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Tag: Benue State

  • Benue killings: Tinubu mourns, vows to end violence

    Benue killings: Tinubu mourns, vows to end violence

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Benue State following the recent deadly attacks in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas, which claimed over 72 lives.

    Delivering the president’s message in Makurdi on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said Tinubu stands firmly with the state during this difficult time.

    “Mr. President is with you, the country is with you, and we are all 100 percent with you. Together, we shall defeat this evil,” Ribadu assured.

    The NSA, who was accompanied by Senator Uba Umar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Intelligence and Security, conveyed the message during a meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the old Banquet Hall of the Government House.

    Ribadu emphasised the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and security in Benue.

    “When evil comes, good people must come together to defeat it. We will work together to address this problem so that the state can enjoy lasting peace,” he said.

    Describing Benue as a vital part of Nigeria’s development, Ribadu noted, “Benue is the Food Basket of the Nation, and many people want to come here. Don’t feel alone—we will do more to ensure the state is peaceful. Just give us a chance.”

    He cautioned against politicising the tragedy, urging stakeholders to unite against violence. “Don’t take advantage of the situation and play politics,” he warned.

    The NSA also praised President Tinubu’s administration for prioritising national security, stating that substantial resources have been invested in the sector within his two years in office.

    “Things were extremely bad when we took over two years ago, we had a lot of security problems but with the effort of Mr.President we are now getting it right “.

    “You know to cause harm is easy but to address the same harm is most difficult,but gradually we are getting there and the problem will be solve.

    Three traditional rulers representing Benue zone A, B and C, Chief Daniel Abomtse, Chief Iorkyaa Kaave and Chief Godwin Onah respectively all appealed to the Federal Government to help clear killer herdsmen from their communities to allow farmers return their to farmland.

    Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia said in his speech expressed the determination of the Benue state government to give total support to the federal government and security agencies to solve the problem of insecurity in the state.

    Governor Alia stated: “The attacks against farmers has led to internally Displaced Persons ,IDPs, who are spread across 20 Local Government areas.

    populations are all now in the camps waiting for hand out as food ,if necessary actions are not taken Benue will no longer be known as the food basket of the nation.

    He said out of 23 local government area in Benue state, the herdsmen attacked and killed people in 18 Local Government areas .

    “They have taken over communities and settlements ,grazing on the farmlands why their victims are in internally Displaced Persons, IDPs camps.”

    He appealed to the federal government to hasten on the plan return of the IDPs to their ancestry home and continue their farm work.

  • Easter: Benue APC mourns victims of Good Friday attacks

    Easter: Benue APC mourns victims of Good Friday attacks

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, has condemned the Good Friday attacks and killings, describing it as senseless, while urging christians to use the Easter season to pray for the state.

    This is contained in the party’s Easter Message issued by the State Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.

    The statement reads in part: “In these difficult times marked by growing security concerns and attacks on communities, we beseech the Almighty God to arise in His power and bring lasting peace to our land.

    “May He grant you the strength and divine wisdom to lead Benue State with courage, compassion, and justice.

    “Our thoughts and prayers also go to all families mourning the loss of their loved ones as a result of the recent killings across various parts of our dear state.

    “We mourn with you, and we pray that God in His infinite mercy will comfort you, heal your wounds, and grant eternal rest to the departed souls.”

    Omale also felicitated with Benue Christians on the occasion of 2025 Easter celebration.

    “As we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ this Easter, we are reminded of the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness.

    “It is a sacred season that calls us to renew our faith, deepen our unity, and commit ourselves to the greater good of our people.

    “On behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State Chapter, I extend warm Easter greetings to all our party faithful across the state and beyond.

    “Your unwavering commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the ideals of our great party continue to be the foundation of our strength and progress.

    “To our dear Governor and Leader, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, we offer our continued prayers and support.

    “This Easter, let us hold firmly to the promise of resurrection — that after every storm comes calm, after every night comes dawn, and after every cross, there is a crown.” he said.

