TheNewsGuru

Tag: Benue State

  • NYSC evacuates corps members from Benue after deadly herder attack

    NYSC evacuates corps members from Benue after deadly herder attack

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has taken swift action to ensure the safety of its corps members in Benue State, withdrawing them from the volatile Mbaa community in Kwande Local Government Area.

    This decision comes after a devastating attack by suspected armed herders, which resulted in the loss of over 20 lives, including 16 farmers whose bodies were found in River Katsina-Ala.

    The NYSC has confirmed on Thursday that all corps members have been safely evacuated from the area, with the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Yahuza Adamu, stating that the withdrawal was a precautionary measure to protect the corps members from the ongoing attacks.

    The corps members have been relocated to a safer area, and the NYSC has assured that it will continue to work with security agencies to ensure their safety.

    The attack on the Mbaa community has reignited concerns about the safety of corps members deployed to Nigeria’s conflict zones.

    The NYSC has a policy of prioritizing the welfare and safety of its corps members, and this withdrawal is a testament to that commitment.

    Suspected armed herders have reportedly killed over 20 people, including 16 farmers whose bodies were found in River Katsina Ala.

    The incident has also sparked calls for the government to take decisive action to address the herder-farmer conflict, which has been plaguing the region for years.

    As the situation continues to unfold, the NYSC has urged parents and guardians to remain calm and assured them that the safety of their children is the top priority.

    The corps members who were withdrawn from the area are safe and accounted for, and the NYSC is working to ensure that they are able to continue their service in a safe and secure environment.

    The statement read, “Since the beginning of incessant attacks on Mbaa Community which shares boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, NYSC withdrew all Corps Members from the area, and has not posted any there till date.”

    He added, “Hence, all Corps Members serving in Jato Acka Turan, which is far away from the affected community, are not exposed to any security threat.

    “In fact, as a matter of policy, NYSC consistently takes proactive steps to mitigate risks and ensure that Corps Members receive the necessary protection at all times.

    “We assure parents and guardians that NYSC Benue State remains vigilant and committed to the welfare of all its Corps Members and will continue to work with security agencies to ensure their safety at all times.

    “Parents and guardians are encouraged to obtain accurate updates from NYSC official channels.”

  • NJC reacts over suspension of Chief Judge of Benue

    NJC reacts over suspension of Chief Judge of Benue

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disclosed that Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NJC made the disclosure in a statement released on Wednesday by Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information.

    Recall that the Benue State House Assembly had suspended Ikpambese as Chief Judge for alleged misappropriation and mismanagement of the budgetary allocation and finances of the state Judiciary.

    The State House Assembly alleged that Ikpambese had been engaging with politicians and political office holders for favourable judicial outcomes.

    However, the NJC said the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of judicial officers were not adhered to in the suspension of Ikpambese.

    In the statement, Ogedengbe stated that although NJC had received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, he said the petition was yet to be investigated.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a Resolution recommending the removal of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese from office.

    “Unfortunate as this development is, Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of Judicial Officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.

    “Although, the Council had this morning received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.

    “As far as Council is therefore concerned, until the complaint is investigated and deliberated upon by it Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State”.

  • Benue Assembly suspends Chief Judge

    Benue Assembly suspends Chief Judge

    The Benue State Assembly has suspended the state Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, for alleged misappropriation and mismanagement of the budgetary allocation and finances of the state Judiciary.

    This was sequel to a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer, during plenary session in Makurdi on Tuesday.

    Tiseer alleged that Ikpambese had been engaging with politicians and political office holders for favourable judicial outcomes.

    He claimed that such action was indirect participation and incitement of industrial actions against the state executive.

    The majority leader accused the chief judge of acts of bribery and corruption, alleging that he gave undue favouritism by insisting that his cronies held unmerited judicial positions.

    He further accused him of abuse of office by issuing a directive to overturn the Benue State Electoral Law which was duly passed by the state legislature and assented to by the governor of the state.

    The motion was seconded by Mr Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala West), who stated that the motion was apt and timely.

    Ruling, the Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, directed the immediate swearing-in of the next-in-line in state Judicial Office as the Acting Chief Judge of Benue State.

    Dajoh stated that the complaint against Ikpambese would be forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for an honest, independent, hitch-free, transparent and diligent investigation into the allegations.

    He said that council would look into the abuse of his office as a Judicial officer, demonstrated by his confrontational disregard for the laws enacted by the state legislature and the financial infractions.

