First Lady Oluremi Tinubu pledges ₦1 billion to support victims of Benue massacre tragedy.
Her visit to Yelewata offered comfort, hope, and a promise of long-term federal assistance.
In a powerful demonstration of empathy and national unity, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a ₦1 billion intervention fund to support victims of the brutal attack in Yelewata, a community in Benue State. The massacre, which claimed the lives of more than 100 residents, has left families in deep mourning and communities devastated.
Senator Tinubu made the announcement on Wednesday during a condolence visit to the affected area. Addressing the grieving families and local leaders, she described the killings as a deeply painful moment for the nation and expressed her heartfelt condolences. She said her presence was not only as the wife of the president but as a mother who could relate to the pain and anguish felt by those who lost loved ones.
“I am here not just as the First Lady, but as a mother and a fellow Nigerian who shares in your pain,” she said. “What happened here is heartbreaking, but I urge you all to remain resilient and united in the face of adversity.”
According to her, the ₦1 billion support package will be disbursed under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a federal social intervention program aimed at helping vulnerable communities across the country. The funds will be used for various purposes including emergency relief, temporary resettlement of displaced persons, psychological support, and restoring livelihoods that were destroyed as a result of the attacks.
She emphasized that the initiative is not a one-off relief gesture but part of a broader plan to help communities rebuild after experiencing trauma and loss. Senator Tinubu also assured residents that the Federal Government is working with security agencies to prevent further violence and maintain peace in the region.
“We must remain vigilant and committed to peaceful coexistence. The government will continue to do its part in securing lives and property, but healing must also come from within the community,” she said.
The First Lady’s visit brought a sense of comfort and renewed strength to many residents, who said the financial pledge and physical presence of such a high-ranking figure gave them hope that their plight was not being ignored. Community leaders thanked her for standing with them during this difficult time and called for continued government support to restore normalcy to the area.
