TheNewsGuru

Tag: Benue

  • Benue bloodbath: Tor Tiv laments, tells Tinubu we’re facing calculated genocidal invasion

    Benue bloodbath: Tor Tiv laments, tells Tinubu we’re facing calculated genocidal invasion

    The Tor Tiv V, James Ayatse, has declared that what they’re facing in Benue is a calculated genocidal attack by herder terrorists.

    He dismissed claims that the killings in Benue State are the results of clashes between herders and farmers, describing such claims as misinformation.

    He spoke during the ongoing meeting between President Bola Tinubu and stakeholders in Benue on Wednesday.

    He said that such information had led to suggestions to the Benue people to remain tolerant and learn to be accommodating.

    Ayatse said that the killings were a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign in the state by “herder terrorists and bandits” that had been on for decades.

    He said, “We do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue State. Your Excellency, it’s not herders-farmers clashes, it’s not communal clashes, it’s not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.

    It is this misinformation that has led to suggestions such as ‘remain tolerant, negotiate for peace, learn to live with your neighbours’.”

    “What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by header terrorists and bandits, which has been going on for decades and is worsening every year.

    “Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment. So, we are dealing with something far more sinister than we think about. It’s not learning to live with your neighbors; it is dealing with the war,” the traditional ruler added.

  • Yelewata bloodbath: Senate leadership to accompany Tinubu to Benue today

    Yelewata bloodbath: Senate leadership to accompany Tinubu to Benue today

    The Senate leadership has said it would accompany President Bola Tinubu to Benue State today (Wednesday), to condole with the people of Yelewata village over the massacre of their kinsmen by suspected herdsmen last week.

    The Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the activities of the Senate in the last two years.

    Adaramodu said beyond paying condolence visits, whenever there are major attacks, the Senate had perfected strategies in collaboration with the executive to end mass killings across the country.

    He said, ‘About the tragic incident in Benue: it was very unfortunate. We sympathise with the victims and families affected.

    ‘The Senate, in collaboration with the executive, will visit Benue tomorrow (today, Wednesday) with a delegation of Senators to commiserate with the Yelewata people.

    ‘More importantly, we are organising a national security summit — not just for the military, but for CSOs, media, women, youth, and other critical stakeholders — because enough is enough. We cannot keep going from Plateau to Benue, paying condolence visits.

    ‘We are tired of mourning. The time has come to act. Security is local, and locals must be part of the solution. With Mr. President’s support, the Senate and the House of Representatives have appropriated adequate funds to support the military and security agencies.

    ‘Together with traditional rulers and communities, we must put a stop to this bloodshed.

    ‘Tomorrow’s visit to Benue will signal that the government is serious, both the legislature and the executive.

    ‘When we hold the national security summit, we hope to uncover hidden problems and find lasting solutions to the killings of innocent Nigerians, not just in Benue or Plateau, but across the country’.

  • Genocide is not communal conflict: Your response to Benue killings unacceptable-ART tells Tinubu

    Genocide is not communal conflict: Your response to Benue killings unacceptable-ART tells Tinubu

    The Apostolic Round Table (ART) has expressed deep dismay and utter disappointment at the recent statement released by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu via his official X handle, @OfficialABAT, regarding the continued and escalating massacres in Benue State.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this was contained in a statement issued and signed by convener of Apostolic Round Table, ART, Apostle (Dr.) Bolaji O. Akinyemi declaring that:

    “While we acknowledge the President’s eventual public attention to what he described as “senseless bloodletting,” we reject in the strongest terms the false framing of the crisis as a communal conflict. What is happening in Benue is not a conflict between communities — it is genocide, perpetrated by well-armed terrorists against indigenous peoples, with the complicity of silence and inaction at the highest levels of power.

    “The President’s directive to security agencies to “arrest perpetrators on all sides” is an unfortunate mischaracterization that equates invaders with victims, terrorists with communities defending themselves, and criminals with casualties. Such ambiguity is not only irresponsible but also emboldens those who thrive on impunity and bloodshed.

    “The continued reference to “dialogue and reconciliation” is tone-deaf and ill-timed. You cannot negotiate with killers while they are still holding the machetes. You cannot ask people to reconcile with those who have turned their homes into graveyards.

    “Mr. President, as Commander-in-Chief, your duty is not to mediate between life and death. It is to defend life. Your response has not only fallen short of your mandate; it reeks of either deep ignorance of the “underlying issues” or a troubling political mischief that sides with neutrality in the face of evil.

    “We therefore make the following demands:

    1. Immediate military intervention in all affected Benue communities with clear rules of engagement to protect civilians.

    2. Public identification and prosecution of known perpetrators and their sponsors.

    3. A national security address from the President with a detailed and time-bound roadmap to end the genocidal attacks across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

    4. A halt to further gaslighting and false equivalence in government statements concerning acts of terror.

    Benue does not need sympathy. Benue does not need another committee. Benue needs protection — now.

    Should this government continue to treat mass murder with press releases instead of action, the Apostolic Round Table will mobilize a nationwide prophetic and civic movement to demand accountability. We will not fold our arms while our people are buried in silence.

