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Reps urge FG to send relief to Benue massacre victims

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to promptly provide relief materials to families displaced by the recent attack on Yelwata community in…

By Modupeola Showunmi 2 min Jun 25, 2025

The call follows a deadly invasion by unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, which left over 200 people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes.

This appeal was made during Wednesday’s plenary after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Dickson Tarkighir, who represents the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.

Tarkighir highlighted the severity of the June 14 attack, stressing that apart from the high death toll, many residents were left homeless, creating a serious humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread displacement, destruction, and hardship.

He further pointed out that such attacks have become frequent both within his constituency and across the region, fueling fear and insecurity.

“The House is aware that agencies like NEMA have been urged to step in and provide critical aid, but the magnitude of the crisis demands swift, coordinated action to prevent further casualties and support affected populations,” he said.

He warned that delayed intervention and insufficient security presence could worsen the situation and deepen the humanitarian emergency.

Following a voice vote led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House adopted the motion and called on NEMA, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and other relevant agencies to urgently deliver relief supplies and medical care to those affected.

Additionally, the House resolved to establish an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate violent attacks in Benue over the past 15 years and recommend strategies to prevent future occurrences.

It also instructed the House Committees on Interior and Security to visit Yelwata and surrounding areas in Guma Local Government to assess the situation firsthand and report back with findings and suggestions.

Furthermore, the lawmakers urged the federal government and security agencies to strengthen efforts to restore peace in Guma and protect other vulnerable communities. They also called for the immediate establishment of a Forward Operating Base for the military in Yelwata to deter future attacks on the border town.

Reps urge FG to send relief to Benue massacre victims

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