TheNewsGuru

Tag: Benue

  • Court remands 4 men for allegedly burning Obasanjo’s farm

    Court remands 4 men for allegedly burning Obasanjo’s farm

    A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi on Friday ordered the remand of four men in a correctional centre for allegedly conspiring and burning a Mango farm belonging to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    The suspects: Julius Igyo, Samuel Aleva, Pius Mcha and Daniel Ortserga, are all of Howe town in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue.

    They were charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, criminal trespass, mischief by fire and act of terrorism.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Vincent Kor, did not take the plea of the suspects for want of jurisdiction and adjourned the matter until March 28 for further mention.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Ato, told the court that on Jan. 31, the Manager of the farm, Mr Suberu Mohammed, reported the incident to the Commissioner of Police in Benue.

    Ato said the manager said that on Jan. 29, he received a phone call from his assistant, Gowon Tarkev, that fire had engulfed the farm.

    He stated further that when he rushed to the farm, he discovered that fire had burnt down 90 hectares of the farm comprising 18,360 mango trees valued at N183.6 million.

    The manager in his statement accused the suspects, Asande Ishor, Uger Jarpes, Moses Torchie and many others from Howe of being responsible for the incident.

    He also said that the suspects earlier demanded for compensation over the land where the mango trees were planted.

    Mohammed said that the suspects and their accomplices had terrorised them in the farm by beating them, threatening their lives and cutting down the mango trees.

    The prosecutor said the suspects were arrested during police investigation while others were still at large.

    He said the offences contravened the provisions of sections 97, 398, 349 and 338 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue, 2004.

    The other provision is section 4(2) of the Abduction, Hostage Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017.

  • Embittered Ortom narrates how security operatives barred him from receiving VP, Osinbajo

    Embittered Ortom narrates how security operatives barred him from receiving VP, Osinbajo

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has narrated how security operatives deliberately barred him from entering the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Base Makurdi to receive the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was transiting through the NAF Airport to Wukari in Taraba state by helicopter.

    The angered Ortom who had earlier received a letter of a notification dated February 10, 2022, from the State House Abuja, signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs/Head of Protocol Office of the Vice President, Ambassador Abdullahi Gwary intimating him of the visit, was however denied access into the NAF facility to receive the Vice President.

    Explaining to newsmen on what transpired, the Governor who described the incident as unfortunate and a breach of protocol said “I feel so sad for our country Nigeria where everything has been reduced to politics. There are certain things you don’t politicise.

    “I was to attend the burial ceremony of one of our elders and leader, Prof Ignitius Ayua; I had made all arrangements to travel to Konshisha Local Government Area, LGA, then this letter (waving the letter) was brought to me, that the Vice President is transiting through Makurdi to Wukari

    “It is a normal thing, when distinguished dignitaries, like the President or the Vice President, is passing through your state, the Governor receives him.

    “I decided to mandate the Deputy Governor to represent me at the burial of Prof. Ayua. So, this morning I got prepared and went to the Air Force Base, where the Vice-President was supposed to land, en route Wukari. Unfortunately, I was barred at the gate; in my own state.

    “It doesn’t happen, this is a breach of protocol and this is not accepted; this is politics taken too far; this is not correct and somebody must account for this.

    “If a personality like the Vice President is visiting my state and I cannot go there to welcome him, then it will be a breach of protocol on my part. How can I go to the NAF base and I am barred at the gate; it has never happened anywhere in this country.

    “Maybe, the same Presidency that wrote to me is not aware. But I think we should if we must make progress, differentiate between politics and government activities. It is government activity that I welcome Mr. President or Vice-President; that I welcome any dignitary that comes here from the Federal Government.”

    Displaying the letter, the Governor said “this is the letter that was written to me, you can see the content. I don’t want to be a busy body; I have many things to do.

    “As I talk to you, the entire Gwer-West is under siege. The Fulanis have been burning down houses, and I was also supposed to go there but I had to shift all that to receive the Vice President. I feel so pained that politics has been taken beyond what it is supposed to be.

    “There is no permanent enemy or permanent friend in politics. Tomorrow I can be the best friend of the President if they chose to do the right thing. I do not have any problem with the President or Vice President, and all the things that I say are meant to add value to our development and get things right.

    “I have never insulted the President, the Vice President, or the Federal Government but there are certain things that they are doing which are wrong that should be corrected.

    “You will recall the issue of Executive Order 10; where does the President in a democratic setting have the right to issue decrees. Maybe because he was once a military ruler, he still believes that he would be issuing decrees. He does not have the right.

