TheNewsGuru

Tag: Benue State

  • “Why are they killing us?” – Benue traditional questions Tinubu

    “Why are they killing us?” – Benue traditional questions Tinubu

    Chairman of Benue Traditional Council, Prof. James Ayatse has said his people had made a lot of sacrifices to keep Nigeria united and wondered why they were being isolated for extermination.

    Prof. Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, stated this on Wednesday in Makurdi at a town hall meeting with President Bola Tinubu following the recent killing of more than 200 persons in an attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

    The Tor Tiv stated this while expressing confidence that the President has the capacity to restore permanent peace in Nigeria, and Benue in particular.

    “Many of our people died during the civil war; we paid the supreme price to keep this country united.

    “There is genocide going on in our land. It is not clashes, but a well-orchestrated, well-coordinated attack aimed at wiping out our people.

    “We know you are a courageous leader. You are a focused leader. You are a determined leader. You have the courage and the political will to end this menace.

    “You have taken hard decisions and actions that many people before you did not dare.

    “You have handled the subsidy removal challenge of this country. The exchange rate investment decisions, you have taken them. I believe you can give us peace. All we ask of you is peace,” he said.

    The paramount ruler said the people, who were largely farmers, needed peace so that they would continue farming.

    He, however, expressed concerns that the farmers had been chased away from their farms by the bloodthirsty invaders.

    The Tor Tiv told the President that Tiv people in Nasarawa State were suffering the same fate, as they too had been chased away from their ancestral homes in some LGAs.

    According to Ayatse, Tiv people’s lands have been taken from them, and they have been labelled as settlers.

    “They have been in Nasarawa State before the 18th century. They cannot be settlers. They need to go back to their ancestral homes to continue with their lives,” he said.

    Ayatse lauded Tinubu for coming personally to identify with Benue people in their moment of grief.

    He assured the president that the people of Benue who supported him in 2023 would continue to stand with him.

  • Benue killings: FG told to prosecute perpetrators as victims receive relief materials

    Benue killings: FG told to prosecute perpetrators as victims receive relief materials

    Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Centre for Change has urged the Federal Government to prosecute perpetrators of violence in Benue State to ensure accountability and justice.

    Okei-Odumakin made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    The human rights activist condemned the killings, particularly in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.

    She called on the government to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.

    “The massacre is an indictment of the Nigerian military and other security agencies, considering the fact that the crisis in the area has lingered for far too long.

    ” This is not the time for politicking, as it could trivialise the gravity of the situation and deflect focus from the primary objective of halting the horrifying saga,” Okei-Odumakin said.

    She proposed that the government at all levels should find a permanent solution to the orgy of violence that had gripped Benue State and the nation at large in recent years.

    The human rights activist stressed the need for the government to prioritise the security and welfare of its citizens.

    “Our position is anchored on the fact that the first responsibility of the government is the security and welfare of the people.

    “We also call on the people of Benue State to rise to the occasion by assisting the relevant security agencies in whatever way they can to defeat the criminals and agents of darkness.

    “I commiserate with the Government and people of Benue State over the tragic event of last weekend,” Okei-Odumakin added.

    Benue attacks: NEMA presents relief materials to victims

    Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has presented essential relief materials to victims of June 13 attacks on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue.

    Scores were killed, houses were razed, and other properties were destroyed by the attackers.

    NEMA Director General (D-G), Mrs Zubaida Umar, said that the swift deployment of materials was to provide immediate succour to those displaced and affected by the incident.

    Umar said that the intervention followed a rapid needs assessment jointly conducted by officials of NEMA, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society and relevant security agencies.

    The D-G, who was represented by NEMA North Central Zonal Director, Mr Aliyu Waziri, said that a more detailed assessment of the affected population and infrastructure would be carried out to determine any additional support that might be required.

    She listed the relief materials as food and non-food items, including bags of parboiled rice, maize, spaghetti, vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, tomato paste, iodised salt and mattresses.

    “NEMA remains committed to working with all stakeholders to alleviate the suffering of victims and restore normalcy to the affected community.

    “We pray for peace in our communities to avoid this kind of harrowing experience,” Umar said.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume received the items on behalf of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    Akume appreciated NEMA for the swift response and noted that the items would go a long way in providing relief to the victims.