  • Ortom accuses Alia of playing politics with insecurity in Benue

    Ortom accuses Alia of playing politics with insecurity in Benue

    The immediate past governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Gov. Hyacinth Alia, of playing politics with the continuous insecurity bedevilling the state.

    Ortom stated this in a statement on Tuesday signed by his media aide, Mr Terver Akase, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

    The former governor said that he watched with shock and sadness a video clip where Alia told the NKST Church Ikpayongo congregation in Gwer East LGA on Sunday that since he assumed office, armed herders have stopped attacking and killing people.

    He said Alia also levelled several lies against him, whom he accused of feigning an assassination attempt on his life in 2021.

    Ortom also said that the governor said, unlike during the previous administration when killings were on a daily basis, his tenure has witnessed absolute peace across the state, as attacks have ended and the people now go about their normal activities.

    “While we may not bother with the theatrics of the governor and his inclination towards obfuscation, we find it rather sad and unfortunate that he did so this time standing before a church congregation in Gwer East.

    “One of the local government areas which have suffered some of the worst herdsmen attacks under his watch with many people killed, others injured and property worth billions destroyed.

    “The people of Gwer who were in that church must have felt grossly dismayed on hearing such words coming from a man who is their governor.

    “There have been uncountable mass burials during Alia’s administration in many parts of the state as a result of attacks, particularly in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, Otukpo, among others.

    “This government only attempts to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials,” he said.

    The former governor stated that the difference between him and Alia was that while he stood against injustice and strongly fought the agenda of pastoralists who wanted to occupy Benue lands as theirs, his successor does not want the world to know the truth.

    According to him, people are still under attacks, and wanton killings have been taking place in communities on a higher level than during his time.

    Ortom urged Alia to apologise to the people of Benue for his insensitivity in claiming there are no more herders’ attacks in the state, especially when many have been traumatised after burying their loved ones.

    However, Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Alia, challenged the former governor to take a walk through his home local government of Guma, which was the epicentre of armed attacks when he held sway to power, and see things for himself.

    Kula said the people in Guma have returned home to pick up the pieces of their lives.

    He said his principal did not lie about the present security of the state, adding that relative peace, as cited by Alia, had indeed returned to the state despite pockets of attacks in some local government areas.

    “Alia acknowledged that there is relative peace, not absolute peace. However, compared to a time when attacks occurred daily, even targeting IDP camps, the situation has significantly improved.

    “Even in Ortom’s home LGA, attacks are no longer as frequent as they were during his administration. While some attempted attacks have occurred in certain areas, they are no longer a daily reality.

    “Today, Alia is caring for fewer than one million displaced persons in the state, unlike Ortom’s time when there were four million IDPs, an indication that many have returned to their farms.

    “All markets in Guma are now operational because residents have returned home. The governor is not lying.

    “Fighting insecurity is not about constant public outcry; it requires real solutions. Ortom left Benue in ruins. He should be ashamed and seek forgiveness from the people,“ he said.

  • Fatal viral disease hits Benue after consumption of dog meat

    Fatal viral disease hits Benue after consumption of dog meat

    The Benue State Government has confirmed the outbreak of rabies virus in Kwande and Gboko Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and it is spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

    Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, Director General (DG), Benue Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, made the disclosure on Monday in Makurdi.

    Asambe said the bureau was alerted to suspected rabies cases following reports of a dog bite incident affecting multiple individuals in Adikpo, Kwande LGA, and in Gboko LGA.

    The D-G explained that in total, seven persons were bitten by the two dogs, adding that the government has commenced contact tracing to identify those involved.

    He said investigations revealed that the infected dog in Adikpo was sold to vendors to process for consumption.

    “Thankfully, the dog’s head was retrieved and submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau, where laboratory results confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.

    “Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease with serious implications for both human and animal health.

    “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 55,000 people lose their lives to rabies annually, with most cases resulting from dog bites.

    “This outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the need for urgent action to meet the WHO’s 2030 target to eliminate dog bite-transmitted rabies,” he said

    Asambe said that the result also showed that the dog bite in Gboko LG was also a rabies case.

    In response to the outbreak, he said the bureau, in collaboration with the One Health Development Initiative (OHDI) and other critical stakeholders, has taken steps to address it.

    “Tracing and identifying exposed individuals for immediate medical intervention. Community sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control.

