By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in partnership with the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Thursday launched a large scale humanitarian outreach aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected residents in the wake of the brutal attack that claimed over 100 lives in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The outreach held at the Yelwata Primary School field, featured free medical consultations, distribution of drugs, mosquito nets, and the donation of essential food and sanitary items.
The intervention also extended to displaced residents currently sheltering at the Makurdi International Market, as well as victims undergoing treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
President of DEPOWA and wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, who led the delegation, described the initiative as a show of solidarity and compassion for the community.
“We came not just with medicine and food, but with our hearts. We want you to know that you’re not alone. We listened to your needs ahead of time, and this response is our way of standing with you through this difficult time,” she said.
Rear Admiral Olusoya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, emphasised that the visit was a continuation of the CDS’s earlier on-the-ground assessment and a reaffirmation of the military’s commitment to peace and healing.
“Peace is the foundation of progress. What happened here was tragic, but it must not define your future. We are here to reassure you that you are not forgotten,” he said.
He also urged community members to share timely information with security agencies, stressing the need for collaboration to prevent further violence.
Medical teams worked tirelessly to attend to thousands who turned up for the outreach, offering treatment for conditions such as high blood pressure, malaria, and stress-related illnesses.
The military and DEPOWA’s intervention brought a measure of hope to a people grappling with grief, loss, and displacement – a symbolic gesture that healing, both physical and emotional, has begun.
