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Tag: Benue

  • Benue, Plateau Massacre: DSS charges nine suspects to court

    Benue, Plateau Massacre: DSS charges nine suspects to court

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against nine suspects allegedly linked to the recent deadly attacks on Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue and parts of Plateau.

    NAN reports that the attacks left no fewer than 40 persons dead, many others injured, and hundreds displaced in both states.

    The charge sheet read that Haruna Adamu, Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA of Nasarawa and others still at large, on June 13, allegedly carried out attacks against the people of Abinsi and Yelwata villages.

    The offence, the DSS said, was contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

    The two accused persons were said to have conspired with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, Pyeure Damina and others still at large to carry out the attacks on Yelwata.

    In the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025, filed on behalf of the Federal Government by Muhammad Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), the two defendants were accused of engaging in a conduct in preparation to commit terrorism.

    They allegedly jointly acted with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina and others still at large to commit the terror act in Abinsi and Yelwata.

    This, the Federal government stated, was contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

    In another charge, two other suspects Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma Local Government Area of Benue were slammed with a three-count charge of allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against the terror suspects, involved in Abinsi and Yelwata attacks.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025, the two suspects were accused of attending and participating in a meeting which led to the commiting of acts of terrorism, causing destruction to private property resulting in the economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam Village in Benue.

    The DPP said this act was contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    In count two, they were said to have in July, at a meeting in Daudu town, Guma LGA, conspired to carry out terrorism act along with others at large, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

    In count three, the DSS accused the two defendants of knowingly rendering support and receiving material assistance of locally made guns and AK-47 rifles from one Alhaji Uba to commit acts of terrorism that led to the destruction of private property and loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue.

    This, the charge said, was contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

    In another charge, a 32- year old woman, Halima Haliru-Umar of Faskari Local Government Area of Kastina State was slammed with a four-count charge of terrorism.

    This included transporting, in July, 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunition to bandits, which the service said, was contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

    She was also charged with concealing information about one Alhaji Sani, a suspected gun runner, bandit and kidnapper, information the DSS said, would have led to preventing acts of terrorism.

    The DSS also said that her action was contrary to Section 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

    Similarly, a 75 year-old-man, Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, were charged with four counts of allegedly engaging in buying and selling of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles with out license for N3 million.

    According to the DSS, the offence is contrary to Section 9 of the Act, and is punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act 2024.

    They were accused of having a locally fabricated Ak-47 rifle in their possession in Manju Local Government Area of Plateau.

    They were also charged with buying three long-range revolvers at N60,000 each from one Chomo to resell to bandits

    Danjuma Antu of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau was charged with five- counts of unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition caliber.

    The DSS said the move was contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2024 and punishable under section 27.

    The DSS also slammed a six-count charge against one Silas Oloche of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue for unlawful possession of 18 firearms (grenades) without license.

    Oloche was said to have been arrested on Aug. 2 with 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act.

    According to reports, no date has however, been fixed to hear the matters

  • Benue deputy governor reacts to replacement rumour

    Benue deputy governor reacts to replacement rumour

    Benue Deputy Governor, Mr Sam Ode, has dismissed rumours on social media suggesting he might be replaced ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Ode, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia at the funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Apochi on Friday in Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, described the claims as baseless.

    He said the falsehood was deliberately circulated to mislead the people of Benue South Senatorial District and create unnecessary confusion within the political space.

    “There is no truth in the speculation that Governor Alia intends replacing me with Ojotu Ojema or anyone else,” Ode clarified.

    He stressed that the rumours should be ignored and assured residents that his working relationship with the governor remained cordial and focused on service delivery.

    Ode however noted that ifOjema considered joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), he would be warmly received into the fold.

    “Benue South is largely controlled by the APC. Ojema is the only representative from the zone outside the party. His inclusion would strengthen us,” he explained.