  • SAD! Death toll in Benue communities invasion hits 20 – Gov Alia reveals

    SAD! Death toll in Benue communities invasion hits 20 – Gov Alia reveals

    The death toll in the herdsmen attack on Ukum and Logo local government areas of Benue state has risen to 20 as security forces and residents comb the affected communities in search of survivors.

    Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a telephone conversation with Channels Television correspondent, gave details of the casualty figures.

    According to him, five corpses were recovered earlier in Gbagir and taken to the morgue, but later, civilians searching for their loved ones, discovered two more corpses.

    He said a family in Gbagir that insisted on burying their relative immediately had been provided cover letters by security forces to perform brief burial rites.

    According to the governor, the police, while also responding to the simultaneous attacks in Logo, recovered 12 corpses, which were also deposited at a mortuary, bringing the total casualty figure to 20 persons killed in the coordinated attack by suspected herdsmen in Sankera.

    The state government reiterated its commitment to the safety of lives and prosperity, with the assurance to Benue residents to volunteer information to security agencies to deal with insecurity promptly.

    The development comes after the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, Sewuese Anene, in a statement issued on Friday, said information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of the state, and the police moved in to engage the militia in Gbagir, where they had killed five more persons.

    As of Friday, estimation brought the number of persons killed to 17 in total.

    These killings have sparked wild speculations on social media, where it is alleged that suspected herdsmen invaded the area and killed about 100 persons, but the police have cautioned against unconfirmed rumours in dealing with casualty figures.

    The police statement reads, “Information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue state with the intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area. Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet FCID, psc (+) ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.

    “Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them. Five (5) persons were recovered at the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

    “Unfortunately, an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo, where twelve (12) persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of seventeen persons. However, Security agencies within the Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around the Taraba axis.

    “The CP warns social media users who are reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions that are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state. He reiterates his commitment to fight the attackers and encourages the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing.”

    Suspected herdsmen stepped up violent attacks as no fewer than three communities in the Otukpo Local Government Area of the state

    The communities affected during the attacks include Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, all in Otukpo where five persons were killed in February. The communities came under simultaneous attacks just a day after the killing of 11 persons at Otobi Community, also in Otukpo LGA.

    Alia Condemns Attacks
    Addressing journalists after the Good Friday Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Makurdi, the state capital, Governor Alia condemned the attacks and cautioned communities against resorting to self-help.

    He assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a strategic plan to end the killings by suspected invaders.

    The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide timely information to security agencies.

  • BREAKING: 17 killed, many injured as suspected herdsmen run amok in Benue

    BREAKING: 17 killed, many injured as suspected herdsmen run amok in Benue

    The Police Command in Benue State has disclosed that suspected armed herders attacked and killed 17 persons and injured many in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas of the State.

    This was contained in press statement on Friday signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

    Anene, in the statement, explained that five people were killed in Ukum and 12 in Logo LGAs adding that some were injured and were receiving treatment.

    “On  17/4/2025  at about 2100hrs, information was received that a large number of  suspected militia had invaded  Sankera axis of Benue State with intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area.

    “Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police command, CP. Steve Yabanet, ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.

    “Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled  in the early hours of today,  they  shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them .

    “Five persons were recovered at Gbagir area and taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead. Unfortunately an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo where 12 persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of 17 persons.

    “However, Security agencies within Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around Taraba axis,” she said.

    Anene warned social media users that were reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public, to desist from such actions.

    The police spokesperson said that such actions were capable of creating unnecesary tension in the state.

    She said the Command under the leadership of the Mr Steve Yabanet, was commitment to fight the attackers and encourage the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the Police as the operation was ongoing.

  • Northern youths demand deployment of security agencies to parts of Benue

    Northern youths demand deployment of security agencies to parts of Benue

    A group, the Northern Nigerian Youth Leaders Forum, (NNYLF), has appealed to the Federal Government to deploy security agencies to bring an end to the spate of killings and violence in some parts of the Benue.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday jointly signed by the State Coordinator, Mr Martin Zoho and Secretary, Mr Innocent Okoh in Makurdi.

