Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦1 billion to support victims of the devastating attack that claimed 100 lives in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The substantial donation was announced during a condolence visit to the state on Tuesday, held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, following the tragic incident that occurred on the night of June 13 and early hours of June 14, 2025.
Mrs. Tinubu pledged comprehensive support from the Renewed Hope Initiative to address the recurring cross-border attacks and ensure that affected children can return to their educational activities safely.
The First Lady committed to collaborating with the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor to develop sustainable solutions for the persistent cross-border crisis that has plagued the region, recognizing the need for interstate cooperation in addressing security challenges.
During a brief handover ceremony, Mrs. Tinubu formally presented the ₦1 billion cheque to Governor Hyacinth Alia and other state officials before engaging in discussions with various stakeholders about long-term security measures.
The presidential spouse arrived at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi at approximately 10:45 am, where she was received by Governor Alia and other senior government officials in a formal welcome ceremony.
The gravity of the security situation was underscored by the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, paramount ruler of the Tiv nation worldwide, who characterized the continued attacks on Benue communities as constituting a “genocidal war” against his people.
The traditional ruler made serious allegations against neighboring Nasarawa State, accusing it of serving as a launching pad for the assailants responsible for the attacks, and demanded urgent intervention from relevant authorities.
Governor Alia highlighted the severe humanitarian consequences of the attacks, emphasizing the widespread displacement and suffering experienced by affected communities in the aftermath of the violence.
The governor used the occasion to advocate for the establishment of state police forces, arguing that such decentralized security arrangements would enable quicker and more effective responses to emerging security threats in local communities.
He also called on the federal government to adopt ranching as a comprehensive national policy, positioning it as a critical strategy for permanently resolving the persistent farmer-herder conflicts that have contributed to insecurity across the Middle Belt region.
The Yelwata community attack represents one of the most devastating incidents in the ongoing security challenges facing Benue State, which has experienced repeated attacks resulting in significant loss of life and property over recent years.
The First Lady’s substantial financial contribution and commitment to cross-border collaboration signal federal government recognition of the severity of the security crisis and the need for coordinated interstate responses to address underlying causes of the violence.
The donation is expected to provide immediate relief to victims’ families and support reconstruction efforts in the affected communities, while the promised policy interventions aim to address the root causes of the recurring conflicts.
