by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
About 1,571 households that were affected by attacks across five Local Government Areas of Plateau State, between March and July 2025, have benefited from the intervention of the N1 billion donation by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and an additional N500 million counterpart fund from the Plateau State Government
The disbursement of N1.5 billion humanitarian assistance to beneficiaries was flagged-off on Monday, at Government House Little, Rayfield, by the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and witnessed by top government officials, members of the National Assembly, as well as leadership of the Plateau State House of Assembly to commiserate with victims.
The governor asserted that, the combined N1.5 billion is a humanitarian assistance for victims of attacks, adding that the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, donated N1.billion for the cause, while the State Government contributed N500 million intervention fund.
According to Mutfwang, the financial support is to provide immediate relief and help those families begin to rebuild their livelihoods.
Governor Mutfwang directed all local government areas to set up what he called a “dedicated complaint desk” to handle issues regarding the intervention, adding that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will also establish a desk to receive grievances that cannot be resolved at the local level.
While emphasizing that any dispute should be handled through these formal channels, rather than on social media, the governor observed that the list of beneficiaries was verified through committees involving Local Government Chairmen and religious leaders, CAN and JNI.
Governor Mutfwang further emphasizes that his administration acknowledged that some of the beneficiaries lack bank accounts or provided third-party details, and assured that a commitment was made to ensure no citizen is permanently excluded from the financial systems due to poverty or displacement.
According to him, beyond the immediate cash relief, the state intends to support farmers to return to their lands and businesses as they recover from destruction, assuring that plans are underway to begin rebuilding displaced communities once the raining season concludes.
He said “Government’s aim is to recover all lands that have been taken from its citizen, to facilitate resettlements,” saying, “A ew World Bank initiative will empower at least 90,000 women across eight local government areas in the State.”
He added that, “Three billion naira intervention targeting women is planned for completion before the end of October,” and emphasizes on investing in women because they play a critical role in family stability and resource management.
The governor equally directed all affected communities to submit priority project lists through local government council through an interim ministerial committee.
Also speaking, National Chairman of the APC, Pro. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, said “This is a historic and deeply emotional occasion, with the official disbursement of ₦1.5 billion in humanitarian financial aid to victims of violent attacks across the rural communities in Bassa, Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas.”
According to him, “Prior to the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Plateau State Government had set up an inter-ministerial committee to handle the identification of victims for this disbursement. This was to ensure transparency and fairness.
“Part of the funds to be disbursed was donated to the state by a compassionate mother, the mother of the nation – Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The committee specifically handled the assignment with due diligence and in consultation with the various local governments, resulting in why we are here today.
“Today is not just a day for administrative procedures. It is a day of collective healing, a day of solidarity, and a tangible demonstration that the victims of attacks have not been forgotten – and will not be forgotten.
“We must begin by expressing our sincere, most heartfelt gratitude to our mother, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her visionary Renewed Hope Initiative. Her Excellency graciously provided this massive benevolent intervention.”
The National APC Chairman asserted that, “The ₦1 billion she donated was raised entirely from private contributions, out of her sheer empathy for the vulnerable, specifically targeted at helping our people rebuild their shelters, restore their livelihoods and regain their dignity.”
He commended the State Governor for the unwavering commitment to restoring peace, and appraised him for concern for those affected by crisis, concern for insistence on total transparency, “and your leadership in ensuring that these relief funds go directly into the hands of those who have been affected and who need it most.”
Prof. Nentawe also appreciated the governor’s commitment in adding the sum of ₦500 million to the ₦1 billion intervention of the First Lady, adding that, “To ensure transparency, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will work hand-in-hand with local governments, security agencies and community leaders to guarantee a fair, seamless and transparent distribution process across the affected local government areas.
“To our resilient brothers and sisters, who are the beneficiaries today, we know that no amount of money can fully erase the pain of the past or replace what has been lost.
“However, it is our prayer that this gesture, this disbursement of ₦1.5 billion, will serve as a powerful lifeline, a seed of renewal to help you return to your farms, rebuild your homes and kick-start your businesses,” he stated.