TheNewsGuru

Tag: Benue State

  • Tribunal upholds Benue councils Chairmen, Councillors election

    Tribunal upholds Benue councils Chairmen, Councillors election

    The Benue Election Appeals Tribunal sitting in Abuja has upheld the elections of all the Council Chairmen and Councillors of the state under the umbrella of the All Progressives Party (APC).

    The petitioners were largely aspirants from the same APC, who claimed they were rightly nominated but unjustly excluded from the election.

    At the elections, split decisions left the incumbents winning in 14 and the petitioners winning in 9 out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, a development that led to the appeals from both ends.

    Delivering the judgment for Zone A, Justice Michael Ugar, held that the petitioners were duty bound to prove they were first validly nominated before talking of exclusion.

    He also held that “the petitioners having failed to prove nomination cannot lay claim to exclusion. Their case is bound to fail and hereby fails and same is dismissed.”

    In Zone B, Justice I. Mohammed, held that the provisions of the Benue State Law, 2007 put the issue of nomination of candidates out of the jurisdiction of the trial tribunal.

    “The issue of nomination of a candidate is within the domestic affairs of a political party and cannot be litigated at the trial tribunal or this appeal tribunal.

    “They do not see a wood in the tree canvassed vigorously by the petitioners. We sit to do justice and not to supervise academic issues.

    “We affirm the judgment of the trial tribunal and dismiss the appeal of the petitioners/appellants,” Mohammed said.

    Delivering judgment for Zone C, the Appeals Tribunal Chairman, Justice Dennis Igyuse, said the grievances of the petitioners before the lower tribunal could not and cannot be litigated at the tribunal nor the appeal tribunal.

    “The petitions of the petitioners are but a reckless display of academic prowess without of course, a destination.

    “The consolidated petitions of the petitioners in all of Zone C are dismissed and the local government elections of Oct. 5, 2024 and the return of its winners is hereby upheld.’’

    Also, the three petitions filed by the People’s Democratic Party and an earlier petition filed by the Labour Party were all thrown out.

    Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, lead counsel of the state government representing the State Electoral umpire BSIEC, described the judgment as infallible.

    Ndarani said the judgement was a reflection of the law, adding that the Justices were the heroes of the process for standing firmly for the cause of right.

    He congratulated the council chairmen and councillors on their deserved victories and urged them to remain people-oriented.

    He also commended the government of Benue as well as all the lawyers whose industry, commitment and selfless efforts made the process a huge success.

  • JUST IN: 9 dead as killer herdsmen attack Benue communities

    JUST IN: 9 dead as killer herdsmen attack Benue communities

    The Benue Police Command has confirmed that suspected killer herdsmen on Sunday night attacked communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edit Udeme, who made the confirmation in an interview in Makurdi on Monday, said that tactical teams were already deployed in the affected areas to restore peace and security.

    She said that nine bodies were already recovered from Edikwu Community in Apa LGA, adding that the search for the missing natives was still ongoing.

    She, however, said that she had yet to get the number of casualties from the Naka attack.

    “This is to confirm that there was an attack yesterday at Naka and Apa and to let you know that tactical teams have been deployed and already on ground and are on top of the situation.

    “I will get back to you after getting further and accurate information, please,” she told NAN.

    Meanwhile, a credible source from Apa LGA told newsmen that the attackers invaded the community at about 6:30pm on Sunday and started shooting sporadically, killing anyone in sight.

    The source further said that over 25 persons were killed and that many were also taken away to unknown destinations during the deadly assault.

    It said: “As I speak with you, there is no single object in the community. It was an unprovoked attack. We were unaware.

    “Some people went to evening service, while others were at a beer joint when the killers came. It is an evening one can never imagine. Security personnel stationed at the area were overpowered as they looked so helpless.”

    In a reaction to the attack on Naka, the Chairman, Gwer West Traditional Council, Daniel Abomtse, said that the attackers “came in a guerrilla style and attacked Tse Antswam.

    “As I’m talking with you now, (Monday) morning, 18 corpses had been recovered and many people sustained varied degree of injuries.

    “In fact, the way some people were butchered, I doubt if they will survive.

    “The search is still ongoing because many ran into the bush with gun wounds and some also jumped into well to escape the herdsmen.”

    The royal father said that the community attacked was opposite a military checkpoint on the Naka- Makurdi Road.

  • 18-year-old student remanded for alleged murder

    18-year-old student remanded for alleged murder

    A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered the remand of an 18-year old student, Joseph Chive, at a Makurdi Correctional Centre for allegedly killing a 14-year-old girl.