    ”We wish to register our displeasure on the deteriorating security situation in some part of Benue, which has given rise to killings, maiming, rape cases, kidnapping as well as other unwholesome crimes and criminalities.

    “As a matter of utmost priority and concern, we are appealing to the federal government to collaborate with the State Government, the Local governments as well as the affected communities to immediately take proactive measures to curb this wanton loss of lives and properties, once and for all.

    “A comprehensive approach towards mitigating these incidences should be drawn out by inculcating peace building mechanism and other good spirited measures that could bring about lasting peace and security to the affected areas.

    “In the meantime, palliatives and reliefs should be accorded to victims to cushion the effects of these unfortunate happenings on them.” they said

    The group commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia for his recent visit to some of the affected areas to commiserate with the victims of the attacks, particularly in Gwer-West and Otukpo LGAs. (NAN)

  • Gov. Alia emphasizes protection of lives and property as priority

    Gov. Alia emphasizes protection of lives and property as priority

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says that protection of lives and property of citizens remain his administration’s topmost priority.

    Alia gave the assurance in Makurdi at the homeland security conference organised by the Benue Public Service Institute to proffer solutions to the lingering security challenges.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, said that state was grappling with a myriad of security challenges but assured the people of his commitment and determination to tackle them.

    “I observed here that the paper presenters were able to achieve this trajectory of addressing the problem of security, not only in Benue but across the nation.

    “The problems have been identified, the issues have been properly interrogated, and in the course of the presentation, we spoke to the issues.

    “It was quite clear-cut; whether at the community level or otherwise, the issues were clearly identified, and far-reaching obligations were outlined with global implementation strategies that will help us address the issue of insecurity.

    “In the course of the presentation, we observed that the activities of non-state actors, separatists, and agitators were identified as some of the problems.

    “We have made the security of lives in the state a topmost priority. Not just any kind of security, but targeted efforts that address key concerns,” he assured.

    Alia urged the stakeholders to also discuss climate change, noting that as the desert expands and resources like water and grazing fields shrink, herders will continue to migrate.

    The governor assured citizens that the state would devise strategies to live with this situation.

    “We must find ways to implement anti-grazing laws in a manner that reduces the loss of lives. The life of one citizen is as important as 100 lives.

    “We must also check the trends of criminal elements masquerading as herders.

    “The discovery of solid mineral resources in many areas is leading to situations similar to those in Zamfara. We must confront that situation.

    “If we don’t do so, what has been happening in Zamfara may happen here too, particularly in areas with fertile land and valuable resources,” he added.

    The governor commended the special dedication and management of the Public Service Institute for organising the training.

    According to him, the institute was conceived in the mold of other policy institutes, like the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

    He lauded the progress made by the institute in a short time.

    There are presentations by resource persons on how to improve the security of the state.

    The 3-day conference which began on Wednesday would end on Friday.

  • Senate demands urgent end to insecurity in Benue

    Senate demands urgent end to insecurity in Benue

    The Nigerian Senate has called for immediate intervention by security agencies to address the rising insecurity in Benue State, following a series of violent attacks that have resulted in multiple deaths and mass displacement.

    The resolution followed a motion by Senator Titus Zam (Benue North-West), who raised alarm over the escalating violence in the state. He attributed the attacks to terrorists disguised as herdsmen, revealing that entire communities, including Jaruwa and its surroundings, had been razed. He noted that residents were either killed or missing, while survivors—mostly women, children, and the elderly—were forced to flee their homes.The suspect reportedly claimed that he had lent the influencer two million yen (approximately $13,450) but had not been repaid. Police are currently verifying his claims as part of the ongoing investigation.

    Authorities are urging social media users to exercise caution regarding their online interactions and personal security.

  • Benue boils as protesters burn LG secretariat, palace, others over killings

    Benue boils as protesters burn LG secretariat, palace, others over killings

    The Benue Police Command, on Tuesday, confirmed the burning of Gwer West Local Government Secretariat, Ter Nagi Palace, and many other infrastructures by protesters.

