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Tag: Benue State

  • Benue APC ‘wahala’: Youth Leaders pass vote of confidence on State Chairman, Agada+Photos

    Benue APC ‘wahala’: Youth Leaders pass vote of confidence on State Chairman, Agada+Photos

     

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders from the 9 local government areas of Benue South, have declared total support for the Comrade Austin Agada-led state executive of the party.

    At a joint press briefing of the APC youth leaders in the Senatorial district held in Otukpo on Wednesday, the state chairman, Agada, was described as a young man, whose “transformative leadership has set a precedent, bringing about unprecedented development in the history of local politics” in Benue State.

    Comrade Christopher Ogbole, the APC zonal youth leader who spoke on behalf of the youth leaders present from the 9 LGAs of Benue South, also said the entire youth wing of the party acknowledged the laudable social economic interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in areas of infrastructures and human capital development; while passing vote of confidence on the leadership of Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Benue APC.

    “In the vibrant political landscape of Benue South Zone C, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Youth leadership proudly stands behind the Benue State APC Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, recognizing his exceptional leadership qualities that have positively impacted the lives of the youth and communities under his influence.

    “Comrade Agada’s commitment to youth inclusion and empowerment is unparalleled, as evident in his remarkable efforts to engage and uplift the younger generation. His personal touch with friends and widows showcases a leader who goes beyond politics, embodying empathy and compassion.

    “We are equally grateful to our party men and women especially the young people who elected us to be their watch and negotiate for their welfare, our assurance to them is that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will bear beneficial fruits to the entire country especially the young people of Benue South, Zone C”, the party said.

    Aside providing quality leadership for the party, the youth leaders also eulogized Agada for attracting many infrastructures to the area, facilitating employments of many youths, as well as offering scholarships to many indigent students in the state.

    The APC youth leaders also used the opportunity to urge those beating the drums for a parallel executive when another Congress had not been held, to decease forthwith, saying, such crisis mongers would also sabotage the good works of the Tinubu-led federal government in Benue State.

    “Additionally, the APC Youth leadership calls on individuals, such as Comr. Daniel Onjeh, Benjamin Omakolo and their associates, to cease creating crises in the zone, emphasizing the need for unity to fully harness the democratic gains achieved as a people.

    “The collective achievements in Benue South Zone C, including the appointment of three Permanent Secretaries, the Acting Controller of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Agency, Executive Secretary of TETFUND, and a Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission, are commendable milestones. The ongoing construction of the Makurdi-Otukpo-Enugu-9th Mile road further attests to the positive strides in the zone.

    “In conclusion, the APC Youth leaders in benue South zone c under my leadership as the zonal youth leader extends a vote of confidence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his role in fostering development, and to Senator Dr. George Akume for providing exemplary leadership in the state. Together, these leaders are contributing to a future of growth, progress, and prosperity for not just Benue State but Nigeria as whole”, Comrade Ogbole added.

    It would be recalled that the Benue APC has been ridden with crisis lately, with Governor Hyacinth Alia announcing Mr. Omakolo as an acting state Chairman of the party, despite the State High Court’s ruling by the state Chief Judge that Comrade Agada’s state executive remains intact.

    Both Agada and Omakolo are from the Benue South Senatorial district of the state.

  • Gov Alia tackles politicians over insecurity in Benue

    Gov Alia tackles politicians over insecurity in Benue

    Gov Hyacinth Alia has appealed to politicians to stop politicising the insecurity situation in Benue.

    Alia made the appeal when he visited Gbajir, Ityulugh District in Ukum Local Government Area, where militia groups reportedly killed 45 residents.

    Violence rocked the area on Wednesday, March 6, and left 45 persons dead.

    A miffed Alia, while decrying the level of violence, appealed to politicians to support him to address the raging insecurity “instead of politicising it”.

    He also commended the security agencies’ prompt response to the situation, and warned the locals against shielding the criminals.

    He observed that majority of the casualties were members of the militia, wondering why only that particular village and house came under attack.

