Farmers Cry Out For Security As Benue Govt Distributes Farm Inputs To Yelwata Community

The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative and other donor partners, has distributed improved agricultural inputs to residents of Yelwata community, affected by suspected herders’ attacks last year.

The items distributed included herbicides, organic fertilizers, improved maize seeds, as well as okra and spinach seeds, among other essential farm inputs.

This move is aimed at boosting food production ahead of the rainy season.

The Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, represented by Senior Administrative Officer, Mr. Nyitor Julius Wuese, said the intervention was part of broader support facilitated by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The First Lady donated N1 billion to Benue State, while Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State contributed N150 million. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) provided N100 million, and the Department of State Services (DSS) added N25 million, bringing the total intervention fund to N1.275 billion.

The intervention covers food and nutrition support, water supply, cash transfers, livelihood restoration, as well as resettlement and sustainability programmes.

62 housing units are being constructed, boreholes have been drilled, and cash and food support have already been delivered to beneficiaries.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Benjamin Ashaver, represented by Programme Desk Officer, Mr. Victor Beeior, said the government remained committed to supporting farmers in crisis-affected communities.

2,000 farmers were trained and selected as beneficiaries, with 1,200 receiving inputs in Yelwata, while 800 others, currently displaced, would benefit in a subsequent phase.

A community representative, Mr. Ikyapa Timothy, commended the government and donors for the timely intervention but appealed for additional support, particularly basic farm tools.

The community is still reeling from the effects of the attacks and is concerned about lingering insecurity in the area, with suspected herders creating fear among residents.

The beneficiaries are urging the government to improve security to enable them to safely return to their farms and achieve the objectives of the intervention.