Top UN Official Travels to Benue, Calls for Calm, Strength and Cooperation

During her official visit to Benue State, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammed, emphasized the need for robust peacebuilding efforts, inclusive development, and enhanced collaboration between global partners and subnational governments.

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Dr. Mohammed's visit took her to the Government House in Makurdi on Friday, where she described Benue as a state of immense importance to Nigeria's food security, economic vitality, and social stability, while also praising the resilience of its people in the face of numerous challenges.

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She began her remarks by extending condolences to families affected by recent violent attacks in parts of the state, including Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area and Yelewata in Guma LGA, expressing her solidarity with all affected communities, including those newly displaced.

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Dr. Mohammed noted that Benue's challenges are reflective of broader global pressures, including conflict, climate shocks, and economic strain, which are increasingly converging to test the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly in Nigeria and Benue.

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Despite these challenges, the UN Deputy Chief commended the Benue State Government's development direction, highlighting the 2026 budget focused on rural development and sustained growth, as well as innovations such as Nigeria's first fully digital e-Parliament system.

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Dr. Mohammed praised the state government's commitment to improving lives and expanding opportunities, emphasizing that Benue's status as Nigeria's "food basket" places it at the heart of national prosperity, and urging sustained investment in agriculture, livelihoods, and value chains.

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She stressed that Benue holds enormous potential, not only in feeding the country but also in generating livelihoods, enterprise, and broader prosperity, and that the state's development is crucial to national growth.

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On insecurity, Dr. Mohammed emphasized that military responses alone are insufficient, calling instead for grassroots peacebuilding, justice, and reconciliation, and warning that oversimplified narratives can inflame tensions and strain the social fabric.

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She underscored the importance of education, particularly for children affected by conflict and displacement, describing it as essential for long-term peace and recovery, and commending the state's BRACE-UP initiative aimed at returning out-of-school children to classrooms.

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During her visit to Yelewata community in Guma LGA, Dr. Mohammed expressed solidarity with victims of violence, particularly women and children, and urged communities to embrace unity and rebuild trust.

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She stressed the importance of peace for agricultural recovery and national growth, noting that peace is necessary for people to return to their farms and continue farming.

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At the Mega Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mbayongo, Makurdi-Gbajimba Road, Dr. Mohammed encouraged children to remain committed to education, telling them that education is what no one can take from them and that it will transform their lives.

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Dr. Mohammed assured that the United Nations will continue to work closely with Benue State to promote peace, resilience, and sustainable development, and that the UN will stand in solidarity with the state to support a more peaceful and resilient future for all.

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Governor Hyacinth Alia described Benue as a critical hub for food security in Nigeria and West Africa, but lamented the impact of insecurity and displacement, revealing that over 500,000 people are currently internally displaced in the state.

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The governor outlined key achievements of his administration, including the rehabilitation of over 375 public schools, recruitment of 9,700 teachers, improvements in healthcare facilities, and major investments in infrastructure and agriculture.

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Governor Alia highlighted efforts to support displaced persons, including housing construction, provision of farmlands, and livelihood restoration initiatives, describing these as pathways from displacement to dignity.

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The governor called for deeper collaboration with the United Nations in areas such as climate resilience, agro-industrial development, human capital development, and community security, emphasizing that what the state seeks is not charity, but collaboration, and not temporary relief, but lasting transformation.

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UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, described Dr. Mohammed's visit as a demonstration of strong partnership between the United Nations and the Benue State Government, stating that it is about partnership, bringing hope and sustainable development to drive change.