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Tag: Benue State

  • Flood: Benue Govt. sounds urgent alarm for residents to relocate

    Flood: Benue Govt. sounds urgent alarm for residents to relocate

    Following the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet)’s prediction of an impending flood in Benue, the state government has advised residents living along flood-prone areas to relocate to safer areas.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr James Iorpuu, told NAN on Wednesday in Makurdi that government had also taken steps to mitigate the negative effects of the impending flood.

    Iorpuu said that the ministry and the committee on flood embarked on a series of enlightenment campaigns.

    The permanent secretary advised those residing on waterways to immediately relocate to safe areas.

    According to him, the government cleared all blocked drainages within the urban areas for easy flow of water.

    Iorpuu, who is also a member of the Technical Committee on Disaster Response in Nigeria, said the government also launched e-emergency platforms on how emergencies are reported, analysed, and responded to.

    He said the ministry had already written to the government requesting funds to take care of impending flood victims.

    Iorpuu, who is also the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, said the ongoing multi-billion naira Idye drainage was one of the proactive measures taken by government to mitigate the impact of flood.

    “I also want to use this platform again to appeal to Benue people to vacate flood-prone areas.

    “They know themselves. Year in year out, when there is a flood, they vacate, and when it is no more, they go back to their shelters along the river bank.

    “Some have built their houses on waterways; we are begging them to vacate such areas. You also see what the governor is doing within the state capital, building roads and water channels for free flow of water.

    “This flood is not only going to affect animals; it will affect human beings and farmlands, amongst others.

    “We need to change our attitude on waste management too. You saw what happened in Adamawa few weeks ago, so I am begging people to move to safe areas,” he said.

    The government had already earmarked camps for would-be Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    Meanwhile, a Makurdi resident, Mr James Ejembi, told NAN that the only permanent solution to the problem was the dredging of River Benue and the completion of Kamshimbila Dam.

    Ejembi said that the dredging and completion of the dam would absorb the water that comes from Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon.

  • Benue Govt begs NUPENG to end strike

    Benue Govt begs NUPENG to end strike

    The Benue State Government has urged the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to end its ongoing three-day warning strike and resume the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Deborah Aber, told newsmen on Tuesday in Makurdi that the strike action was uncalled for.

    NUPENG, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) embarked on a 3-day warning strike, shutting down all filling stations in Benue.

    Aber said that the government received a letter from NUPENG requesting the payment of over N40 million as compensation for the vandalised PMS tank in 2022.

    She said the government, upon receipt of the letter, wrote to the police and DSS to get full details of what transpired back then.

    The SSG said that the State Government strongly believed that the incident was purely a criminal one and the government was not involved.

    She said NUPENG wrote and informed the government of the incident that happened at Aliade in 2022.

    “In the letter, they were asking for payment over their 45,000 litres of PMS they lost through the activities of vandals in 2022 at Aliade.

    “We needed to sit down and look at the whole scenario and how it played out. Because to us it appeared it was a pure criminal case of theft and vandalism, and the government was not involved in it at all.

    “We have held several meetings with them. Surprisingly, we woke up today, and the stations were locked. The government, too, is surprised because we are still at the discussion table.

    “When we received the letter, we wrote to the police and DSS to furnish us with what happened that time.

    “In the letter, they were claiming payment of over N40m for the loss of their goods in 2022,” she said.

    According to her, investigation revealed that the unions embarked on the strike action in demand for the payment of 45,000 litres of fuel that was carted away from a tanker by hoodlums in Aliade, Gwer-East LG, in 2022.

    All efforts to get officials of the unions to comment on the strike prove abortive.

  • Benue Assembly suspends members, recommends SUBEB chairman for suspension

    Benue Assembly suspends members, recommends SUBEB chairman for suspension

    The Benue State House of Assembly has urged Gov. Hyacinth Alia to suspend the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Grace Adagba, for six months over misconduct.

    The lawmakers who took the decision after a motion moved by the Chief Whip, Mr Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala West), during Tuesday’s plenary in Makurdi want the chairman to stay away from all matters relating to the board.

    The lawmakers said that the suspension would give the assembly access to carry out its oversight in the board.

    Ipusu said that the house, during its plenary on July 21, deliberated on a motion titled “Motion for the House to Embark on a Statewide Verification of Contracts”.

    “After a robust debate, the house resolved to constitute a seven-man ad hoc committee to ascertain the true status of completed and ongoing projects embarked upon by Alia’s government from inception to date and report back to the house within four weeks.

    “The ad hoc committee has extended several invitations to the Executive Chairman of SUBEB; she, however, declined to appear before the committee without any satisfactory explanation.

    “In one of her letters she had clearly stated that the house has no right to investigate contracts from the board.

    “It has, therefore, become very clear that she is deliberately hindering the house from carrying out its constitutional mandate of oversight,” Ipusu said.