    The governor promised to work toward restoring peace to Ukum, urging politicians inciting violence and sponsoring the militia gangs in the axis to give peace a chance.

    “If politicians are sponsoring militia gangs, as the traditional leaders have pointed out, let them stop such evil. Their communities, the families in their local governments, want peace.

    “The person that went out there to cry wolf, has to come back and answer to his traditional rulers. He must tender apologies to me as the governor of the state, and then to the entire people of the state,” he said.

    He recalled that a 14-day ultimatum was given and the response was very encouraging as herders were leaving, “only for the militia group to attack them, kidnap some, and rustle 61 cattle”.

    “Ransom was paid, but only two people were released, which led to the reprisal attack by the armed herders

    “A lot would have been averted if the herders had been allowed to retreat peacefully, but the action of few evil people has put innocent people in harm’s way.

    He accused the Senator representing Benue North-East, Mr Memga Udende, of failing to present all the facts that led to the build up to the crisis in his area when he presented the matter before the Senate.

    “Udende is from Ukum and knows most of the young men there; it means he is in a position to know the fighting groups. We want him to expose anyone suspected to be sponsoring violence in Ukum,” he said.

    Alia called on neighbourhood watch groups to be on the alert and continue to play their roles so that peace would return to the area.

    He charged the Ukum Traditional Council to work out the best approach to the situation, and to also caution those fanning embers of violence to desist or be made to face the consequences of their actions.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Ter Ukum and Chairman, Ukum Traditional Council, Mr Orkaa Kaave, had said that the attack took place at the Ityulugh ward with the residence of the District Head, Deuti Adzande, hit on Tuesday morning.

    Offering further insight into the crisis, Kaave disclosed that he received reports of herders influx into the local government Saturday and Sunday last week, which he reported to the appropriate authorities.

    According to him, as more herders entered the area, he was informed that a youth from the area had stolen 61 cows and also kidnapped some of their men.

    “He allegedly collected ransom but refused to release the captives,” he said.

    “The Divisonal Police Officer(DPO) of Gbeji, led by the herders, was able to recover the cattle in Ityulugh District but, after paying ransom for the release of the four kidnapped herders, only two were released by Chen, which inevitably led to the attack.

    “The house of the District Head was attacked because the herders felt he was shielding the culprits. No other place was attacked in Ukum apart from the District Hlead’s residence where they recovered their cows,” he said.

    Mr Victor Iorzaa, the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum LocalGovernment, in a remark, said that when he was informed that herders were attacking the village, he called the DPO and they came and saw the destruction and casualties on ground.

    “The attack was carried out by armed herders in collusion with a local militia group who attacked a rival gang over the killing of one of the herders,” he said.

    Efforts to speak with Sen. Udende were not successful, but an aide said he was not available to respond to enquiries.

  • I am not leaving PDP – Ortom

    I am not leaving PDP – Ortom

    A former governor of Benue, Dr Samuel Ortom, has debunked rumours making the rounds that he is leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another political party.

    Ortom made the clarification  during the party’s stakeholders meeting on Monday in Makurdi.

    The former governor said  he remained a member of the party and would  continue to work for its progress.

    “I am not defecting to any political party. I am not going anywhere. I will remain in PDP.

    “I have helped in building the party and I am committed to working  for its progress,” Ortom said.

    He advised leaders to expose rumour mongers in view of the damage caused by  their activities.

    Also speaking  at the meeting , Sen. Gabriel Suswam  admonished PDP leaders to always strive to work together to make the party stronger.

    According to him, PDP is capable of winning  all  elections in the state.

    Suswam , also a former governor of the state, pledged that the party would not impose party officials on  members, saying that members would be allowed to choose their leaders themselves.

    He said that PDP made mistakes during the 2023 general elections and thar the party  had learnt a lot of lessons.

    The former governor said  that the lessons  learnt would propel the party  to plan better and wrestle power from APC.

    Mr John Ngbede ,  the PDP Chairman in the state  , urged  members  sowing seeds of discord among party  leaders to desist forthwith.

