The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benue

  • JUST IN: Mother, son feared killed in Benue community 

    JUST IN: Mother, son feared killed in Benue community 

    Suspected herdsmen on Saturday afternoon killed a mother and her son in Ngban settlement, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. 

    The victims, identified as Mlumun Igbawua and her son Benjamin Igbawua, were reportedly attacked while working on their rice farm.

    It was gathered that the assailants also abducted and brutally tortured another woman, who was later rescued with severe injuries to her back.

    Ngban, located between Daudu and Yelewata along the Benue-Nasarawa federal highway, has witnessed several violent attacks in recent months, with many homes destroyed.

    Chairman of Guma Local Government and ALGON Chairman in Benue State, Chief Maurice Orwough, confirmed the incident during a visit to the scene.

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    He revealed that the victims hailed from Tse-Nyibiam, near Ngban in Nyiev Council Ward, and that the area had become a target of recurring violence.

     The slain Benjamin’s father was also reported to have been killed earlier in May this year while farming on the same land. 

    Benjamin’s wife, who went missing during Saturday’s attack, was found alive after enduring severe torture. She has since been reunited with her family.

    Chief Orwough said he has directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and called for calm, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to restore peace and end the violence in the region.

  • One killed, crops destroyed in Benue, Cross River land dispute

    One killed, crops destroyed in Benue, Cross River land dispute

    One person has been killed in the land dispute between Mbazerem in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State and Abonkip, Obudu, Cross River State.

    The two communities have been at logger heads for many years.

    However, the renewed crisis started on Friday.

    Abonkip youths in Obudu, Cross River State were said to have violated boarder agreement by encroaching on Benue land, where they destroyed crops and economic trees worth millions of Naira.

    In the ensuing melee, gunshots were fired by both sides.

    Read Also: Cross River PDP coalition urges senator to take over party

    In retaliation, it was alleged that a commercial driver of Tiv extraction was alleged waylaid on Obudu-Tsar Road and killed

    The Nation learnt that the crisis has been brought under control by the local governments ‘chairmen chairmen from Obudu and Vandeikya.

    Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Dennis Guda confirmed the incident.

    The Area Police Command said they had deployed anti riots squad to the troubled areas, and the situation had been brought under control.

  • SPRiNG programme backs inter-state collaboration for peace in Benue Valley

    SPRiNG programme backs inter-state collaboration for peace in Benue Valley

    The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barrister Samuel Ode, has called on national and international stakeholders to deepen their commitment to peace and security in the Benue Valley, stressing the importance of collaboration across state boundaries to tackle persistent conflicts in the region.

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day Interstate Workshop on Collaborative Approaches to Enhancing Peacebuilding in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, Barr. Ode urged participants to view peacebuilding as “a journey, not a destination.”

    “Our shared borders mean our destinies are interconnected. Strengthening coordination and collaboration across these states is the only way we can truly secure our communities from conflict and external threats”, he said.

    The workshop, held in Makurdi, was convened by the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BECPR) in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme. 

    It brought together representatives of government, civil society, traditional institutions, and international partners committed to fostering regional peace.

    Addressing the gathering, Director General of BECPR, Ms. Josephine Habah, called for a holistic approach to conflict resolution. 

    “As we foster partnerships among the three states, my expectation is that we empower the traditional and religious leaders who truly hold their communities. We must dig deep to understand the real root causes of conflict — not just farmer-herder clashes — and co-create meaningful, long-term strategies for peace.”,” she said.

    The two-day workshop focused on the root causes of violent conflict in the region, including farmer-herder clashes, illegal mining, and boundary disputes — all of which have led to widespread displacement, loss of livelihoods, and heightened insecurity in North Central Nigeria.

    Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, SPRiNG Team Lead, underlined the programme’s broader objective of promoting systemic change through inclusive engagement. 

    “SPRiNG is about behavioural and institutional change. We work with governments, civil society, and communities to promote non-violent approaches to conflict resolution. This workshop reflects our belief that sustainable peace requires collaboration across state borders, inclusive engagement, and trust-building among all stakeholders”, he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Graham Gass, Senior Social Development Adviser at the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting grassroots and policy-level interventions. 

