First Lady Remi Tinubu has announced a ₦1 billion donation from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to assist families displaced by the deadly attack on Yelewata community in Benue State.
The tragic incident, which occurred between the night of June 13 and early hours of June 14, 2025, reportedly claimed over 100 lives in the rural Yelewata community.
During a condolence visit to the state held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, Senator Tinubu expressed her sorrow over the loss and pledged the support of the RHI in helping survivors rebuild their lives.
“On behalf of the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI will be making a ₦1 billion donation to help displaced families get back on their feet, return to earning a living, and live better lives,” she stated.
She emphasized that the donation aligns with RHI’s vision, guided by its motto: “Towards a Better Life for Families.” Expressing deep grief over the killings, the First Lady described the situation as heartbreaking and called for collective resilience during these difficult times.
“As a mother, I urge us all to recognize these as challenging times. Our role is to support and complement efforts at all levels. It’s painful to know that those seeking peace can suddenly face destruction,” she said, adding, “Hope is not lost. We’ve heard your cries.”
Also speaking at the event, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia thanked the First Lady for her compassion and commitment to national unity, describing her visit as a profound show of solidarity.
“Your presence and donation speak volumes about your motherly heart and dedication. Just as you stood with Plateau State in its moment of grief, you have come to Benue with the same spirit of empathy and support,” he said.
Governor Alia highlighted several other interventions from RHI that have benefited the state, including:
- ₦500,000 grants to 20 women farmers.
- Financial and medical aid for the elderly during the Christmas season.
- ₦50,000 recapitalisation grants to 1,000 petty traders.
- Food relief items for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), orphanages, widows, and persons with disabilities.
- Agricultural empowerment for 250 women and youth.
- Equipment donations such as freezers, grinding machines, generators, and gas cookers to 500 beneficiaries under the RHI-SDG initiative.
He noted that Benue currently hosts over 1.5 million IDPs in both official camps and host communities. The governor also revealed that new IDP settlements have sprung up in places such as the International Market in Makurdi (housing over 3,160 people, mostly women and children), and at NKST Primary School in Naka, where over 18,500 individuals are now taking refuge.
He called attention to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Naka following fresh attacks, urging the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other stakeholders to intervene.
“The burden is too heavy for Benue to carry alone,” Alia said.
The governor also voiced concerns over the inadequacy of the current security architecture and advocated for a decentralized policing system.
“A state police structure would significantly boost intelligence gathering, rapid response, and accountability. It is time Nigeria seriously considers this option,” he stated.
Additionally, Alia appealed to the First Lady to help promote the adoption of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across other North Central states.
“A regional approach to ranching would harmonize enforcement and close loopholes for offenders who exploit state boundaries,” he concluded.
