By Amos Aar
THE EUROPEAN Union (EU), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development agencies, is set to launch a new social protection programme in Benue State on Wednesday, aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening local development systems.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, who disclosed this Tuesday during a visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Yelwata and surrounding communities at the Makurdi International Market, described the upcoming initiative as timely and strategic.
“Tomorrow, we will launch a program on social protection here in Benue State. This is something that was already planned for some time, but it came at the right moment to express our support to Benue State authorities and population, particularly those who have been victims of violence,” Mignot said.
The visit by the EU and UN delegation followed the June 13 attack on Yelwata and was meant to show solidarity with affected persons, listen to their concerns, and assess how to support their recovery and safe return. Ambassador Mignot emphasized the EU’s long-term commitment to peacebuilding and sustainable development in Benue.
“We felt it was necessary to come and meet them, express our support, sympathy and solidarity, and listen to their testimonies. We also plan to hold meetings with state authorities to explore how we can contribute to peacebuilding and development support for Benue”, he added.
UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, who accompanied the ambassador, extended condolences to victims and hailed the resilience of displaced persons who expressed their determination to return to their ancestral homes and resume farming.
“The community’s resilience is remarkable. Many could have chosen to remain in camps, but they want to go back, work on their land, and send their children to school. That speaks volumes about their strength,” she noted.
She said UNICEF, along with other UN agencies such as UNHCR, IOM, and FAO, would collaborate with the EU to provide a joint humanitarian response. This will include assessments of healthcare facilities, schools, and water sources in affected communities to guide targeted interventions.
“As UNICEF, we will particularly focus on supporting primary health care and water access in the returning communities. Our ultimate goal is to facilitate a sustainable return to normal life for the affected individuals,” she explained.
Reacting to the visit, Secretary to the Benue State Government, Barr. Serumun Aber, thanked the EU and UN for their continued support and praised the courage of the IDPs.
“These citizens have shown remarkable resolve. They want to return to their ancestral land, not to remain dependent in camps. The government will do all it takes to ensure they go back safely and resume farming,” Aber said
She added that the state government recognizes the timing of the crisis during peak farming season as a major disruption and pledged comprehensive support including psychosocial and medical assistance, especially for women and children who suffered personal losses.
The planned social protection initiative is part of the “Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria Project,” a joint programme by the EU, International Labour Organization (ILO), and UNICEF. It aims to expand the National Social Register, strengthen legal frameworks, build policymaker capacity, and develop an interoperable Social Protection Management Information System.