    “We designed the SPRiNG programme to support well-meaning stakeholders in their search for peaceful, practical solutions to the complex conflicts affecting Nigeria’s North Central region. This workshop must lead to concrete, timely actions that make sense within the realities of the communities affected. Only through collaboration, mutual understanding, and follow-through can we truly shift from conflict to sustainable peace”, he said.

    At the close of the workshop, participants developed a joint action plan outlining several commitments aimed at addressing the region’s challenges. 

    These include the establishment of a defined framework for interstate conflict prevention and resolution, improved governance of natural resources through community participation, revitalisation of degraded grazing reserves, and the strengthening of local peace architectures by training community peace advocates and linking peacebuilding to long-term development planning.

    The workshop marked a major milestone in efforts to institutionalise peace mechanisms across state lines. SPRiNG will continue to provide technical support, conduct research, and promote community-led initiatives to ensure the action plan is implemented effectively and aligns with broader efforts to reduce violence and build climate resilience.

    The SPRiNG Programme is a four-year initiative (2024–2028) funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 

    It aims to enhance institutional capacity for conflict management, boost public confidence in governance structures, and create sustainable incentives for peace in Nigeria’s most conflict-affected regions.

  • Lagos, Edo, Benue, Sokoto, 16 others at risk of flooding, NiMet warns

    Lagos, Edo, Benue, Sokoto, 16 others at risk of flooding, NiMet warns

    •  Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom threatened

    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a list of states that will be at risk of flooding this month.

    The flash flood risk alert for July 2025, released yesterday in Abuja by the agency, shows the states with varying probable risks of experiencing flash flooding events due to the onset of rainfall across the country.

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    NiNet said Sokoto State has a high risk of experiencing flash floods. Other states with notable risk of flash flooding are: Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

    The weatherman advised residents of the states to relocate, if necessary, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, turn off electricity and gas during flooding, and strengthen mudslide prevention.

  • Our operatives will bear arms to protect Benue, others, NFSS tells Alia

    Our operatives will bear arms to protect Benue, others, NFSS tells Alia

    The Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, has thrown his weight behind Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia over his concerns that local security outfits lack the firepower to tackle the growing threat of banditry and violent crimes in rural communities.

    Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, had lamented the operational limitations of the State Protection Guards who, according to him, are only allowed to carry Dane guns, while criminal militias operate freely with sophisticated weapons like AK-47 and AK-49 rifles.

    The Governor was reacting to questions raised by a group, the Benue Advocacy Network, which queried the growing wave of insecurity in the state despite the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law.

    Reacting to the development during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Osatimehin, who was represented by the Deputy Commander General, Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, said the NFSS bill before the National Assembly would empower operatives of the service to bear arms and effectively safeguard forests and vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

    Metchie assured that once the bill establishing the NFSS is passed into law and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, the Service would possess the operational capacity to confront and dismantle criminal networks hiding in forests, especially in troubled states like Benue.

    He expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue over the recent killings in some communities, and commended the military and other security agencies for their efforts to restore peace.

    “We sympathise with the people and government of Benue, Plateau, and other states recently affected by violent attacks. Our hearts go out especially to families who lost loved ones in these senseless killings,” he said.

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    “We agree with Governor Alia that local vigilantes cannot confront violent criminals wielding high-grade weapons. This is precisely why the NFSS is the missing link in the nation’s security architecture. Once the Service is fully legalised, it will enhance synergy with existing security outfits and contribute meaningfully to intelligence gathering and response operations.”

    Metchie also lauded President Tinubu for personally visiting Benue and issuing strong directives to security operatives to apprehend the culprits responsible for the recent atrocities.

    While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, and other agencies, Metchie appealed to stakeholders, including Governor Alia, to back the passage and signing of the NFSS establishment bill to enable the Service commence full operations.