    He said that allowing the chairman to remain actively involved while the committee conducts its assignment may create a conflict of interest, undermine public confidence or jeopardise the integrity of the lawmakers’ investigation.

    Mr Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South), who seconded the motion, decried the board’s lack of cooperation with the house under the chairmanship of her current chairman.

    Also, Mr Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East) said that SUBEB was established by law; therefore, it cannot act as an independent entity, and the house will be barred from carrying out an oversight function.

    Mr Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) said that the chairman had always disrespected the house whenever she was called to appear before it.

    Dugeri encouraged the house to stick to their decision of suspending the chairman, reiterating that they should take the decision and stand by it.

    Ruling, the Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, said that the house was committed to upholding the principle of accountability and good governance in all matters of public interest.

    Benue Assembly suspends 5 members for 3 sittings

    Meanwhile, the Benue State House of Assembly has suspended five of its members for three legislative sittings for withholding vital information.

    The suspended members were said to have given incomplete information in their report on the investigation of the alleged financial misconduct of Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman, Mr Maxwell Ogiri.

    The decision was taken after the report of the house ad hoc committee to investigate members of the House Standing Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on Tuesday in Makurdi.

    In a lead debate, a member of the ad hoc committee, Mr Solomon Gyila (APC/Gwer West), said that members of the committee tampered with the report, stating that some useful information was excluded from the report.

    Gyila said that some of the issues that were not included in the report were the diversion of the council funds by the Otukpo LGA chairman.

    He said that Ogiri even sold government property, but the report that was presented by the committee was at variance with the collective decision of the members.

    Also, Mr Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North) said that the chairman of the committee, Mr Terna Shimawua (APC/Kyan), should be suspended for three months for tampering with the report.

    Berger said that Shimawua hid some things which the ad hoc committee had uncovered.

    Also, Mr Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) said that security agencies should be directed to take over the premises of Otukpo LGA to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

    Mr Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East) encouraged his colleagues to be very careful with the issue of suspending members, stating it was demoralising.

    Audu said that members of the house should be suspended from the committee and not from the house for a period of three months.

    Ruling, the Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, said that members of the committee would be suspended for three legislative sittings.

    Dajoh said that for the time being he would be the chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    He said that chairmen of councils do not have power to lock the chamber of the local government legislative councils.

    The suspended members are Mr Terna Shimawua (APC/Kyan), Mr Matthew Damkor (APC/Tiev), Mr Cephas Dyako (APC/Konshisha), Mr Moses Egbodo (APC/Obi), and Mr Isaac Ochekyele (PDP/Ohimini).

  • Police rescue 6 abducted law students in Benue

    Police rescue 6 abducted law students in Benue

    The Benue State Police Command, on Friday, said it successfully rescued all the six abducted students of the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

    Udeme stated that the students were rescued on Friday morning.

    According to him, the students, who were travelling from Anambra to Adamawa, were abducted on July 26 on the Joota/Wukari Federal Highway.

    “They have been released and reunited with their families this morning, Aug. 1.

    “They were abducted on the Joota/Wukari Federal Highway and were rescued on the High Tension Road, Wukari Taraba,” she added.

    She further explained that the students were rescued and taken to the Ukum Divisional Police Headquarters, before they were later reunited with their respective families.

  • BREAKING: Gov Alia fires Chief of Staff, all commissioners; dissolves SEC

    BREAKING: Gov Alia fires Chief of Staff, all commissioners; dissolves SEC

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Wednesday dissolved the State Executive Council (SEC).

    Alia announced the dissolution in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Tersoo Kula, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

    Kula said that the governor informed the council members of the dissolution at the end of the 12th (2025) SEC meeting.

    The CPS said that the governor directed the commissioners to hand over to the permanent secretaries of their ministries as soon as possible.

    He appreciated all the former commissioners who worked with him for two years and urged those who might not be reappointed, to remain in the party.

    He said those who would not be reappointed are only paving the way for other citizens to also contribute their quota to the development of the state.

    Meanwhile, the governor has approved the immediate appointment of Mr Moses Atagher, a legal practitioner, as the new Chief of Staff to replace Mr Paul Biam.

    Kula said that Atagher is a former two-term attorney general and commissioner for justice in the state.

    Atagher, who is a seasoned administrator, is also the former acting managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank.

    Speaking for the dissolved commissioners, immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Bemsen Mnyim, appreciated the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the state.

    “At every stage in life, everywhere you are called to serve is a school. We have learnt a lot while working with you,” he said.

  • Mrs Tinubu’s care for Benue’s victims of violence excites Gov Alia

    Mrs Tinubu’s care for Benue’s victims of violence excites Gov Alia

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her motherly care and support to Benue in its most trying times.

