First Lady Remi Tinubu on Tuesday announced a ₦1 billion donation from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to assist families displaced by a deadly herders’ attack in Benue State’s Yelewata community, where more than 100 people lost their lives in June.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the Benue State Government House at the New Banquet Hall in Makurdi, Mrs. Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended her heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and people of the state.
“On behalf of the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI will be making a donation of ₦1 billion to help displaced families get back on their feet, return to earning a living, and have a better life,” she stated. “This is in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative as captured in our motto: Towards a Better Life for Families.”
The First Lady emphasised the devastating impact of the attacks on the victims and the wider community, stressing the importance of providing urgent relief and long-term support for those affected.
“I am deeply saddened by the killings that have occurred in recent weeks in the state. As a mother, I urge all of us to learn to accept this time as very challenging. Our job is to play a complementary and supportive role,” she said.
She also expressed shock over the sudden and violent nature of the attacks, saying, “It is heart-wrenching to believe that people want to live in peace, then destruction will come suddenly.”
Despite the grief, Remi Tinubu delivered a message of hope, assuring the victims and their families that they were not alone.
“So, for me, hope is not lost. We’ve heard you, and I believe my sister, the First Lady of Nasarawa State, has heard you,” she said.
The donation is part of the broader efforts of the Renewed Hope Initiative to provide humanitarian support and rebuild lives in communities affected by violence and displacement across Nigeria.
