An American missionary has accused the Benue State Government of obstructing a humanitarian initiative aimed at helping survivors of the Yelwata attack rebuild their lives. According to the missionary, the state government prevented him from constructing a community market designed to provide victims with a sustainable source of income after the violent incident that devastated the area.
The missionary explained that the proposed market was part of a recovery plan focused on economic empowerment rather than temporary relief. He said many survivors lost their homes, farms, and means of livelihood during the attack, and the market was intended to help them regain stability, dignity, and self-reliance through trade and small-scale business activities.
He disclosed that he had already developed plans for the market and estimated the cost at between ₦50 million and ₦60 million, which he described as reasonable for a rural community project. According to him, the design was modest and tailored to local needs, with no extravagant features that would justify excessive expenditure.
However, the missionary alleged that the Benue State Government rejected his proposal. He further claimed that the government later presented an alternative plan for the same market, placing the cost at ₦300 million. Expressing shock at the figure, he questioned how a simple rural market could attract such a budget, stating that he had never seen a village market in Nigeria built at such a cost.
He accused some government officials of placing bureaucracy and inflated project costs above the urgent needs of attack survivors. According to him, these administrative obstacles have delayed meaningful intervention and denied victims timely support needed to recover from trauma and economic hardship.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government has not issued any public statement responding to the allegations. There has been no official explanation regarding the rejection of the original proposal, the basis for the ₦300 million estimate, or alternative plans to support the affected community.
The allegations have sparked renewed debate about transparency, accountability, and the management of humanitarian and recovery projects in conflict-affected areas. Observers warn that when genuine support efforts are stalled by bureaucracy or questionable costing, it is the victims who bear the consequences, while potential partners may be discouraged from future involvement.
While the claims remain unconfirmed pending an official response, the controversy highlights the urgent need for openness and compassion in post-crisis recovery efforts. For the survivors of the Yelwata attack, the central concern remains whether practical and timely support will reach them to rebuild their lives and secure their future.
