The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benue community

  • One killed in attack on Benue community

    One person has died in Okende, Odumoga community, Benue State, following attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

    According to a victim, Owiocho Okoh, Fulani herdsmen invaded Odumoga, destroying farms and crops.

    Okoh said violence erupted when farmers attempted to stop them, adding that houses, farmlands and crops were also burnt.

    The Sole Administrator of Okpokwu local government, Mrs. Ann Itodo, said the incident was being investigated.

    Police spokesman Moses Yamu confirmed the incident and said investigations have begun. He also called for calm.

     

  • Guinness builds water facility in Benue community

    Guinness Nigeria PLC has constructed a solar-powered water facility in Tyowanye community in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

    This is one of three major water schemes by the company this year, which Guiness built with its non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners. It is the 35th project under the firm’s Water of Life initiative.

    The project was executed with OXFAM, an international NGO determined to change the world by mobilising the people against poverty.

    At the handing over, Guinness Nigeria Managing Director, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, restated the company’s commitment to initiatives that would improve access to safe water, saying his firm would continue to play a leading role in promoting safe water in the country.

    He said since 2007, the company had embarked on the Water for Life Programme, which has provided over 10 million people in 18 countries across Africa with access to potable water.

    “We have invested in sustainable technologies that help us to manage our water use. The construction of the Tyowanye motorised solar-powered water scheme is in furtherance of our efforts to help more Nigerians access clean drinking water. Our desire is that by improving access to safe drinking water, we can assist the people of Tyowanye community improve their overall well-being,” Ndegwa said.

    Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom expressed praised the new water scheme. He said the water facility would support the state government’s drive to improve health and hygiene for the state indigenes.

    “As we know, water is life, so he who brings water brings life. Guinness Nigeria has brought ‘life’ to this community through this project and we are very grateful for this intervention,’’ Ortom said.

    He urged the community to protect the investment and use it judiciously to ensure its continued sustainability. He also said the state government would be delighted to further partner with Guinness Nigeria in agriculture where the state, known as the food basket of the nation is able to provide all the agricultural inputs Guinness Nigeria requires in its operations.

    The Tyowanye Water Scheme,   unveiled by Ortom and Ndegwa, comprises two solar-powered boreholes and two blocks of VIP toilets; it will benefit over 10,000 people in  the community.

  • Gunmen sack Benue community

    Gunmen sack Benue community

    There was pandemonium yesterday, as gunmen attacked Tyotyu in Tarka Local Government of Benue State, burning houses and stealing property.

    Tyotyu is the home of leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator, George Akume.

    According to the ruler of Tongov Ward, Mbakor, Chief Toryila Bo, the attack happened about 3.30am. They were  asleep when his subjects heard gun shots.

    “As they peeped to see what was happening,  over 20 youths took over the highway.’’

    He said ‘’while some burnt houses, others stole household items, animals, etc. They also burnt Tyotyu market,” he added.

    Chief Bo said the police claimed it was raining and could not come to their rescue. But this was not true.

    The monarch, who noted that this was the third attack on them since the 2015 general election, accused their neighbours, Ihyarev (a group among the Tiv) and Uvir, Baa village, for the sustained attacks.

    Youth leader Justice Anzembe called on Governor Samuel Ortom to order back those sacked from Uvir because nobody can sack people from a land that belongs to the government.

    Anzembe said when the Ihyarev sacked the Kparev, nothing happened. So, they decided to sack another town.

    As at yesterday, residents were packing their belongings to safety.

    Police spokesperson could not be reached for comments.

  • Benue community condemns attack on policemen

    The Otukpo community in Benue State has condemned yesterday’s attack on some policemen by some armed youths at Asa settlement, in the outskirts of Otukpo, the country home of Senate President David Mark.

    The youths reportedly opened fire on some policemen, wounding three of them.

    The Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, spoke at a meeting in the town when he addressed members of the community on the incident.

    The meeting was attended by district and clan heads, elders, major stakeholders as well as opinion leaders in the town.