    The deputy governor also urged respect for traditional institutions, warning politicians and social media users against dragging Idoma’s traditional ruler, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo John, into political intrigues.

    He called on stakeholders to concentrate on Governor Alia’s ongoing development projects rather than allow themselves to be distracted by divisive falsehoods circulating online.

    Ode warned against attempts to create discord in Idoma community, stressing that the unity of the people remained their greatest strength and must be preserved.

    He also advised residents, particularly in Ogbadibo, to participate in INEC’s Continuous Voters Registration exercise to secure their voting rights in future elections.

    NAN reports that his remarks were intended to douse social media speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls.

  • Benue Assembly suspends 4 lawmakers over attempt to impeach Speaker

    Benue Assembly suspends 4 lawmakers over attempt to impeach Speaker

    The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended the lawmaker representing Makurdi North, Alfred Berger; his Kian state constituency counterpart, Terna Shimawua; Cyril Ekong of Obi state constituency, and James Umoru, representing Apa state constituency for six months.

    This, according to the House, followed an attempt to impeach the Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, on Thursday night.

    The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, in a motion of urgent importance, moved for the suspension of the four lawmakers for attempting to unsettle the state assembly with what he said was a needless crisis.

    Following the motion, the Speaker directed the Sergeant at Arms to lead the suspended lawmakers out of the chambers.

    Dajoh also appointed Audu Elias as the new spokesperson of the House, following the suspension of Berger, who had held the position.

  • IOM donates $1.1m to support IDPs in Benue

    IOM donates $1.1m to support IDPs in Benue

    The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has donated the sum of $1.1 million dollars (N1.69 billion) to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue.

    The Deputy Director-General (DDG) of IOM, Ugochi Daniels, who made the donation during a condolence visit to the state on Wednesday in Makurdi, said that the support was specifically for Yelewata and Naka IDPs.

    Daniels said that the donation was part of IOM’s support of the Benue Government’s efforts to return the IDPs to their ancestral homes with dignity.

    “The IOM’s support is part of a larger initiative to find durable solutions for IDPs, including helping them return to their places of origin or resettle in new locations.

    “We are always ready to collaborate with the state government to return the IDPs to their ancestral homes or resettle them in new locations of their choice,” Daniels declared.

    The DDG urged the government and stakeholders to prioritise peacebuilding in order to solve the humanitarian needs in the state.

    She said that development could only thrive in the atmosphere of peace.

    NAN reports that IOM has been actively involved in providing support to IDPs in Benue in the areas of shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as supporting resettlement and livelihood opportunities.

    Receiving the donation, Gov. Hyacinth Alia also supported IOM with the sum of USD 50,000 as part of the state government’s contribution towards the work efforts of the organisation to dignify the lives of the IDPs.

    Alia said that the state government was proud of any partnership with IOM, saying, “the organisation has helped the government to operate in coordination by introducing biometric registration of IDPs.

    “IOM’s constant support of the Benue IDPs has transformed vulnerability into resilience; I commend the organisation for also constructing a mega camp that gave dignified shelter to the IDPs,” he said.

    The governor, who expressed concerns over the high population of IDPs in camps, said that many of them were women and children.

    He said that Benue needed a strengthened partnership to enable them to return home or integrate into new communities of their choice.

    “We are engaging relevant quarters to ensure their safe return home because that has been my dream from the onset of my administration.

    “Also, through the response we are getting, I can say that IDPs will soon return to their ancestral homes,” Alia said.

    The DDG visited the International Market IDP camp (mega camp) to assure the IDPs they were not forgotten.

  • BREAKING! Benue boils again as angry villagers barricade expressway with corpses of relatives

    BREAKING! Benue boils again as angry villagers barricade expressway with corpses of relatives

    Community dwellers in Yelwata located in Benue State on Monday barricaded expressway with corpses of their relatives to register their anger over alleged incessant killings.

