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Tag: Benue State

  • President Tinubu to visit Benue over killings

    President Tinubu to visit Benue over killings

    President Bola Tinubu announced his plans to visit Benue State on Monday, following violent attacks by suspected herdsmen that have reportedly claimed over 200 lives.

    He made this announcement during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network in the nation’s capital.

    The president’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, subsequently confirmed that his principal postponed a scheduled visit to Kaduna to visit Benue “as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state”.

    Onanuga added, “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.

    “During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

    “In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.

    “The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.”

    On Sunday, Tinubu dispatched security chiefs to Benue and ordered the immediate restoration of peace in the state.

    Speaking through Onanuga, Tinubu expressed concern over the latest round of reprisal killings and directed security chiefs, including intelligence agencies, the police, and the military, to take charge of operations in the state to restore calm.

    Describing the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu said the ongoing bloodshed must not continue unabated.

    “Enough is now enough,” he declared.

    “This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”

  • Benue killings: CAN reacts as Tinubu plans visit

    Benue killings: CAN reacts as Tinubu plans visit

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to deploy additional security forces to Benue to address recent killings of over 200 lives.

    CAN also call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the worst-hit areas.

    The president of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Okoh expressed the association’s deep sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved families, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.

    CAN also insisted on a thorough and transparent investigation, calling for the swift prosecution of all those that are responsible for the killings.

    “The recent massacre which targeted several communities in Benue, left families shattered and villages in despair.

    “These senseless killings have inflicted immeasurable pain, hence the need for justice and protection of the vulnerable populations.

    “For years, Benue has suffered recurrent violence, often attributed to armed groups. In spite of repeated outcries, meaningful intervention has been lacking, leading to a cycle of impunity and further bloodshed.

    “Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity fueling these atrocities,” Okoh said.

    He appealed to the international community for support in restoring peace and rebuilding trust among Benue’s traumatised residents.

    Okoh reaffirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to defend the sanctity of life, advocating for the protection and dignity of all Nigerians.

    “As an association, we pray for peace to be restored, and justice rolled down like waters,” he said.

    In a related development, CAN expressed grief over the passing of Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman of CAN in Plateau, who died on June 15, following a brief illness.

    Okoh described Lubo as a “beacon of faith and service,” whose loss would be felt not only by the Christian community but by the entire nation.

    “CAN stands in solidarity with Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, the government and people of Plateau, the Catholic Church, and the bereaved family.”

    The association urged Christians and Nigerians to honour the memory of Lubo by continuing his work of peace, justice, and unity.

    Tinubu to visit Benue over crisis

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has been scheduled to travel to Benue on June 18 as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.

    The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused destruction, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement on Monday.

    “During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

    “In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the SGF, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.

    “The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” said the statement.

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

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

    According to the statement, the President has rescheduled his planned visit to Kaduna on Wednesday, to commission various projects, to June 19.

  • Benue youth protest killings, block highways in Makurdi

    Benue youth protest killings, block highways in Makurdi

    Hundreds of youths in Benue on Sunday took to the streets to protest the continuous attacks, killings, and displacement of people in the state.

    The protest followed the killing of scores at Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area on Friday night.

    The protesters who converged at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi called on the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility, which is to protect all the citizens within its sovereignty.

    They also urged security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure that all displaced people return to their ancestral homes and continue with their normal lives.

    Speaking to newsmen, Mr Brahms Ikuan said the state was under siege for a long time and there were not sufficient efforts for the government to address the menace.

    Ikuan regretted that even when they had useful information about the movement of the attackers and reports to authorities, nothing was still done to avert the attacks.

    He further accused the authorities of maintaining a conspiratorial silence on the ongoing genocide, adding that Benue may cease to exist if urgent steps are not taken to end the killings.

    “We cried, sent messages and opened letters, but nobody listened to us. Nobody came to our aid. At this moment we are not sure if there will be any place called Benue tomorrow.

    “Despite the attacks and killings in Yelwata yesterday, up till now, no word from the government or any prominent person. They have abandoned us.

    “We want the world to know that Benue is being wiped out on the face of the earth and nobody cares about what is happening,” he said.

    Also, Mr Gideon Inyom accused the government of giving the herders unfettered access into the Benue communities by relaxing the state anti-open grazing law.

    Inyom said all they wanted was security of lives and property, adding that such was the primary responsibility of every government worldwide.

    However, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, told newsmen at the scene that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over the security of the state.

    Ifeanyi said that the IGP has already deployed special forces to the state to end the attacks and killings.

    The CP added that security agencies were on top of the situation and urged the youths and Benue people to give the new forces a chance.

