The Federal Government has initiated a comprehensive needs assessment for victims of the June 13 attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has disclosed.
Yilwatda, who addressed journalists after a closed-door meeting with security chiefs and community stakeholders in Makurdi, said the assessment is a critical step in designing both short-term relief and long-term recovery programmes for survivors of the attack.
The assault, which was reportedly carried out by armed bandits, resulted in the deaths of over 100 residents, including women, children, and internally displaced persons, making it one of the deadliest episodes in the region in recent years.
Speaking on the federal government’s immediate response, the minister revealed that the directive to conduct the assessment came directly from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to streamline humanitarian interventions and ensure resources are efficiently allocated.
“We need detailed data to design tailored interventions that will not only respond to immediate humanitarian needs but also support long-term recovery and resilience,” Yilwatda said.
He explained that the assessment team will evaluate both humanitarian and development indicators, such as housing, health, food security, and livelihood support needs, particularly for the severely affected Yelwata community.
Yilwatda emphasized the importance of coordination with security agencies, noting that without proper security, the assessment teams might be at risk during field operations.
“It is critical that our personnel are protected during data collection exercises. We’ve met with relevant security stakeholders to ensure safe passage and operations,” he said.
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According to the minister, once the needs assessment is concluded, the ministry will unveil a blueprint for intervention — covering both immediate relief such as food, shelter, and healthcare, and long-term solutions like housing reconstruction and social support systems.
Yilwatda also announced that he would be visiting the Yelwata IDP camp to meet with displaced families, assess living conditions, and interact directly with survivors.
In addition to the needs assessment, he disclosed that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs would be launching a social protection initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable families across Benue State, starting with those affected by the Yelwata attack.
“This initiative is part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda. We are committed to restoring dignity and livelihood to victims of violence across Nigeria,” the minister added.
The needs assessment is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, after which a coordinated federal response will be announced.
NAN
