The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly (HoA), Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, has reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering support for displaced persons from Yelewata. He assured them that their ancestral lands will not be dispossessed from them.
“No one will take your land,” Dajoh declared on Tuesday, July 22, during a solidarity visit by members of the Assembly to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently seeking refuge at the International Market IDP camp, Makurdi.
The visit marks part of a broader legislative initiative to assess the welfare of victims affected by renewed violence in the state.
The residents of Yelewata were forced to flee their homes after a violent attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen on June 13.
The attack led to the deaths of several people—estimated at over 200–while many others were injured, and hundreds displaced from their community.
Addressing the IDPs, the Speaker said the State House of Assembly (HoA) is working in collaboration with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to ensure their protection, return, and full resettlement.
He strongly condemned the killings and emphasised that the Benue government will not allow the displacement to become permanent or for the attackers to succeed in their mission.
Dajoh lauded the quick response of Governor Alia to the tragedy, especially the establishment of the IDP camp at the Makurdi International Market, providing temporary shelter to those affected.
He equally lauded the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for coordinating relief efforts on short notice.
The Speaker urged SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, and his team to ensure transparency and fairness in distribution relief materials.
“We must ensure that the assistance meant for the people reaches them directly without compromise,” he said.