    “What you saw happening in Yelewata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West, and are moving seriously in Agatu. They just want to do something to show that they are in control while they are not and will never be.

    “We are feeling more pains than you. We are here to protect lives and property. We have security everywhere now; even in Yelwata there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.

    “Give the special forces and tactical teams a room to work. If you prolong your stay here, you are giving the enemies more time to plan.

    “We have intelligence reports of their movement, and we are blocking them, and you will see the end result,” he said.

    Ifeanyi further disclosed that Gov. Hyacinth Alia has given them all the logistics support needed to restore peace in Benue.

    A military helicopter was spotted in the sky at Wurukum Roundabout as the protest against herdsmen killings intensified.

    The protesters turned down the Deputy Governor Dr Sam Ode’s request to address them.

  • Police confirm deadly attack on Benue community

    Police confirm deadly attack on Benue community

    The Police Command in Benue on Saturday confirmed a deadly attack on Yelwata town in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, told newsmen in Makurdi that the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning.

    Edet said that during the invasion, security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

    She also said that the attackers killed people but declined to mention the figure.

    “According to our information, it happened in the early hours of Saturday, when suspected bandits invaded Yelwata town.

    “The police and tactical teams posted to the town and reinforcements responded swiftly to the attack and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, and some of the attackers were killed in the process.

    “But it’s with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries.

    “The police, however, have not relented and are still in pursuit of the attackers and will continue to keep everyone safe,” she said.

    However, a resident of Yelewata town told NAN that more than 70 corpses were already recovered, adding that the search for people missing was still on.

    “The death toll will rise as the search and rescue mission is on. Many were burnt already in stores.

    “I am right here on the ground. More than 85 per cent of the victims are IDPs that ran from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza areas and are taking refuge at various stores in Yelwata Market and residences.

    “There is a police station and military checkpoint here in Yelwata town, but they were outnumbered by attackers,” the source said.

  • Insecurity: I’ll not rest until Benue has total peace – Gov Alia

    Insecurity: I’ll not rest until Benue has total peace – Gov Alia

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has said that he will  not rest until peace is fully restored in the state, especially beyond the six local governments currently at the frontline of insecurity.

    Alia made the remarks on Thursday in Makurdi, while addressing support groups, who took to the streets of Makurdi to show  support  for  him and President Bola Tinubu, in celebration of democracy day.

    According to the governor, as the country celebrate the significant day, let it also be a sober moment for all.

    “It is not yet uhuru. We are still mourning our people who were killed without provocation. We hold not just hope but determination, deepened efforts to remove the forces of division and violence.

    “We will never rest on our oars until peace is fully restored in Benue, especially beyond the six local governments currently at the frontline of insecurity.

    “I am confident that with the support of  the president, we will overcome this insecurity. Our traditional rulers and many religious leaders are marching alongside with  us, working tirelessly to restore peace in our state,” he said.

    Alia, however, alleged that there were some individuals, who were fuelling discord in the state.

    According to him, some religious leaders are  contributing to the chaos in the state  through their reckless rhetoric.

    The governor   urged  them to remain silent if they do not  have the facts about Benue and Nigeria.

    “Don’t misuse your sacred platforms, altars and podiums to spread misinformation. Speak only what you know, what is verifiable, and what you truly stand for. Our people are suffering. Their pain is our pain.

    “For those of us who have sworn to defend and protect them, who are committed to restoring peace, we will continue to do so with the support of all good people.

    “Celebrate Nigeria as a shared heritage because  without this country, there will be no food on your table, no roads to drive on, and no businesses to run,” he said.

    He described Democracy Day as a great day, and urged the people to adopt a positive mindset for the sake of Benue  and Nigeria.

    In his remarks, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr Benjamin Omale, commended   Tinubu and Alia for their transformative leadership.

    Omale urged Benue people to continue to support the duo for their re-election in 2027.

    Also,  Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council in the state, Mr  Aloysious Omaja,said that Alia had restored the lives of the state civil servants, who were on life support.

    Omaja said that civil servants would work for the re-election of Alia and Tinubu in 2027.

  • French national found dead in Benue

    French national found dead in Benue

    A 67-year-old French national, Mr. Peter Gilles, was discovered dead in his hotel room over the weekend in Gboko, Benue State.

    According to reports by Zagazola Makama, Mr. Gilles, believed to be on a long-distance bicycle tour across West Africa, had entered Nigeria from the Niger Republic on May 19 and had checked in on June 6, 2025 at Hotel Jovina in Gboko town,

    Confirming the incident, police sources disclosed that, Emmanuel Terhide Laha, the hotel manager, reported the case to the “A” Division Police Station at about 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.