    Ngbede said that if they continue to sow the seeds of discord  among  leaders, they would be disappointed.

    “We ,the leaders of PDP, are very united and we will remain so no matter the circumstances.

    “We will work very hard to reclaim our mandate in 2027. The Benue State Government House belongs to us,” Ngbede said.

  • Benue APC Crisis: High Court orders reinstatement of Agada as Chairman

    Benue APC Crisis: High Court orders reinstatement of Agada as Chairman

    A Benue High Court, presided over by the Chief Judge of the State, Maurice Ikpambese, has ordered the reinstatement of Mr Austin Agada, as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ikpambese gave the order on Monday, while ruling on a motion seeking to set aside the Interim Order, restraining Agada from parading himself as Chairman of the APC in Benue.

    Agada was suspended by the Benue High Court in Aliade, presided over by Justice Lilian Tsumba, over allegations of anti party activities.

    After listening to the arguments of counsel to Agada, Mr Agaba Moses and Mr J.J Usman, SAN, Ikpambese vacated the order restraining Agada from parading himself, functioning and acting as the Chairman of the APC in Benue.

    The Chief Judge ruled that under Order 39 Rule 3, of the Benue State High Court Procedure Rules, 2023, the lifespan of an interim order is seven days, and since the order was issued on Feb 2, it had elapsed by law.

    He also ruled that Tsumba, who restrained Agada, did not have the jurisdiction to give an Interim Order, since the matter was not assigned to her by the Chief Judge, or the Superior Judge in Aliade.

    Ikpambese further nullified the appointment of Benjamin Omakolo as Acting  Chairman of the APC in Benue, and any other appointments made from Feb 2, 2024.

    The Chief Judge therefore, said he would assign the matter to another judge, who would hear the matter on its merits.

  • Benue gets new Commissioner of Police

    Benue gets new Commissioner of Police

    Mr Emmanuel Adesina has assumed duty as the new Commissioner of Police (CP) in Benue, with a commitment to fight crime headlong.

    The spokesperson of the Police Command in Benue, SP Sewuese Anene, said in a statement in Makurdi on Wednesday that the CP promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment.

    He called for the cooperation of officers and men of the Command as well as support from members of the public with useful and timely information that would help in the fight against crime.

    According the spokesperson, CP Adesina gave assurances that the Command under his leadership will ensure toprotect the lives and property of the people of Benue.

    Mr Adesina, who was recently promoted to the rank of CP, joined the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent in 1992.

  • Benue loses traditional ruler

    Benue loses traditional ruler

    The Tiv Traditional Council (TTC) on Friday announced the death and funerals of the traditional ruler of Sankera in Benue, Abu King Shuluwa.

    This is contained in a statement by the Secretary, Tiv Area Traditional Council, Mr Shinyi Tyozua, and made available to newsmen  in Makurdi.

    The traditional ruler, who was s a first class chief, covered Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas of the state.

    According to the statement, the Tor Sankera, King Shuluwa died on Tuesday at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

    He was born in 1946 and died at the age of 79.

    Before his death, Abu King Shuluwa was the Tor Sankera and Chairman, Sankera Intermediate Area Traditional Council and  member of the Tiv Area Traditional Council and Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.

    “The body of the late Tor will be buried on the Feb. 10 at Katsina-Ala. Details of the burial programme will be released in due course.

    “By this announcement, all members of Tiv Area Traditional Council and Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers are invited to attend the burial and pay their last respect to the revered traditional ruler.” the statement stated.

    Before his appointment as a first class chief, (Tor Sankera) late King Shuluwa was appointed  commissioner in Benue State on three occasions and held several other appointments.

    The late ruler had contested the governorship position of the state on four occasions but was not successful in the outings.

  • Gov. Alia appeals to kidnappers to release LG chair, others

    Gov. Alia appeals to kidnappers to release LG chair, others

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has appealed to kidnappers of the Caretaker Chairman, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the State, Rev Gideon Haanongon, and three others, to release them unconditionally.

