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Tag: Benue

  • 2027: Benue ALGON endorses Tinubu, Alia

    2027: Benue ALGON endorses Tinubu, Alia

    The Benue State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia as their candidates for President and Governor, respectively, in the 2027 elections.

    Chairman of ALGON Benue, Hon. Maurice Orwough, made the announcement at his HUDCO quarters residence in Makurdi on Tuesday.

    Hon. Orwough praised both Tinubu and Alia for their exemplary leadership and stated that they deserved a second term for their contributions to governance.

    “Benue farmers and people are happy with Mr.Presdent for providing security for farmers to go back to their land after spending almost 20 years in IDPs camps.

    Read Also: Insecurity forces closure of schools in Benue LGA, says ALGON chairman

    For Governor Alia ,Hon Orwough said ” Since coming into office the Rev.Gentleman has turn around both the plight of civil servants,pensioners, farmers, students and all sectors of the economy and it’s fair and just to give him a second time to do more”.

    As part of the 2025 campaign, Hon. Orwough along side other stakeholders decorated his official  house with posters of Mr.President and Governor Alia .

  • Benue govt confirms outbreak of rabies in two councils

    Benue govt confirms outbreak of rabies in two councils

    The Benue State Government has confirmed the outbreak of rabies virus in Kwande and Gboko Local Government Areas.

    Director-General, Benue Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, made this known yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital.

    Asambe said the bureau was alerted to suspected rabies cases following reports of a dog bite affecting multiple individuals in Adikpo, Kwande, and  Gboko councils.

     The DG explained that in all, seven persons were bitten by the two dogs, adding that the government has commenced contact tracing to identify those involved.

    Read Also: Alia: there is only one governor in Benue

    He said investigations revealed that the infected dog in Adikpo was sold to vendors to process for consumption.

     “Thankfully, the dog’s head was retrieved and submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau, where laboratory results confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.

     “Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease with serious implications for both human and animal health.

    “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 55,000 people lose their lives to rabies annually, with most cases resulting from dog bites.

     “This outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the need for urgent action to meet the WHO’s 2030 target to eliminate dog bite-transmitted rabies.” he said

    Asambe said that the result also showed that the dog bite in Gboko local government was also a rabies case.

  • Truck kills family of 9 in Benue

    Truck kills family of 9 in Benue

    The Benue Command of the Nigerian Police Force says a truck ran into a residential compound in Okete Village, Otukpo Local Government Area, and killed nine members of a family.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Sewuese Anene confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Makurdi.

    Anene said that the unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday.

    Read Also: Benue govt, First Lady partner to provide free education for IDP children

    The PPRO said that the command has launched a full investigation into the incident and further information would be made available to newsmen.

    (NAN)

  • Insecurity forces closure of schools in Benue LGA, says ALGON chairman

    Insecurity forces closure of schools in Benue LGA, says ALGON chairman

    The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Benue State and Guma Local Government Council, Hon. Maurice Orwough, has disclosed that all schools in his jurisdiction remain closed due to insecurity.

    Speaking with journalists in Makurdi during a year-end briefing, Hon. Orwough revealed that some school facilities have been repurposed as temporary camps for security personnel, pending the construction of standard operational camps.

    While acknowledging that normalcy is gradually returning to the area, he emphasized that significant challenges, particularly in addressing accommodation needs, still persist.

    “Those Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who returned to their settlements have nowhere to reside, as houses that were set ablaze are yet to be reconstructed. We are also appealing to the federal government to provide sufficient security for them to return to their farmland.”

    As ALGON Chairman of Benue State, Hon. Orwough has made arrangements with National ALGON to bring in tractors for farmers to boost farming this year.

    Read Also: Death toll from Benue Christmas Day attacks rises to 20

    Regarding internally generated revenue, Hon. Orwough said, “When I assumed duty, it was nothing to write home about, but with diligent monitoring, we have improved and now generate N600,000 monthly. However, we are targeting N800,000 monthly.”

    He called on international humanitarian agencies to support returning IDPs to settle and resume farming activities.

    Orwough commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for attracting international donor agencies to Benue State, which facilitated the return of IDPs to their homes. 

  • Death toll from Benue Christmas Day attacks rises to 20

    Death toll from Benue Christmas Day attacks rises to 20

    The death toll in the Christmas Day bloody attacks by herdsmen against Anwase and Nyieya communities in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State  has risen to 20.

    Armed herdsmen had on December 25 launched blistering attacks on harmless villagers who were celebrating Christmas.

    The attackers shot indiscriminately at worshipers who were in the church for Christmas service and also set many houses and yam barns ablaze.

    Lawrence Akerigba, an indigene of one of the affected communities, told The Nation in an interview that “a family of four including husband, wife and two children were slaughtered.

    Akerigba also said more than 100,000 tumblers of yams were set ablaze while over 400 persons were displaced.

    Read Also: Governor Alia condemns Christmas Day attack in Benue community

    Many others, he said, sustained various degrees of injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

    Confirming the incident, the President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) Worldwide, CP Iorbee Ihagh (rtd), who hails from Kwande Local Government Area, said: “I contacted the community head in the area who confirmed the attack, saying that several people were killed on Christmas Day and the attack was unprovoked.”

    Ihagh said many people were killed as 10 bodies were recovered in the first instance while 10 more have been recovered, bringing the total to 20.

    Governor Hyacient Alia, who condemned the attack and killing vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.

  • Benue farmers praise Tinubu for prioritising security in 2025 budget

    Benue farmers praise Tinubu for prioritising security in 2025 budget

    Farmers in Benue state have commended President Bola Tinubu for the increased allocation of funds to Defence and Security in the 2025 budget.

    President Tinubu on Wednesday, presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill of ₦49.7 trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly, with the Defence sector receiving the lion’s share of ₦4.91 trillion.

    In his presentation, President Tinubu stated: “The officers, men, and women of our Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force are the shields and protectors of our nation. Our administration will continue to empower them to defeat insurgency, banditry, and all threats to our sovereignty. Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways, or cities. By restoring peace, we restore productivity, revive businesses, and rebuild our communities.”

    Read Also: Benue boat accident: Three dead, 50 safe, 23 missing, says NEMA

    John Saaku, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Benue State Chapter, welcomed the budget allocation to defence and security, stating it will address farmer-herder clashes.

    “Farmers in Benue State fled their homes due to fear. Saaku believes Mr. President will address these problems.”

    Peter Omale, a farmer in Agatu, Benue South, stated that the budget will end farmer-herder clashes and urged the National Assembly to expedite the budget’s passage.

    The Nation reported that 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are in temporary camps across Benue State.

  • Christmas: Governor Alia pays surprise visit to orphanage homes in Benue

    Christmas: Governor Alia pays surprise visit to orphanage homes in Benue

    Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, made an unexpected visit to two orphanage homes in Makurdi on Monday, emphasizing his dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children.

    Driving himself, Governor Alia visited Mama Abayol Orphanage Home and Gidan Bege Orphanage Home, where he personally presented each child with two pairs of Christmas shoes and clothes, assuring them they are loved and not forgotten.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Governor Alia swears in 23 new council chairmen

    In his address, Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making life better for every child in Benue and encouraged the children to maintain hope and faith in God.

    Orphanage officials praised the governor’s gesture as “unprecedented and a first of its kind,” noting his unannounced arrival without his usual entourage, which highlighted his genuine concern for the well-being of the less privileged in society.

  • NEMA: 50 rescued, 3 dead in Benue boat mishap

    NEMA: 50 rescued, 3 dead in Benue boat mishap

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that 50 persons have been rescued and are safe following a boat mishap in Benue State.

    The accident occurred around 7:00 pm on Saturday along River Benue in Agatu local government area and has claimed three lives so far.

    According to NEMA’s media office, 49 persons were rescued, one was able to swim to safety, and 23 persons remain unaccounted for.

    The boat was carrying 76 passengers when the driver, unaware of a submerged tree in the river, accidentally navigated into it, causing the boat to tip off and capsize.

    NEMA stated that the victims were traders from Odenyi Magaji and other communities in Nasarawa State.

    “The passengers were said to be returning home from the Ocholonya Market, a major economic hub that draws traders from several communities in Agatu and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa State.

    Read Also: NIWA to partner with traditional institutions to combat incessant boat mishaps

    “Besides the 49 rescued passengers, one of the victims managed to swim to safety while 23 persons are still missing. Three bodies have been recovered so far. Most of the boat passengers were from Odenyi Magaji and other communities of Nasarawa state.

    “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is working with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders, including the local authorities and divers, to expedite the ongoing search and rescue operations to trace the remaining missing passengers.”

