Benue State Executive Council has given the green light for the full resettlement of the Yelewata community, with the official groundbreaking slated for Thursday, January 22.
The initiative is part of the state government’s broader efforts to restore peace and stability after the unrest that hit the area last year.
During a media briefing held at Government House, Makurdi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, described the maiden EXCO meeting of 2026 as “robust,” stressing that it focused on key matters tied to the socio-economic well-being and development of Benue residents.
Barr. Aber revealed that the council approved the start of the Yelewata resettlement scheme, financed by donations totaling approximately N1.275 billion.
This includes N1 billion contributed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She noted that an oversight committee, led by her office, has been set up to guarantee prudent management of the funds.
She explained that the first stage of the project involves 62 newly built two-bedroom homes, complete with sanitary installations, which will enable displaced individuals to leave IDP camps and return to stable housing.
According to her, the resettlement design draws from a United Nations template for rebuilding communities affected by conflict, and was drafted after extensive engagement with stakeholders from the area.
The SSG also mentioned that the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) component has already taken off, with solar-powered boreholes currently supplying water within the settlement.
On security, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Peter Egbodo, stated that although the general security atmosphere in the state has improved, the continued movement of herders into Benue could threaten the fragile peace.
He appealed to residents and traditional leaders to assist security outfits with timely and reliable intelligence.
Providing updates on the health sector, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, addressed the lingering industrial action by resident doctors and nurses.
He noted that even though the nationwide strike has ended, the Benue chapter remains on strike due to unpaid arrears linked to the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. Dr. Ogwuche said Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered a swift intervention, assuring the public that the unresolved issues will be ironed out.
In another briefing, the Director-General of Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Jerome Andohol, disclosed that the EXCO reviewed the revised 2026 budget, now pegged at N695.1 billion after amendments by the State Assembly.
He confirmed that spending breakdowns have been approved and that the government will hold quarterly accountability sessions to track implementation.
Hon. Egbodo further announced that Governor Alia has mandated frequent media interactions including quarterly press briefings to enhance transparency, ensure open governance, and keep Benue citizens informed about policy execution and budget performance.