    TheNewsGuru com, TNG reliably gathered that the renewed attack triggered a protest by local women, who took to the streets demanding that soldiers stationed in the area be withdrawn to their barracks.

    The aggrieved residents also called for immediate transportation to Makurdi, insisting they no longer feel safe in the community.

    Road users are stranded and the villagers have blocked the roads protesting the killing of their people this morning by unnamed persons.

    They brought the remains of the people and kept them on the road to halt both human and vehicular movements.

    An eyewitness told TNG that “no one is passing and military helicopters are hovering all over and solders and police are all over and the protesters saying that the soldiers must vacate the place before they would open the road for not helping them deal with the killers.

    “They are also saying the Governor must come and address them.

    Details shortly…

  • Governor’s nominees: Benue Assembly halts screening over unmet demands

    Governor’s nominees: Benue Assembly halts screening over unmet demands

    The Benue State House of Assembly has declined to screen Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s commissioner nominees until the executive complies with its earlier resolutions.

    This decision was taken on Friday in Makurdi immediately after Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh read the governor’s letter presenting his proposed cabinet members.

    Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) said screening nominees was their constitutional duty and they had no objection to it in principle.

    He stressed that members had always supported the governor but insisted unresolved concerns must be addressed before further correspondence from the executive would be considered.

    Supporting this, Simon Gabo (APC/Mata) said the submission of nominees showed the governor recognised their legislative role, meaning they should work in synergy.

    Gabo complained that he had not received his first constituency allowance, thereby denying his constituents some planned projects.

    He added that sittings had yet to begin in the Chamber because renovation works, started by the governor, remained incomplete.

    He also said seven members had not been given official cars.

    Gabo urged colleagues to adjourn sittings sine die, saying the governor should proceed alone if he preferred, but must treat legislators fairly.

    Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East) lamented that the situation felt like a “state of nature”, even though they were not.

    He noted that resolutions, such as unfreezing state accounts, had not been implemented despite being passed.

    Manger Manger (APC/Tarka) said they were denied constituency service funds, despite the allocation being included in the budget.

    He called for the correspondence to be stood down, allowing the leadership to keep engaging the executive on their demands, and supported sine die adjournment.

    Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) decried the executive’s nonchalant attitude to resolutions, saying it discouraged ministry and agency heads from honouring invitations.

    He described the lack of official cars for seven members as unacceptable and urged standing down the correspondence.

    Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) opposed sine die adjournment but agreed the screening should wait until the governor complied with resolutions.

    He also condemned alleged insults from social media aides of SUBEB Chair, Dr Grace Adagba, against legislators.

    Michael Audu (PDP/Adoka-Ugboju) urged members to avoid sine die adjournment, noting they must meet the minimum sitting days required per legislative session.

    Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) questioned how they could function effectively when welfare matters were treated as an afterthought.

    He said they had avoided confrontation and given their all, and would continue doing so, but supported standing down executive correspondence.

    Abu Edoh (PDP/Agatu) also opposed shutting down the Assembly.

    William Ortyom (PDP/Agasha) said they were not trying to destroy the state, noting they could have continued sitting on plastic chairs for over two years.

    He said the Assembly was the only one in the country still sitting on plastic chairs.

    Majority Leader Saater Tiseer urged colleagues to remain calm, promising continued engagement with the executive until their goals were achieved.

    Ruling, Speaker Dajoh directed the governor to obey the resolutions and suspend the SUBEB Chair, Otukpo Council Chairman, and Sports Lottery Board Executive Secretary.

    He warned that without meeting demands, including provision of seven vehicles, the Assembly would not honour any further correspondence from the governor.

  • Benue gov, Alia gifts Super Falcon star N50m, three-bedrooms apartment

    Benue gov, Alia gifts Super Falcon star N50m, three-bedrooms apartment

    Benue governor, Hyacinth Alia on Thursday night hosted Benue born international football star, Francesca Ordega and gifted her N50 million and three-bedrooms apartment in Makurdi metropolis.