  • Tears, tributes as Alia mourns late cousin at memorial mass in Benue

    Tears, tributes as Alia mourns late cousin at memorial mass in Benue

    It was a solemn and emotional gathering as Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, joined family, friends, and well-wishers at a Memorial Mass in honour of his late cousin, Ms. Gladys Zi, held at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi.

    In a deeply moving tribute, Governor Alia described Gladys as a resilient and devoted woman whose life, though tragically cut short at 51, was marked by unwavering faith, love, and strength. “She was not just a cousin but a central part of my life,” he said.

    The governor shared touching memories of her spiritual devotion, entrepreneurial drive, and fierce loyalty, particularly during his campaign days when she worked tirelessly behind the scenes. “She gave her all,” he noted.

    Read Also: Gov. Alia condemns murder of travelers in Benue 

    Recalling her long battle with childbearing, he revealed that Gladys suffered twelve miscarriages before miraculously giving birth to a daughter after thirteen years of prayers, only to pass away three and a half years later.

    “It was a miracle, but one we only got to enjoy briefly,” he said.

    Governor Alia recounted the circumstances of her peaceful passing: “She had cooked for her daughter and younger sister, then went to rest and never woke up—a sunset in the bright afternoon.” Despite occasional hospital visits, her underlying heart condition ultimately claimed her life.

    Her death, he said, came at a particularly difficult time, as the state grapples with a wave of violent attacks. Yet, in his grief, the governor offered words of hope: “Blessed are those who work with the Lord and go to rest in Him, for He will wake them on the last day.”

    Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sylvester Onmoke reminded mourners that it is not the length of life that matters, but how it is lived. He described Gladys as warm-hearted and full of life, always spreading joy wherever she went.

    The Memorial Mass drew a crowd of sympathisers, including government officials, clergy, and relatives, who came together to honour a woman remembered for her strength, faith, and love.

  • Gov. Alia condemns murder of travelers in Benue 

    Gov. Alia condemns murder of travelers in Benue 

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has condemned the murder of two travelers in Agan community of Makurdi by hoodlums.

    The governor condemned the criminal act in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, issued on Tuesday in Makurdi.

    Alia, who described the act as “barbaric and unacceptable”, said that five suspects had been arrested in connection with the crime.

    He said that the deceased were traveling through Benue from the northern part of the country.

    “I’m deeply saddened by the murder of two persons who were travelling through Benue from Kano state by some criminal elements.

    “Benue people are known for their hospitality and peaceful disposition.

    “We cannot allow some criminal elements to tarnish our good image and create a contrary one for our people.

    “These criminals must be fished out immediately and made to face the full wrath of the law,”Kula quoted Alia as saying.

    The governor condoled with Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano state and the immediate families of deceased persons over the tragic and regrettable loss.

    Read Also: Benue, Plateau killings: we’ve arrested 53 suspects, says Egbetokun

    “Earlier in the day, I spoke with my brother, Gov. Abba Yusuf over the unfortunate incident.

    “We are working closely towards ensuring that this incident doesn’t escalate into security breach in any part of the country,”he said.

    Alia, who appealed for calm, assured the people Nigerians that those behind the criminal act would certainly face justice.

    (NAN) 

  • ASUU condemns Benue killings, urges more protection of citizens

    ASUU condemns Benue killings, urges more protection of citizens

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Rev. Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi (ASUU-MOAUM) chapter, has strongly condemned the recent heinous attack on Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue.

    The union, in a statement jointly signed by Mr Ali Ako, the Chairperson, and Mr Daniel Chile, Secretary, described the Yelewata attack as one attack too many.

    The duo who urged the government to improve citizens protection expressed concern over violent assaults that have continued to plague numerous communities across the state.

    They decried the continuous loss of innocent lives, wanton destruction of property, and the growing atmosphere of insecurity that threatens the peace and stability of the state.

    “The Yelewata tragedy is yet another painful blow to rural communities whose lives and livelihoods have been upended by these unprovoked acts of violence.

    “It is particularly alarming that these attacks are occurring at the peak of the rainy and farming season, a critical time when Nigerians rely heavily on agriculture for food and economic sustenance.

    “The people of Benue, predominantly farmers, have been driven out of their ancestral lands by armed herders, depriving them of access to their farmlands.

    “This trend poses grave risks to food security not just in Benue, but across the country,” they said.

    ASUU-MOAUM urged both the federal and state governments to live up to their constitutional responsibility of securing the lives and property of all Nigerians, especially those in rural and vulnerable areas.

    They further called on security agencies to act with urgency, diligence, and fairness to prevent further bloodshed.

    “Those responsible for these heinous crimes in Benue State must be tracked down and brought to justice without delay.

    “We express our heartfelt solidarity with the families and communities affected by these attacks, particularly in Yelewata.

    “We equally call for immediate humanitarian support and the implementation of effective resettlement programmes to aid the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

    “In these trying times, we stand with the good people of Benue State and reaffirm our commitment to justice, peace, and the preservation of human life and dignity.” (NAN)

  • Akume meets Benue monarchs on Tinubu’s directive for lasting peace

    Akume meets Benue monarchs on Tinubu’s directive for lasting peace

    As part of fresh efforts to end the cycle of violence in Benue State, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has met with the two foremost traditional rulers following a presidential directive to constitute a strategic peace committee.

    The meeting, held in Benue State, brought together the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, in what is seen as a significant step in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed push for enduring peace in Nigeria’s food basket.

    Akume conveyed the President’s deep concerns over the latest wave of violence in the state, describing the attacks as “heartbreaking” and reiterating the Federal Government’s resolve to “end the senseless killings in the food basket of the nation and across the country.”

    According to a statement on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, Akume told the monarchs “we want to appeal to you to continue to stay vigilant so that miscreants do not infiltrate the communities. Whenever you observe a breach, do not resist in informing us. The President will never disappoint you”.

    He emphasised that the inclusion of the Tor Tiv and the Och’Idoma in the peace process underscores the Tinubu administration’s recognition of the pivotal role traditional institutions play in conflict resolution, community dialogue, and grassroots peacebuilding.

    The high-level engagement marks the beginning of a broader national effort to restore calm in Benue State, where inter-communal violence and criminal attacks have claimed scores of lives and displaced thousands in recent years.

    The monarchs commended President Tinubu for his direct involvement in the matter and his recent visit to assess the situation firsthand. 

    They pledged their full cooperation with the peace initiative and called on all communities in the state to embrace dialogue and support the peace process once the committee is formally inaugurated.

    The Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma also urged local stakeholders, youth leaders, and community groups to resist the temptation of reprisal and instead channel grievances through lawful and peaceful means.

    The proposed strategic peace committee, which is to be led by Senator Akume, has commenced consultations immediately. 

    Its mandate includes investigating the root causes of persistent violence in the state, promoting inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, and recommending sustainable solutions for long-term reconciliation and security.

    The peace initiative comes at a time of heightened national focus on rural insecurity, with the Tinubu administration moving to recalibrate its internal security response and integrate local leadership more directly into stabilization efforts.

  • Police deny herdsmen attack in Benue community

    Police deny herdsmen attack in Benue community

    The Police Command in Benue has dismissed claims of any attack on Wannue Town in Tarka Local Government Area on Friday night.

    This is contained in a statement on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that social media users had earlier claimed that herdsmen attacked Wannue Town on Friday night.

    Edet described the social media reports alleging herdsmen invasion in Wannue as entirely false and misleading.

    She said no such attack occurred and urged the public to disregard the false claims being circulated online.

    “On the evening of June 21, at about 8 p.m., the police received a report that one Aondohemba Yayough was shot dead along Akume Road, Wannue.

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    “A team of detectives was immediately deployed to the scene. Witnesses identified the attacker as Saater Aii, a known ex-convict.

    “Local security operatives disarmed the suspect, but he escaped. Two other persons injured at the scene were taken to hospital and are receiving treatment.

    “Police have recovered the AK-47 rifle used in the attack. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect are ongoing.

    “Members of the public are urged to ignore misinformation and rely only on verified sources. No herdsmen were reported in Wannue,” Edet added.

    (NAN)