The United Nations has assured Yelewata and other victims of conflicts and disasters of its support to return not only to their ancestral homes but also with dignity.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, gave the assurance on Friday when she visited the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Yelewata community was attacked on June 13, 2025, during which scores were killed and many properties were destroyed.

Mrs Mohammed stated that the people of Benue and other Nigerians must live and work in a safe and secure environment.

The UN deputy secretary-general said that her visit was to stand in solidarity with the state, especially women and children who suffer the most in times of conflict.

She added that her visit was in solidarity with the Yelewata community, which experienced a terrible and tragic day.

Mrs Mohammed described the June 13 Yelewata attack as a painful moment that must never be allowed to happen again.

She said that the government must do everything possible to ensure that farmers continue their farming in a safe environment.

“It is not right that you must farm in unsafe conditions.

“Instead, we must find ways to bring farming closer to you and ensure that your produce reaches markets that reflect your dignity, markets befitting of the people of Yelewata and Benue,” she said.

According to her, Benue has always been known as the food basket of the nation, and she hoped that the state would reclaim that identity.

“I have listened carefully to all that you have said about your hopes and needs. Ultimately, I know that many of you wish to return home, because home is truly where the heart is.

“We face challenges in our country. I remember coming here when it was Benue Plateau before the divisions into Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau. There were no boundaries; it was one community.

“Back then, even as a Fulani woman among Tiv people, we lived more closely and harmoniously than what we see today. It pains me to witness how things have changed.

“We must return to that unity as Nigerians, embracing the richness of our diversity in religion and culture. It is not impossible.

“For those of us who remember the Nigeria we inherited at independence, we must speak to our young people about what this country once was and what it can be again.

“Without that shared vision, we risk losing our collective future,” she said.

Mrs Mohammed also said that she was deeply committed to amplifying the voices of the voiceless, especially those of women and children.

She said across the Sahel, West Africa, Sudan, Gaza and other conflict-affected regions, conflicts have continued to cause pain and suffering for innocent people.

“Let this be our tribute to those who lost their lives: that we will build a better community, a better Benue, and a better Nigeria. A country where all citizens are equal. That must remain our goal.

“As a Nigerian, I am committed to this. As the UN Deputy Secretary-General, I am committed to amplifying your voices and ensuring that your struggles and those of many others across the country are heard.

“Across the Sahel, in West Africa, and in places like Sudan and Gaza, conflict continues to cause suffering. We must prioritise peace. Without peace, we cannot return to our farms.

“Without peace, our economy cannot grow. Without peace, the 70% of our population who are young people will have no future.

“We must also hold our politicians accountable. Peace is what we demand. That is why we vote,” she said.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia directed the immediate reopening of the Yelewata Market for commercial activities.

Mr Alia acknowledged the contributions of the UN and its agencies for their efforts towards the plight of all IDPs in Benue.

The governor said that insecurity was threatening the peace and unity of the country and Benue in particular and commended Mohammed for visiting the state. 

(NAN)