    Presenting the gifts during the dinner in Makurdi, Alia described Ordega as the greatest sport ambassador the state had produced in recent times.

    Ordega was among the Nigeria team that won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosted by Morroco.

    NAN reports that the Gboko born international footballer has won the competition for a record five times with the national team.

    Alia also promised to rename a major street after her.

    The governor also gifted N10 million to the coach who nurtured Orderga in Benue to become an international footballer.

    He congratulated her for the outstanding performance she put up during the competition and encouraged talented young girls to emulate her resilience.

    “Today we are singing the nation’s common song of victory with one of us. With the one whom God has chosen and elected to represent us.

    “The one who has been the great ambassador of this state in sports in the last five victories of the WAFCON.

    “She is truly an inspiration to everyone. She is an inspiration to all the young ladies coming up to play. I invite parents to allow your daughters to get into the field.

    “Here is a great shining example of once you allow them, guide them and they are coached tomorrow we shall all go to the national and come back to the state to celebrate them.

    “I want all of us to encourage our young ladies to do sports,”he said

    In her remarks, Ordega expressed gratitude for the support from the state and Nigeria, and called for  stakeholders to collaborate in sports development and infrastructure.

    Ordega also urged the State to support grassroot sports development to harness the next generation of champions in the country.

    “Lets support sports development. Lets us invest in sports infrastructure, training programmes and talent identification initiatives by providing our young athletes with resources they need.

    “We can actually harnessed the next generation of champions and promote education. Education is the foundation of any prosperous society.

    “We can create scholarship programmes for young girls who excel in sports direct by ensuring that they have access to quality education while pursuing their dreams,”she said.

    Ordega further urged Benue youths to embrace peace, and love for one another and support the Governor to succeed.

    Also, Mr Innocent Idibia aka TuFace, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach, commended the Governor for supporting entertainment and sports.

    Idibia also used the opportunity to announced the upcoming Benue wild talent hunt show with N50 million star prize.

    He disclosed that his office was also working hard to organise inter State carnival.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) also presented a special award to Gov. Alia in appreciation of his support for Nigerian football.

  • 2027: Benue’s Kwande Intermediate Area endorses President Tinubu, throws weight behind SGF Akume

    2027: Benue’s Kwande Intermediate Area endorses President Tinubu, throws weight behind SGF Akume

    The people of Benue’s Kwande Intermediate Area have pledged their unalloyed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    This declaration came as they also rallied behind the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator George Akume.

    Speaking during a visit to the SGF at his Maitama residence in Abuja, the delegation—which cut across party lines—commended Senator Akume for his unwavering commitment to the development of Benue State and his pivotal role in advancing the interests of the Tiv nation in particular, and the state in general, at the federal level.

    According to a statement issued by the SGF’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the delegation was led by Chief Terlumun Akputu. He noted that the visit was a demonstration of solidarity and appreciation for the SGF’s efforts in attracting federal presence to the area.

    Barr. Vincent Uji, speaking on behalf of the delegation, commended President Tinubu for his inclusive governance style, noting that the people of Kwande Intermediate Area had experienced renewed hope under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He highlighted various federal initiatives and infrastructural projects currently underway in the state, attributing many of them to the influence and dedication of Senator Akume.

    Barr. Uji stressed that the unity and resolve demonstrated by the people of Kwande were clear indicators of their political alignment with the current administration, adding that their support would only grow stronger ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He urged other communities in Benue State to emulate Kwande’s commitment to ensuring that the APC remains the dominant political force in the region.

    In his response, Senator Akume expressed profound gratitude to the people for their unwavering support and solidarity.

    He described the visit as both timely and encouraging, especially as President Tinubu’s administration intensifies efforts to deliver on its promises to Nigerians.

    The SGF reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Benue State continues to benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured the delegation that he would keep advocating for developmental projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people.

    Senator Akume praised President Tinubu’s leadership style, describing it as inclusive, visionary, and deeply rooted in national unity and economic transformation.

