On 26 November 2025, Caritas Nigeria’s Protection Project team in Benue State convened a high-level protection engagement in the Yelwata community, Guma LGA. The event was hosted to reinforce ongoing protection interventions for displaced and host populations, while strengthening community participation in peace and resilience-building processes.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders, including Bernadette Mukakale Mutesi, Deputy Country Representative (Protection), UNHCR Nigeria; Irene Omondi, UNHCR Nigeria Head of Sub Office (HoSO) Ogoja; Mrs Magdalene Andor, Director of Women at the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs; and Mrs Linda Ene, Coordinator of the Benue State Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Their visit sought to deepen collaborative actions that enhance community safety, promote the protection of vulnerable groups, and encourage sustainable peace in Yelwata.
During the visit, stakeholders held focused group discussions with men and women on critical issues such as prevailing protection risks, existing community coping structures, and locally preferred solutions for improving security and resilience. Participants shared insightful contributions, demonstrating commitment to peaceful coexistence and a willingness to safeguard women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
A key moment of the engagement was the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the community. To symbolize unity and male involvement in the fight against GBV, Yelwata youths hosted a novelty football game tagged “Yelwata He-for-She Match”, reflecting the message that ending gender-based violence requires collective action from both men and women.
In her closing remarks, the UNHCR Deputy Country Representative (Protection) commended Yelwata residents for demonstrating resilience despite displacement and uncertainty. She encouraged them to reject offline and online violence, and to promote the inclusion of women in decision-making processes that drive peace, healing, and sustainable community development.
