all the data and proposed interventions were jointly reviewed with stakeholders. A final response plan was agreed upon, with a total budget of N6.7 billion.
“Out of this budget, the European Union has committed to contribute €1.5 million, which is roughly N2.7 billion,” the minister said. “Other contributions are expected from the international community, non-governmental organisations, and the Benue State Government.”
Yilwatda explained that the intervention plan includes immediate relief supplies, education support for displaced children, housing and reconstruction, and peacebuilding initiatives to restore stability to the community.
He added that many of the issues faced by internally displaced persons in northern Nigeria stem from a combination of insurgency, natural disasters, and climate-related displacements. He cited the example of Borno, where ongoing insecurity has left thousands needing assistance, and Bauchi, where recent flooding has worsened the humanitarian situation.
He also mentioned the disruption to child welfare systems, particularly in northern states, noting that the situation had previously received support from the US government but required renewed and expanded efforts.
According to the minister, “We are trying to form a formidable team that can work together as a group to resolve some of these problems.”
The Ministry said it would continue to push for increased coordination among all stakeholders—including international donors, development agencies, and local authorities—to ensure that the humanitarian response is timely, data-driven, and capable of delivering long-term impact.
The N6.7 billion plan for Benue includes short-term emergency assistance and longer-term reconstruction and recovery strategies, a model Yilwatda said could be replicated in other parts of the country experiencing similar crises.
“We have shops that were attacked and destroyed, and other businesses. Our plan is not just about emergency response it includes peacebuilding and a durable solution for the affected communities,” he said.
Yilwatda assured that the Ministry would remain actively engaged in humanitarian response and recovery efforts across Nigeria and that it would maintain close collaboration with all relevant partners to reduce the impact of displacement on vulnerable populations.
