From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has commenced needs assessment on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which was attacked by suspected herdsmen, leading to the death of over 200 people.
The Minister, Professor Nentawe Yelwada, who disclosed this yesterday at the Government House, Makurdi, while speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting with a team from the European Union, EU, and head of security agencies in the state, said President Bola Tinubu has directed that his ministry carryout need assessment of the level of destruction and impact of the dastardly attack on Yelewata community to enable the federal government fashion out modalities to ensure a social protection system for the people of Benue and other parts of the country undergoing similar circumstances.
Yelwada also explained that security agencies will provide protection for those carrying out the needs assessment exercise to enable government have the exact data of the victims, adding that at the completion of the exercise, the federal government will come out with short and long term solutions, especially the provision of relief materials to Yelewata community.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot assured that the European family in Benue State is committed to supporting the state government to alleviate the sufferings of victims, expressing optimism that security agencies will ensure the safety of those carrying out the exercise.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde said the visit was a follow-up of the president’s visit to the state, stressing that it is a demonstration of the president’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians.
He announced that the minister brought a team of development partners that would support the state government to handle the humanitarian crisis, as well as assist the federal government to implement policies for the displaced population.
