N1BN Donation Sparks Protests In Benue IDPs

Remi Tinubu’s N1BN Donation Sparks Protests In Benue IDPs

The video from Arise News covers the aftermath of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, donating ₦1 billion to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State following violent attacks.

Key Highlights:

• Protests erupted among IDPs shortly after the donation, with many citing hunger and poor living conditions.
• Protesters blocked the Makurdi-Lafia highway, chanting slogans like “We are hungry” and “We want to go back home”.
• The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) responded, claiming the protests were politically motivated and that food distribution was already underway.
• SEMA clarified that the ₦1 billion donation was intended for resettlement efforts, not immediate food relief.
• The video also features commentary from David Umahi and Uba Sani, who praised President Tinubu’s administration for its support and leadership.

It’s a tense mix of humanitarian concern, political interpretation, and public frustration.

Let’s unpack the layers behind the protests and public sentiment surrounding the ₦1 billion donation.

What Sparked the Outrage?

• The donation was announced by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to support families displaced by a deadly herders’ attack in Yelewata, Benue State, which claimed over 100 lives.
• Just 24 hours later, IDPs from the Maga Camp in Mbayongo staged a protest, blocking the Makurdi-Lafia highway and chanting “We are hungry” and “We want to go back home”.

Protesters’ Perspective

• Many IDPs expressed frustration over hunger and poor living conditions, claiming they hadn’t received adequate support despite the donation.
• Some believed the funds were meant for immediate relief, not long-term resettlement, leading to confusion and disappointment.

Government’s Response

• The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) stated the protests were politically motivated, not a reflection of actual neglect.
• BSEMA clarified that the ₦1 billion was earmarked for resettlement, not food distribution, and that food was already being distributed across camps.

Underlying Tensions

• The protests reveal a disconnect between policy intentions and public expectations.
• There’s also a trust deficit, many IDPs feel sidelined and unheard, despite high-profile gestures of support.

This situation is a potent mix of humanitarian need, political interpretation, and emotional exhaustion.