    History will judge every leader not by the speeches they gave, but by the blood they refused to let spill. Mr. President, it is time to act like the Commander-in-Chief you were elected to be.

  • Benue trip not adequate, visit Niger too – Obi tells Tinubu

    Benue trip not adequate, visit Niger too – Obi tells Tinubu

    Ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has appreciated President Bola Tinubu for “finally deciding to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State”.

    The former Anambra State governor, however, said the president’s intending visit to Benue State on Wednesday was not enough, adding that he should also visit the victims of devastating flood in the Mokwa area of Niger State, also in North Central Nigeria.

    On Monday, when he inaugurated the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network, Tinubu sympathised with the people of Benue State over the attack on Yelwata community on Friday which claimed scores of lives.

    The President said he would clear his schedule to pay a condolence visit to the people of Benue State on Wednesday.

    For this I thank him even as I make further request that similar gesture should be extended to Niger state that lost more number of human lives in a natural disaster, flood recently,” Obi wrote on his X handle on Tuesday.

    “Given the emergency nature of these incidents, a prompt visits would have delivered the urgency needed, instead of giving future dates that makes it look like a state visit.

    “The presence of the President in these devastated and grieving communities will be very reassuring and uplifting.

    “Both Benue and Niger States have lost over 200 lives each due to recent tragedies. In Mokwa alone, more than 200 people were confirmed dead, and over 1,000 are still missing following the floods. These are not just statistics; they are the lives of Nigerian families torn apart and their communities destroyed.

    “The distance from Abuja to these affected areas is not far. Abuja to Makurdi is about 282 km and Abuja to Mokwa is about 287 km.

    “Combined, that’s roughly 1,134 km for a round trip to both locations, still significantly less than the 1,870 km round trip President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa recently made some days ago from Pretoria to Mthatha to personally visit flood victims in his country.

    “Less than 100 persons died in Mthatha, and more than 200 died in Mokwa, with over 1000 still missing.

    “If the South African President could do it, we trust that you, as our own President, can do the same for your people.

    “Let your visit to Mokwa send a strong message, that all Nigerian lives matter, and that no community, no matter how rural, is forgotten. Please also consider stepping up security across the country, especially in disaster-prone areas.

    “We look forward to seeing not leadership by remote control but proactive leadership that responds not just with words, but with compassion and action.”

  • Finally, IGP Egbetokun storms Benue over insecurity

    Finally, IGP Egbetokun storms Benue over insecurity

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has arrived in Benue state.

    The visit by the IGP to the state followed the sad incident in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State where nearly 250 people were killed by suspected herdsmen.

    The Nigeria Police Force made the announcement in a terse statement on its official Facebook page on Monday.

    The post revealed that Kayode Egbetokun has ordered for more deployment of tactical teams to tackle the security crisis.

    Suspected Fulani herdsmen had attacked the community near Makurdi the state capital and burnt the unsuspecting citizens alive.

    The situation sparked a protest by hundreds of Benue youths.

    The youths staged a protest in Makurdi on Sunday to draw global attention to the incessant and deadly attacks going on in the state.

  • Angry Benue gov, suspends CPS indefinitely for joining protest

    Angry Benue gov, suspends CPS indefinitely for joining protest

    Angry Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has suspended his Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Ukeyima John Ukmoni, indefinitely for participating in the #EndBenueGenocide protest in defiance of official orders.

    The suspension, which was issued through the Office of the Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Media Mobilisation, was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2025, and signed by Mr Lubem Terkura (Aluta General).

    The letter stated that UKmoni was “working against the explicit directives of your Principal” and described his conduct as “a serious breach of your duties and the trust placed in your office.”

    Ahead of the protest, UKmoni had posted on Facebook: “Tomorrow morning at wurukum roundabout, Black on Black outfit. We are marching to the Wurukum Roundabout for a peaceful message to Stop Benue K!lli.ngs. We are not here for violence but to Stop Benue K!l.lings. After all #IKnowWhereIBelong This is just the only message we are passing across #StopBenueKillings.”

    According to one of his posts, he saw a video of a woman whose five children and mother were killed and burnt to ashes, he couldn’t help but jump to the street, asking himself “what if I’m the one”.

    Reacting to his suspension, UKmoni wrote on Facebook: “Good morning Hon PSA to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization Hon Krayzeetee Atu Terver, I received your letter via Facebook this morning that you have suspended me immediately and indefinitely.

    “I accept my indefinite suspension even though I wasn’t given any Appointment Letter officially.

    “You and many people know I am not the type that will ever speak ill or Negative about anybody I have ever worked for or will work for in future no matter the circumstances because I believe Silence is golden when it comes to such.

    “So I appreciate the little time we both spent together during this appointment, you are my brother and will always be a brother to me.

    “I wish you all the Best in life. thank you after all #IKnowWhereIBelong.

    The latest attack carried out over the weekend claimed more than 100 lives, according to Amnesty International.

    It was learnt that dozens of people were burnt alive and many others shot dead when suspected herdsmen launched a late-night attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The attack, which occurred between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday, saw the assailants split into two groups—one stormed the police station, while the other moved from house to house, killing residents and setting buildings ablaze.

