…Pledges Renewed Hope Initiative Support
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday donated ₦1 billion to survivors of the brutal armed attack in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The donation comes amid a condolence visit to the state and is part of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to assist displaced families.
Over 100 people were reportedly killed during the night of 13–14 June 2025 in Yelwata, with some estimates placing the death toll as high as 150 or more. Many victims were internally displaced and sheltered at a local Catholic mission before the attack, according to Amnesty International Nigeria.
At the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, Mrs Tinubu presented the cheque to Governor Hyacinth Alia and senior state officials.
“On behalf of the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI will be donating ₦1 billion to help displaced families get back on their feet, return to earning a living, and have a better life,” she said.
She added that the donation aligns with RHI’s motto: “Towards a Better Life for Families” and pledged to support community rebuilding as well as the education of affected children.
Mrs Tinubu was received at the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command Base in Makurdi at about 10:45 a.m. by Governor Alia and top officials to commence the visit.
Reactions from State Leaders
Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation worldwide, condemned the attacks as constituting a “genocidal war”. He alleged that assailants were operating through Nasarawa State and called for urgent intervention to halt cross‑border raids.
Governor Alia lamented the humanitarian crisis resulting from the violence and reiterated calls for the establishment of a state police to improve response to such threats. He also urged the federal government to adopt ranching as national policy to address farmer–herder conflicts that fuel such tragedies.
Mrs Tinubu responded by committing to collaborate with the First Lady of Nasarawa State in seeking resolutions to the recurring crisis. She confirmed that her RHI would support displaced children’s education and spearhead community recovery efforts .
Scale and Impact of the Yelwata Massacre
Human rights organisations estimate the death toll from the Yelwata attack at between 100 and 200 people, with around 3,000 displaced and hundreds left injured without adequate medical care.
National bodies confirm that 107 survivors remain hospitalised at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities, recovering from severe injuries and trauma.
The attack is widely believed to be part of the escalating violence between settled farmers and armed cattle herders, largely Fulani, over land and grazing rights.
Security forces have arrested 26 suspects implicated directly in the massacre, including alleged masterminds. Weapons recovered include GPMG and AK-47 rifles. Legal proceedings are ongoing .
National Response
President Bola Tinubu strongly condemned the attack as “senseless bloodletting” and ordered security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice. He visited Makurdi and met survivors injured in hospital, though he did not personally visit Yelewata village.
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