Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has lauded Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassion and generosity during the state’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Speaking on Monday in Makurdi during her condolence visit, Alia described the First Lady’s support—particularly the ₦1 billion donation to victims of recent attacks—as “a testament to her motherly heart, empathy, and commitment to national unity.”
“Just as you stood with Plateau in their time of grief, you have come here today with the gift of your presence, empathy, and support. Benue appreciates you greatly. Nigeria appreciates you wholeheartedly,” the governor stated.
Alia listed several interventions facilitated by the First Lady, including:
₦500,000 each to 20 women farmers in the state.
₦50,000 recapitalisation grants to 1,000 petty traders.
Food and medical outreach for the elderly.
Trucks of rice and food items for IDPs, orphanages, widows, and persons with disabilities.
Agricultural empowerment for 250 women and youths.
Donation of freezers, generators, grinding machines, and gas cookers to 500 beneficiaries through the SDG/RHI initiative.
Soaring IDP Numbers and New Camps
The governor disclosed that Benue currently shelters over 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across formal camps and host communities.
He noted the emergence of new camps due to recent attacks:
International Market Camp, Makurdi: Over 3,160 IDPs, mostly women and children.
NKST Primary School, Naka: About 18,592 displaced persons living in dire conditions.
Alia said the aftermath of the Yelewata crisis and fresh killings in Naka have worsened the situation, creating a broader humanitarian emergency needing national and international attention.
“We urge the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and other well-meaning individuals and organisations to visit Naka and provide support—we cannot do this alone,” he appealed.
Call for State Policing and Ranching Law
Governor Alia emphasised that the current security framework has failed to stop persistent attacks on Benue communities.
He reiterated the need for state policing, arguing that a decentralised security structure would improve intelligence gathering, response times, and accountability.
He also appealed to the First Lady to champion the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across the North Central zone:
“A regional approach to ranching will ensure consistent enforcement and eliminate safe havens for violators crossing state lines,” he concluded.