  • 17 Benue LGAs lived in perpetual fear, FG’s efforts reduced it to 3-Gov Alia reveals

    17 Benue LGAs lived in perpetual fear, FG’s efforts reduced it to 3-Gov Alia reveals

    Governor Hyacinth Alia has debunked claims that the Federal Government has not come to the aid of the people of Benue State to defend them against vicious, blood-thirsty marauders.

    If he (President Bola Tinubu) didn’t have an understanding of what is going on, he won’t be giving us full support,” the governor revealed on a tv program , Monday.

    Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege and then we fought it down to nine local governments. We fought it down to six and now to three. It came down because of the full support we got from the Federal Government.

    “The last time we had some severe attacks, three security units were assigned to us from the Federal Government. They came in and there was a huge shift. Those who had occupied the spaces in the local governments had to leave,” he stated.

    Benue, a food-producing state in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, has been under heavy attacks by suspected herdsmen for some time. The killings have lingered for years, with some linking it to inter-communal conflicts as well as the quest for land dominance between the autochthonous agrarian dwellers and nomadic cattle rearers.

    However, the killings in the last few weeks have been without a break. On Friday, June 15, 2025, at least 59 residents were confirmed killed during a night attack by suspected herdsmen who wreaked havoc in the Yelewata community in the state. Among those killed were military and civil defense personnel who fought to defend the people of the community.

    Less than two months earlier in April 2025, suspected herdsmen slain about 60 residents in Ukum and Logo local government areas of the state. Unfortunately, the killing spree continued in May 2025 with at least 42 people confirmed killed by suspected herders in the Gwer West LGA of the state.

  • 33 suspects nabbed in Makurdi in connection with Benue killings

    33 suspects nabbed in Makurdi in connection with Benue killings

    The Benue State Government has confirmed the arrest of 33 individuals from Northern Nigeria who arrived in Makurdi aboard two buses and attempted to settle in a private residence located in Gyado Villa.

    Their unexpected arrival raised alarm among community members, leading to swift reports by concerned residents and youth leaders—including an urgent alert to the government through Barns Dzege and staff of Villa Suites.

    Acting promptly, a joint team comprising the Benue State Commissioners for Works and Housing and Humanitarian Affairs, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government, the ALGON Chairman, and security personnel moved to the scene for verification and to take control of the situation.

    Commenting on the incident, Asortar James Asortar, Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, confirmed that the 33 individuals were brought into the state by a company registered only recently, on May 8, and were allegedly employees of a so-called NGO.

    “Upon their arrival at Villa Suites, it was revealed that all 33 persons had been transported that same day from various northern states,” James explained.

    Preliminary questioning showed that the majority of the individuals could not communicate in English, and their reasons for attempting to settle in a private residence within the community remain uncertain. Security personnel have since taken them into custody for further interrogation to uncover the true intent of their presence in Benue.

    He also acknowledged the alertness of the Gyado Villa youths and Villa Suites staff, noting that their swift action helped avert a potential security threat.

    In response, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, commended the community for their prompt action.

    “We are grateful to the youths of Gyado Villa and the Villa Suites staff for raising the alarm swiftly. Your vigilance is sincerely appreciated. This event highlights the critical need for continued alertness and the prompt reporting of any suspicious activity,” Governor Alia stated.

  • VDM, youths protest, demand end to killings in Benue

    VDM, youths protest, demand end to killings in Benue

    Angry youths on Sunday stormed the Wurukum food basket roundabout to protest the alleged killing of scores of residents by suspected herdsmen in Yelwata, in Benue State.

    The protesters converged on the Wurukum food basket roundabout Makurdi as early as 8 am to demand action over the alleged killing on Saturday in Yelwata.

    They were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.

    Speaking to journalists, one of the protesters, Solomon Amande, said Benue youths were angry at the deafening silence of President Bola Tinubu, and the governor of Benue State despite the killing of children, women, and the elderly.

    An attempt by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, to address the protesters was resisted as they told him to tell the governor, Hyacinth Alia, to come personally to address them.

    They were later confronted by armed policemen and soldiers who attempted to stop them, leading to an escalation and the use of tear gas at the protesters.

    However, the defiant protesters said they would resist any intimidation, calling on the President and the governor to take action.

    The protest came amid incessant attacks that have resulted in the deaths of innocent people across the state.

  • INSECURITY! Benue youths adorning black protest killings, barricade roads in Makurdi

    INSECURITY! Benue youths adorning black protest killings, barricade roads in Makurdi

    Youths on Sunday filed out in their numbers to protest the rising insecurity in Benue State.

    Despite the heavy surveillance in place in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, youths stormed the popular Wurukum area, protesting the killings in the state.

    It was noticed that most of the protesters dressed in black and carried palm fronds and placards with various inscriptions. They also barricaded the busy road, preventing the flow of traffic while demanding an end to the bloodshed.

    The protest caused panic among commuters as vehicles were prevented from passing through the route.

    The protest comes amid incessant killings resulting in the deaths of innocent people across the state, particularly in Guma, Gwer West, Apa, and other parts of the state.