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Tag: Benue

  • Makurdi killings: NCPDA raises alarm over safety of Most Rev Anagbe

    Makurdi killings: NCPDA raises alarm over safety of Most Rev Anagbe

    The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese has raised an alarm over the safety of Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, and his priest, Revd Fr Remigius Ihyula, following the Bishop’s courageous and truthful statements on the persistent killings, violence, and displacement of innocent citizens in Benue State and across Nigeria .

    TheNewsGuru.com, reports this was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Terfa BEBA,
    Chairman, NCDPA – Makurdi Diocese
    On behalf of the Priests of Makurdi Diocese.

    Bishop Anagbe, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life, has consistently used his prophetic voice to speak out against the atrocities perpetrated against defenseless communities, especially in the Middle Belt region.

    His pastoral concern for the suffering and displaced, particularly the victims of violent herdsmen attacks and militia invasions, is not only a moral obligation but a clear response to the Gospel imperative of defending human dignity.

    His firm stance, rooted in truth and the Gospel of justice and peace, has awakened many to the urgent need for accountability and action.

    It is therefore deeply troubling to hear rumours suggesting that the Nigerian government may be planning to arrest or intimidate Bishop Anagbe upon his return to the country. If true, such actions would represent a dangerous affront to freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the fundamental right of a pastor to speak in defense of his flock.

    “We, the Catholic priests of Makurdi Diocese, stand solidly with our Bishop. We affirm that Bishop Anagbe has spoken the truth, a truth which many suffer in silence. Our people are being killed and driven from their ancestral homes on a daily basis, with their livelihood destroyed and eaten by cows. Homes and churches are burned down. Where is the lie in what we have suffered since 2001, and since becoming Bishop in 2014, the prelate has continued to advocate for justice in defence of his suffering people.

    “We have intruders, the Fulani killers and bandits who don’t mean well for us, and we want them out of our land. This is not about any personality or personalities, it is about freedom and safety of our people.

    ” To target the Bishop for persecution would be to attack the truth itself and to deny the ongoing killings and sufferings of thousands of displaced persons whose lives have been upended by violence.

    “On March 28, 2025, Fr. Remigius Ihyula received a message from an embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. The message transmitted to Fr Ihyula warned that there “might be” an arrest warrant for Anagbe upon his return to Nigeria.

    “We therefore:
    1. Strongly condemn any attempt to harass, silence, or harm Bishop Anagbe or any other religious leader who dares to speak truth to power.

    2. Demand the immediate assurance of safety and freedom for Bishop Wilfred Anagbe , both now and upon his return to Nigeria.

    3. Call on the Nigerian government and security agencies to respect his right as a citizen, a cleric, and a moral leader to speak on issues affecting his people without fear of arrest or harassment.

    4. Appeal to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), all religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the international community to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring that no harm comes to our Bishop and Revd Fr. Ihyula.

    5. Remind the authorities that silencing voices of conscience only deepens the wounds of injustice and emboldens perpetrators of violence.

    “The voice of the shepherd must not be silenced.
    The cry of the oppressed must not be ignored.

    “Truth is not a crime and so, must never be criminalized.
    Advocacy for peace and justice should never be met with repression.

    “We remain united in prayer, solidarity, and unwavering support for our Bishop and for all victims of injustice across our land.
    We stand with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe cmf.
    We stand for truth.
    We stand for justice.
    We stand for the people of Benue State and all persecuted communities in Nigeria.

  • Gunmen kill 3 in Benue community

    Gunmen kill 3 in Benue community

    The Police Command in Benue on Thursday confirmed the killing of three persons in Mbasombo community of Gwer East Local Government Area by assailants.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident in Makurdi.

    Anene told NAN that the incident took place on Wednesday night.

    “Three persons were killed and some injured while several houses were razed by the attackers.

    “Security operatives have been deployed in the area,” she said.

    Meanwhile, a survivor from the village, John Terwase, said the heavily armed invaders stormed the village under the cover of darkness, shooting indiscriminately and burning several houses.

    Terwase said the attack sent waves of panic throughout the community, with many residents fleeing into surrounding bushes and nearby villages.

    “We were already asleep when we heard gunshots coming from the direction of the farmlands.

    “At first, we thought it might be thieves, but then the shooting became intense.

    ” We ran with our children, some without shoes, into the night. I have not seen my younger brother since then.

    “This is a massacre, not just an attack. Our village is just seven minutes drive away from Makurdi, the state capital. If we are not safe here, where are we supposed to be safe?”he asked.

    According to residents, the casualty figure could be higher, as many villagers are missing while injured ones are receiving treatment in makeshift shelters and nearby clinics.

    Mbasombo is a farming community on the outskirts of Makurdi.

  • Fulani herdsmen not behind killings in Benue South – MACBAN

    Fulani herdsmen not behind killings in Benue South – MACBAN

    Mohammed Risku, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has denied that Fulani herdsmen are responsible for the recent killings and rising insecurity in the Benue South Senatorial District.

    At a press conference held in Makurdi on Sunday, Risku expressed his surprise at the accusations of kidnapping directed at Fulani herdsmen in the region. He also revealed that he had met with all the traditional rulers in Otukpo to propose the creation of a peace committee that would include local youth to collaborate in the fight against banditry.

    Risku emphasized, “If we come together in this effort, there will be no hiding place for these criminals. I’m appealing to the people of Otukpo, including the chairman and all security agencies, to help establish a peace committee. This would make it easier to identify and address the criminal elements causing harm.”

    The MACBAN chairman made his remarks in his native language, with the State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, providing translation.

    The Otukpo community in Benue South has recently witnessed a spike in violent incidents, including killings, kidnappings, and other forms of insecurity, further escalating tensions in the area.

  • Police rescue 14 passengers kidnapped in Benue

    Police rescue 14 passengers kidnapped in Benue

    The Police Command in Benue, on Friday rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links, kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo LGA of the state.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, made this known in a statement, in Makurdi.

    Anene said that the bus was attacked on April 3, around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, leading to the death of the driver and one passenger.

    She said the armed kidnappers thereafter took away the remaining 14 other passengers to an unknown destination.

    The PRO said the command, in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, rushed to the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, while others were whisked away by the kidnappers.

    “The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.

    “The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.

    “On April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and  engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.

    “Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue.  Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment,” she said.

    Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Yabanet, commiserated with families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetuators to book.

    She said that he enjoined the people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the Police, as many of the bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.

  • Gunmen kill 2, abduct 12 passengers in Benue

    Gunmen kill 2, abduct 12 passengers in Benue

    The Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has said that gunmen attacked the company’s bus, killed the driver, one passenger and abducted 12 others.

    The company’s Information Officer, Mr Johnson Ehi, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday.

    NAN reports that the company is owned by the Benue State Government.

    The statement explained that the bus, with Registration Number PP512, was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, when the incident happened.

    According to Ehi, the incident occurred on Thursday, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks.

    The management condemned the fatal attack in very strong terms.

    It stated: “Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers.

    “While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three individuals managed to escape, and another passenger had disembarked earlier at Taraku Town before the incident.”

    “The management extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity.

    “We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.

    “We appreciate the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.”

    When contacted, the Benue Police Command confirmed the incident.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, said “the incident was reported but details would be made available later”.

  • No reasons for emergency rule in Benue – Gov. Alia

    No reasons for emergency rule in Benue – Gov. Alia

    The Benue State Government says there is no reason for people to call for the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

    Mr Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Hyacinth Alia, said this in a statement, on Monday in Makurdi.

    Kula, who was reacting to the press briefing by the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI), said that the governor was in total control of the state.

    He said that those calling for a state of emergency were not in touch with the happenings in the state, as there was no reason for such calls.

    The CPS also warned those fanning embers of hate and mischief to steer clear of the state, as Benue people would not be persuaded by unjustifiable allegations or political maneuvers.

    “Furthermore, the call for a “state of emergency” in Benue State is not purely vexatious but also a flagrant display of political opportunism.

    “It is evident that these irritated political operatives are sponsored by unscrupulous factions, desperate and eager to capitalise on any situation for their advantage.

    “Their motives are clear: to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Gov. Alia’s leadership.

    ”There is no unrest in Benue State. Gov. Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and control of the state.” he said.

    Kula refuted the allegations that Gov. Alia was involved in buying off members of the judiciary.

    He challenged the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) to produce their evidence publicly or face the consequences of their thoughtless denunciations.

    “This latest smear campaign is nothing other than a forlorn attempt by disgruntled political elements in Abuja to sabotage the integrity of a governor, who has persistently sided with the principles of justice and governance.” Kula said.

    He said the state was witnessing transformational governance that prioritised the people’s welfare and well-being.

    “Gov. Alia is fixated on shaping the narrative around governance in the state, demystifying the process, and insuring that the government works for the people.

    “The inhabitants of Benue are happy and supportive of their governor, praying daily for his prosperity and the advanced progress of the state.

    “Gov. Alia has no wealth to corrupt anyone, specifically not an esteemed institution like the judiciary. His responsibility is to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

    “Finally, we appeal to all forces involved in this smear campaign to reflect on their activities and examine the damage they wreak on the democratic process.

    “The people of Benue deserve better than the disruptive ploys and fabricated allegations that threaten their progress.” he said.

  • I’m not leaving APC that brought me to office for SDP – Alia

    I’m not leaving APC that brought me to office for SDP – Alia

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia of Benue says he will not dump the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting his party brought him to power.

    Alia dispelled the rumours of his defection in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, on Wednesday in Makurdi.

    The governor said that he had never contemplated leaving the party that brought him to office.

    According to him, the people promoting such lies on social media were only trying to sow a seed of discord between him and President Bola Tinubu.

    “These actions do not only wholly miss the mark, but they also portray a significant lack of awareness regarding my bond with the president.

    “The lies that I am contemplating a shift to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and others is absolutely gratuitous and lacks any trustworthy evidence.

    “In an attempt to supply credence to their soaring fictions, these detractors have resorted to recycling an innocuous picture from an old visit, which has been manipulated to complete their account.

    “This is after they, through their infamous hirelings, viciously speculated that the former governor of Kaduna State visited Makurdi. They forgot that official security reports follow such visits,” he said.

    Alia further stated that as the leader of the party in Benue, he successfully resurrected the party, which was on the threshold of recession prior to the 2019 elections.

    “Our laudable performance in office has not solely enhanced the APC but has further forced opposition parties into refuge.

    “It is an established fact that a wise individual builds a strong foundation and does not solicit shelter under another’s roof.

    “And since taking over office, we have strived faithfully to reconnect Benue with the Federal Government, culminating in an overabundance of benefits comprising plum appointments for our people.

    “Our commitment to the “Renewed Hope” mantra championed by President Tinubu is conspicuous in the transformational advancement initiatives being implemented across the state,” he added.

    The governor said that attempts to undermine his leadership would fail woefully.

  • Benue Govt insists on Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s removal as CJ

    Benue Govt insists on Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s removal as CJ

    The Benue Goverment has said that the Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Maurice Ikpambese, stands removed from office.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday signed by Mr Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi.

    The government also urged the embattled CJ to prepare and defend the allegations preferred on him by the State Government.

    ‘The House of Assembly acted within the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

    ”The CJ is advised to defend the allegations against him at the National Judicial Commission and stop making unnecessary public statements to whip up sentiments.

    “The  government is  strong in the opinion that the lawmakers acted in the overall interest of the state and in line with Section 292(1)(a) (ii) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides that a Chief Judge may only be disposed of by the Governor, acting on an address supported by two-thirds of the House of Assembly.

    “Ikpambese’s alleged sins and malfeasances have since been forwarded to NJC for adjudication and discipline as enshrined in Section 153(1)(i) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “We advice the embattled Judge to prepare to defend himself at the NJC,” the government said.

    NAN reports that on Feb. 19, the NJC insisted that justice Ikpambese remained the chief judge of Benue.

    In a statement signed by a spokesperson for the council, Kemi  Ogedengbe, the NJC said Ikpambese remains the state’s chief judge until the complaints brought against the chief judge are investigated and deliberated upon by the council.

    The NJC said the purported removal of the chief judge by the Benue State House of Assembly cannot stand.

    “The attention of the NJC has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue house of assembly has purportedly passed a Resolution recommending the removal of justice 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 justice  Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.”

  • Benue Assembly acted within law in CJ’s removal – APC elders

    Benue Assembly acted within law in CJ’s removal – APC elders

    The Benue All Progressive Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum said the State House of Assembly acted within the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in removing the State Chief Judge.

    The forum’s chairman, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, made the disclosure on Saturday during a press conference in Makurdi.

    Gemade said that the party elders unanimously support the assembly’s decision.

    The chairman told newsmen that the forum reviewed all that transpired in the assembly, engaged the leadership of the assembly and discovered that they acted within the law.

    He said two-third of the lawmakers voted for the removal of the chief judge as required by the constitution.

    “It is clear that the Benue State House of Assembly acted within the constitutional framework outlined in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “We stand in solidarity with the assembly on this decision, especially given the serious allegations that necessitated such action, including mismanagement of the sum of N666.9 million in less than one year.

    “Abuse of office by acting outside the scope of his work as the chief judge, as evidenced in granting a waiver of Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral Law.

    “The electoral law was duly passed by the Benue State House of Assembly and assented to by the Executive Governor of Benue, amongst other grievous misconduct,”he said.

    Gemade further commended the State Assembly for promptly sanctioning their erring members who attempted to ridicule what they did collectively during the preliminary.

    On allegations that the assembly sanctioned the chief judge even before directing the governor to write to the National Judicial Council for investigation, Gemade said he was only removed as a chief judge and not as a judicial officer.

    He said the constitutional provisions for removing a chief judge and judicial officer were not the same.

    The group further passed a resounding vote of confidence on Gov. Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu and pledged to support their second term bid in 2027.

    “We call upon our Gov. Alia to remain steadfast and focused on his vision for development, urging all detractors to refrain from ill-motivated interference that could hinder our collective progress.

    “On the same pedestal, we passed a resounding vote of confidence in President Tinubu for maintaining faith with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “As we massively voted for Alia and Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, Benue is prepared to repeat history come 2027,” he said.

    On the call by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Abba Moro (PDP/Benue West) that the National Assembly should take over the Benue House of Assembly, the group said that the senator’s call was not supported by the country’s constitution.

    He said Moro’s motion was not only misguided but also demonstrated his lack of understanding of the constitutional process.

    “Section 11(4), which mandates the National Assembly to take over the functions of the state assembly, can only be activated when the state assembly is unable to perform its functions by reason of a situation prevailing in the state.

    “Section 11(5) explicitly defines the inability of the house to perform its functions as when the house is unable to hold a meeting and transact its business.

    The Benue State House of Assembly has one leadership, enjoys full quorum at all sittings and has continuously been performing its functions.

    “As elders, we urge Sen. Moro to focus on providing quality representation to his constituents rather than his desperate attempt to destabilise a performing APC administration in his home state,” he said.

    Gemade further called on all stakeholders in Benue State to prioritise unity and cooperation and the opposition to engage constructively rather than seeking to undermine the progress.

  • BREAKING! Trouble looming as Benue Assembly suspends 13 lawmakers

    BREAKING! Trouble looming as Benue Assembly suspends 13 lawmakers

     

    …over suspension of State CJ

     

    Trouble looming as Benue State House of Assembly suspends 13 of its members who opposed the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambase.

    The members met after a plenary session on Tuesday to distance themselves from the decision, which they called unconstitutional and a breach of democratic principles.

    At a Wednesday emergency plenary, the House imposed a three-month suspension on the 13, accusing them of dishonourable conduct that could disrupt the Assembly’s unity.

     

    The suspended members, including those who initially voted for the Chief Judge’s removal, later denied supporting the decision in a press conference.

     

    The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, confirmed that 23 of the 31 members present had voted in favour of removing the Chief Judge after a thorough investigation into allegations of misconduct.

     

    However, the 13 members who later opposed the move were found to be in violation of the House’s rules.

     

    The Speaker of the House, Hyacinth Dajoh, listed those suspended to include, Mr. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Mr. Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Mrs. Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Mr. Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Mr. Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Mr. Onah Blessed (Oju 1) and Mr. Elias Audu (Gwer East).

     

    Others are Mr. Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Mr. Manger Manger (Tarka), Mr. Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Mr. Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Mr. Abraham Jabi (Buruku) and Mr. Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum