Lagos: The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, says the bloc recently provided €1.5 million to support victims of the Yelwata attacks and other Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.
Mignot disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Lagos.In June 2025, suspected bandits attacked and killed over 100 people in the Yelwata Community of Benue State.
Mignot said the support included €250,000 in humanitarian aid to IDPs and long-term social protection projects in Benue State.
“After the attack, some of the support was specifically focusing on IDPs. We had more general projects in Benue State for social protection and durable solutions for IDPs, covering over 3,000 displaced persons,” he said.
Mignot said humanitarian aid had already been provided, while other projects are long-term in nature.
He said these projects would enable them to take affected persons into account in social protection support from the federal and state governments.
Mignot added that the support would enable the affected persons to either return to their homes or integrate into the places where they were displaced, if they wish.
“The EU will continue to implement several peacebuilding initiatives across the country to promote peaceful coexistence.
“We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East,” he said.
Mignot added that the EU would remain committed to protecting all communities, especially minorities, with respect for their freedom of religion and belief.