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Tag: Benue

  • Hoodlums attack Benue church over alleged rape of married woman

    Hoodlums attack Benue church over alleged rape of married woman

    • Destroy property worth millions of naira

    Hoodlums have attacked a church in Gboko, Benue State, destroying property worth million of naira.

    A source in the church said the attack might not be unconnected with a recent allegation that an unnamed married woman who went to the church for prayers was raped.

    The source, however, wondered how the said victim could have been raped at about 10 a.m. without raising the alarm in a church located on the roadside.

    Among the items destroyed at the church known as Throne of Grace Healing and Deliverance Ministries on Gboko-Aliade Road were chairs, keyboard, drums and public address system.

    Unused tiles, windows and roof of the building were also destroyed by the invaders.

    The head of the church, Prophet Prince Matthew Iorhembe, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said the attack occurred at about 11 am penultimate Friday.

    He said some youths stormed the church with dangerous weapons and carried out the attack unchallenged.

    Prophet Iorhembe said although he called the police, the youths had carried out the destruction of the aforementioned items and left before the police arrived.

    Read Also: Ondo police arrest ‘notorious gunrunner’ supplying arms to Osun, Kogi, Edo, Kwara

    He said that men of Gboko Central Police Station had already arrested three persons in connection with the incident.

    He said the Chairman of Gboko Local Government Council, Barrister Torseer Yina, and former member representing Gboko/Tarka at the House of Representatives, Hon. John Dyegh, had indicated interest in the case and therefore discussions were on.

    He called on members of the church to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, noting that the items destroyed were worth more than N10 million.

    The cleric wondered why his church would be attacked in such a brazen manner without anyone telling him his offence.

    Confirming the incident, the deputy police spokesperson in the state, Orchia Peter, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the incident was being investigated at the ‘A’ Division in Gboko.

  • Benue: Three policemen among eight bodies recovered

    Benue: Three policemen among eight bodies recovered

    • Police intensify search for missing operatives

    Three policemen were among the eight bodies that were recovered from the attack scene in Katsina Ala, Benue State.

    Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Jonathan Modi and his counterpart in Katsina Ala, Justine Shaku, confirmed the figures.

    Last Friday, bandits and herdsmen operating on the Benue-Taraba border attacked Police Tactical Teams made up of other security agencies on patrol, and killed several personnel.

    The bandits also set ablaze two police patrol vans, and some motorcycles.

    Read Also: Shettima showcases Nigeria’s $200b energy transition potential at UNGA 80

    The Inspector-General Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed more officers to fish out the attackers.

    At the time of press, the bodies were being conveyed to Makurdi and troops were still in search of the missing officers.

    Katsina Ala and Ukum Local areas are located on Sankera geo-political bloc, where the late Terwase Akwaya (aka, Gana), operated with impunity.

    In these areas, bandits and local militia are the authorities,where they imposed taxes on markets, roads and farm produce.

    There is, however, a twist in the killings as reports said the “Benue State Government sought the help of Nigeria Air Force,Tactical Air Command (TAC), when it was obvious the bandits overwhelmed the Police Tactical Teams, but the Air Force turned the government down, claiming the weather was not good.

    However, attempts to speak with the Pro- NAF-TAC headquarters in Makurdi failed as he neither answered nor replied to text messages sent into his phone.

  • The task before Benue’s new commissioners

    The task before Benue’s new commissioners

    By Bridget Tikyaa

    When Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia removed members of the State Executive Council in July 2025, he said it was to give other people from the state the opportunity to bring in fresh ideas to drive the state’s development. In essence, the governor is pushing to fast-track the attainment of his objective of transforming Benue State beyond the pace it is going.

    The governor’s agenda has remained unwaveringly very clear. It is about putting the people first, assuaging their fears, securing their futures, restoring the broken economy, unpgrading the inherited state’s collapsed infrastructure, ending endemic corruption, unemployment, and the general crisis of development the state found itself before his assumption of office in 2023. In essence, his target is to evolve a new Benue where governance works for the people, not any vested interest.

    In essence, the 17 new commissioners who assumed duty on September 1, 2025, have a huge task ahead of them, and the governor mins no word in charting the course he wants them to take.

    First, the Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia said they must serve with loyalty, be accountable, and maintain close ties to their communities.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt: renewable energy open to local, foreign investors

    Secondly, he charged them to gird their loins for a race against time, a race to deliver more, to implement policies and programmes that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens, such as market women, children, workers, and pensioners.