    According to Laha, the tourist had fallen ill on June 7 but refused to be taken to the hospital. As his condition worsened, the hotel staff called in a medical professional to assess his health.

    “He was, however, discovered to have died,” a police source said.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), upon receiving the report, led a patrol team to the hotel. Photographs were taken at the scene before the body was moved to the General Hospital in Gboko for preservation and autopsy.

    Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and diplomatic procedures are being followed to ensure proper handling of the case.

    “All relevant diplomatic channels are being engaged,” the police noted.

  • Bishops kick against call for emergency rule in Benue

    Bishops kick against call for emergency rule in Benue

    The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Benue Chapter, has rejected calls by some of their colleagues for the declaration of a state of emergency rule in the state.

    State Overseer of the conference, Archbishop Alexander Nyoonkyegh, said on Saturday in Makurdi that Gov. Hyacinth Alia was their brother in the vineyard and must be protected by true men of God.

    Some bishops had earlier called for an emergency rule in Benue over growing insecurity.

    But Nyoonkyegh said that Benue does not need emergency rule but a united front to confront the common enemy.

    The archbishop said what the state needed at this crucial moment was unity and support for the governor to succeed.

    “What we need now in Benue is unity and support for the governor to succeed. Let us help him to succeed because he is heading in the right direction.

    “We cannot continue to talk about military takeover or emergency rule in Benue. We are not even sure that a Benue son will be appointed as the sole administrator.

    “Look at what happened in Rivers. A sole administrator was appointed for Rivers who is from another state,” he said.

    He also stated that even the Bible has admonished them to be submissive to authorities, adding that only God gives authority to people.

    “As fathers of faith, when you have a son and brother in the vineyard and they are doing well, you say, brother, keep it up. Recently we were here crying on the issue of insecurity, and there were reasons to support our cries.

    “Fr Alia is our brother in the vineyard, and we will continue to pray for him to succeed. What we know is that there is no authority that is not given from God.

    “And the Bible says we must be submissive to the authorities. Yes, we are prophets, but we are submissive to the authorities here on earth too.

    “What we need here is development, and the governor is developing the state, so what else can we ask for?

    “Apart from issues of insecurity, which he is trying, and we are seeing some of his efforts, what fundamental offence has he committed?” he asked.

    Nyoonkyegh further commended President Bola Tinubu for continually standing with Benue people and currently directing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to relocate to the state and address the growing insecurity.

    “We cried with faith in God, and he is hearing our prayers, and we believe that this mystery that we have witnessed in the last few days since the arrival of the Chief of Army should continue.

    “Since his arrival, we have not heard of any further attack on our people. Let the peace be maintained, he said.

  • Benue: Recent attacks beyond herders-farmers clash – Gov Alia reveals

    Benue: Recent attacks beyond herders-farmers clash – Gov Alia reveals

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has said the recent attacks in the State that claimed several lives are beyond just herders-farmers clash.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Alia to have said the attacks now involve specialized killer terrorists who engage in a form of guerrilla warfare.

    The Governor said this when he featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, revealing that the attacks that have claimed numerous lives were well planned and executed.

    “We are under siege. The way these attacks come and the intel we receive, it is a directed calibrated plan and then executed.

    “On a daily basis we are receiving those intel. Of late, each of those intel we receive, 60 to 65 per cent of it is quite accurate.

    “And then when you realise what is going on, it is beyond just conflict, it is beyond just an ethnic fight between herders and farmers in our state, it is directed, it is planned and then it is executed, it is some terrorism,” Alia said.

    TNG reports there has been increased cases of killing in Benue by suspected herdsmen which has become a source of concern to many.

    Some of the recent cases in the State include the attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo on May 24 while on his way from Makurdi to Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-East Local Government Area. The attackers left him for dead, but he survived.

    On May 29, Agan Community in Makurdi was attacked in broad daylight, resulting in multiple fatalities.

    On Sunday June 1, Naka, the Gwer West Local Government headquarters, and Edikwu-Ankpali community in Apa Local Area were attacked, resulting in several fatalities.

    Also reported was the attack on other communities including Tse-Antswam in Naka town by suspected herdsmen, which left 17 people dead and many others missing or displaced.

    Similarly, Edikwu and Ankpali communities in Apa Local Government Area were attacked, resulting in 16 confirmed deaths and many others missing.

    “For some reason, none of them is ever caught, they come in in the thick of the night, hit, run and nobody sees a trace. So, it is some terrorism that is eating us up,” Alia said.

  • Insecurity: Benue records additional 18,592 IDPs

    Insecurity: Benue records additional 18,592 IDPs

    The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) on Thursday said it has recorded additional 18,592 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA).