    He urged the people of Kwande to remain steadfast in their support and to actively promote peace and development across the state.

    “The show of unity you’ve displayed today gives me great confidence that Benue is on the path of renewal,” Akume said. “With your continued support, we will consolidate on our gains and ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt in every corner of our dear state.”
    According to Kuanum, the SGF also called on political leaders and traditional institutions in Benue to work together to foster a political culture anchored on progress, development, and service to the people.

    The visit ended with prayers for President Tinubu, Senator Akume, the Tiv nation, and the continued prosperity of Benue State and Nigeria at large.

  • Alia submits list of 8 commissioner-nominees to Benue Assembly

    Alia submits list of 8 commissioner-nominees to Benue Assembly

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has submitted the first batch of commissioner-nominees to the State’s House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    Mr Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary, who made this known in a statement on Friday in Makurdi, said that the transmission of the list to the House was in line with constitutional provisions.

    Recall that Alia had sacked all the 17 commissioners and his Chief of staff on Wednesday.

    Kula listed the first batch of commissioner-nominees to include: Theresa Odachi, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, Dr Margaret Adamu, and Dr Peter Oboh.

    Others, he said, are  Dr Timothy Yangien, Mr Denis Iyaighgba, Mr James Dwem and Dr Paul Ogwuche.

    He said that the second batch of nominees would be forwarded to the House of Assembly in a matter of days.

    Kula said the governor was committed to ensuring transparency, competence, and inclusivity in the selection of individuals to drive his administration’s vision and mission for the state.

  • Benue highway barricaded as IDPs protest over prolonged displacement

    Benue highway barricaded as IDPs protest over prolonged displacement

    Movement in and out of Benue State was brought to a standstill on midweek as hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) staged a protest at Yelewata, blocking a major highway and chanting, “We want to go back home!”

    The protest, which began in the early hours of the day, caused heavy gridlock and left many commuters and motorists stranded for hours.

    The IDPs, who have been living in displacement camps for years following violent attacks in their communities, said they are frustrated by the prolonged lack of resettlement and continued insecurity, especially alleged attacks by armed Fulani herders.

    “If you’re planning to travel into or out of Benue State, please put your journey on hold for now,” wrote Ukan Kurugh, a human rights activist in the state, on his official Facebook page.

    “At Yelewata, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have taken to the major highway, blocking both lanes for several hours, chanting in unison: ‘We want to go back home!’”

    Kurugh added, “The protest has left many motorists and passengers stranded, as the displaced people express their frustration over prolonged displacement and continued attacks from terrorist Fulani herdsmen.”

    The demonstrators, mostly men and youth from various IDP camps in the area, demanded immediate government intervention to ensure their safe return to ancestral communities which they fled due to persistent attacks.

    However, around 2 pm, Kurugh posted an update, confirming that a government delegation had addressed the protesters and that the traffic had been cleared.

    “Good news for travelers along the Abuja Makurdi highway! The road has now been cleared and is open to traffic after earlier disruptions,” he wrote.

    “This follows a successful intervention by a government delegation led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lord Phydel Mnyim, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command.

    “The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who had earlier blocked the road in protest, have peacefully stepped down in response to the government’s engagement.

    “We appreciate the swift action taken to restore order and thank all travelers for their patience during the disruption.”

    Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has faced years of bloody conflict between farming communities and suspected armed herdsmen.

    The violence has displaced tens of thousands across the state, especially in areas like Guma, Gwer West, and Logo Local Government Areas.

    The most recent was the suspected armed herdsmen attack on Yelewata in June 2025 where hundreds of residents of the community were brutally killed.

    Many of these IDPs have lived in makeshift camps for over five years, with limited access to basic services, education, and security.

    Successive administrations in the state have repeatedly called on the Federal Government for support in resettling displaced communities, but progress has remained slow.

    Sporadic attacks in rural communities have further hampered return efforts