    “How can the President usurp the powers of the National Assembly? These are the things that I criticize and it is constructive. And today, thank God I am vindicated because the Supreme Court has ruled that the President does not have powers to be issuing decrees. He is no longer a military President, he was democratically elected by the people.

    “So if he wants anything he should pass it through the National Assembly, just like I do when I want anything I pass it through the state House of Assembly.”

    Continuing, the Governor said, “It is very unfortunate that this presidency is barefooted, it is a lame duck. And that is why we are having all these insecurity problems in our country today.
    That is why the economy of this country is going down.

    “How can you bar a governor in a state where you are? What is the meaning of that? I feel so pained and I’m going to report this to the Vice President. Well, if they choose to do something, fine. And if they don’t, it is okay.

    “But that is the kind of thing we keep talking about, they want us to remain as a banana republic. Don’t we have a constitution? Can’t you differentiate politics from other things? Have I insulted the President? Have I insulted the Vice President? All that I’m saying is that let the right thing be done. Let there be justice, equity and fairness. It is unfortunate.

    “I will report this breach to the Vice President because it was protocol for me to have gone to receive him and then see him off, and received him when he comes back.

    “It is really unfortunate. I feel very sorry. And those who are keeping quiet, I tell them, one day, they will not be where they are. We must come out together and condemn the evil that is happening in our country. This is not right.”

  • I’ve spent N680m on treatment of snakebites – Ortom

    I’ve spent N680m on treatment of snakebites – Ortom

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom says he has spent the sum of N680 million treating victims of snakebite in the State, in the last 22 years.

    This is contained in the checks conducted by the State Ministry of Health and Human Services.

    The Governor, who has personally maintained a retainership with Bishop Murray Hospital Makurdi for the free treatment of snakebites since the year 2000, disclosed this on Tuesday, during a meeting with MINDA PDP Elders Forum.

    The MINDA consists of people from Masev, Ihyarev and Nongov Development Association and comprises of Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-East and Gwer-West.

    The Governor, however, disclosed that owing to the increasing costs this has placed on him, he had sought the approval of the Benue State executive council for the State government takes over the scheme since it had overwhelmed him financially.

    The Governor while recounting the destruction caused by the invasion of three, out of the four local governments of MINDA, namely Guma, Makurdi and Gwer West by activities of militia herdsmen, lamented that thousands have been displaced and many others killed.

     

     

  • Obasanjo condemns burning of farm in Benue

    Obasanjo condemns burning of farm in Benue

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the burning of his 2,420 hectares mango plantation at Howe in Aliade area of Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Obasanjo, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyi, described the incident which happened on Saturday as “a bad development”.

    He explained that security agencies in the local government and the state had swung into action with a view to arresting and bringing the perpetrators to book.

    Obasanjo, who appreciated those who had called to identify with him over the incident, gave thanks to God because no death was recorded in the inferno.

  • N784.3m Debt: Court orders unfreezing Of Benue accounts

    N784.3m Debt: Court orders unfreezing Of Benue accounts

    The Federal High Court Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered the unfreezing of all accounts belonging to the Benue Government except one domiciled in Zenith bank.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order after adoption of Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) by lawyers representing parties in the suit.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria is the claimant/applicant in the case, HPPS Multilinks Services Ltd and Benue Government are 1st and 2nd respondents.

    The MoU dated Jan. 25 and filed on Jan. 26 was adopted on Feb. 1.

    Leading other counsel, Mr T.D Pepe (SAN) adopted the MoU on behalf of Benue government while

    Mr Val Igboanusi adopted on behalf of the plaintiff.

    Mr A. T Kehinde (SAN) adopted for Fidelity Bank Plc, and Mr C. O. Nwosisi, was for GTBank Plc and counsel for the other banks also adopted on behalf of their clients.

    Justice Ekwo subsequently ordered that Zenith bank with account No. 1013470079 designated as Benue Government Ecological Account
    remained frozen in the sum of the disputed debt vide interim order of the court pending the determination of the case.

    He, however, ordered the unfreezing of all Benue government accounts with Access Bank Plc, Citibank Nigeria Ltd, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Heritage Bank Pic.

    Other banks were the court ordered that Benue government accounts be unfrozen are Keystone Bank Ltd, Polaris Bank Ltd, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank Ltd, Suntrust Bank Nigeria Ltd, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, UBA Plc, Unity Bank Nigeria Plc and Wema Bank Plc.