    Alia expressed this appreciation on Monday in Makurdi during the president’s wife’s condolence visit to the state.

    The governor said that Benue was overwhelmed by the first lady’s thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity.

    He added that her presence and donation of N1 billion to victims of violence spoke volumes of her motherly heart, compassion, and commitment to national solidarity.

    “Just as you stood with Plateau in their moment of grief recently, you have come here today, bearing the gift of your presence, empathy, and support.

    “This consistency reflects the kind of leadership and motherliness that we deeply admire and cherish.
    Benue appreciates you greatly. Nigeria appreciates you wholeheartedly.

    “Here in Benue, the impact has been profound and far-reaching. Allow me to express, with utmost appreciation, the multiple interventions we have benefited from: ₦500,000 donation each to 20 women farmers in Benue State.

    “Financial and medical outreach packages for the elderly during the Christmas season. ₦50,000 recapitalisation grants to 1,000 petty traders.

    “A full truck of assorted food items and another of rice for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), orphanage homes, widows, and persons living with disabilities.

    “Agricultural empowerment of 250 women and youth. SDG/RHI donation of freezers, grinding machines, generators, and gas cookers to 500 beneficiaries, among many other interventions,” he said.

    According to Alia, at the moment, Benue hosts more than 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) spread across official camps and host communities.

    He noted that the recent attacks had led to the emergence of new IDP camps at the International Market, Makurdi, where more than 3,160 persons, mainly women and children, were located, as well as at NKST Primary School Naka, where 18,592 persons were camped seeking refuge under dire conditions.

    He added that while attention was given to Yelewata, recent killings after the Yelewata incidence in Naka had created a much bigger humanitarian crisis that needed global attention and support.

    He urged the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and other well-spirited individuals and organisations to visit Naka and lend support, saying; “we cannot do this alone as a state”.

    The governor further said that the current security architecture had not proven sufficient in curbing the incessant attacks in Benue communities.

    “A decentralised, locally rooted policing structure will greatly enhance intelligence gathering, swift response, and accountability.

    “It is time for Nigeria to embrace state police as a practical and necessary step towards securing lives, property, and peace across the nation.

    “Furthermore, I humbly appeal to Her Excellency to consider championing the process of encouraging the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across all North Central states.

    “A regional approach to ranching and the prohibition of open grazing will ensure consistency in enforcement and eliminate safe havens for violators moving across state boundaries,” Alia added.

  • Benue: Mrs Tinubu donates N1bn to victims of violence

    Benue: Mrs Tinubu donates N1bn to victims of violence

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N1 billion and other relief materials to victims of violence in Benue through her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

    Mrs Tinubu, while addressing the people of Benue on Tuesday in Makurdi, said the purpose of her visit was to commiserate with Benue people, especially those who lost their family members and properties in the attacks.

    “I am here today to condole with the Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia and the good people of the state.

    “I am deeply saddened by the killings that have occurred in recent weeks in the state, especially in Yelwata and Dauda communities, which led to devastating casualties, and destruction of properties, homes and sources of livelihood.

    “It is more worrisome that people who have once lived together in harmony are now killing one another,” the first lady said.

    She expressed sadness over how the state, hitherto known as a peace haven, had been turned into a killing field and war zone, insisting that; “this must stop”.

    She noted that the state had contributed a lot to the country’s growth and prosperity, especially in the area of food security.

    “Benue state is known as the nation’s food basket because of its rich and diverse agricultural produce.

    “As a mother, I urge you all to bury any grievances and go back to cordial and peaceful coexistence.

    “When there are disagreements, dialogue and patience remain the best solutions rather than violence, the way of peace is the way of love and love is the greatest power on earth.

    “On behalf of the governing council of RHI, we are making this donation of N1 billion to help displaced families get back on their feet, go back to earning a living, and have a better life.

    According to the first lady, the donation is in line with the objective of the RHI, as contained in the motto: “Towards a Better Life for Families”.

    Mrs Tinubu also pleaded with traditional and religious leaders, and other prominent leaders in the state, to assist the government in bringing peace back to the state.

    Alia, in his response, thanked the first lady for her intervention and love.

    “The killing of our people speaks volumes. You chose to identify with us to console and bless us.

    “This is not the first time you are here. This consistency of your love is appreciated.

    The governor further commended the first lady for all her interventions, especially to women across the country.

  • JUST-IN: Unknown Gunmen abduct 6 law students in Benue

    JUST-IN: Unknown Gunmen abduct 6 law students in Benue

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted six students of the Nigerian Law School in Benue while travelling to resume academic activities at the institution’s Yola Campus in Adamawa State.

    The abduction, TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) understands occurred in the evening of Saturday, July 26, along the volatile Wukari-Benue border axis, a highway notorious for kidnappings, armed robbery, and sporadic attacks by criminal groups.