  • NAF deploys more air assets over Benue killings

    NAF deploys more air assets over Benue killings

    As part of sustained efforts to restore peace and stability across the North Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Ejodame said the strategic move had reinforced the NAF’s commitment to enhancing security, supporting ground operations, and reassuring communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest.

    He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, conducted a firsthand evaluation of air operations under OPWS, to assess the effectiveness of these expanded efforts.

    According to him, the visit included a high-level strategic engagement held on Tuesday, at the Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.

    Ejodame said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; a representative of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira; the Commander of OPWS; and the Maritime and Air Component Commanders, alongside other key stakeholders, were part of the meeting.

    According to Ejodame, critical updates were provided on the current tempo of joint operations aimed at restoring lasting peace across the region.

    In his remarks, the CAS revealed that the newly deployed air assets had been successfully integrated into ongoing operations, delivering real-time intelligence and precision targeting support.

    He stated NAF aircraft had continued to conduct surveillance, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions with remarkable success.

    Abubakar noted that the current deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s overarching mission to stabilise the Middle Belt region.

    He highlighted the impact of recent coordinated air and ground operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, which have led to the dismantling of several militia camps, bandit enclaves, and criminal hideouts.

    “These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building initiatives.

    “As long as peace is threatened, our resolve remains unshaken.

    “The NAF will continue to deliver timely, decisive air support in synergy with sister services, ensuring the protection of lives and properties while advancing our mission of restoring peace to the Middle Belt and beyond,” he said.

    The Service Chiefs jointly emphasised the importance of synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that jointness remains a cornerstone for operational success under Operation Whirl Stroke.

    They reiterated that the ongoing operations are part of a broader goal to create a secure environment where residents can live and conduct their legitimate activities without fear.

  • Benue killings: DHQ opens up on internal sabotage claims

    Benue killings: DHQ opens up on internal sabotage claims

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the allegation suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military contributed to the tragic events in Yelwata, Benue.

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Tuesday, said the claims were unfounded and not supported by credible evidence.

    Gusau said the Nigerian military had consistently denied any involvement in the massacre.

    According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has publicly stated that the military was not responsible for the killings in Yelwata.

    “Furthermore, the Nigerian Military has emphasized its commitment to protecting civilians and upholding the rule of law.

    “There is no credible evidence to substantiate claims of internal sabotage within the military related to the Yelwata incident.

    “Investigations by independent bodies, including human rights organizations, have not found any links between the military and the perpetrators of the massacre.

    “The violence in Yelwata is part of a broader pattern of intercommunal clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, primarily between farmers and herders.

    “These conflicts are driven by longstanding disputes over land and grazing rights, ethnic tensions, and competition for resources,” he said.

    Gusau said that while the military had been deployed to maintain peace, the root causes of the violence lied in complex socio-economic and political factors.

    He added that attributing the Yelwata massacre to internal sabotage within the Nigerian military was misleading and detracts from the real issues at play.

    According to him, it is essential to focus on addressing the underlying causes of intercommunal violence and to support efforts aimed at fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace in the affected regions.

    “The CDS has only called for a holistic approach and the need for the cummunities and the security agencies to work closer to address the issue.

    “He also call on the communities not to hide criminals and also assure them the military ans other security agencies are there to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens,” he added.

  • Killings: “Rwandan Genocide” looms in Nigeria – Benue Assembly raises alarm

    Killings: “Rwandan Genocide” looms in Nigeria – Benue Assembly raises alarm

    The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday raised an alarm and called for urgent action by the government to prevent a looming genocide on Nigerian soil.

    In a motion moved by Mr Peter Uche (APC/Guma I) during plenary in Makurdi, the lawmakers described the attacks on communities in Benue as a replay of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

    Uche pointed out that Section 14 (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, provided that security of lives and properties should be the primary responsibility of government.

    He said the government seemed not to be meeting this responsibility as Benue people were daily being subjected to severe pains, displacement from their ancestral homes, wanton destruction of property, and heinous killings by terrorist for more than two decades.