    NEMA said it has established contacts with the Nigerian Navy to provide more support for the search and rescue.

  • Infrastructure devt tops Benue’s N550b 2025 budget estimate

    Infrastructure devt tops Benue’s N550b 2025 budget estimate

    Infrastructure development with 20 per cent allocation tops the Benue State 2025 spending proposal presented yesterday to the House of Assemblt by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

    The governor told lawmakers that the proposed budget which is designed to ensure continued progress, prosperity, and well-being for all citizens of the state, had an aggregate expenditure of Five Hundred and Fifty Billion, One Hundred and Twelve Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Naira, Forty-Five Kobo only (N550,112,988,930.45).

    He said the budget, titled “Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security, and Digital Economy,”  will serve as a roadmap to a brighter, more sustainable future, with a bold and ambitious plan, grounded in the realities of the present times and in the aspirations of the people.

    In the budget, infrastructure development is top priority with a budgeted sum of N110,022,597,786.09, representing 20%, followed by agriculture which has a proposed budget of  N84,081,754,982.67 representing 15.28% while Education and the Health sectors each has a budget of N82,516,948,339.57, representing 15%.

    While addressing the other areas captured in the budget, the governor added that 0.93% will address programs aimed at improving social protection, such as unemployment benefits, housing, and poverty alleviation initiatives, while also evolving strategies for the three IDP pathways.

    “In an effort to leave no one behind, Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we have allocated 0.93% of the budget for programs aimed at improving social protection, which includes unemployment benefits, housing, and poverty alleviation initiatives, while also evolving strategies for the three IDP pathways: Resettlement, Relocation, and Returnees.

    “Furthermore, sports, youth development and creativity being an integral part of our development efforts will be funded from 0.93% of the total budget. In essence, this budget proposes to increase funding for facilities that support sports development and local talent hunt in the state. It is also the intent of the budget to empower small businesses and startups to thrive. In 2025, we will implement programs to provide financial support, training, and mentorship to entrepreneurs, particularly in tech-driven industries. Votes amounting to 10.68% of the budget are allocated for this purpose,” the governor explained.

    On the development challenges and progress made so far, Governor Alia said the negative implications associated with an unpaid workforce, has been stabilized, with the 70,000 minimum wage also fully implemented, adding that there is massive ongoing infrastructure rehabilitations, as well as an improved security in the state.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill 13 in Benue

    According to the governor, through the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development, the state has enjoyed substantial grants from donors, totalling Eighty-Five Billion and Seventeen Million, Six Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand, One Hundred and Eleven Naira, Eleven Kobo Only (N85,017,621,111.11K), with forty-six (46) slots for Benue sons and daughters, on the UNITED Nations Volunteer Full Funded Scholarship Program.

    He explained that due to the adjustments that were made in the 2024 budget, the overall budget amount for 2024 came to an aggregate sum of Three hundred and Seventy-Three Billion, Twenty Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Nineteen Naira Only (N373,020,567,319).

    This according to the governor, represented a 65.3% increase over the original 2024 Budget, primarily due to built-in buffers, enabling the state to absorb shocks arising from macroeconomic uncertainties.

    He assured that in order to ensure fiscal transparency, and fiscal strengthening in the state and local government system, the 2025 budget will be coordinated by the Budget and Economic Planning Commission, under his watch.

  • Benue Govt. spends $2.82m to service loans in 1 year

    Benue Govt. spends $2.82m to service loans in 1 year

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says his administration has spent $2.82 million (N4.53 billion) to service external loans between June 2023 and June 2024.

    Alia made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi.

    The governor said that Benue has not borrowed funds since the inception of his administration but paid the said sum to reduce the state’s debt burden.

    He further stated that the Debt Management Office (DMO) recent report confirmed that the external debt profile of Benue has experienced a sharp decrease within the period under review.

    “Recall that having inherited over 350 billion in debts from the previous administration, the administration has been cautious about taking loans, despite initiating numerous projects across the state, with many already completed.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill 13 in Benue

    “We are changing the narrative for good governance and massively delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

    “We are consistent in insisting that the future of the state comes first and has demonstrated the highest level of decision-making and resource management,” he said.

    He further stated that the current BudgIT release of the third quarter of 2024, States Fiscal Transparency League Table, indicated that Benue has moved to 9th position from the 35th and 36th positions it had consistently shuffled since 2015.

    (NAN)