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Tag: Benue

  • Gunmen invade Benue tax office, kidnap five workers on duty

    Gunmen invade Benue tax office, kidnap five workers on duty

    The Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has said that some yet to be identified gunmen attacked its inspection point in Vandeikya Local Government Area of the State on Monday and kidnapped five of its staff on duty, while also destroying property.

    BIRS, in a statement on its Facebook page, said the gunmen who were dressed in military uniform and driving a Hilux van with three motorcycles invaded the Branch Atser BIRS inspection point in Vandeikya, burning staff motorcycles and shooting sporadically before kidnapping the five BIRS staff.

    However, it did not give the name of the kidnapped workers.

    But BIRS added that the gunmen also hurt several other staff on duty during the attack.

    It added that whereabouts of the staff are not known while the attack has been reported to the Vandeikya Divisional Police Station.

  • Man set himself, lover ablaze in Benue over marriage proposal rejection

    Man set himself, lover ablaze in Benue over marriage proposal rejection

    A 40- year-old man Nicodemus Nomyange set himself and his girlfriend Shininenge Pam ablaze.

    Nomyange and Pam died from the fire incident whicj occurred off Inikpi street, high-level area of Makurdi on Saturday .

    Their corpses were taken to the Federal Medical Center Makurdi and deposited by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps ) FRSC) who were at the scene

    Reports revealed that Nomyange has been dating Pam for some time .

    It was learnt Nomyange, who is married with children, proposed to marry Pam, who sources said turned him down on the basis that she preferred to marry a single and not married man.

    The rebuttal hurt Nomyange, who proceeded to her apartment on Saturday evening and set it ablaze after locking everyone in.

    The estranged lovers got burnt despite efforts to save them by neighbours.

    While Nomyange died at the spot, Pam later died on her way to the hospital.

    Benue Police spokeperson Kate Anene confirmed the incident.

  • Curfew enforced on Benue community over ‘missing genitals’

    Curfew enforced on Benue community over ‘missing genitals’

    The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Caleb Aba, has imposed a 12-hour curfew on Daudu community over claim of missing genitals.

    Daudu town located on Makurdi – Lafia federal highway experienced youths unrest recently over allegation of ‘manhood theft’ by some young men.

    The chairman of Guma Local Government told newsmenin Makurdi yesterday that the curfew, which began on Tuesday, will be between 8pm and 6am until the security situation improves.

    He said that the decision to impose curfew was prompted by youths’ restiveness, stressing that despite the intervention of community leaders and Governor Samuel Ortom, the youth continued to spread the allegation of missing genitals.

    Aba said the youth on Monday invaded the Divisional Police Station in the community and attempted to torch it over fresh false alarm of missing genitals.

    “The reason we imposed the curfew is that the youth in Daudu community have raised the alarm and accused certain persons of removing their genitals; male and female organs.

    “They burnt down the properties of those they suspected and even killed a pastor whom they accused of being responsible.

    “We appealed to them not to take the law into their hands. Even the governor appealed to them.

    “But on Monday, the youth mobilised and went to the police station in Daudu, threatened to burn it down, accusing one man whom they beat to a state of unconsciousness, while accusing him of removing someone’s genitals..

    “So it became too much and it appeared they will cause more destruction if they are allowed to move about freely. That was why the curfew was imposed,” the chairman said.

    He said a commercial motorcyclist had been arrested in connection with Monday’s incident.

     

  • Pastor murdered over missing male organ in Benue

    Pastor murdered over missing male organ in Benue

    The Pastor-in-Charge of Divine Shadow Church Daudu, Uhembe Jacob, has been killed by angry youths over his alleged involvement in missing male organ in the community.

    Daudu is a satellite town on Makurdi- Lafia federal highway predominantly inhabited by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) owing to hersdmen attacks on farmers in Guma and Logo local government areas in Benue.

    For more two weeks, the town has witnessed huge protests over alleged missing male genital organ.

    Youths in the area went on rampage and set the house of Pastor Uhembe Jacob burning last Tuesday.

    They accused him of being the brain behind the missing organ.

    They said he was one of the syndicates acting as a pastor to pray and heal those who had their organs removed.

    The Nation reports that while the burning of houses was going on, Pastor Jacob attempted to escape in his vehicle.

    But as he drove towards Lafia road in Nassarawa state, youths caught up and killed him.

    His body was found in the bush on Friday.

    There is tension in the community as some residents loyal to the pastor organized a peaceful demonstration on Sunday while displaying his poster.

     

  • Over 400 herdsmen arrested for violating Benue grazing law – Ortom

    Over 400 herdsmen arrested for violating Benue grazing law – Ortom

    No fewer than 400 herdsmen were reportedly arrested while over 7,629 cows, 210 sheep and other livestock were impounded for violating the Benue State Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017.

    The arrests were made in the last three years from November 1, 2017, the date of the commencement of enforcement of the law and October 31, 2020.

    Governor Samuel Ortom made the disclosure in Makurdi at the third year anniversary celebration of the grazing law organized by the State Standing Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of Government Litigations and Matters Connected Thereto, with the theme, Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017: A Recipe for Security and Peaceful Co-Existence.

    Represented by his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Michael Gusa, the Governor explained that “of this number, 261 persons have been convicted, 21 persons have been discharged, 36 cases are still pending, while investigation is ongoing on other cases.

    “The law has also witnessed the arrest, arraignment and conviction of five cattle rustlers. The convicted rustlers were of Fulani extraction, who confessed to the crime in open court.

    Besides, the law has ensured the arrest and arraignment of people irrespective of their ethnic groups or religion. “Most of the convicts were able to pay fines and were released while many who could not were sent to jail ranging from six months to two years.”

    He observed that the law had recorded milestones especially in checking the wanton killings and destruction of property in the state. “The rapidity and number of attacks on communities by suspected herdsmen have reduced in the last two years as compared to 2016-2017,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman State Standing Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of Government Litigations and Matters Related Thereto, Mr Emmanuel Agbakor who pointed out that the law which had restored relative peace in the hitherto volatile Benue communities, enjoys the support of the people and not targeted at any particular ethnic group.

  • Ortom reacts to viral reports of male genital disappearances in Benue

    Ortom reacts to viral reports of male genital disappearances in Benue

    Amid rumours of the alleged disappearance of male genitals through mystical powers, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, on Wednesday, dismissed such rumours as “baseless and the handiwork of mischief makers“.

    According to reports, the alleged claims had led to acts of arson in Daudu in the Guma Local Government Area of the state.

    Ortom, who refuted the claims when he visited Daudu in Guma Local Government Area, where the alleged genital disappearance occurred, explained that ” there was no single confirmed case of the incident”.

    The governor said the concocted tales of male genital disappearance was not true but only meant to encourage hatred and underdevelopment of the area.

    He expressed regrets that while the people had yet to recover from the effects of herders` attacks, “it was unthinkable for the youth in the area to embark on destruction of property for a nonexistent disappearance of genital organs”.

    Ortom noted that such allegations could scare people who go to Daudu for investment purposes, adding that “law and order must be maintained at all times”.

    The governor, who requested those with complaints of missing genital organs to present themselves for physical examination, only one person turned out but could not prove his claim of genital disappearance hence his male organ was still intact.

    Ortom warned the people against any breakdown of law and order and said such acts would be tackled by the security agents.

    He appealed to the people to refrain from resorting to jungle justice and to report all criminal activities to the security agencies.

    Also speaking, the Chief of Guma, Dennis Shemberga, commended elders and other stakeholders, especially security agents, for the critical roles they played in ensuring that peace returned to Daudu.

    He said the governor’s visit was timely and would help to douse tension in the area.

    The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mukadas Garba, and members of the State Executive Council.

    It would be recalled that the Police Command in Benue had also dismissed the claims but admitted that it had arrested eight people in connection with the destruction of property in the area.

  • Gunmen kill Police officer, motorcyclist in Benue

    Gunmen kill Police officer, motorcyclist in Benue

    The Benue Police Command on Thursday said unknown gunmen killed a Police Officer and a motorcyclist in Ado Local Government Area of the State.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, told newsmen in Makurdi that the officers were ambushed by bandits during their routine patrol.

    Anene explained that the Force is still investigating the motive behind the attack, adding that the identities of the victims are still unknown.

    “They went out for routine patrol on Wednesday, immediately they came out they were ambushed by unknown gunmen. A motorcyclist passing by was also hit. The two died before they could be rushed to the hospital”.

    The PPRO further regretted that Ado LG was one of the councils with difficult terrains to checkmate activities of criminals. NAN reports that Ado LG is one of the councils in the State that has witnessed unprecedented criminality over the years.

  • NACA reveals two Nigerian states with highest number of HIV positive patients

    NACA reveals two Nigerian states with highest number of HIV positive patients

    Latest quarterly fact sheet of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has revealed that that two states – Akwa Ibom and Benue – have the highest number of HIV positive persons in the country.

    According to the report, 48 out of every 1,000 persons selected at random in the states are likely to test positive for HIV, which is higher than the national average – 13 in every 1,000 persons.

    This brings the HIV prevalence rate in Nigeria to 1.3 per cent, according to the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).

    Other states, like Taraba, Anambra and Abia, have the next highest HIV prevalence rate of 2.6, 2.2, and 2.0 per cent.

    The report shows that states in the North have the lowest HIV prevalence rate.

    Speaking on the trends of HIV prevalence across Nigeria, NACA Director-General Dr. Gambo Aliyu said: “This is largely first because of behaviour.

  • Ortom expresses shock over killing of Benue’s most wanted criminal

    Ortom expresses shock over killing of Benue’s most wanted criminal

    Benue State Governor; Samuel Ortom has expressed shock over the interception of a government convoy, arrest and killing of Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana by military authorities.

    Governor Ortom made his feelings known on Wednesday at the Government House Makurdi while briefing Journalists on the state of the second amnesty programme of his administration which covers Sankera geopolitical zone.

    He however noted that he was still awaiting briefing from the Commander Operation Ayem A Kpatuma from Doma in Nasarawa State, Major General Moundhey Gadzama Ali who promised he was coming to brief him on their operation.

    The Governor stated that five repentant youths from Ukum Local Government Area who were among those arrested by the Nigerian Army were released and were conveyed to the Benue Peoples House Makurdi by the Council Chairman of Ukum, Hon. Stephen Ayua to be part of the amnesty offer.

    The Governor explained that the amnesty programme was not truncated as those who could not make it to Makurdi due to the confusion created by the military operation would be given another chance.

    He urged the people of Sankera to remain calm as he was still investigating circumstances surrounding the arrest and killing of Gana before taking action on the matter, stressing that he owes Benue people the duty to protect lives and property.

    Governor Ortom had earlier addressed the 42 repentant youths and commended them for choosing to abandon their negative ways to open a new chapter of their lives.

  • Soldiers kill Benue’s ‘most wanted criminal,’ Gana

    Soldiers kill Benue’s ‘most wanted criminal,’ Gana

    The Nigeria Army has confirmed the killing of Mr Terwase Akwaza, alias “Gana,” the ‘most wanted criminal’ in Benue state.

    The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa state, Maj. -Gen. Moundhey Ali, told newsmen on Tuesday that Gana was killed at a roadblock mounted by the Army along Gbese-Gboko-Makurdi road following exchange of gunfire.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Benue state government had in 2015 granted amnesty to over 500 persons including Gana, who were terrorising parts of Benue and Taraba states, but most of them relapsed into criminality.

    Gana was later in 2017, declared wanted by the Police while the Benue state government placed a N10 million bounty on him.

    According to Ali, the army has recorded another breakthrough in their efforts to rid the country of the activities of bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.

    He said: “At about 12:00 hours today (Tuesday), we received strategic information on the movement of the dreaded bandit Terwase Akwaza Agbadu AKA Gana along Gbese-Gboko-Makurdi road.

    “Troops of Operation ‘Ayem Akpatuma III’ moved swiftly and mounted snap roadblocks along the routes.

    “At about 13:00 hours, there was a meeting engagement with the convoy of Gana, a shoot out ensued and the bandit was killed.”

    The Commander also said that 40 armed members of Gana’s gang were captured during the operation.

    He said the captured gang members were in Army custody and would be handed over to the appropriate authority for prosecution.

    Ali also disclosed that several rifles, pump action guns, ammunition, charms and explosives among other items were recovered from the gang.

    He said Gana’s corpse had been deposited in an undisclosed hospital mortuary.