The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have pledged to support the Benue State Government in rehabilitating, reconstructing, and resettling over 4,000 displaced persons from the Yelwata community, who were attacked by armed herdsmen two weeks ago.
This is even as Governor Hyacinth Alia who commended the EU, UNICEF and other development partners for their longstanding presence and support praised the IDPs for their bravery and affirmed that the government was determined to facilitate their safe return.
The EU and UNICEF declared their support when they visited the Makurdi International Market, where the survivors of Yelwata attacks are taking refuge.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, who was in the company of UNICEF, expressed their support and sympathy with survivors of the attacks and their loved ones who were gruesomely murdered on Friday, 13th June 2025, in their sleep at Yelwata, Guma local government area of Benue State, by armed herdsmen.
According to him, this is a joint initiative of the EU, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and UNICEF aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection mechanisms.
The project prioritises the inclusion of vulnerable groups, expanding the National Social Register, and integrating shock-responsive financial planning into national development frameworks.
“We are here to meet with men and women who were displaced from Yelwata and other communities who suffered the attack on the 13th of June. We felt that it was necessary to come and meet them and express our support, sympathy and solidarity and listen to their testimonies.
“We will have meetings with state authorities to see how we can contribute to peace building in Benue State and development support to the state policies.
The visit, according to Mignot, was aimed at listening to the testimonies of the survivors, commiserating with them and also exploring possible areas of intervention, especially in peace building and social protection.
According to him, “We know that peace is lasting when it is built on dialogue and mutual understanding between stakeholders and communities.
“Our union was based on the ashes of two cruel world wars between our member states. And when we came together, united that’s where we could thrive and prosper, and believe in peace. So this is the future that we hope also for the population in Benue state, if we can bring our modest contribution, we will do this.”
Also speaking, the UNICEF Country Director, Cristian Munduate, assured that UNICEF, in partnership with other development partners, would assess the affected communities and deliver a comprehensive support package focused on education, health care, water access and overall community recovery.
While commending the displaced persons for their resilience despite their trauma, which shows in their desire to return to their ancestral homes and resume farming activities, Munduate said, “We will examine the state of primary health care facilities, schools, and water sources like boreholes in the affected areas to support a dignified and sustainable return.”
