An American missionary has accused the Benue State Government of deliberately frustrating his plans to help rebuild Yelwata village, weeks after the community was devastated by a deadly bandit attack.
The missionary, who had reportedly mobilised resources to support victims and restore basic infrastructure, claimed that government officials prevented him from proceeding with the reconstruction of the local market, citing undisclosed state plans for the project.
Yelwata Attack and Failed Rebuilding Efforts
Yelwata, a community in Benue State, came under violent attack in June, leaving scores of residents dead and several homes and public facilities destroyed. In response, the American missionary said he stepped in to assist with rebuilding efforts, particularly the community market, which serves as a major source of livelihood for locals.
However, according to him, his intervention was abruptly halted after he notified the relevant government authorities of his intentions.
“I Was Told Not to Build” — Missionary Speaks Out
The missionary explained that after meeting with the state’s humanitarian commissioner, he was informed that he was not permitted to rebuild the market, as the government allegedly had its own plans for the project.
He said officials promised to forward official building plans within a few days, but weeks passed without any documentation despite repeated follow-ups.
Instead, he claimed he was later shown a proposal for a market project valued at approximately ₦300 million.
₦300 Million Market Proposal Raises Questions
Expressing shock, the missionary questioned the justification for such a high cost, noting that markets in many Nigerian villages — and even major cities — are typically built at far lower budgets.
According to him, his own reconstruction plan would have cost between ₦50 million and ₦60 million to rebuild and restore the community’s facilities.
He described the ₦300 million proposal as unrealistic and said he refused to be associated with what he viewed as a lack of transparency.
Concerns Over Accountability and Mismanaged Aid
The missionary further alleged that funds meant for victims of violence and displaced communities were not reaching those who truly needed help. He stressed that humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts should be carried out with integrity, openness, and accountability, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He warned that the misuse of relief funds only worsens the suffering of already traumatised communities.
“People are suffering in Nigeria. Funds meant to rebuild, provide food, and give aid are not getting to them. There needs to be purity, openness, and accountability in how these funds are handled,” he said.
Watch the Video
The missionary’s full statement was captured in a video currently circulating online, where he detailed his experience and explained why he pulled out of the proposed project.
Video: An American missionary accuses Benue Government of blocking him from building a market for Yelwata survivors. And later sending him an inflated ₦300M bill for what ₦50-60M could do. pic.twitter.com/wCobcHe2KH
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) February 7, 2026
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