An American missionary has sparked a huge debate online after releasing a video accusing the Benue State Government of inflating the cost of a community market project.
The missionary claimed he intended to rebuild the Yelwata village market as a relief effort following a devastating bandit attack in the area. According to his story, he proposed a construction plan that would cost approximately ₦60 million, but state officials allegedly rejected his offer, presenting him with a government design valued at ₦300 million instead.
The missionary expressed deep frustration over the discrepancy, stating that no village market in Nigeria should cost that much to build. He further alleged that certain individuals within the government are looking to profit from the suffering of displaced communities rather than focusing on genuine humanitarian aid. In his view, the ₦240 million difference was a clear attempt at over-invoicing, which led him to pause his plans for the reconstruction.
The video has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media. While some have praised the missionary for his transparency and for “calling out” potential corruption, others are waiting for an official response from the Benue State Government to hear their side of the story regarding the project’s specifications and cost. The incident has intensified calls for better accountability in how relief funds and reconstruction projects are handled in regions affected by conflict.
