Yelwata leaders urge Alia to channel donations to shelter, empowerment

Leaders of the troubled Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State have appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure that all donations made to the community after the recent killings are used to provide shelter, economic empowerment, and cash support for victims.

The community’s spokesman, Mathew Mnyan, made the appeal while addressing newsmen in Yelewata on Thursday.

Mnyan, who commended Nigerians and the international community for their swift response to the plight of the people, urged that the donations be channelled directly to benefit the community.

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According to him:

“In light of the generous donations made by government officials, individuals, and organisations, we humbly appeal to the Benue State Government to utilise these funds to support our community in the following ways:
– Build at least 100 units of two-bedroom flats to resettle displaced families.
– Rebuild our market, which was burnt down, to provide a platform for economic activities and help our people rebuild their lives.
– Establish a mobile police station to enhance security and prevent future attacks.
– Provide cash support to victims to enable them to start small businesses and alleviate their suffering.”

Mnyan noted that, despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security chiefs to protect the community, there were still incidents of killings. He disclosed that military authorities had recently deployed fresh personnel to the area.

“In as much as we appreciate President Bola Tinubu for the marching orders to the security chiefs, killings have still occurred,” he said. “For instance, during an attack near this community a few days ago, the soldiers stationed here did not respond, and it was only the policemen on the ground who moved in and repelled the attackers.

“Our complaint is not that we don’t appreciate the soldiers, but that we want them to do more. Thankfully, the military authorities have deployed a new set of soldiers as of yesterday (Wednesday). They now patrol the hinterlands, and we are grateful for that.”

The community expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Pope Leo XVI of the Roman Catholic Church, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, Governor Hyacinth Alia, past and present governors, politicians within and outside the state, religious leaders, international donors, security personnel, the media, and all Nigerians for their support.

TRIBUNEONLINE