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By Tracy Moses
The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive needs assessment exercise for victims of the recent armed herdsmen attack in Yelwata, located in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The initiative began following the arrival of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who led a federal delegation to the affected communities and visited displaced persons currently sheltered at the International Market IDP camp along George Akume Way in Makurdi.
Recall that killers suspected to the herdsmen recently invaded the Benue community, killing approximately 200 persons.
Addressing journalists after inspecting the camp and meeting with relevant stakeholders in the state capital on Friday, the Minister explained that the federal government was gathering detailed data on the affected individuals and their communities. This, he said, includes both humanitarian and developmental information essential for effective coordination of interventions.
Yilwatda noted that his visit was a direct mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at ensuring that federal response is data-driven and aligned with the actual needs on ground. He revealed that a blueprint comprising both immediate relief and long-term support plans would be developed after the assessment.
“The President asked us to come and conduct an on-the-ground impact assessment in Yelwata,” Yilwatda stated. “We are focusing on both humanitarian and development responses. Our team will remain here, move through the IDP camps and the affected areas, to collect accurate data.”
He added, “The President was here a week ago and made several commitments. The information we gather now will guide the fulfilment of those promises. Intervention is a multi-sector responsibility — it includes the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, and development partners. Reliable data is essential to ensure everyone knows their role.”
The Minister also emphasized the need for adequate security to support the data collection process. “We will work closely with security agencies to safeguard our personnel on the ground, so that the assessment can be conducted without threats, ensuring accuracy and reliability of the findings,” he said.
He stressed that the evaluation will not only focus on emergency relief but also on developmental needs such as rebuilding educational and health facilities destroyed during the attack.
“Our objective is to deliver social protection and enhance the quality of life for the affected population. We are determined to make life more meaningful for the victims, especially those in Yelwata,” Yilwatda assured.