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Tag: Benue

  • Covid 19: Foundation provides succour to Agila land in Benue,donates foodstuffs,cash [Photos]

    Covid 19: Foundation provides succour to Agila land in Benue,donates foodstuffs,cash [Photos]

    The Philip Agbese Foundation,PAF has provided succour to the sons and daughters of Agila land in Benue state to enable them pull through during the covid 19 pandemic.

     


    The Assistant Coordinator( General Services)of the PAF, Engineer Gideon Unazi in a statement issued titled,” Covid 19 pandemic and our stand”, said following the outbreak of the pandemic, this is not the best time for rhetorics but genuine actions that will ease off the socio-economic pains on families directly or indirectly affected most especially the Agilaland.

    He said, “We at the Philip Agbese Foundation strongly believe that government alone, in this traumatizing period cannot do everything for the citizens and the more reason why in our own little ways must support the people either back in the village or those residing in towns and cities to make ends meet for themselves and families.

    “It is part of this effort that we make this humble donation of just 100bags of rice and very laughable number of cartons of “Turkey Oil” to those in Apa- London, Agboge- Ogbilolo and the New Jerusalem City making Agila District to support whatever the Federal, State, LG, elected, appointed stakeholders and well spirited individuals will be doing to help those at home.

    “We have also raised the sum of One Million Naira Only and will be sending N10, 000 each to Agila sons and daughters in parts of Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State that might have fallen on hard times during this period of the Lockdown to help them push to the next level.

    “It is to be noted that this fund is not for lazy individuals or known cultists with deviant behaviour in any of these cities as it is against our cherished tradition in Agila.

    “Those genuinely interested should drop their account details with Hon. Williams Ochonu and will be alerted accordingly.

    “Please give a helping hand to someone around you, no matter how small and the Almighty God will reward you abundantly”he said

  • Tragic: One feared dead, others injured as churches, houses collapse in Benue

    Tragic: One feared dead, others injured as churches, houses collapse in Benue

    Numerous churches, including residential houses have collapsed in Mbayongo Ward, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State which shares boundary with Southern Taraba.

    A woman was killed while others got injured during the incident. Properties and equipment worth millions of naira were also destroyed.

    A member representing Katsina-Ala East Constituency in the House of Assembly, Jonathan Agbidyeh, , said “the death toll would have been more, if not for God’s intervention.”

    The lawmaker’s Media and Publicity aide, Festus Aoraan, told The Nation that a torrential downpour, accompanied by strong winds, caused the buildings to collapse. Aoraan said the lawmaker described the incident as “tragic and sad.”

     

    “The residents were lamenting the incident during our visit to the place. The entire community wore a mournful face,” Aoraan said.

    The churches destroyed include St Mark’s Catholic Church Bagu, NKST Church Tse-De, Living Faith Church Bagu and Healing Nation Church Bagu.

    It was gathered that, apart from the churches, Bagu Community Nursery and Primary School and many residential buildings in the area were destroyed, displacing dozens of residents.

    The deceased, Comfort Msughshima Solomon and her co-worshipers were reportedly carrying out their routine religious activities at St Mark’s Catholic Church when the walls and roof of the church suddenly pulled down.

    “One soul was lost, while some were lucky to be rescued. Those injured were rushed to the Local Government Health Clinic in Gbise, where they are being treated,” Agbidyeh said in a statement on Friday.

     

  • Ortom reveals name of coronavirus patient in Benue

    Ortom reveals name of coronavirus patient in Benue

    The Benue Government on Saturday announced the state’s first case of COVID-19 in Makurdi, the state capital.

    Gov Samuel Ortom made the announcement at a press briefing in Makurdi shortly after an emergency meeting of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), on COVID-19.

    Ortom said that the victim, one Ms Susan Ukpe, who tested positive to the coronavirus pandemic, was already quarantined at the isolation centre in Benue Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

    Ortom explained that the SERT for COVID-19 discovered her where she was receiving treatment in a hospital in Makurdi and took her sample for test where the result came positive.

    He said that Ukpe was among the eight persons that came back from countries with high prevalent rates of the viral disease.

    He said that her sample was taken along another suspect, but only hers came out positive.

    “The decision to announce her name is to notify people who have come in contact with her to come out for test or to go for self isolation for the next 14 days.

    “All the staff of the hospital where she was receiving treatment, as well as friends and family members, will be on isolation to prevent possible spread,” he said.

    Ortom disclosed that the response team would also carry out contact tracing to ensure that the virus did not spread.

    He announced that all major markets in the state would be closed as from Monday, March 30, till further notice, and urged the public to restock their kitchens.

    He said that shops would, in the interim, be allowed to operate.

    Ortom said he would make a state broadcast on Monday to announce stiffer measures already approved by the government.

    According to Ortom, the state may close its borders as from next week.

    The governor also announced the suspension of all religious gatherings, including Church services and Muslim prayers.

    “We are taking all these measures in the interest of all Benue citizens. We have no option but to take these measures.

    “We are encouraging people to obey social distance, and observe strict compliance to all advices as instructed by relevant authorities.

    “No more weddings; burial should not have more than 30 people. Only altar weddings are allowed for now.”

    The governor further said that he had advised his deputy, Benson Abounu, to go for the COVID-19 test, adding that he would also avail himself for the test.

    He said that government had made available funds for the procurement of safety kits and other necessary items, but regretted that such products were nowhere in the market.

    Ortom pleaded with Benue citizens residing in other states or outside the country to remain in their locations untill further notice.

  • COVID-19: Ortom orders deputy to undergo test

    COVID-19: Ortom orders deputy to undergo test

    The Benue State Government on Saturday confirmed its first case of coronavirus disease otherwise known as COVID-19.

    Governor Samuel Ortom revealed this while briefing newsmen in Makurdi, the state capital, just after the announcement by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

    He gave the name of the patient as “Susan Okpe”, who returned from the United Kingdom, adding that the state action committee had already began contact tracing of about eight persons.

    The governor clarified that he disclosed the identity of the patient so that those who had made contact with her could take the necessary steps.

    He said the patient is presently being managed at the State Treatment Centre located at State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

    The governor said he had ordered his deputy, Benson Abounu, to be tested for coronavirus.

    He noted that 70-year-old Abounu was at a recently held National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

    The PUNCH gathered that two attendees at the meeting tested positive for coronavirus.

    He said, “We are already tracing of all those Susan Okpe came in contact with.

    “In addition, samples of two other ladies have been collected but one among them turned to be negative to the virus.

    “I have also told my deputy governor to go for a test having returned from the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja even though he told me that he had no close contact with those suspected to have contacted the virus.”

     

  • Benue records first COVID-19 case, takes proactive steps to curtail spread

    Benue records first COVID-19 case, takes proactive steps to curtail spread

    The Benue Government on Saturday announced the state’s first case of COVID-19 in Makurdi, the state capital.

    Gov Samuel Ortom made the announcement at a press briefing in Makurdi shortly after an emergency meeting of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), on COVID-19.

    Ortom said that the victim, one Ms Susan Ukpe, who tested positive to the coronavirus pandemic, was already quarantined at the isolation centre in Benue Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

    Ortom explained that the SERT for COVID-19 discovered her where she was receiving treatment in a hospital in Makurdi and took her sample for test where the result came positive.

    He said that Ukpe was among the eight persons that came back from countries with high prevalent rates of the viral disease.

    He said that her sample was taken along another suspect, but only hers came out positive.

    “The decision to announce her name is to notify people who have come in contact with her to come out for test or to go for self isolation for the next 14 days.

    “All the staff of the hospital where she was receiving treatment, as well as friends and family members, will be on isolation to prevent possible spread,” he said.

    Ortom disclosed that the response team would also carry out contact tracing to ensure that the virus did not spread.

    He announced that all major markets in the state would be closed as from Monday, March 30, till further notice, and urged the public to restock their kitchens.

    He said that shops would, in the interim, be allowed to operate.

    Ortom said he would make a state broadcast on Monday to announce stiffer measures already approved by the government.

    According to Ortom, the state may close its borders as from next week.

    The governor also announced the suspension of all religious gatherings, including Church services and Muslim prayers.

    “We are taking all these measures in the interest of all Benue citizens. We have no option but to take these measures.

    “We are encouraging people to obey social distance, and observe strict compliance to all advices as instructed by relevant authorities.

    “No more weddings; burial should not have more than 30 people. Only altar weddings are allowed for now.”

    The governor further said that he had advised his deputy, Benson Abounu, to go for the COVID-19 test, adding that he would also avail himself for the test.

    He said that government had made available funds for the procurement of safety kits and other necessary items, but regretted that such products were nowhere in the market.

    Ortom pleaded with Benue citizens residing in other states or outside the country to remain in their locations untill further notice.

  • Herders rape traditional ruler’s wife, sisters-in-law

    Herders rape traditional ruler’s wife, sisters-in-law

    Armed men suspected to be herdsmen attacked the Mbanyiar community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and raped wife of the Acting District Head of Mbawa, Chief Oliver Chado and his two sisters-in-law.

    Mbawa is a community in Governor Samuel Ortom’s village.

    It was learnt that the 11 herders invaded Mbawa and started shooting sporadically after they chased the Acting District Head away from his house before they raped his wife.

    The herdsmen, who were said to be heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, also reportedly destroyed crops stored in food barns.

    Chado, who confirmed the incident to journalists, disclosed that the herdsmen last week invaded the community and killed many domestic animals including goats, pigs and chickens and took others away alive.

  • Four feared killed as herders attack Benue community

    Four feared killed as herders attack Benue community

    Armed herdsmen yesterday invaded Waya community in Jato-Aka area of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State and killed four people.

    Those killed were two women and two men. The victims were butchered and abandoned in a pool of blood.

    Jato-Aka is the hometown of Second Republic Minister of Steel, Chief Paul Unongo.

    Scores of inhabitants, including women, children and the aged, have fled the community for fear of being killed.

    The killing came less than 48 hours after Force Commander of Operation Whirl-Stroke, covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, and Governor Samuel Ortom disagreed over the growing insecurity situation in the state, arising from herdsmen’s attacks.

    Ortom had said “OPWS are still in town and they have been doing their best but they are overstretched. They have been overwhelmed. They need more personnel and equipment because of the superior power force of the herdsmen. The advantage OPWS have is that they have capacity on land, air and sea.

    “Our intention is to see all the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) go back home, but we are faced with security challenges. Up till today, there are attacks in different communities in the state.”

    But in a swift reaction, Major General Yekini countered the governor.

    He said: “We are not overstretched or overwhelmed. No, we are not. Every military operation has a mandate and we believe we have substantially fulfilled our mandate not just in Benue but also in Nasarawa and Taraba states.”

    It was, however, learnt that as a result of the fresh attack and killing, all socio-economic and political activities have been grounded in the area.

    The House of Representatives member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bob Tyough, confirmed the attack and killing in a statement released to the media.

    He said: “As the member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, I can authoritatively say that my people are still being attacked on a daily basis by herdsmen. Just yesterday, four persons were killed and many others injured at Waya community in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area.”

    Tyough regretted that the entire Kwande Local Government Area had only 35 police personnel, which, according to him, is grossly inadequate to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the people.

    The lawmaker said he was making personal efforts to get more police personnel deployed to his constituency.

    He also called for the establishment of mobile police units in the constituency to improve the security of the area.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the attack and killing.

    Anene said three persons were killed by the herders who opened fire on sighting them at the river bank.

    “On 3, 3, 2020, about 10a.m., gunmen suspected to be herders, invaded Moon District, Kwande Local Government Area and shot sporadically at persons sited at the river bank.

    “During investigation, one male and two female corpses were recovered,” the PPRO said.

    Anene said dozens of policemen had been deployed in the area to restore peace and order while investigation was still in progress.

  • Gunmen kidnap doctors in Benue

    Gunmen kidnap doctors in Benue

    An armed gang have kidnapped two medical doctors and a medical recorder in Benue state.

    The incident occurred in Okpoga in Okpokwu local Government area of Benue south senatorial district.

    According to the reports the victims are all staff of General Hospital Okpoga.

    They were ambushed and seized from their vehicles after they closed from duty on Saturday.

    The abductors are yet to contact the families.

    Benue Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident.

    The spokesman added that the command have opened an investigation into the case.

  • 15 feared dead as strange disease hits Benue

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it is investigating the outbreak of an unknown disease in Benue state.

    Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of NCDC, told NAN on Saturday the agency is taking steps to effectively manage the disease which is said to have killed 15 persons.

    Abba Moro, a senator from Benue, had reported the casualty figure at the floor of the senate. He also said more than 100 persons have been infected by the disease.

    Ihekweazu said water samples from affected areas have been been sent to the federal ministry of water resources for further analysis.

    He said samples tested at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory came out to be negative for major viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), which refer to a group of diseases caused by viruses such as Ebola and Marburg, Lassa fever, and yellow fever.

    The NCDC DG also asked health workers to be on the alert over the disease while investigation continues.

    The disease was said to have been reported first on January 29 in Oye, Obi local government area of Benue.

    Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, had said medical examinations have not detected the exact ailment, “but there are indications suggesting that the chemical substance being used for fishing in the affected community could be responsible”.

  • Court declares RUGA, cattle colony illegal in Benue

    Court declares RUGA, cattle colony illegal in Benue

    A Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, on Monday declared the federal government policy, plan or proclamation to establish RUGA Settlement and cattle colonies in Benue State as unwarranted, unlawful and unconstitutional.

    Delivering judgement in the suit filed by Benue Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Benue State, Barrister Michael Gusa against the Attorney General of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Minister of Agriculture, Justice Olajuwon declared that any move by the federal government to compulsorily acquire land for RUGA Settlement or cattle colony in Benue State without the approval of the Benue State government is null and void.

    The Judge granted an order nullifying every action or decisions taken to establish RUGA Settlement or cattle colonies for herdsmen in Benue State.

    Justice Olajuwon further issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Attorney General, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, The Minister of Agriculture, their agents, privies, servants or whosoever from making any attempt to hold, administer, use or allocate land in Benue State for RUGA Settlement, cattle colonies or any other purpose contrary to the 1999 constitution, the Land Use Act and the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.

    The judge held that by section 1 of the Land Use Act of 1978, ownership of land in any state of the federation is vested on the governor of the state and only the governor has the right to grant statutory right of occupancy to any person.

    Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa described the judgement as sound, as it complies with rules and norms of democracy.

    He said when Governor Samuel Ortom assumed office innocent people were killed by herdsmen as the Governor saw the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law as the solution to the killings and the global best practice in rearing cows.

    He added that the policy of the federal government to establish RUGA settlement and cattle colonies came late, as the state already has the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.