    “Ring vaccination of dogs in Adikpo and the launch of a mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign across Kwande and Gboko to curb the spread of the disease,” he said.

    The D-G said the interventions became necessary following the critical role dogs play in rural areas as companions, security providers, and contributors to livelihoods (hunting).

    He said their aim was not only to address the current outbreak but also to strengthen long-term preventive measures.

    “Looking ahead, the bureau is committed to draughting and implementing a subnational rabies eradication plan, which will guide our coordinated efforts to achieve a rabies-free Benue state by 2030.

    “We call on all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies as required by law. The bureau will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the vaccination programme.

    “To the residents of Benue, we urge vigilance. I implore us to report any suspected rabies cases in animals to the nearest veterinary office or local authorities.

    “Additionally, anyone bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal should seek medical attention immediately,” he said.

    Asambe commended OHDI for their support and other partners’ contributions to collectively eradicate rabies in Benue state and beyond.

  • Unidentified body found rotting away near Makurdi Stadium

    Unidentified body found rotting away near Makurdi Stadium

    The decomposing body of a yet to be identified man, found near the Aper Aku Stadium in the Benue State capital, has already started producing a foul odour.

    TheNewsGuru learnt that the body discovered near the Benue State Police Officers’ Mess, close to the Benue State Education Quality Assurance (BEQA) office, has not yet been removed as of Tuesday morning.

    A government worker in the vicinity, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that he and some neighbours discovered the body late on Friday night.

    “I went to the spot with some neighbours, and we saw the corpse. The man’s blood splashed on the wall of the Aper Aku stadium fence. The body was burnt with hands tied.

    “That was on Friday. By Sunday, the odour became unbearable, and today is the worst. If the dead body is not taken away by tomorrow, nobody will sit here again because of the bad smell,” he recounted.

    Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, CSP Catherine Anene, noted that the police were aware of the situation and that appropriate actions were being taken.

    Anene stated that preliminary investigations suggested the deceased was a suspected thief who was overpowered by individuals he allegedly attempted to rob. According to witness accounts, the man was struck with an object, while his accomplices managed to escape.

    “The deceased’s attire suggests he was likely involved in criminal activity. However, we have contacted the relevant agency to facilitate the evacuation of the body,” Anene added.

  • Two gun manufacturing factories uncovered in Benue

    Two gun manufacturing factories uncovered in Benue

    The Benue State Command of the Nigerian Police Force says it has uncovered two gun manufacturing factories in Guma and Kwande local government areas of the state.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Yabanet, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Makurdi.

    Yabanet said that following the peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration, the command decided to maintain a peaceful atmosphere by going after criminals in their hideouts.

    The CP stated that through credible information about criminals manufacturing arms at Mbaafa, Adikpo, Kwande LGA, a team of detectives was deployed to investigate the case.

    He said that on Jan. 11, police stormed a gun factory at Mbaafa and arrested one Friday Aduduakamve and Iorwashima Iornyume, aka “AK-35,” both of the same address.

    “Police searched the factory and recovered nine fabricated pistols, one yet to be completed AK-47 rifle, two gas cylinders, one filing machine, four other machines, and many other tools for fabricating rifles.

    “The team also uncovered another gun manufacturing factory in Daudu, Guma LGA, and recovered arms.

    “As police detectives began intelligence gathering on criminal activities in Daudu, information was received that one Meme Ihoon, 50 years old, was responsible for all short arms being used by kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists in Daudu.

    “During the investigation, the said suspect was arrested on Jan. 10; six dane guns and three long pipes used for fabricating guns were recovered from his house.

    “The suspect confessed to having been producing and selling arms. Investigation is ongoing to arrest other criminals connected with the case,” he said.

    Yabanet further said that three brothers from Obudu LGA of Cross River embarked on a journey to Kwande but were robbed by the motorcyclist who was conveying them.

    The CP said the motorcyclist diverted them to a different destination and called his gang members to rob them.

    “Unknowing to him that one of them understood the language in which he spoke. He explained to his brothers that the cyclist was planning evil against them, so they ran away.

    “The cyclist and his cohorts still chased them to the bush and robbed them of the French currency (CFA franc) and naira they had.

    “They also lynched one of the victims; one sustained grievous injuries while the other escaped,” he said.

    He said two perpetrators, Terhemba Abugh and Shima Terseer, of the same address, were arrested in connection to the crime.

    The CP called on parents, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to join them in the fight against criminality, as there was a need to train young people on cultural and religious values.

  • Gov Alia swears in 13 new permanent secretaries

    Gov Alia swears in 13 new permanent secretaries

    Governor Hyacinth Alia on Tuesday swore in 13 new permanent secretaries into the Benue State Civil Service.

    Performing the ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall in Makurdi, Alia said that the new permanent secretaries were civil servants with cognate experience, proven integrity, and exemplary track record of service.

    The governor said that they were men and women his administration could vouch for because of their antecedents.

    He emphasised that the appointments were not mere political patronage but rewards for hard work.

    “I wish to, therefore, urge you to brace up for the responsibilities ahead of you. As the administrative heads of the ministries, you must ensure that staff adhere to the codes of the civil service.

    “Discipline and respect for constituted authorities should be the watchword among your staff.

    “You must avoid partisan politics and conduct yourselves as responsive and responsible officers who are duty bound to implement policies and programmes of the administration in line with its seven-point agenda.”

    “Be advised that anyone of you found culpable of any form of misconduct or anything capable of tarnishing the image of this government would be made to face appropriate sanctions.

    “Our eyes would be placed on you not to police you but to ensure that you do the right things all the time,” he said.

    Alia disclosed that the permanent secretaries were already trained by the Benue State Public Service Institute to be equipped with the rudimentary civil service rules and functions that could help them to excel.

    The governor assured them that the government would always support them to succeed.

    “As you settle down to discharge your duties, do so quickly and with the fear of God. Do everything possible to justify the confidence we have reposed in you.” he said.

    In his response, Mr Bartholomew Geraga, who spoke for the permanent secretaries, thanked God and Alia for finding them worthy of elevation.

    Geraga said that they will take their new responsibilities seriously and work with the fear of God.

    Those sworn in were Ogenyi Elvis, Martha Edor, Elijah Agweye, Helen Nambativ, Cephas Hough, Ikyaabga Wakwagh, Eunice Ogbenyi, James Iorpuu, Bibiana Tyoishi, Philip Nonogo, Bebbie Amine, Bartholomew Geraga, and Thomas Ese.

    The governor also used the event to decorate his ADC, Ver Ingyato, with his new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

  • Drama in Benue as Gov Alia, Ortom fight over SGF’s thanksgiving service

    Drama in Benue as Gov Alia, Ortom fight over SGF’s thanksgiving service

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and his predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom, exchanged hot words over the weekend regarding a thanksgiving event held in Agidi, Konshisha Local Government Area, to honour the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

    The event, also organised to celebrate the 50th birthday of Dr. Matthias Byuan, an Executive Director at the Federal Housing Authority, was attended by prominent figures, including Chief Ortom.

    However, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement about the event, accused Ortom of poor leadership during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

    The statement criticised Ortom’s administration for alleged financial mismanagement, unpaid salaries, and stalled infrastructure projects.

    It also accused Ortom of using divisive rhetoric and signing unproductive agreements during his governorship.

    But in response, Terver Akase, a spokesperson for Chief Ortom, dismissed the allegations as unprovoked attacks.

    Akase argued that Ortom’s attendance at the thanksgiving should not incite political controversy and called on Governor Alia to focus on governance, contending that pressing issues, such as insecurity and community development, are areas in need of urgent attention.

    Ortom’s camp further criticised the Alia administration for receiving higher federal allocations without matching the expectations of citizens in addressing security and developmental challenges, urging the governor to prioritise the concerns of Benue residents rather than target political opponents.

  • President General rescued from kidnappers’ den

    President General rescued from kidnappers’ den

    The Nigerian Police Force, Benue Command, has confirmed the rescue of Mr Emmanuel Yaji, President General of Kunav Development Association (KUDA).

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Tuesday in Makurdi.

    Anene said that Yaji was kidnapped in Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) on Monday.

    She, however, said that the police team in Kwande LGA located the kidnappers at Nambe Adikpo town and engaged them in a gun duel.

    “One of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. One of the suspects was arrested while two others took to their heels. Further investigation to arrest suspects at large is ongoing.

    “Items recovered from the deceased suspect include one (1) AK-47 rifle loaded with twelve (12) rounds of live ammunition and three AK-47 magazines.”

    She said the victim was rescued unhurt and has been reunited with friends and family.