    Chive, who lives at Veterinary Layout, Northbank, Makurdi, was charged with illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Kevin Mbanongun, did not take the plea of the defendant for want of jurisdiction. He remanded the defendant and adjourned the case until Aug. 28 for mention.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Godwin Ato, told the court that  the defendant committed the offences on May 25, at Veterinary Layout, Northbank, Makurdi.

    He said the case was reported  at the ‘C’ Division Police Station, Northbank, Makurdi, by the deceased’s father, Mr Victor Ayom.

    According to him, the defendant had an altercation with the victim, a 14-year-old girl, Mimidoo Victor.

    “While the altercation was going on, the defendant rushed into his room, brought a loaded dane gun and shot the girl on the head.

    “The defendant was arrested during police investigation and he confessed to  the crime. The dane gun was recovered from him,” Ato said.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004 and Section 222 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue, 2004.

  • Anger as WAEC students write examination in darkness at midnight

    Anger as WAEC students write examination in darkness at midnight

    A video of Nigerian secondary students writing the objective section of their English examination under duress on Wednesday night due to a prolonged delay in the delivery of exam papers has sparked a widespread condemnation.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the affected candidates, students of a secondary school in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State had completed the essay component of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) but, had to wait several hours for the arrival of the exam officer with the objective section. The delay stretched into the night, with some centres reportedly concluding the exams as late as 11:00 p.m.

    Speaking, one student who requested anonymity, described the ordeal: “We waited for hours after writing the essay. When the exam officer finally came, we had to use our phone lights and lanterns to write the objective section. It was very stressful.”

    Another candidate added: “The exam officer didn’t give any meaningful explanation for the delay. He just came, handed over the papers, and said nothing about why he was late.”

    The late-night examinations caused panic among parents, many of whom rushed to the schools upon learning that their children were still writing papers deep into the night.

    Another  affected community is Owukpa, a visibly distressed parent expressed concern over the safety and wellbeing of the students: “This is a national disgrace. How can children be writing exams in the bush, under darkness, at such a dangerous hour? Is this how we want to educate the future of Nigeria?”

    The security challenges in the area further complicated the situation. According to a local community leader in Owukpa, the exam officer had to be accommodated overnight due to safety concerns: “We had no choice but to let him sleep here. It was already past 11 p.m. and nobody goes anywhere at that hour in this part of the country. The government needs to intervene.”

    Reports suggest that the irregularities were not confined to Ogbadibo alone. In several other parts of Benue, students did not receive the objective papers at all and are now expected to write them the following morning—raising serious questions about the integrity of the examination process.

    A teacher from one of the affected schools voiced concerns over the credibility of the exams: “This kind of irregularity puts the integrity of the examination at risk. We expect WAEC to speak on this and take urgent corrective measures.”

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.

  • Unknown gunmen kill newly-wed soldier in Benue

    Unknown gunmen kill newly-wed soldier in Benue

    Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in “senseless and unprovoked” attack killed multiple residents, including a recently married soldier  in the Ikobi-Ochekwu community in the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State late Wednesday night.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the assault persisted for several hours, as the assailants,  burned down most houses in the area,  indiscriminately firing at residents 

    The precise casualty count is still unknown, as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for.

    “In the early hours of Thursday, two more bodies were discovered in nearby Ijaha, identified as Sani Ngbede and Aduba Paul Ogboyi,” a A local resident, Ochofie said 

    However, the identities of other victims, including the slain soldiers who were said to have recently tied the knot, are yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.

  • Sad as final year student dies after policeman fires stray bullet during routine check

    Sad as final year student dies after policeman fires stray bullet during routine check

    A final-year student at Kwararafa University in Wukari, Taraba State, Ahenjir Emmanuella has tragically lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet during a police stop-and-search operation in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the fatal incident happened near the Wurukum roundabout on Friday, May, 16, where officers from the Benue State Police Command were conducting routine vehicle checks.

    According to eyewitnesses, the police officer fired a shot at a commercial bus carrying passengers, including Emmanuella, the bullet penetrated the vehicle and hit her fatally.

    At the time, Emmanuella was returning to school when the unfortunate event occurred.

    Her close friend, Igbor Iorbo, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and urged authorities to ensure justice is served.

    “In the early hours of today, officers from ‘E’ Division shot and killed my friend, Emmanuella. We are not asking for much, just justice,” Iorbo said.

    “The officers involved must be identified and subjected to a transparent investigation. Lives must not continue to be lost at the hands of those meant to protect us. This must stop.”

  • Benue State gets new university

    Benue State gets new university

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted a provisional licence to Benue State to establish a new state university.

