A team from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), alongside officials from the United States Congress, has paid a solemn visit to Benue State to sympathize with victims and families affected by the recent violent attacks in Yelwata and other communities.
Leading the delegation, Jessie Ainslie of the UNHCR shared heartfelt condolences with the people of Benue during a visit to the State Government House in Makurdi. “Our hearts go out to you,” she said, assuring the government and people that the situation is being followed closely in Washington, D.C. “Reports of the attacks have reached the U.S., and I can confirm Americans are watching events in Benue very attentively.”
The delegation, which includes eight U.S. Congressional staff, is on a fact-finding mission to understand humanitarian needs and assess the impact of U.S. assistance across Nigeria. After visiting Borno State earlier in the week, they are scheduled to return to Abuja after wrapping up engagements in Benue.
Deputy Governor Sam Ode, who received the team on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, welcomed them warmly and expressed gratitude for their genuine concern. He acknowledged their visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Makurdi International Market as a strong show of international solidarity.
“This visit speaks volumes,” Ode said. “It reflects not just concern, but a deep sense of partnership and openness between Benue and its development allies.”
He also clarified that the root of Benue’s conflicts lies in land-use disputes between farmers and herders—not religious or ethnic tensions. He emphasized the growing pressure on land and the dangers of outdated grazing systems, renewing the state’s call for ranching as a lasting and globally accepted solution.
“The President has given firm instructions to security agencies to act against all criminal elements, no matter their background,” Ode added. “We are fully behind these efforts and committed to achieving peace.”
Jessie Ainslie commended Benue’s initiatives, particularly the allocation of agricultural land to displaced persons to help them rebuild their lives. “This is an inspiring example of how displaced communities can not only recover but contribute meaningfully to local economies,” she noted.
Before leaving, the delegation plans to visit Tartyo in Guma Local Government Area to meet with local communities engaged in peacebuilding. The goal is to support safe, voluntary, and dignified returns for those who have been displaced.