    He said the attention of the Nigerian government and the international community had been drawn to the attacks on many occasions through various media, but that the attacks had continued unabated.

    He further stated that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches (Establishment) Law, 2017, as amended, was duly passed by the Benue State House of Assembly as a measure to regulate animal husbandry in the state and put an end to the conflict between farmers and herders.

    According to him, however, the attackers and their sponsors have rather chosen to breach the law and find excuses to perpetrate more killings of innocents.

    Uche expressed deep pain over the recent attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of the state that claimed the lives of more than 200 people, many of them women and children.

    According to the assemblyman, apart from the use of sophisticated weapons, including explosives, the marauding herdsmen used fuel to set homes ablaze, wiping out families of up to 10 members.

    “I am deeply pained that women and children will be murdered in their sleep for no fault of theirs. Their only crime being their identity as crop farmers from Benue,” Uche said.

    Mr Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North), seconded the motion stating that the security agencies were not doing enough to protect the people, and called on both the state and federal governments to rise up to their duties securing the lives of citizens.

    Meanwhile, Mr Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa) called on Benue people, irrespective of their political affiliations, to come together and tackle the insecurity once and for all.

    Mr Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala West) corroborated Berger that security agencies were overwhelmed and seemed incapable of protecting the people, hence the call for unity in tackling the issue.

    Ipusu called on Gov. Hyacinth Alia, to ensure that the law prohibiting open grazing was enforced.

    He further appealed to the Commissioner of Police to release the protesters that were being detained, saying that they acted out of deep pains and frustration as a result of the Yelwata killings.

    Ruling, the Speaker, Mr Aondona Dajoh, appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to help the state enforce the law against open grazing with the use of the military and police.

    Dajoh commended the youths who protested the killings, describing them as the heroes of democracy in Benue.

  • Benue: CDS identifies basic issues resulting in killings

    Benue: CDS identifies basic issues resulting in killings

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has disclosed three basic issues he perceived to be resulting in killings in Benue State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports General Musa made the disclosure on Tuesday during a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    This is following renewed attacks in the State that have left scores dead, thousands displaced and many others severely injured.

    “From my own view of what I have observed, there are three basic things. First is the issue of land, which can be sorted politically. The second is the issue of the movement of animals.

    “I have told people over time that when they say farmers-herders clash, clash means two things are moving. But if a farm is standing and animals come in, that is not a clash. It is somebody entering into somebody’s property.

    “So, we must find solutions. If the animals don’t move, we don’t have issues. And because of that, we have the issue of rustling of animals.

    “Which means if we don’t rustle animals that are moving, there won’t be most of these problems happening.

    “Those are the three critical aspects that we must be able to address clearly. And most of it is political solution that needs to come in.

    “Because this is not what the military can stop. What the military can stop is try and stop people from attacking each other,” CDS Musa said.

    JTF vows to restore peace in Benue

    Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF-OPWS) has promised to restore peace in all troubled communities in Benue.

    Maj. Gen Moses Gara, Commander, JTF-OPWS, made the promise in a statement of Tuesday, signed by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu,

    Acting Media Operation Officer, Headquarters, JTF-OPWS and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

    Zubairu quoted Gara as making the promise during his operational tour across key theatres of Operation Whirl Stroke in the state.

    The commander charged the troops under his command to maintain high level of confidence, stay vigilant, and adhered strictly to professional standards.

    He said that the task force was presently utilising both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches aimed at neutralising criminal elements destabilising the state and its environs.

    He emphasised the need for unwavering commitment, resilience, and discipline in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations.

    He also reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not relent until peace and normalcy were fully restored in the region.

    Gara vowed that all perpetrators of violence and insecurity would be identified, isolated, and brought to justice in accordance with extant laws and military justice procedures.

    ”The era of impunity is over. We are here to reassure our people that the military remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, and that no criminal will go unpunished,” he said.

    He used the opportunity of the tour to assess troop morale, operational readiness, and logistics posture of the units.

    He also interacted with field commanders to review real-time intelligence and ongoing clearance operations targeted at flushing out armed militias, bandits, and other non-state actors.

    Places visited by the commander during the tour include Naka, Gwer West, Otukpo, Agatu and APA Local Government Area of the state.