    Alia made the appeal on Saturday, during a funeral oration for Ter (paramount ruler) Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezanga Wombo, at the Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala LGA of the State.

    Haanongon, his orderly, driver and personal assistant, were kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday, while on their way to attend the funeral ceremony of the late traditional ruler.

    He called for the immediate release of the kidnapped chairman and those with him.

    The Governor said that his administration was ready to engage the youths to be useful in the society, if they refrained from criminal activities.

    He decried the spate of killings and kidnappings in the area by bandits, and warned that his administration would not condone such nefarious acts.

    Alia called on both serving and former lawmakers, as well as other prominent sons of Sankara, to convene an emergency meeting to proffer lasting solutions to the insecurity in the area.

    He assured that their recommendations, when forwarded to him, would be implemented immediately.

    The Governor also urged traditional leaders in the area to put heads together to proffer lasting solutions to the challenges bedevilling the area, saying that his administration was determined to ensure that peace returned not only to Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala LGAs, but to the entire state.

    Alia commiserated with the family of Chief Wombo over the demise of their father, and urged them to be consoled in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.

    Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, called for collective responsibility to move the state forward.

    Represented by Sen Jack Gyado, Akume called on all Sankara sons to ensure that peace returned to the area.

    The SGF pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that there was peace in Benue for efficient development.

    A former governor of Benue, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, also tasked the people of Sankara on peace and unity.

    Suswam said it was time for Sankara to be sanitised from all forms of criminality for people to exercise their fundamental human rights of free movement from one place to another.

    The senator also said the area, known as the food hub of the state, and needed peace to ensure its return to agricultural activities, in order to grow the state’s economy and enhance Nigeria’s GDP.

    Also Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, in his sermon, called on Benue people to intensify prayers for the state, the governor and Sankera.

    In his remarks a son of the deceased, Prince Solomon Wombo, member representing , Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituency, appealed for peace in the constituency.

    Sankara, which comprises Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala LGAs, is the constituency of the late Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, the kidnapping kingpin.

    The area is yet to have peace even after his death.

  • Why I suspended APC primary election in Benue – Governor Alia

    Why I suspended APC primary election in Benue – Governor Alia

    Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, the  Benue State Governor, has ordered the immediate suspension of the primary election of the All Progressives Congress into Guma 1 State Constituency.

    The governor revealed to journalists on Saturday why he gave an order suspending the APC primary election in the state.

    According to Alia, he did that because the delegate election was marred by irregularities and insecurity.

    Recall that Guma 1 State Constituency was declared vacant following the resignation of Dr Yamar Ortese who was appointed a commissioner.

    Election to fill the vacant position is expected to be conducted next month, hence, the delegate election to pick the candidate to fly the party flag for the constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly.

    An eyewitness told journalists earlier that the venue of the primary held at Avine Agbom Hotel in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area, was marred with irregularities despite the presence of security operatives, including military, Police and Department of State Security.

    The eyewitness said the gate leading to the venue of the election was barricaded by a detachment of security men while some delegates, including an aspirant, Maurice Orwough, the Caretaker Council Chairman, Simon Unongu, Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr Yanmar Ortese, as well as member representing Makurdi North State Constituency, Alfred Emberga, were barred from accessing the venue of the delegate election.

    The developments drew the attention of the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Paul Biam who acted as the state official observer for the primary election.

    “The Chief of Staff demanded that the gate be forced open only to discover that the national credentials officials of APC assigned to conduct the primary election were not found and the election materials were not available at the venue.

    “The situation caused confusion and anxiety as a young man alleged to have aided the smuggling of electoral materials was arrested by security personnel for interrogation.

    “At the end of the day, Peter Terwase Uche was announced to have scored 25 votes against Maurice Orwough who polled three votes,” an eyewitness who did not want his name in print said.

    Following the irregularities that marred the conduct of the primary, Governor Alia ordered the suspension of the delegate election.

    He said that the security of the state remains paramount to his government.

