Alia-UN Collaboration: A Fresh Breeze For IDPs In Benue

The visit a week ago to areas impacted by recent violence in Benue State by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has once more energised discussions on the unique efforts being made by the state government, led by Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and development partners to provide a new breeze to the life of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General specifically visited Yelewata, the community which in June 2025, lost over 200 people to murderous violence that left people homeless and without means of livelihood. She was also at the mega IDP camp in Mbayongo, Guma Local Government Area, which as at March 2026, serves as a major relocation hub, with reports indicating over 13,605 IDPs there.

During the assessment visit, the UN announced plans to support the construction of additional housing units for displaced persons in Yelewata to address the housing deficit in the community that is still reeling from the impact, ten months after.

For Dr Amina Mohammed, the most important antidote to the recurring violence is mutual coexistence. Learning to settle differences amicably and through legally allowed channels. Indeed, for any meaningful and impactful development to occur anywhere, there must be peace.

Be that as it may, the UN is collaborating with federal and state authorities, as well as other international partners, to restore stability and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

This has been a clear policy of the administration of Governor Alia. Since inception in 2023, the Benue state government has adopted a major policy shift from providing temporary relief to long-term resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs in the state, estimated to be over 1.5 million.

The key focus is on building permanent housing in Yelwata, introducing a comprehensive IDP policy for security and livelihood, and conducting biometric reviews.

Under its resettlement plans, work has began on the multi-billion naira resettlement projects in Yelwata, focusing on building permanent homes, roads, market and a clinic to restore dignity and stability.

The state has also adopted a tailored policy for IDPs to address their security, education, and livelihood needs, which is a major policy shift from just providing emergency aid to long-term stability.

Under the livelihood support initiative, focus has been on distributing income generating items such as motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, and grinding machines to help displaced individuals build new livelihoods.

As these are going on, the government has launched a biometric exercise to properly document all IDPs in Benue State. The target is to secure them and provide better aid.

The state is also into very strong collaboration with partners, including UNICEF which is involved in ensuring normalcy in the Mega Camp located in Mbayongu, providing sanitation, education and psychosocial support.

These initiatives, heavily supported by state authorities and partners, are crucial, long-term approach to tackling the humanitarian crisis caused by persistent insecurity in Benue State.

– Bridget Tikyaa Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy

The visit of the UN team is therefore a welcome development and align with the policy direction of the Alia administration.

It is therefore not surprising when Governor Alia appreciated the UN and other partners for their continued support and calling for increased assistance to accelerate resettlement efforts.

Typical to type, the people’s Governor announced immediate interventions during the visit, which include the provision of potable water and expansion of facilities at IDP camps, alongside ongoing construction of dignified shelters.

He said as part of broader recovery efforts, the state government is prioritizing the rebuilding of Yelwata market to revive economic activities and improve livelihoods, especially for farming communities affected by prolonged insecurity.

There was chorus of appreciation from the community members, particularly women, who expressed gratitude for the interventions but highlighted urgent needs such as the provision of clean water, farming inputs, and support for small businesses. They noted the worsening conditions in the camps, especially during the rainy season, and called for intervention.

Their pleas were heard, solutions announced, and directives issued to tackle the challenges within a set timeline.