    Dr James Iorpuu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, made the disclosure in Makurdi when he briefed newsmen on the monthly distribution of relief materials to IDPs and vulnerable groups.

    Iorpuu, who is also the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, said that a new camp was established at NKST Primary School, Naka, Gwer West LGA, to accommodate the IDPs.

    The permanent secretary, who was represented by BSEMA Head of Administration, Mr Donald Komgbenda, added the displaced persons were from 4,648 households.

    A detailed breakdown of the IDPs provided by the official indicated that 8,650 were women, 4,147 were men, 5,795 were children, 325 were pregnant women, 637 were breastfeeding mothers, 1,315 were persons with disabilities and 571 were elderly.

    Iorpuu stated that the agency also sent staff to assess the situation of IDPs at St Patrick’s Primary School Taraku in Gwer East LGA for possible intervention.

    “Following the urgent need for interventions in Gwer West and Apa LGs after the devastating attacks on communities within the areas, the agency earlier sent relief materials to them.

    “I also commend President Bola Tinubu for taking decisive and proactive steps in addressing the security crisis in our state, especially by deploying the Chief of Army Staff to Benue.

    “This singular move demonstrates that the Federal Government is not only aware of our plight but is actively working to restore peace and security to our communities,” he said.

    Iorpuu said the monthly distribution of food and non-food items was not just a routine activity; it was a symbol of compassion, a message of hope, and a testament to the government’s resolve to ensure that no vulnerable person was left behind.

    He listed the items to be distributed to include 1,325 bags of rice, 965 bags of beans, 475 bags of gari, 1,225 cartons of noodles, 105 gallons of red oil, 83 cartons of seasoning, 43 bags of salt, etc.

  • Army chief relocates to Benue over heightened insecurity

    Army chief relocates to Benue over heightened insecurity

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oloyede has temporarily relocated to Benue to tackle the ongoing security challenges in the state.

    The Chief of Army staff, who arrived the Government House, Makurdi at about 1:35pm went straight into a closed door meeting with Gov. Hyacinth Alia and left about 2:45pm.

    The COAS did not address the media, traditional rulers, and heads of others security agencies in the state.

    However, Gov Alia told the Benue Traditional Council and state security council members the purpose for the visit of the army chief.

    Alia said the COAS had brought a message of hope to the people of Benue in the face of the renewed unprovoked attacks and killings perpetrated by armed herders.

    He said the Chief of Army staff also condoled with the state government over the killing, and gave assurances of the Federal Government plan to address the situation.

    The governor also disclosed that the death toll from Apa and Gwer West local governments had risen to 33 as of this morning.

    The governor also held a close door meeting with Tor-Tiv, Prof. James Ayaste, Och’idoma, Dr John Eliagwu, represented by the Ad’Enone, Chief George Edeh, and other chiefs.

    Others in the meeting were, commissioner of police, Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, State Director of SSS, among others.

    Earlier, a source at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday disclosed that the COAS was concerned about the killings of innocent citizens and displacement of families from their homes in the State.

    It was gathered that Oluyede, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other top officers at the Army Headquarters, are moving to the state for assessment of the security situation.

    The source disclosed that the COAS had also ordered more deployment of troops and logistics to the state to hunt down the armed groups terrorising the people of Benue.

    “While in Benue State, the COAS, is expected to hold strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to brainstorm on the way forward as well as review the ongoing operations with a view to end the massacre.

    “He is also expected to visit troops locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit.

    “The COAS is also expected to visit villages that have been attacked and reassure residents of their safety and the resolve of the Nigerian army to protect lives and property of law abiding citizens.

    “General Oluyede, while in the state, will personally lead troops in the operation in the battle front,” he added.

    There has been increased cases of killing in Benue by suspected herdsmen which has become a source of concern to many.

    Some of the recent cases in the state include the attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo on May 24 while on his way from Makurdi to Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-East Local Government Area.

    The attackers left him for dead, but he survived.

    On May 29, Agan Community in Makurdi was attacked in broad daylight, resulting in multiple fatalities.

    On Sunday June 1, Naka, the Gwer West Local Government headquarters, and Edikwu-Ankpali community in Apa Local Area were attacked, resulting in several fatalities.

    Also reported was the attack on other communities including Tse-Antswam in Naka town by suspected herdsmen, which left 17 people dead and many others missing or displaced.

    Similarly, Edikwu and Ankpali communities in Apa Local Government Area were attacked, resulting in 16 confirmed deaths and many others missing.

    The visit of the COAS to the state and rejigging of operations is expected to lead to restoration of normalcy to troubled areas in the state.