    The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, presented the licence to the State’s Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia at the occasion.

    Ribadu said the institution, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BUSAST), located at Ihugh in Vandeikaya Local Government Area, Benue State, has become the second Benue state-owned university.

    He said that the new addition brought the number of state-owned universities in the country to 68 and the total universities in Nigeria to 299.

    “We expect that it will adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth for quality assurance, character development, and overall management of academics programmes.

    “I have no doubt that this university will play a vital role in shaping the future of education and especially agriculture in the development of this country.

    “Going forward, whenever you are ready, we will write the commission to send a team to look at the facilities on ground.

    “We will look at the communities, facilities, infrastructure, human capital, staff members and resources you have,’’ he said.

    On his part, the governor said the development marked a watershed moment in the state’s pursuit of academic excellence.

    “For those who know the people of Benue and our quest for education, you will understand the joy with which we receive this recognition that has been accorded by the Commission.

    “We are indeed very grateful and want to assure the Executive Secretary of the NUC that Benue State will pursue the mandate of its university with all the zeal required.

    “We shall, in no time, put in place the necessary amenities and platforms that will enable us to drive the agenda and help this university to reach its full potential,’’ he said.

  • Suspected cultists kill 4 at beer parlour in Benue

    Suspected cultists kill 4 at beer parlour in Benue

    The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the killing of four persons by suspected cultists at a beer parlour in Makurdi, the state capital.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed this on Monday in a chat with journalists.

    Anene said the attack which took place on Sunday night at a beer parlour at Akpehe in Makurdi, also left many people hospitalised.

    “The suspected cult attack at Akpehe is confirmed and investigation has commenced.

    “Four persons were confirmed dead while others are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,“ the command’s spokesperson said.

    Anene warned criminals in the state to desist from crimes or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.

  • Benue gets new Police Commissioner

    Benue gets new Police Commissioner

    Mr Ifeanyi Emenari has assumed office as the new Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command.

    This is contained in a statement signed by SP Sewuese Anene, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), and made available to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi.

    Anene in the statement, said the veteran officer who hails from Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Academy in 1992.

    He had served in various operational, investigative and administrative capacities across the country.

    According to Anene, the new CP served Zamfara, Imo, Katsina, Anambra, Calabar, Osun, Ogun, Abia and Federal Capital Territory,  Abuja.

    “The CP served as Unit Commander  27 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Kastina State from 1996-1999, Unit Commander 29 PMF  Awka, Anambra state from 1999-2002 and  Unit Commander 11 PMF Calabar, Cross-River state from 2002-2003,” she said.

    Anene further said that the new CP had represented Nigeria in different foreign missions where he served as  Commanding Officer.

    She said the CP was a Contingent Commander, Nigeria Police Contingent to United Nations Mission in Sudan, Ops Officer, Joint Operation Center (JOC) Khartoum, Sudan, Deputy Security Advisor, Eastern Equatorial state, South Sudan in 2012.

    The PPRO said that before Emenari’s deployment to Benue State Command, he was the Commissioner of Police, Force Provost Marshal.

    “As Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Emenari pledges to strengthen community policing and partnerships, enhance security measures to protect lives and properties and use available resources to combat insecurity in the State.” she said.

  • Gov Alia to TInubu: “Save us from blood suckers, we don’t need state of emergency ‘

    Gov Alia to TInubu: “Save us from blood suckers, we don’t need state of emergency ‘

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that their headache is not Emergency Rule but full support from the Federal Government.

    Alia stated this when he was featured on national tv program on Wednesday.

    He explained that the insecurity in Benue is not beyond his control, noting that he can handle the situation, but needs more help from the FG to end the crisis.

    He stated that his government can stop the killings happening in the state, but they need more support to chase out the armed herders attacking communities.

    He said, “What we need is emergency help for now. We need absolute support. The Federal Government is supported. They sent two armoured tanks that came in. Our situation had changed.

    “We had a better narrative, but what we need to do is to get our people back home, to drive out the invaders, the armed invaders who have brought in people who do not even speak the Nigerian languages we speak.

    “Let them move back to wherever they came from and allow us farmers to go back to our ancestral land. Calling for any emergency does not occur here.”

    He however, rejected the idea that the security issue in the state was too much for him to manage.

    He noted that the number of local governments under attack has dropped from 17 to six since he took office.

    He said this shows that his administration can handle the violence and destruction caused by killer herders, many of whom, he believes, are not even Nigerians.

    He stated, “We couldn’t have trimmed it from 17 local governments in the front lines of the attacks to nine and then now to six, which means we have the capability to do this, but we need help. And that is a fact.”