  • Benue Assembly lifts suspension of 6 out of 13 suspended members

    Benue Assembly lifts suspension of 6 out of 13 suspended members

    The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday lifted the suspension of six out of the 13 members suspended on February 19.

    The members were suspended for organising a press conference outside the confines of the assembly, thereby breaching the standing rules.

    The lifting of suspension followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer, urging the lawmakers to review the suspension of the suspended members.

    Tiseer pointed out that the house at its plenary on Feb. 19 suspended Mr Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) and 12 others from legislative duties for three months following their indulgence in dishonourable conduct.

    The majority leader further said that the period of the suspension officially elapsed on May 19.

    He said that the 13 members, while on suspension, filed a legal suit against the house, challenging their suspension from duty.

    He added that they also appeared before the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Petitions to testify against the assembly.

    Tiseer said that their recent actions put the house in confusion as to whether or not they had shown remorse for their earlier action.

    The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Michael Audu (PDP/Adoka-Ugboju), who disclosed that since they had deemed it fit to apologise through a letter, their suspension should be lifted.

    Audu stressed that those who were insisting that what they did was right should remain on suspension pending when they tender genuine apology.

    Also, Mr Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala West) corroborated Audu that the six members who showed remorse by apologising should be brought back.

    Meanwhile, Mr Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North) urged the house to lift the suspension of all the suspended members.

    Ruling, the Speaker, Mr Aondona Dajoh, said that the six members were recalled immediately, emphasising that the other seven must write an apology letter the way the six did before they would be recalled.

    The six members whose suspensions were lifted included Mr Solomon Gyila (APC/Gwer West), Mr Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), and Mr Anyor Mato (APC/Kwande East).

    Others were Mr Simon Gabo (APC/Mata), Mr William Ortyom (PDP/Agasha) and Mr Blessed Onah (PDP/Oju I).

  • Tinubu’s visit: Benue declares Wednesday work-free

    Tinubu’s visit: Benue declares Wednesday work-free

    The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, a work-free day.

    The declaration was announced in a statement by Mrs Deborah Aber, Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday in Makurdi.

    “This is in honour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  who is scheduled for a one-day visit to the state.

    “The visit is to commiserate with the government and people of the state over incessant security challenges.

    “Note, however, that those engaged in essential services like health workers, security agencies and banks are exempted from this holiday,” she said.

    Aber urged Benue residents to come out en masse to receive the President and his entourage.

  • Full List: Names of 127 victims killed in Yelwata, Benue

    Full List: Names of 127 victims killed in Yelwata, Benue

    The grim aftermath of the early morning attack on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State has sparked controversy due to conflicting death toll figures.

    While the Benue State Government reports the casualty count as 59, an independent tally by residents and local stakeholders suggests that the actual number may be significantly higher.

    On Monday, residents of the devastated community provided a list with the names of 127 individuals who were killed during the raid.

    Community members emphasize that this number only includes those identified from Yelwata itself and does not account for victims from surrounding villages who sought refuge there.

    Franc Utoo, a lawyer and prominent politician from Yelwata, shared with the publication that he personally lost over 33 members of his extended family as well as more than 50 political supporters in the attack.

    “We have been able to identify about 127 persons who lost their lives in the carnage from my immediate community,” Utoo said.

    “We believe a similar number were killed from neighbouring villages who had camped here for safety.”

    The victims as listed are:

    Adam Family

    Torsaar Adam

    Doose Adam

    Nguyilan Adam

    Ajah Family

    Lydia Ajah

    Terdoo Ajah

    Iwuese Ajah

    Akpen Family

    Terzungwe Akpen

    Aondohemba Akpen

    Ushana Akpen

    Shater Akpen

    Mercy Akpen

    Isaac Akpen

    Amaki Family

    Festus Amaki

    Shater Amaki

    Anya Family

    Orbuter Anya

    Aondoana Family

    Dooshima Aondoana

    Agbogo Aondoana

    Erdoo Aondoana

    Aondovihi Family

    Mbakeren Aondovihi

    Monday Aondovihi

    Erdoo Aondovihi

    Joe Aondovihi

    Mwarga Aondovihi

    Asom Family

    Atuur Asom

    Uvershigh Asom

    Asoo Family

    Doose Asoo

    Aondosoo Asoo

    Aboi Asoo

    Ayom Family

    Doose Ayom

    Aza Family

    Jude Aza

    Chii Family

    Fanen Chii

    Doom Chii

    Terzungwe Chii

    Dende Family

    Amaki Dende

    Angbiandoo Dende

    Mercy Dende

    Lubem Dende

    Dooga Family

    Adohi Dooga

    Mbanyiar Dooga

    Ikyoche Dooga

    Awanboi Dooga

    Regina Dooga

    Adoo Dooga

    Aondofa Dooga

    Ute Dooga

    Fide Family

    Gabriel Fide

    Aondoana Fide

    Ukese Fide

    Averter Fide

    Mwaraorga Fide

    Fidelis Family

    Terlumun Fidelis

    Gbem Family

    Lumunga Gbem

    Gwabo Family

    Felicia Gwabo

    Mary Gwabo

    Terhemba Gwabo

    Jirgema Gwabo

    Ikpakyaa Family

    Orsoja Ikpakyaa

    Injinia Ikpakyaa

    Iorember Family

    Sewuese Iorember

    Iorhemen Family

    Uwundu Iorhemen

    Iormba Family

    Mathew Iormba

    Apam Iormba

    Philomena Iormba

    Akama Iormba

    Ngodoo Iormba

    Kumawues Iormba

    Nensha Iormba

    Kongo Family

    Amina Kongo

    Terkula Kongo

    Koornam Family

    Shaadye Koornam

    Korna Family

    Aboi Korna

    Kyule Family

    Iorgyer Kyule

    Lamaaondo Family

    Orlogbo Lamaaondo

    Laadi Lamaaondo

    Aondoawase Lamaaondo

    Mermber Lamaaondo

    Mfanyi Family

    Mama Mfanyi

    Nongotse Family

    Terngu Nongotse

    Msugh Nongotse

    Dooshima Nongotse

    Ordue Family

    Kwaghhar Ordue

    Doosuur Ordue

    Doose Ordue

    Orshio Family

    Chia Orshio

    Uyina Orshio

    Katie Orshio

    Myuega Orshio

    Usha Orshio

    Philomena Orshio

    Alia Orshio

    Shagwa Family

    Yakov Shagwa

    Margaret Shagwa

    Erdoo Shagwa

    Dooauur Shagwa

    Sewuese Shagwa

    Shiôr Family

    Awan Shiôr

    Simon Family

    Manta Simon

    Solomon Family

    Terkimbir Solomon

    Tsegba Family

    Victoria Tsegba

    Ngodoo Tsegba

    Mimidoo Tsegba

    Dorathy Tsegba

    Msendoo Tsegba

    Tyokuwa Family

    Eunice Tyokuwa

    Ubi Family

    Mbaufe Ubi

    Ucha Family

    Aondohemba Ucha

    Terver Ucha

    Agon Ucha

    Ugbah Family

    Doowuese Ugbah

    Ngodoo Ugbah

    Uke Family

    Edeember Uke

    Aondodoo Uke

    Samson Uke

    Ukô Family

    Logo Ukô

    Ulam Family

    Nongo Ulam

    Aondoaver Ulam

    Utim Family

    Ormbagba Utim

    Uto Family

    Matthew Uto

    Doopinen Uto

    Kumater Uto

    Terhile Uto

    Uzer Family

    Bonashe Uzer

    Zerkohol Family

    Versuwe Zerkohol

  • UN Chief condemns Benue attacks

    UN Chief condemns Benue attacks

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attacks perpetrated over the weekend in Benue, North Central Nigeria, in which scores of civilians were killed.

    Guterres said those responsible for the violence should be apprehended.

    According to news reports, dozens of people were killed while they slept and several displaced following brutal attacks on the village of Yelewata.

    Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said “We’re monitoring the situation.

    “The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria and  we hope that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended.”

    President Bola Tinubu condemned the ongoing violence in Benue and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.

    Tinubu will travel to the state on Wednesday as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.

    During his visit, he is expected to meet with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders and youth groups to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

    The president extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis.