The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benue state

  • Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Benue

    The Defence Headquarters on Saturday said troops of operation Whirl Stroke deployed in North-central of the country have rescued three kidnapped victims in a family compound in Katsina-Ala local government of Benue state.

    According to the spokesman of the Defence Headquarters, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops after rescuing the kidnapped victims destroyed the building being used by kidnappers to commit crime.

    He said in a statement that a notorious kidnapper known as Gana, now on the run, has been using the house as hideouts for kidnappers who engaged troops in a shoot-out during early morning raid.

    Col. Nwachkwu said: “Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed to counter banditry activities in North Central Nigeria have rescued 3 kidnapped victims in a building located at Gana’s family compound at Gbise in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

    “The victims, a man and two women were rescued during a dawn raid in the early hours of Friday 26 April 2019, when gallant troops stormed a building reportedly belonging to a notorious bandits’ leader, Gana.

    “The visibly traumatized victims claimed they were abducted about 2 months ago at Gboko by a gang of kidnappers and subsequently relocated to Gbise community.

    Read Also: Troops kill six bandits in Zamfara

    “Troops are still on the trail of the criminals, who fled their enclave after they were overpowered in a shootout with the troops. Troops have also destroyed the building which served as the kidnappers’ hideout.

    “The rescued persons have been handed over to authorities of Benue State Government for medical attention before reuniting them with their respective families.

    “Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed to Giza in Nasarawa State have arrested a bandit during a raid on a suspected bandits’ hideout at Alima, near Kadarko in Nasarawa state.

    “The bandit, who was intercepted with a locally made rifle and some quantity of gun powder is currently assisting in preliminary investigations after which he will be handed over to an appropriate prosecuting security agency.”

  • Insecurity: Bishop backs creation of state police

    The Archbishop of Lagos Province and Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Mainland of the African Church, the Most Reverend Julius Oludotun Ogunseye, has expressed his support for creation of state police as solution to the nation’s security challenges.

    The clergyman also urged Nigerians to embrace peace, noting that only a peaceful atmosphere can aid the rapid development of the country.

    Bishop Ogunseye made the remarks in a sermon he delivered on Easter Sunday at the African Church Salem Cathedral, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    He said: ‘’As a nation let us always embrace peace. I heard in the news yesterday that about 11 people were killed leaving several injured in Makurdi, Benue State, while they were in the church by unknown gunmen. I am appealing to our federal government to enact the laws that will allow the creation of state police. We are not save again in this country.’’

    Read Also: Killings: Human blood too sacred to be wasted – Bishop

    The clergyman also called for the retraining of policemen as way of curbing or reducing their unprofessional conduct on duty and extra-judicial killing of citizens.

    ‘’Our police officers need to go for retraining. Our police colleges must be restructured. It seems there is a huge gap between the training from the colleges and the real life situation. In Nigeria today, if you make a mistake instead of our police to correct you, they will always want to capitalize on your error and will want to extort you. The way our police do go about extra judicial killings these days is becoming totally unacceptable.

    ‘’ Also, the way our brothers and sisters are being killed in Diaspora looks like we do not have recognition in the international scene or we do not have external affairs ministry. Our leaders must show service to humanity, selflessness, and emulate the way Jesus Christ showed us love. In a situation where citizens are subjected to hunger, poverty, insecurity and all worth not, I pray the reason for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ will heal our land in Jesus name.’’

     

  • 20 killed, 100 houses set ablaze in Benue over fishing pond

    Over 20 persons have been killed and 100 houses set ablaze in Aila, Egba ward of Agatu local government area in Benue state.

    The chairman of Agbaduma Development Association (AGA) Makurdi branch Benjamin Eigege disclosed this during an interactive session with reporters in Makurdi, Benue state capital

    He called on the state and federal governments to deploy security men in Aila community to protect lives and property.

    He alleged indigenes of Aila in Egba ward Agatu local government area in Benue south have been under incessant attacks from neighbouring Egba community over a disputed fishing pond.

    He said suspected militia have so far killed 20 persons in Aila and set houses ablaze with many rendered homeless.

    According to him, the lingering crisis assumed a more dangerous dimension on March 18 when an Aila man, Nghede Ibrahim, was shot dead at the fishing pond by suspected militia from Egba an adjoining village.

    He stated further while the acting chairman of Agatu Local Government Council Alhaji Oyigbocho visited Aila community to calm down tensions and pleaded against reprisal attacks, some suspected militia stormed Aila community and killed 9 persons immediately he left.

    “They set over 100 houses ablaze and destroyed property worth millions,” Eigege lamented..

    He traced the history of the bloody lingering crisis to a fishing pond which is in dispute.

    Read Also: Benue community laments incessant killings

    He said attempts to get protection from the Benue security outfits has failed, forcing the community to resort to ” Save our Souls ” messages to the state and federal government.

    He hoped for the immediate intervention from the government to enable Aila people go back to their ancestral land and farm as raining season sets in.

    Benue Police command said more policemen would be deployed to the community and called for calm.

    Chairman of Agatu local Government area Alhaji Oyigocho could not be reached for comment.

    But a member of Agatu cLocal Government council said efforts were in top gear to bring the Egba/ Aila lingering crisis to an end.

    He said a meeting of critical stakeholders is scheduled to hold to find a lasting peace among the warring communities.

  • Gunmen murder son of Benue PDP chieftain

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter has described as barbaric and unacceptable the murder of Torkuma Amaa-Bai, son of the National Ex-Officio member of the party, Prince Vincent Yandev Amaabai Sunday in Gboko.

    Torkuma, who is the first son of his father and an active member of the PDP, was shot death by unknown gunmen who trailed him to a location in the town at about 10 pm in the presence of onlookers.

    Confirming the incident, the bereaved father, Prince Amaa Bai, lamented the tragedy wondering why anyone would want to visit such evil on his family.

    Read Also: Two students drown in River Benue found

    In a statement signed by the publicity secretary of the Benue PDP Hon Bemgba Iprtyom and made available to The Nation, called on security agencies to fish out the killers of the son of PDP chieftain.

    The statement reads in part: “While it is yet early for us to draw any conclusions about the unfortunate incident, we nevertheless, demand that security agencies must act with dispatch and fish out the perpetrators of this crime.

    “Prince Amaa-Bai, national official of our great party was also appointed to serve as the Director of Security and Intelligence on the State Campaign Organisation of the party in Benue in the just concluded elections.”

  • Thugs break into Benue APC governorship candidate Jime’s campaign office

    Suspected thugs broke into the Jime/ Ode Campaign Organization office in Makurdi, on Thursday a few hours
    before the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Benue State was scheduled to file his petition on the March 9 election.

    Governor Samuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of the election.

    The thugs whose number could not be immediately ascertained forcefully gained entry  into the building by destroying a burglary proof.

    They ransacked the office of the Director General of the Campaign Organization and some other offices in the building.

    They carted away television sets and some other valuables.

    They also littered the floor with some documents.

    One of the security guards on duty at the Campaign Organization said   the thugs scaled the fence and  shot twice into  the air before commencing their operation.

    The Nation gathered that lawyers handling Jime’s petition had visited the office earlier in the day to put finishing touches to the case they were billed to file.

  • ‘Tiv not at war with Jukun’

    The President-General of Tiv Cultural and Social Association in Taraba State, Chief Goodman Dahida, has said that the Tiv people were not at war with their Jukunn brothers.

    Dahida told newsmen on Tuesday in Jalingo that the killings, burning of houses and looting of property going on in Wukari was the handiwork of miscreants from both Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups.

    Dahida said: “Tiv, as a people, are not at war with the Jukun nation and I don’t think the Jukun as a people have sat down to plan any war against the Tiv.

    “Our people are mostly farmers and their concern now is to prepare for their farms, especially as rain is about to return.

    “What happened in Kente was a misunderstanding that was not supposed to escalate, but the miscreants have capitalized on that to loot and make it appear as if Tiv and Jukun are at war.

    “I want to call on the Taraba and the Benue State governments to jointly put heads together and flush out these elements causing trouble in the area.

    Read Also: Buhari condemns Tiv, Jukun clash

    “Security agencies should take over the area and conduct intensive security operation to rid the area of criminals.”

    Dahida, who condemned the wanton killings and destruction of property recorded on both sides, called on Jukun and Tiv leaders not to allow criminals to infiltrate their ranks and cause problems among them.

    He frowned at the rumour making the rounds that Tiv people were in alliance with Fulani groups to fight the Jukun, saying that the insinuation was coming from “evil people working against peace in Taraba”.

  • Death toll rises to ten in Jukun-Tiv crisis

    Death toll in the bloody communal strife between Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in Taraba and Benue states has increased from three to 10 persons.

    As at yesterday, the two tribes were still burning houses, shooting and killing people at the border towns between Wukari and Ukum local government areas.

    A witness, Terwase Kyado, said seven bodies were recovered from the bush near Tse Atsenge, which was completely raised down.

    Women with children on their backs were seen fleeing when The Nation visited the troubled areas.

    A 56 years old man, Tyohumba Dooga, told The Nation that he trekked three kilometres without water and food.

    He said two of his brothers have been killed in the attack when Jukun overran his community in Tse Atsenga and set the settlement ablaze.

    Read Also: Buhari condemns Tiv, Jukun clash

    But, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has called for peace and understanding between the Jukun and Tiv communities.

    He condemned the conflict, which has led to loss of some lives and destruction of property, rendering many people homeless.

    Ortom said he and his Taraba State counterpart, Governor Darius Ishaku, have taken far-reaching measures to end the conflict and restore lasting peace to the border communities.

    He appealed to the people of the affected communities to support the peace initiatives of the two states to prevent further conflicts in the area.

  • Fidei Poly matriculates 543

    Five hundred and forty-three students have matriculated at the Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue State.

    It was the institution’s 19th matriculation held at its premises.

    Delivering his speech, the polythenic’s Acting Rector, Mr. Aper, Chris Igbadio, admonished the new students to be more committed to their studies. He warned that any student that flouted the rules and regulations of the institution would be dealt with.

    He said: “As you officially start the next level of your career, I urge you to be focused, and realise the task in front of you that will set you on the path of your profession and personal life. You must remember to be law-abiding at all time and constantly resist all forms of vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, theft, hooliganism, drug abuse, and fighting, that we consider unacceptable here. I encourage you to strive for excellence and never to spend time on social entertainment. Also, your primary aim of coming here is to study, and I urge you that we will make your stay here as pleasant as possible.”

    Benue State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Dennis Tyavyar, who was represented by Mr Utuku Iormough, congratulated the new students and charge them to be serious, steadfast, unrelenting, and give their all.

    “I, therefore, urge you all to be serious, steadfast, hard working, and also give your all to education. Polytechnics are always the best in terms of technology because students who undergo polytechnic education are never stranded in the labour market. They are usually well trained to be independent in terms of innovations, and entrepreneur skills, among others. Also, the ministry appreciate Fidei Polytechnic for good works in academic excellence.”

  • Sam Omatseye: Pain in the heart of hate preacher

    The Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspaper, Sam Omatseye is in tears. He is in deep pain and regret. The pain in Omatseye’s heart began the day Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State was declared winner of the 2019 election.

    Omatseye knew that his emotion-laden commentaries enmeshed in acrimony as published on the back page of The Nation had failed to elicit the rejection of Governor Ortom among Benue people – a target he set for himself long before the polls. Omatseye’s diatribe on Governor Ortom sounds much like the frustration which reality thrusts upon a drunken debtor who must face his creditor the next morning. His pain is nonetheless understandable.

    I keep wondering what interest the Chairman of a newspaper’s editorial board has in the politics of a state as we have seen in Sam’s frequent outings on Benue State in the last one year. Wither goes Omatseye’s toga of neutrality? Why so much venom upon one governor?

    Sam’s latest column as published on the back page of April 1, 2019 edition of The Nation sought to paint Governor Ortom as a tribal warlord who preaches hate, division and fear using the herdsmen attacks on Benue communities. He in the same column portrayed Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong as a peace-loving man and one who cherishes the unity of all Nigerians living in his state.

    Omatseye has apparently lost the meaning of democracy which confers on the people the right to choose their leaders.

    The curious question is; who paid Sam Omatseye to denigrate Benue people calling them lovers of food and sex? His words, “I hear they make pounded yam by the day and make love at night.”