    The judge adjourned the matter until March 2 for a report on the order.

    “Pursuant to discussions and agreement by the parties, all other accounts of the Benue government frozen by this court vide interim order of Oct. 26, 2021 are to be unfrozen while Account No. 1013470079 with

    Zenith Bank Plc, designated Benue Government Ecological Account shall remain frozen in the sum of the disputed debt, pending the determination or resolution of the dispute.

    NAN recalls that Justice Ekwo had upon an ex parte application dated and filed on Sept. 30 2021, made an interim order freezing and attaching the accounts of both HPPS Multilinks Services Ltd and Benue government who were 1st and 2nd respondents domiciled in the mentioned banks.

  • Fire guts Obasanjo’s farm

    Fire guts Obasanjo’s farm

    The Director, Benue Fire Service, Mr Donald Ikyaaza, has confirmed the fire incident at Obasanjo Mango Farm at Howe, Gwer Local Government Area.

    Ikyaaza confirmed to journalists in a telephone interview in Makurdi on Monday that the fire gutted the farm at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

    He said that immediately the news of the incident reached him, the service deployed men to put out the fire to prevent escalation and further damage in the area.

    He, however, attributed the cause of the fire to alleged sabotage.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman, Gwer Local Government Council, Mr Emmanuel Ortserga, also alleged that the fire incident was a deliberate act.

    “The farm is properly safeguarded against all forms of disasters,” Ortserga said.

    He said that a stakeholders meeting had been summoned to trace and arrest the perpetrators of the act.

    He added that the farm was 139 hectares and half of it was burnt down.

    When contacted, the command Police Spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, said that the police was aware of the incident but was not sure if any arrest was made.

  • Just In: Benue Gov, Ortom fires eight commissioners

    Just In: Benue Gov, Ortom fires eight commissioners

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has partially dissolved the State Executive Council with the sacking of eight commissioners.

    This was contained in a statement by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Ijohor issued on Tuesday in Makurdi, indicated that eight commissioners were, however, retained.

    According to the statement, those retained include: the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Micheal Gusa; Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr. Joseph Ngbea; Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu, and Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Mineral, Bernard Unenge.

    Others were Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development and Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Ekpe Ogbu; Commissioner of Energy, Science and Technology Overseeing Ministry of Education, Dr. Godwin Oyiwona.

    On the list were the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development overseeing, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs Nylazungwe Igirgi, and Commissioner of Rural Development overseeing Ministry of Water Resources, Engr. Victor Ukaha.

    Meanwhile the commissioner-nominees according to the statement, included former lawmaker, Dr. Kester Kyenge, Engr. Uungwa Sachia, Agbatar Rodney, Michael Inalegwu, Agber Senjamin Aernan, Dr. Jane Aja, Saawuan Tamongo, and Levi Nguher

    The outgone commissioners were advised to hand over to Permanent Secretaries in their respective Ministries.

    The Governor expresses his profound appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their service to the State and wish them well in their future endeavours,” part of the statement read.

  • Customs intercept commercial bus loaded with 550 gun cartridges in Benue

    Customs intercept commercial bus loaded with 550 gun cartridges in Benue

    Authorities of the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 3, North Central Zone of the Nigeria Customs Service say they have intercepted 550 Pump Action gun cartridges in Adikpo Junction, Benue State.

    The coordinator of the team, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State, revealed that the ammunitions were coming from Onitsha in Anambra State and were on the way to Taraba State before they were intercepted in Benue.

    “Based on intelligence report, the sector intercepted a commercial J5 Bus around Adikpo Junction in Benue State heading to Taraba State. On searching the vehicle, two black Bacco sacks were found to contain pump-action cartridges suspected to be smuggled into the country.

    “The ammunition, driver and the suspect were arrested immediately and brought to Sector 3 Headquarters, Ilorin, Kwara State and after preliminary investigation, as the law of jurisdiction demands, they were all handed over to Nigeria Police Force, Benue State for further investigation,” the comptroller explained.

    “This epic seizure is very commendable at the backdrop of the heightened insecurity in the country. Should 550 rounds of live ammunition escape into the Country and fall into wrong hands, the consequences will be devastating,” he added.

    Speaking further on feats made by the team, the comptroller stated that forty-nine other seizures were made between August and December, with duty paid value of N29 million.

    These include 1,251 jerry cans of petrol seized along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border, 751 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used vehicles as well as smuggled used cloths.

