The Digest:
American missionary Alex Barbir, founder of the humanitarian organization Building Zion, has publicly accused officials in Benue State of significantly inflating the estimated cost for a market he proposed to build for survivors of the June 2025 massacre in Yelewata. Barbir, who has already rebuilt 35 homes, boreholes, and a clinic in the community, stated he planned to construct the market for 50-60 million naira. However, after alleged delays, state officials reportedly sent him a design with an estimated cost of 300 million naira. The accusation has sparked online outrage, fueling existing criticisms of aid mismanagement in conflict-affected regions. The controversy arises alongside the state government's launch of its own resettlement project, with a budget of 1.275 billion naira.
Key Points:
- The allegation exposes potential corruption and inefficiency in the administration of humanitarian and reconstruction projects.
- It highlights tensions between independent foreign aid efforts and local government oversight and procurement processes.
- The significant cost disparity raises questions about procurement transparency and value for money in public projects.
- The incident risks discouraging future international humanitarian assistance due to perceived bureaucratic obstruction or graft.
- The timing, concurrent with a major state-funded project, invites comparisons and scrutiny of government spending priorities.
Sources: Social Media Reports, User Testimony