    Omatseye is clearly on a mission to trigger national hatred towards Benue people and leaders of the State. Quite unfortunate! It is sad because Sam is not known to own cattle. Even if he owns cows, his animals graze far away from the Benue Valley. So why so much anger that Governor Ortom signed a law and insisted that the legislation be implemented? Was Sam aware of the public hearings that took place in the three senatorial districts of Benue before the State House of Assembly passed the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill?

    Ironically, in the entirety of the 173-line column in The Nation, Omatseye has failed to fault the 2019 Benue election which gave Governor Ortom his 2nd term. There is nowhere in the piece that he said Governor Ortom was not genuinely voted by the people. This implies that he has also admitted that truly, the Benue State Governor is loved by his people despite vicious daily ‘sermons’ by angry men like Sam Omatseye who try to shred his reputation and political credentials.

    Perhaps Sam needs to be reminded that Governor Ortom scored one of the widest margins by any Governor seeking re-election. He polled 434,473 votes to beat his closest rival and candidate of the APC, Emmanuel Jime, who got 345,155 votes – a margin of 89, 318.

    Omatseye’s latest bile against Governor Ortom is a veiled attack on Benue people majority of who renewed the Governor’s mandate last month. By repeatedly playing down the herdsmen invasion and killing of hundreds of innocent people, Omatseye has not only chosen the path of infamy but also played the card of a conspirator and that of an editor who uses his medium to insult an entire state. Sam implied in one of his paragraphs that the January 11, 2018 mass burial of 73 Benue victims of herdsmen attacks was a mere political event. We forgive Sam Omatseye. But it must be stated that no dance on the graves of the victims can be more painful and shameful!

    Omatseye should have known that under Governor Samuel Ortom Benue has garduated 172 doctors between 2015 and 2018. He should also have known that regular payment of salaries resumed in the State since January 2018 while efforts are in top gear to clear the arrears.

    The Nation’s Editorial Board Chairman ought to have told Nigerians in his column that he is now a card carrying member of All Progressives Congress, APC. He didn’t need to hide under the journalism cloak of impartiality to play the political talking drum.

    • Terver Akase

    Chief Press Secretary

    April 01, 2019.

  • Military arrests two suspected arms manufacturers in Benue

    The headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), an ongoing special military operation in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, says it has arrested two suspected arms manufacturers in Logo Local Government Area of Benue.

    Maj-Gen Adeyemi Yekini, the OPWS commander, who disclosed this while addressing journalists on Monday in Makurdi, said that the two suspects were arrested by the OPWS sector command in Logo, following a tip-off from local informants.

    Yekini said that after local sources hinted the OPWS headquarters of the activities of the manufactures, it took them four weeks of surveillance operations to identify the factories and the suspects.

    He said that after processing all the information at its disposal, the information was relayed to its sector command for action.

    According to him, it was the sector command that arrested the suspected arms manufacturers at different sites in Tine Nune village.

    Also speaking, the sector commander of the OPWS in the area, Capt. Samuel Okinahi, said that it was not an easy task arresting the suspects.

    He said that several weapons were recovered from the manufacturing sites, adding that the suspected manufacturers admitted having customers in Benue and Taraba states.

    He said that the two suspects were arrested on March 24, by operatives of the command.

    Speaking to newsmen, one of the suspects, claimed to have studied Telecommunication Engineering in Mauritania for five years, before returning to Nigeria.

    Read also: Police team arrested over killing of youth in Lagos

    The suspect also claimed to have acquired the skills of arms production while studying abroad but lamented that all efforts to secure a viable business failed owing to the activities of witches in his community.

    “Upon my return to the country, all my efforts at getting a viable business to do failed owing to my people’s witchcraft.

    “Having expended all my resources on other businesses to no avail, I decided to take advantage of the lingering communal crises in my community to venture into arms manufacture to make a living,” he said.

    He said that each AK47 machine gun costs between N350, 000 and N400, 000 while a pistol goes for N150,000.

    According to him, he has been in the business for two years and has numerous customers both in Benue and Taraba states.

    Some of the arms that the OPWS said were manufactured by the suspects inclulded sub-machine guns, AK47, pistols, knives and other assorted local weapons. (NAN)