    The Benue Police Command, on Tuesday, confirmed the burning of Gwer West Local Government Secretariat, Ter Nagi Palace, and many other infrastructures by protesters.

     

    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, told newsmen in Makurdi that the command was aware of the ongoing security breach in Naka, Gwer West LG headquarters.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the angry youths were protesting the killing of three people by assailants.

    Anene said the commissioner of police has already moved to the area with other tactical teams to restore peace and order.

    Gwer West LGA Chairman Mr Victor Ormin also confirmed the incident to the newsmen.

    Ormin said that the incident began as a peaceful protest before it was hijacked by hoodlums.

    “Yes, they burnt down the secretariat and the Ter Nagi Palace.

    “Three protection guards were killed in Gyaruwa; when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protest from the youth, and it was taken over by hoodlums,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse told newsmen that he was away for a medical check-up and was on his way back to Naka.

    Abomtse said his palace with many valuables, including three vehicles and motorcycles, was burnt. (NAN)

  • Benue has no record of ritual killings – Police

    Benue has no record of ritual killings – Police

    There has not been any record of ritual killing in Benue, the Police Command in the state has said.

    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told NAN on Sunday in Makurdi that there was no intelligence report to that effect.

    Anene, however, admitted that though other crimes to some extent still persisted in the state, there were no reported cases of ritual killings.

    She also stressed that there was also no information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts market in the state.

    “We don’t have intelligence reports of the existence of any human parts market in Benue.

    “So we have not really recorded any ritual killing, there are other crimes, but not this particular one. We are always on red alert,” she said.

    According to Mr Terwase Shagbaor, Founder, Benue Patriotic Youths Movement, the people only hear and read about ritual killings in the media.

    Shagbaor said the state was yet to record such heinous crimes.

    He, therefore, encouraged Benue people, especially the youths, to steer clear of crime.

    Also a motorcyclist, Agada Ogli, said that though his job entailed riding on the road day and night, he was yet to come across any suspected case of ritual killing in Benue.

    Ogli, who also said motorcyclists often come across all kinds of crimes in the line of their duty, ritual killing was not one of them.

  • Benue Assembly dares NJC, insists State Chief Judge stands removed

    Benue Assembly dares NJC, insists State Chief Judge stands removed

    The Benue State House of Assembly has said that the State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Maurice Ikpambese, stands removed from office.

    The assembly’s Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, said this a press conference in Makurdi on Thursday.

    Tiseer frowned at the statement  jointly signed by Afam Osigwe (SAN) and Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, President and Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), where they condemned the CJ’s removal.

    In the statement, the two legal luminaries described the removal as “a sham”.

    Reacting to the statement, the deputy speaker said that NBA was “too hasty in castigating the action of the House”.

    He said: “NBA did not understand the issues and the workings of the assembly, yet it called our resolution a sham.

    “NBA in haste committed a fundamental error of basing its condemnation on a completely non-existent issue and from reports got on social media.”

    Tiseer said that NBA predicated its press release on a faulty premise, relying on sections 153 and 271 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which deals with discipline and removal of judicial officers generally and establishment of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    “The House recommended the removal of CJ pursuant to its powers under section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution.

    According to him, under section 292 (1), A judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement, except in the following circumstances –

    “(ii) Chief Judge of a State, Grand Kadi of a Sharia Court of Appeal or President of a Customary Court of Appeal of a State, by the Governor acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly of the State.

    “Praying that he be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct;” Tiseer said.

    He argued that “the House did not recommend the removal of CJ as a judicical officer but as the CJ of Benue as provided by the law.

    “The House did not originate any petition against the CJ, therefore, it has no business with the NJC because the law only empowered them to act on the address of the governor, which they did,’’ he said.

    He also spoke on the suspension of 13 assembly members, who distanced themselves from the exercise.

    He said, “They were sanctioned for deceiving Benue people and Nigerians as a majority of them voted for his removal during the plenary session.’’

    Earlier, the National Judicial Council had stated that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.