The Benue State Executive Council has approved the resettlement of displaced persons in Yelewata, with the flag-off of construction scheduled for Thursday, January 22.
The project, which is supported by donations amounting to ₦1.275 billion, will provide 62 two-bedroom housing units for affected residents. To ensure accountability, the state government has constituted a committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to oversee the transparent utilisation of the funds.
Briefing journalists after the Executive Council meeting, the SSG, Deaconess Deborah Aber, described the first EXCO session of 2026 as “robust,” noting that deliberations were centred on key issues impacting the welfare and security of Benue residents.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr Peter Egbodo, said the state has recorded improvements in security across several areas. However, he warned that the increasing influx of herders could pose a threat to sustained peace if not properly managed.
He urged residents to promptly share credible intelligence with security agencies to help forestall potential security challenges. Dr Egbodo also disclosed that Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed regular engagement with the media, including quarterly briefings, to enhance transparency and keep citizens informed on governance and budget implementation.
On the health sector, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the state government is taking steps to resolve the ongoing strike by resident doctors and nurses over arrears linked to the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Scale.
According to him, Governor Alia has ordered an urgent end to the industrial action and assured health workers that all outstanding issues will be addressed promptly.
