General News
Yelewata Killings: EU, UNICEF Pledges More Humanitarian Support for Benue IDPs
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The European Union(EU) in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund(UNICEF), on Tuesday, pledged to further provide humanitarian support to aid the safe return of the displaced persons from Yelewata and other communities attacked by suspected armed herdsmen in the state.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after interacting with the displaced persons from Yelewata community at the Ultramodern international temporary IDP’s Camp in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He said they were in the state to meet and work with the state authorities to see how they can contribute to peace building and development support to the state policies that would guarantee lasting peace and return of IDPs to their ancestral homes.
Ambassador Mignot, who led the partners to the state, said they were in the state to meet with men and women who were displaced from Yelwata and other communities who suffered the attack on Friday, June 13, 2025.
“We felt that it was necessary to come and meet them and express our support, sympathy, and solidarity and listen to their testimonies,” he said.
“We will have meetings with the state authorities to see how we can contribute to peacebuilding in Benue State and give development support to the state policies. We have addressed and listened to victims
“We will launch a programme on social protection in Benue State. This is something that was already planned for some time, but it came, I think, at the right moment to express our support to state authorities and the population of all communities that have been victims of attack and of violence.
“As the European Union, we know that peace is only lasting when it is built on dialogue and mutual understanding between communities.
“Our Union was based on the ashes of two cruel world wars between our member states. And when we came together, united, that’s where we could thrive and prosper, and believe in peace.
“So this is the future that we hope for also for the population in Benue State. If we can bring our modest contribution, we will do this,” Migot stated.
Speaking, UNICEF Country Director, Cristian Munduate, expressed sincere condolences to Benue State and all the people who were affected by the attack.
She maintained that UNICEF team has been assessing along with UNHCR, IOM, and other UN agencies who are here, to give support and would continue to support the well being of the IDPs.
“For us, it’s all the lives that were lost, mainly the children, who we lost. There are many children, as well, who are still in different facilities recovering from this attack.
“What we heard today from the meeting we just had is that the people want to return to their communities.
“They want to move ahead; they want to still work on their farms, their land. They want their children to be at school, and this is very commendable because the easy way would be to all stay in a camp and here, maybe, our life will be solved.
“And now, they want to go back. They want to continue working; this is highly about them. So, we will come with a joint response from the UN and, hopefully, with the partnership of the European Union.
“As for UNICEF, because of all the destruction in the community, we will see how we can support the primary health facility there. We will need to see the condition of the school; we need to check the water sources to see how they are functioning. We will support their return to their community.”
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, commended the European Union for the support render to State so far, stating that the organisation has been on the ground since the citizens were evacuated for some succour.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, noted the readiness of the IDPs to go back to their communities.
“It shows their bravery that they are not giving up their ancestral lands. What the government will do, in all its power, is to ensure that they can go back to their communities.
“During the chat with them, they say they would rather be taught to fish so that they can fish by themselves. They don’t want hand-me-downs that are being given to them in the camp. So, the government will do all it takes to ensure that they can return safely to their ancestral homes to continue with their farms.”
He said it was disheartening that they were displaced at the peak of a farming season when they have crops in their farms, expressing gratitude to all the partners for the psychosocial support the victims are receiving at the camp.
“You can imagine a woman losing all family members. I appreciate the psychosocial support they are getting here, and to an extent, it is good for them
“We are here to meet with men and women who were displaced from Yelwata and other communities who suffered the attacks on the 13th of June. We felt that it was necessary to come and meet them and expressed our support, sympathy and solidarity and listen to their testimonies”, Alia stated.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and sunshine from Monday until Wednesday across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, envisaged moderate dust haze over parts of Kebbi and Kano States of the northern region on Monday.
It predicted horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the region with the rest of the northern States to be under sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
”For central region, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Niger states, while the rest of the states in the region should be under sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
”For southern region, sunny skies with a few patches of cloud are anticipated over the region with prospects of afternoon/evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States,” it said.
According to NiMet, a slight dust haze is anticipated over parts of Kano and Kebbi States of the northern region on Tuesday, while the remaining states in the region are expected to have sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
The agency envisaged sunny and hazy skies over the central region throughout the forecast period with chances of isolated thundery activity over parts of plateau state during the afternoon and evening hours.
It anticipated sunny skies with patches of cloud over the southern region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
NiMet forecasts sunny and hazy skies over the northern region throughout the forecast period on Wednesday.
The agency predicted sunny and hazy skies over the central region throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, sunny skies with a few patches of cloud are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
”Dust particles are in suspension; the public should take necessary precaution; People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.
”Driving under the rain should be with caution. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said
The agency urged residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet, and visit its website on www.nimet.gov.ng.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day.
It also announced Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday for the New Year celebration.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr.
Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.According to the statement, the minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security, and national development.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations and wished them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest to transform the state into a maritime hub with the official presentation of the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical Report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project.
Out, who spoke at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, described the event as a “historic milestone” that not only affirms Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.
“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said.
“What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral state. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning Cross River for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.
“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”
Otu acknowledged the foundational work of former NDDC Chairman Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, describing the seaport project as a dream revived and revitalized.
“We picked up this dream where the former governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off. Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.
With the technical phase complete and the report formally presented, Governor Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“Once we get that FEC seal, work starts almost immediately,” he assured. “Cross River is ready, and this project is not just for us, it is for Nigeria and for West Africa.”
The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, alongside senior naval officers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Rear Admiral Anyo Olokunle.
Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025. The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.
“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport,” he said. “It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”
He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.
Olugbode also praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support.
“Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment and facilitation of logistics created an enabling environment for the success of this complex operation,” he noted.
The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to catalyze investments in shipping, logistics, trade and tourism, while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.
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