    The students who were identified as: Rev. Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel and Obiorah David was said to be travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State, following the completion of their mandatory court externship programme.

    The Yola Law School Campus is scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 28.

    Confirming the incident, a fellow student, Damilare Adenola, expressed deep concern about the safety of his colleagues.

    “Six students of the Nigerian Law School have been reportedly kidnapped by suspected armed bandits while travelling to resume school after their court externship break,” he said.

    A student union leader at the Yola campus, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that the abduction had been reported to the authorities.

    “We are all in shock here in Yola. We’ve been in contact with the Adamawa State Police Command, but we’ve also been told that the incident happened outside their jurisdiction. We are waiting and praying for more concrete updates,” the student leader said.

  • Alleged N3.1bn fraud: You have case to answer – Court tells ex-Gov Suswam

    Alleged N3.1bn fraud: You have case to answer – Court tells ex-Gov Suswam

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, said former Benue Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Oklobia, have a case to answer in the N3.1 billion charge against them.

    Delivering a ruling in the no-case submission entered by Suswam and Oklobia, Justice Peter Lifu held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them that required them to defend.

    Justice Lifu said that he had been persuaded by the defendants to invoke Section 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to hold that they had no case to answer.

    “Upon perusing the evidence before the court, I am mindful to hold that the defendants have some explanation to offer in the interest of fair hearing.

    “The prosecution has placed before the court legally admissible evidence linking the two defendants to the allegations.

    “They need to throw some light on the allegations because a prima face case has been established against them.

    “The defendants’ no-case submission is refused and they are called upon to open their defence,” the judge ruled.

    The judge adjourned the matter until Sept. 22 and Sept. 26 for the defendants to open and possibly close their case.

    Suswam and Oklobia are standing trial on an 11-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N3.1 billion.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecuting agency, alleged that the funds in question were part of the proceeds from the sale of Benue government shares managed by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC).

    That the shares were sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

    On the last adjourned date,  Suswam’s Counsel, Chinedu Ogbozor, and Paul Erokoro, SAN, representing Oklobia, informed the court that they had filed a no-case submission on behalf of their clients.

    They said that the decision to file the no-case submission stemmed from Sections 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    They urged the court to adopt their submission which they supported with a written address.

    They prayed the court to discharge and acquit the defendants, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

    In response, lead prosecution Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN opposed the application, referencing his written reply submitted in July.

    He urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission, maintaining that the evidence on record sufficiently connected the defendants to the charge.

    Recall that the duo were first arraigned before Justice Ahmed Mohammed in November 2015.

    He later recused  himself  from the case before it was reassigned to another judge, Justice Okon Abang, for hearing.

    Mohammed had referenced a media report by Sahara Reporters which accused him of having been compromised to give Suswam a soft landing as his reason to withdraw from the case.

    Suswam challenged the jurisdiction of the court presided over by Justice  Abang to handle the suit.

    In a ruling in February 2020, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered a return of the case to Justice Mohammed for trial.

    Consequently, Mohammed began hearing of the case to the extent that the EFCC closed  its prosecution.

    While the defendants were preparing to open their defence, Mohammed was elevated from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal in 2023.

    With Justice Mohammed’s elevation, the case was reassigned to Justice Lifu, where  Suswam and Okolobia had to take a fresh plea.

    Suswam  and Oklobia were re-arraigned before Lifu where they pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

    Their lawyers prayed the court to allow their clients to enjoy the previous bail conditions granted them by Justice Mohammed, the former judge, who was handling the case before his elevation to the Court of Appeal.

    Lifu  warned lawyers that he would not be a part of the case’s chequered history.

  • Benue Assembly summons Attorney General

    Benue Assembly summons Attorney General

    The Benue State House of Assembly has summoned the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Fidelis Mnyim, to appear before it on July 29 and explain the status of the bills passed by the assembly.

    The decision followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer, during plenary on Tuesday in Makurdi.

    Tiseer said that in June 2024, the house painstakingly scrutinised and passed 10 bills, emphasising that they were accordingly forwarded to Gov. Hyacinth Alia for assent.

    The majority leader also stated that by the end of 2024, the house could not account for many of the bills that were passed, assented to, and gazetted.

    He further stated that between December 2024 and June 2025, the house had transmitted two letters to the office of the Attomey-General and Commissioner for Justice, requesting him to submit copies of all the laws assented to and those not assented to, but to no avail.

    Tiseer further said that the house was worried about the failure of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order to respond to the house’ requests on the subject matter.

    According to him, the silence has a telling effect on the morale of legislators who were becoming discouraged by the day.

    The motion was seconded by Pharm. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), saying that the motion came timely.

    Ruling, the Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, directed the attorney-general to appear and present the requested bills.

    Dajoh further said that he would also explain why he failed to honour the house’ request for two consecutive times.