Yelewata Resettlement Project On Course - Commissioner

Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon Aondowase Kunde discloses that the resettlement project for victims of the Yelewata attack remained on course. 

The Commissioner disclosed the news when members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Benue State Council visited the project site and approached him to clarify  issues.

Commissioner Kunde said the project progressed without compromising standards set to relieve the community of pains and trauma! Kunde undertook the administration's commitment to deliver quality homes for the displaced next to none in the state.

Expressing satisfaction with work done so far and levels of project growth, Commissioner Kunde described the project as "resettlement model" and added that implementation committee led by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs. Deborah Aber Esq would ensure completion in line with time set for the project to end. 

He acknowledged that the resettlement model would be "one of the best for displaced people after completion." The Commissioner said also that units of the two bedroom flats have a kitchen, sitting room, toilet with bathroom and that the unit would accommodate a family of four children while the occupant be the property owner after completion of the programme.

Furthermore, construction of the houses provided space for an orchard every family on the premises could use while the donation of twenty hectres by the community for expansion of development gave good opportunity to carryout petty farming activities by the residents.

According to Commissioner Kunde, provision of adequate water has been made by the sinking of boreholes for the Yelwata community to feel relieved! 

He expressed the government determination for ensuring completion of the reticulation process for value addition for both the indigenous and other displaced populations that converge on the Yelwata community.

Managing Director of Rural Empowerment Initiative, handling the project as contractor, Joachim Ohemu assured of timely completion since government released the needed funds.

He clarified that the sum of N277 million earmarked for construction of two bedroom flats would deliver a decent accommodation his company has commitment to do quality work.

Giving details, the Managing Director said, work started in January 2026 on the first 60 units meant to serve as pilot scheme while the completion date remained ninety days.

He clarified that the additional donation of the twenty hectres would enable construction of the 363 units of two bedroom flats, inclusive of the pilot scheme.

About facilities, the contractor stated that although the pilot scheme provided only for the buildings, design of the whole project provided for a good road network, town hall and primary school with primary healthcare unit, ware house, two security posts and two security towers to guarantee better life for the residents.

Chairman of Yelwata Elders Forum, Fidelis Dze thanked Nigeria's First Lady, Senator (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu for the donation of one billion naira. The community thanked also Governor Hyacinth Alia for support including Nasarawa State Government.

Other public and private philanthropic persons were equally appreciated for their show of good gesture. The leader appealed for attention to be directed on the market destroyed by the terrorists as otherwise made unbearable life for the entire struggling community to survive!