    He also gave them a clear message to reinforce his administration’s core agenda of promoting transparency and accountability. No sharing of state resources to private interests.

    As the government rolls into the second half of its first term, the journey ahead would require greater commitment, and the new commissioners, who were selected based on their proven understanding of governance, transparency, and discipline, are expected to make a huge difference in the realisation of the new Benue envisaged by Governor Alia.

    In doing so, they are expected to abide by their oath of office to place public interest above personal considerations, maintain strong links with their local communities, serve as spokespersons of government programs, and uphold confidentiality in state matters. This is necessary in reinforcing the fact that the Alia administration is people-centered, not driven by political patronage.

    As expected, the new commissioners, through Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba expressed gratitude to the governor for the trust reposed in them and said they were prepared to add value to the administration by working with diligence, creativity, and integrity, so as to collectively deliver tangible results that improve the lives of the people.

    The new commissioners are Dr. Ortese Yanmar, Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan, Michael Oglegba, Tiza Isaac Imojime, Alumo Orpin, Ugwu Odoh, Kunde Aondowase, Kwaghgba Amande, Joseph Ter Jir, James Dwem, Dr. Ornguga Yangien, Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa, Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, Dennis Iyaighgba, and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.

    All the 17 will work towards achieving milestones in delivering the seven key agenda of the administration, which include addressing insecurity, returning displaced persons home, Industrialization through agriculture and massive rural development, creating opportunities through a revitalized commerce and industry space, building the capabilities of the people through human capital and social development, providing infrastructure to support economic growth, and enabling digital transformation and skills through investment in information and communications technology, ICT.

    So far, it has been two years of excellence, of impactful legacies that have positively touched lives, transformed institutions and pulled Benue State from the brinks of total collapse it was in before Governor Ali stepped in to change the narrative.

    The new commissioners should be part of the next narrative of excellence in service, of concrete and impactful projects that  transform Benue state and positively touch lives.

    • Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communication Strategy

  • JUST IN: Benue Assembly speaker resigns amid political tension

    JUST IN: Benue Assembly speaker resigns amid political tension

    The embattled Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, has resigned from his position.

    Dajoh submitted a handwritten resignation letter on his official letterhead, addressed to the Clerk of the House, stating, “I write to resign my position as the Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly, effective today, August 24, 2025. This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”

    Sources told The Nation that the Speaker had recently survived an impeachment attempt and suspended three lawmakers.

    At press time, Governor Hyacinth Alia and his loyalists were in a closed-door meeting to choose a replacement, while heavily armed soldiers from the 72 Special Battalion were deployed across Makurdi to maintain order.

    Read Also: Benue Assembly suspends three members over alleged plot to impeach speaker

    Troops were sighted at key points, including the Tito railway bypass, the Wurukum roundabout, and the commissioner’s quarters, as part of efforts to prevent unrest.

    The Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Terver Zamber, said he was still confirming details with Dajoh at the time of filing this report.

  • Alia denies involvement in Benue speaker impeachment plot

    Alia denies involvement in Benue speaker impeachment plot

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Friday denied any involvement in the failed attempt to remove Mr Aondona Dajoh, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.This is contained in a statement issued in Makurdi by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some members of the House attempted to impeach Speaker Dajoh on Thursday.

    In response, the House, during its plenary on Friday, suspended four members for three months over their roles in the failed impeachment plot.

    According to the statement, Alia reiterated his respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers, affirming that he held the Assembly in high esteem.

    The statement also emphasised that the governor had consistently responded to all communications and resolutions sent to him by the House.

    “This commitment was demonstrated only a few days ago when he promptly upheld and implemented critical resolutions of the Assembly conveyed to his office,” the statement noted.

    Alia reaffirmed his cordial working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly and pledged continued support for its legislative duties in the interest of Benue State’s development.

    (NAN)

  • Analyst hail police for averting two terror attacks in Benue

    Analyst hail police for averting two terror attacks in Benue

    A public affairs analyst, Shehu Usman, has praised the police for averting bloodshed in Yelewata, Benue State.

    Usman also commended the police for foiling attempts by criminals to wreak havoc in Guma Local Government Area of the state, urging Nigerians to internalise the culture of praising security agencies when they do well.