    The governor said, “I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. I know that the National Working Committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.

  • Police rescue 2 kidnap victims, arrest 18 suspects in Benue

    Police rescue 2 kidnap victims, arrest 18 suspects in Benue

    The Police Command in Benue said it rescued two kidnap victims, arrested a tax collector and 17 others in Logo Local Government Area of the state.

    This was contained in a statement on Sunday signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene in Makurdi.

    According to the statement, some bandits invaded Mchia Market on Nov. 23 in Logo LGA and kidnapped two traders.

    The statement stated that following the incident, kidnappings of traders and information received by the command, the Police raided the compound of Zaki Tule Nyam, a tax collector and rescued the victims.

    The statement further stated that the Police also arrested the tax collector and 17 others.

    “The victims stated that they were held hostage and their families were given one week to source for N10 million and pay as ransom for their release before the arrival of the Police.

    “Consequently, Zaki Nyam and 17 other suspects were arrested for further investigation.

    “Items recovered from them include one dane gun and machetes.”

    The statement further stated that the CP enjoined the people of Logo LGA to cooperate with Police teams sent to the area by giving them useful information as investigation continued.

  • Nigeria: Army, Police urged to probe extortion of farmers, herders in Benue, Kaduna, Taraba

    Nigeria: Army, Police urged to probe extortion of farmers, herders in Benue, Kaduna, Taraba

    The Nigerian Army and Police Force have been urged to immediately launch an inquiry into the alleged extortion of farmers and herders in some conflict-ridden communities of Benue, Taraba and Kaduna states.

    A recent investigative report by Daily Trust had indicted soldiers and police officers deployed in Adaka and Wadata communities of Benue, Jalingo town in Taraba and Zangon Kataf area of Kaduna state of engaging in unprofessional conducts, and exacerbating the plight of farmers and herders through intimidation and extortion.

    Security and Energy expert Kevin Eyneface led the call for Army and Police authorities to swing into action immediately during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja.
    Kevin stated that the investigation, which also exposed the identities of some people who perpetrated the act, is valid enough for the security agencies whose personnel have been indicted to take prompt action while urging the military and police hierarchies not to ‘sweep the report under the carpet.’

    Advising the Nigerian Army and Police authorities, He said that “the fact the investigation actually named names is a commendable feat to start with. Hence, it is now left for the system to heal itself, but the question is to what extent will they (Army and Police) want to go to in healing themselves,” Eyneface queried.

    He added that extortion is an outcome of the corruption in the security system of Nigeria – be it the military or the police, noting that the situation is worsened by lack of consequence for bad behaviour of some security agents, flawed recruitment processes, nepotism, cronyism and poor remuneration.

    “Deployment in military, police or DSS to anywhere is backed with corruption. It has to be either based on cronyism or nepotism or some form of bigoted relationship or jingoism. From my experience, a merit window comes when you are exceptionally good.

    “Why do we have a country with a multiplicity of remuneration across the board? Why do politicians earn much more than a Nigerian inspector in the Nigeria Police? The minimum salary of a counsellor in a political office is almost N500,000, with other benefits. Do we have the same salary for a police officer that carries an AK 47 to protect us or a military officer that protects us with arms – the answer is No,” Fyneface stated.
    Towing the same line, Daily Trust journalist Musa Luka Muka asked the Nigerian Army and Police authorities to act on the investigative report indicting security agents of compromising standards in Benue, Taraba and Kaduna communities.
    Musa urged the Federal Government “to do something urgently about extortion because people are suffering out there. People are dying in the rural areas.

    “There are lots of farmers and herders in crisis; they are facing worse situations than what has been reported, but they are not ready to give out information because they are skeptical and afraid of a reprisal attack, He explained.

    The investigative journalist stressed the need for ordinary Nigerians to be sensitized about intimidation and extortion by security agents.

    “Sadly, the citizens fear to give out information. As such, we have to engage in sensitization. We (the government) should do something about this report because people are suffering out there. People are dying in the rural areas,” Musa said.
    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.