Benue EXCO approves Yelewata sesettlement, reviews security, health strike and 2026 budget

By Johnson Arua

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, has described the first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of 2026 as “robust,” noting that deliberations focused on key issues affecting the growth, peace and well-being of Benue State.

Briefing journalists on Tuesday at the Government House, Makurdi, Barr. Aber announced that EXCO approved the flag-off of resettlement construction at Yelwata as part of efforts to address the aftermath of last year’s crisis in the community. The resettlement project is scheduled to be officially flagged off on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Yelewata.

She disclosed that following the Yelewata incident, the state received donations totaling about N1.275 billion, including a N1 billion contribution from the First Lady of Nigeria through her Renewed Hope Initiative, as well as support from other donors.

According to her, Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia subsequently constituted a committee, chaired by the SSG, to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of the funds.

Barr. Aber explained that the committee engaged extensively with affected communities and displaced persons, who identified their needs, which were categorized into immediate, mid-term and long-term interventions.

She noted that most of the immediate needs have already been addressed, including the provision of schooling for children in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

On the resettlement strategy, the SSG said the state adopted a United Nations-supported model for conflict areas where displaced persons are unable to return immediately to their ancestral homes.

Under the arrangement, a resettlement site has been established within Yelwata, close to the original community, with land provided by the local government chairman.

She revealed that the first phase of the project will involve the construction of 62 two-bedroom housing units with full sanitary facilities to enable displaced persons to relocate from IDP camps and begin reintegration.

She added that the Alia administration’s long-term objective remains the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons to their homes once security challenges are fully resolved.

Barr. Aber further disclosed that the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) component of the project has already been completed, with solar-powered boreholes installed to provide running water at the resettlement site ahead of the construction flag-off.

Speaking on security matters, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Culture, Hon. Peter Egbodo, said EXCO reviewed the security situation across the state and acknowledged significant improvement, despite emerging concerns over the influx of herders, which he said poses a potential threat to the prevailing peace.

He stressed that security is a collective responsibility and called on citizens, community leaders and religious institutions to promptly share credible information with security agencies.

According to him, timely intelligence remains critical to preventing crime and sustaining peace in the state.

On developments in the health sector, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, briefed journalists on the ongoing strike by the Association of Resident Doctors at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and the Nurses and Midwifery Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter.

Dr. Ogwuche explained that the resident doctors’ strike originated from a national industrial action over welfare issues, adding that the Benue State Government had already met several of their demands, including the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and accoutrement allowances.

He noted that the remaining issue concerns arrears arising from the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale in 2024.

He disclosed that although the national strike has been suspended, the Benue chapter continued its action. However, he assured that following EXCO deliberations, Governor Alia has directed that the strike be urgently resolved, with all outstanding issues addressed to ease the suffering of patients.

Also briefing the press, the Director-General, Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Jerome Andohol, said EXCO reviewed the 2026 budget, which was initially presented at N605.1 billion but later adjusted by the State Assembly to N695.1 billion before its passage on December 31, 2025.

He stated that detailed budget breakdowns by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), along with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), have been approved and will soon be formally presented to the media. Prof. Andohol added that EXCO also approved quarterly accountability briefings, under which MDAs will report on budget performance every 90 days, coordinated by the Deputy Governor.

In his concluding remarks, the Information Commissioner disclosed that Governor Alia has directed the institutionalization of regular media engagements, including quarterly briefings by the governor himself. He said the move is aimed at enhancing transparency, tracking the implementation of the 2026 budget which commenced on January 1, and strengthening communication and feedback between the government and the people of Benue State.