    The analyst who reacted to a recent report on how the police prevented two national tragedies in Benue, noted that although three farmers died in the incidents, things would have been worse if the Rapid Response Team (RRT) stationed by the Inspector General (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun were not proactive.

    Recalling the IGP’s earlier statement that for every successful attack by criminals, the police and sister security services must have foiled numerous attempts, Usman noted that recent events have shown Egbetokun was stating the facts.

    He said, “At the time, I am sure many believed he made that statement merely to defend the inability of his men to avert the Yelewata tragedy. But recent events show that the IGP was not being economical with the truth. Without the tireless efforts of the police and other security agencies in curtailing these marauding murderers, the situation could have been far worse than it is today.

    “Our police officers are working tirelessly, often silently, to curtail crime, yet we do not amplify their heroics nearly as much as we amplify their shortcomings. Imagine if the bandits had succeeded in attacking Yelewata again, the news would have dominated headlines nationwide. “But because the attack was foiled, the story risks fading into the background. And it wasn’t only in Yelewata; a similar plot was also thwarted in Guma Local Government Area,” he said.

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    Acknowledging the right of Nigerians to demand accountability from security agencies, Usman said the people must also appreciate the relentless efforts in combating crime, often in the face of scarce resources, outdated equipment, and dangerous working conditions.

    “Policing in Nigeria is a high-risk duty. Officers frequently work under intense pressure, covering vast territories with inadequate manpower, while confronting criminals who are often better armed and better funded.

    “Despite these challenges, there are countless untold stories of bravery, operations that never make it to the headlines because the attacks were stopped before they could happen.

    “The grief of Yelewata still lingers- families torn apart, dreams cut short, and a community left with scars that may never fully heal. Each life lost is a reminder of what is at stake when security fails, and each life saved is proof of the value of vigilance.

    “As citizens, our voices must continue to demand justice, transparency, and efficiency from those entrusted with our safety. But alongside those demands, we must also recognise and amplify the quiet victories, those moments when disaster was averted because men and women in uniform stood their ground.

    “The foiled attacks in Yelewata and Guma are not the end of our security challenges, but they are moments worth noting. They reaffirm that while criticism keeps our institutions accountable, encouragement fuels their morale. In the balance between the two lies the path to a safer Nigeria, ‘ he added. 

  • Three killed in Benue community

    Three killed in Benue community

    Bandits have struck a community in Benue State, killing three persons.

    They attacked the Uikpam community of Mbabai Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, 24 hours after three others were killed in Yelewata within the same local government area.

    A community leader and a former candidate for the Guma I State Assembly seat in the 2023 general elections, Jimmin Geoffrey, confirmed this yesterday..

    Geoffrey said the discovery of the body of Iorhemba Ikpanju, an elderly man from the community, yesterday morning, had brought the casualty figures to three following the killing of Akeh Kelvin and Francis Nomsoor last night.

    Sustained herdsmen attacks on Guma communities, which share borders with Nasarawa State, remain a major setback to the fight against insecurity.

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    “The discovery of the body of Baba Iorhemba Ikpanju at a nearby bush this morning brings the total casualty figures to three, following the death of Akeh Kelvin and Francis Nomsoor last night when herdsmen attacked the Uikpam community.

    “We again call on concerned authorities to make haste by redeploying security operatives to Uikpam in order to at least repose some level of confidence in the already traumatised residents.”

    The police authority in Benue has remained silent on these killings, as every inquiry is met with no response.

    However, the Guma Local Government Chairman, Maurice Orwough, has since mobilised security agents to the affected area.

  • PENGASSAN Foundation donates relief items to victims of Yelewata attack in Benue

    PENGASSAN Foundation donates relief items to victims of Yelewata attack in Benue

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Foundation has donated relief materials to victims of the Yelewata attack in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.

    Some of the items donated by the foundation included: mattresses; tubers of yam; bags of rice; bags of beans; bars of soap; cartons of tomato pastes; cartons of noodles; gallons of groundnut oil; pampers; sanitary pads; cartons of milo; mats; pillows; mosquito nets among others.

    The Chairman of the foundation, Comrade David Owan, said the visit to the community was part of an effort by the organisation to show solidarity to victims of the attack.

    It would be recalled that gunmen killed around 200 villagers in Yelewata on the night of Friday, June 13, 2025.

    The attack drew wild outcry, culminating in a visit to the state by President Bola Tinubu.

    Owan, who was taken on a tour of the affected areas of the attack, added that what he saw on ground showed that the people are suffering as a result of the attack.

    He said: “We have to do something to bring succour to the people of Yelewata community. We wanted to see what had happened after the attack. The attack is quite touching for us at PENGASSAN foundation.

    “We have brought succour to the community. You can see the items here. We are not here to solve their problems but to provide support to make the people of Yelewata feel better.”

    Coordinator of the temporary Internally Displaced Camp set up at the community, Ukuma Jonathan commended PENGASSAN foundation members for the visit and relief materials.

    He said: “As you can see, these are the remnants of the attack and it has made it uninhabitable for our people. We pray that a situation like this never happens again.

    Read Also: PENGASSAN Foundation spends N12m on medical bills of patients in FCT

    “It is a very dehumanising situation. Our people sleep under trees and fear further attacks. We are calling for the provision of security for our people.”

    Also speaking, Village Head of Yelewata community, Julius Joor commended PENGASSAN foundation for the relief items, assuring that they will be fairly distributed among members of the community.

    He, however, said that members of the community are still scared of returning to their farms as suspected Fulani herdsmen are still grazing on their lands.

  • Alia condemns killings of travelers, attack on Benue community

    Alia condemns killings of travelers, attack on Benue community

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has condemned the killings of two travelers along Awajir-Oju Road.

    Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Tuesday in Makurdi, said that the victims were indigenes of the state.

    According to him, security reports indicated that the victims were traveling from Oju on a motorcycle when they were attacked and killed in cold blood.

    The governor also condemned a separate attack on Nyifon community in Mbaikyongo Council Ward, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue.

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    According to him, the incident, reportedly carried out by youths from Mbayaka community in Kusuv, Buruku Local Government Area, followed a misunderstanding linked to a boat mishap.

    The governor described the two separate incidents which happened in different local government areas as unfortunate.

    Alia said that nobody or group had the right to invade another community or inflict harm under any circumstance.

    He directed the security agencies to liaise with the traditional rulers of the concerned areas to ensure that the criminals were apprehended within 48 hours and prosecuted.

    “Benue is beginning to experience a level of security stability.

    “I will not tolerate any attempt by anyone, regardless of their status or intentions, to instigate unrest or threaten the peace we are working hard to sustain,” he said.

    Alia further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and properties.

    The governor called on all communities across the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while investigations continued.

    (NAN)

  • Troops rescue 11 hostages, recover arms in major offensive in Benue, Taraba

    Troops rescue 11 hostages, recover arms in major offensive in Benue, Taraba

    Troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in a coordinated offensive across parts of Benue and Taraba States.

    A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the daring operation was conducted by troops of Sector I Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), between Saturday and Sunday.

    He added that the operation was led by the Commander, Col. KO Bukoye with aerial support from the Air Component and blocking maneuvers by Sector III in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

    According to the source, the simultaneous assault targeted criminal hideouts in Tse-Ahur and Chito general areas of Ukum Local Government of Benue.

    “The operation, which demonstrated strategic joint-force coordination, resulted in a successful engagement with suspected kidnappers.

    “Upon contact, the troops overwhelmed the adversaries with superior firepower, leading to the arrest of two suspects while others fled, abandoning both captives and weapons.

    “A follow-up search-and-rescue mission led to the recovery of 11 hostages, comprising four women and seven men. All victims received medical attention and are being processed for reunification with their families.

    “Items recovered from the criminal enclave included four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, one locally fabricated dane gun, and multiple magazines and rounds of various calibres.

    “Troops also recovered smoke canisters and fetish charms,” he said.

    The source revealed that the operation culminated in the destruction of the bandits’ camp and logistical infrastructure, thereby denying the criminals freedom of action in the region.

    He said the Force Commander OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, who was on ground to oversee the mission, commended the troops for their gallantry and tactical discipline.

    “He reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to rooting out criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the broader vision of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “Gara also appreciated the CDS and Service Chiefs for their continued support, noting that recent gains were due to prompt deployment of resources, effective inter-agency collaboration, and sustained operational momentum.

    “He assured that troops would maintain pressure on criminal elements and intensify efforts to restore lasting peace across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa,” he added.

    (NAN)