    The coordinator while advising people to desist from smuggling, warned those who want to use this yuletide period to make money by smuggling prohibited items to think twice “as our officers have continued to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols to deny smugglers freedom of action.”

    He assured that Joint Border Patrol Team, Sector 3 will do all it takes to ensure that smuggling activities are stifled and all offenders are brought to book.

  • Tiv Youths demand apology from Gov. Ortom over “drunkards” statement; Ortom says “Never”

    Tiv Youths demand apology from Gov. Ortom over “drunkards” statement; Ortom says “Never”

    Tiv Youth Council Worldwide (TYCW), a Benue-based socio-cultural group on Tuesday demanded an apology from the state governor, Mr Samuel Ortom, for referring to Benue indigenes as drunks.

    It said in a statement issued in Abuja by its president, Mr Mike Msuaan that it was regrettable that the governor made such derogatory remark on a people surviving on self-help.

    It noted that it was disheartening that Gov. Ortom who had neither been able to initiate any development project nor pay basic salaries, and pensions and gratuities of retirees, could make such remark.

    “While inaugurating the new building of RCN Embassy Church in Makurdi, the governor was quoted to have accused his critics of `drinking beer from 9 a.m. and sleeping all-day long,’ ’’ it stated.

    According to TYCW, the governor has consistently ignored counsel to partner with relevant Federal Government agencies to attract development to the state rather than dishing out verbal insults to perceived enemies.

    “We have appealed to Gov. Ortom several times to please concentrate on governance and entrench good governance and responsible leadership in the state.

    “We have wondered why development has continued to elude us under his leadership, especially at a time states created several years after Benue have moved with the speed of light.

    “Today, we are sad that the governor has moved from lack of development to verbally dishing out insults.

    “We have listened to an audio recording in some national dailies and online media that while inaugurating a church building recently, the governor said his people drank from 9 a.m.

    “He said in the audio recording that Tiv people and went to bed from beer parlours only to wake and insult the governor.

    “So far, there has been no rebuttal from the government.

    “The response from the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nathaniel Kyur, was a face-saving and damage control blunder in which he accepted that Gov. Ortom made the comment but it was targeted at APC members.

    “We join well-meaning Nigerians to strongly condemn such use of derogatory words on the good people of Benue and demand an immediate and unreserved apology from the governor,’’ the group stressed.

    It maintained that such demeaning reference to a people should be condemned by all well-meaning people and called on the Benue Traditional Council and religion institutions to call the governor to order.

    “We have consistently tasked Gov. Ortom to develop the state and to create an enabling environment for the people of Benue to excel.

    “The governor’s comment is very painful because he has not conducted any employment exercise since he came to office in 2015.

    “In 2019, he promised to employ 5,000 teachers; lately, he reduced the number to 2,000, but this has remained in the realm of wishful thinking.

    “The governor has refused to pay workers and pensioners in the state for several months,’’ the TYCW added.

    It stated also that since he was elected governor, Ortom had not built any industry to meaningfully employ the people of Benue.

    “We have continuously appealed to him, to liaise with relevant Federal Government institutions to rebuild, resettle and return Internally-Displaced People to their ancestral homes.

    “This appeal fell on deaf ears. We have consistently reminded him that even in Borno which is almost a war zone, Gov. Zulum has been resettling his people,’’ the TYCW added.

    Reacting to the demand for an apology, Kyur, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said Gov. Ortom will not apologise over statements that were clearly products of mischief by a news hound.

    Kyur told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the reporter who wrote the “mischievous story has already tendered an apology to the governor, hence there was no point demanding an apology from Ortom.

    “Our earlier statement on the matter suffices.

    “If anybody has an audio clip of the message, let him tender it and he will be made to present the original in court.

    “Ortom will not apologise for what he did not say,’’ Kyur insisted.

  • Gunmen kill seven in Benue community

    Gunmen kill seven in Benue community

    No fewer than seven persons have been confirmed killed by gunmen in an attack at Tor-Togan town on Thursday night.

    Several others were injured in the attack, which occurred around 5:30pm.

    The chairman of Katsina Ala local government area Hon Alfled Atera confirmed the incident.

    Tor Tongo is a farming community on Katsina Ala -Takum federal highway in Benue north east senatorial zone .

    Atera told reporters that those killed were mostly members of Community Volunteer Guards (CVG).

    He said five other persons sustained serious injuries among them, a priest, who was hit while the gunmen shot sporadically into the air before they escaped.

    The gunmen, he alleged, were gang members of a militia leader called Azonto.