The leaders of Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State have made an urgent appeal to the state government to construct 100 units of two-bedroom flats to resettle residents displaced by the June 13, 2025 massacre.
The horrific attack by armed herdsmen left over 200 people dead, including women and children, while homes, market stalls and other structures were completely razed.
During a press briefing in Yelewata on Thursday, community leader and spokesman Matthew Mnyan, accompanied by elders, women and youth representatives, described the unbearable living conditions survivors have endured since the attack.
“We have suffered too much,” Mnyan said. “We lost over 200 of our people in one day. Our houses were burnt, our market was destroyed, and families have been scattered. It is time to rebuild our community and bring our people back home.”
The community leaders specifically requested that donations received after the massacre be used for practical reconstruction efforts. “We are appealing to the Benue State Government to use the funds donated to build at least 100 units of two-bedroom flats to resettle displaced families,” Mnyan stated. “We also need our market rebuilt so our people can return to economic activities and start their lives again.”
Beyond housing, the community outlined additional needs including economic empowerment through cash support for victims to establish small businesses, and the creation of a mobile police station to improve security and deter future attacks.
Mnyan emphasized the critical importance of market reconstruction, saying, “Without it, there is no economic life in Yelewata. We also need security; a mobile police station here will make our people feel safe. These steps will help bring the surviving families back together and closer to their homes.”
