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Tag: Benue

Police arrest 130 over Benue mayhem

No fewer than 130 suspects are now in Police custody over the recent threat to peace in Benue State.

The detainees include those being held for killings in parts of the state and attacks on residents of Makurdi, the state capital.

“The number of those arrested is high. The number is not necessarily restricted to a certain category,” Police Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Habila Joshak said yesterday on the phone.

Joshak is assisting Inspector General Ibrahim Idris to co-ordinate police operations to contain the recent mayhem in the state.

He had been contacted to assess the security situation in the state, two weeks after the burial of 73 victims of Fulani herdsmen attacks.

President Muhammadu Buhari subsequently directed Idris to move to the state to stop the security challenge.

Joshak said: “There were attempts to cause security challenges in the city of Makurdi, around the Wadata area.

“Some houses were attacked and cars vandalised, so, those involved were also rounded up. About 130 have been arrested altogether over the disturbances in the city.

“In the areas earlier affected by the violent crisis, some arrests have been made.”

He said relative peace has now returned to the state and more police personnel deployed to keep trouble makers away.

Continuing, the DIG said: “Assessing the performance of security officers or the situation on ground is based largely on the perception of the citizens themselves.

“You may be thinking that you are succeeding or doing something significant in the security template and people may be thinking otherwise.

“On the other hand, you may assume that you have not done so much because of limited time and number of activities while what you have done may be of extremely significant impact to the people.

“However, we have been able to stop some of the nefarious activities that were going on in some local governments, particularly in Guma and Logo as well as Agatu area of Benue state.

“Beyond that, our coming has assisted in coordinating activities by analyzing and assessing threats from one location to another. The IGP is coordinating and making a lot of inputs. He has convened several stakeholders meetings in both Benue and Nassarawa states.”

Joshak said the massive deployment of more personnel has also assisted the police in bringing the situation under control.

His words: “We have done massive deployment of personnel. Outside the normal presence on ground, the reinforcement at the Nassarawa state end is eight units; each unit comprises 63 policemen.

“In Benue state, there are 10 additional units. Outside the ten units, we have a highly specialized unit that was trained in Belarus, with the military who formed the initial action plan and those who actually started the conduct of the action against Boko Haram in the Northeast.

“They can be said to be a counter-terrorism unit but they are more than that, having done some highly specialized training with the military in Belarus. They can be airlifted and dropped to repel anywhere. Their duty is to go in, fight and come back.”

He acknowledged the contribution of the people of the state in making the job of the police easier.

“We are succeeding in what we call confidence-building in all the local government areas that had (security) challenges,” he said.

“Members of the public in these areas are cooperating effectively with us. We are also engaging the youths who also assist us in understanding the terrain towards identifying where to patrol and where to do deployments.

“They are also participating effectively in monitoring and gathering of intelligence as to possibility or sighting of insurgents or armed people who may be trying to advance into any community.

“Since we came, things have largely been quiet but we have come in contact with armed militia men. They tried to make an incursion in one position that is motorized by our sister outfit.

“They were warded off but not without exchange (of fire). Some of our people have been redeployed to that place. You can call those people militia. They entered a community (in Guma local government area) and set the community ablaze.

“Our operation is ongoing and it is fully on course.

“The good news is that a lot of communities have keyed in into our efforts for security and confidence-building and we are seeing results. Our area of concentration is the safety of lives and property, including dealing with the marauding gangs. We are putting an effective check on such illegality.”

The DIG was optimistic that people who were displaced by the mayhem would soon return home.

“People want to really feel safe before returning home but I can assure you that some of the internally-displaced persons are finding adequate confidence for going back to their villages.

“We still have some work to do by ensuring that anybody found to be illegally armed is not spared. This is because it is illegitimate for anybody, except those licensed or authorized, to carry arms.

“The Commissioner of Police here has drawn up standard operating procedures and points where people are searched for illegal arms before passing through. We are also checking to endure that nobody carries arms in the name of self-help because such will not help the community or the society at large. We engage the people and the state government and we discuss meaningfully on a steady, regular basis.

“The state government has been cooperative and local governments have keyed in completely into our efforts.”

January 27, 2018
Protest won’t stop Osinbajo panel on herdsmen/farmers clashes

The Yemi Osinbajo Committee on herdsmen / farmers clashes is pressing ahead with its assignment regardless of the recent objection of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to the membership of Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba) of the panel.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association’s rejection of Ortom and Ishaku stemmed from their introduction of the anti-open grazing laws in their states.

However, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the vice president, Mr. Laolu Akande, said that the job of the committee was in the interest of all Nigerians, especially all the communities and parties affected by the crises.

He said panel would ,therefore,leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and security of life and property in the affected communities.

“Our job is to all Nigerians and in this case all affected parties and communities. The interest of the administration is peace and the first duty of government is to provide peace and security of life and property,”Akande said.

“We note the views of all and welcome their right to their own positions. Government would also do its job to secure the wellbeing of all Nigerians including those who have expressed their opinions.

“The Working Group has met once already and would continue to meet to ensure that all Nigerians live in peace and security.

“The Group is made up of elected governors including those whose communities are affected. And we should not forget that all those serving in States as Governors and FG have sworn to protect the constitution. That is the guarantee by law that their actions would be fair and without fear or favour.

“This crisis and the misunderstanding that attends it would be over under the Buhari administration by the special Grace of God.”

The Osinbajo committee was set up by the last meeting of the National Economic Council towards finding solution to the killings in the affected communities.

January 26, 2018
Lassa fever kills 16 in Ondo, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, others’

•Bayelsa moves against disease

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control yesterday said Lassa fever has killed 16 people in Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue.

It also said 61 cases have been confirmed.

According to the agency, 10 health care workers have been infected in four states. Seven died in Ebonyi. One in Nasarawa. One in Kogi and one in Benue.

A statement by the agency reads: “Following the increasing number of Lassa fever cases reported from several States across the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response to the outbreak on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health.

“The EOC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to the most affected States- Ebonyi, Ondo and Edo States. The RRTs are supporting the States in response coordination, contact tracing, case management, risk communication and strengthening infection prevention and control practices. Emergency supplies have also been sent to treatment centres in all affected States.

“Since the beginning of 2018, a total number of 107 suspected Lassa fever cases have been recorded in ten states: Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo and Lagos States. As at 21st January 2018, the total number of confirmed cases is 61, with 16 deaths recorded. Ten health care workers have been infected in four States (Ebonyi – 7, Nasarawa – 1, Kogi – 1 and Benue – 1) with three deaths in Ebonyi State.

“NCDC is collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, African Field Epidemiology Network, US Centers for Disease Control, University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB), Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) and other agencies, in supporting the response in the affected states.”

The agency went on: “Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Person-to- person transmission can also occur, particularly in hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures. Health care workers in health facilities are particularly at risk of contracting the disease, especially where infection prevention and control procedures are not strictly adhered to.

“Lassa fever can be prevented through practicing good personal hygiene and proper environmental sanitation. Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households, and other measures to discourage rodents from entering homes. Hand washing should be practiced frequently.

“Health care workers are again reminded that Lassa fever presents initially like any other disease causing a febrile illness such as malaria; and are advised to practice standard precautions at all times, maintaining a high index of suspicion. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) must be applied to all suspected cases of malaria. When the RDT is negative, other causes of febrile illness including Lassa fever should be considered. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment increase the chances of survival.

“Family members who are providing care for patients with Lassa fever are advised to take extra caution. In addition, States are encouraged to ensure safe and dignified burial practices for patients who die from Lassa fever.”

The Bayelsa State government yesterday said it had taken measures to protect residents from the spread of Lassa Fever.

Commissioner for Health Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu said though no case of the fever had been reported in any part of the state, the government rolled out programmes to stop outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

Speaking while presenting his ministry’s scorecard at the ongoing Inter-Ministerial/Agency Briefing at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, he said the people were being sensitised on the need to maintain hygienic environment.

He said: “There is no reported case of Lassa Fever in any part of the state but our people need to be conscious of their environment and if there is any incident of the disease, please report it to the nearest hospital for prompt attention.

“We need to be proactive in the way and manner we handle health related and other issues, that is why the present administration is committing so much to the sector.”

Three dead in Imo

No fewer than three persons have been confirmed dead following the outbreak of lassa fever in Imo State.

Commissioner of Health Dr Angela Uwakwem confirmed the deaths in a chat with The Nation.

According to her, “lassa fever is in Owerri. It has been confirmed”.

The commissioner disclosed that the three persons who contacted the deadly virus, died after they were referred out of the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Owerri.

Uwakwem said: “We have seven suspected cases of lassa fever in the state. Three are confirmed dead. The Imo state government is working hard to establish the point of first contact .the media should equally help us to enlighten our people.”

The Chief Medical Director of the FMC, Dr Kingsley Achigbu, disclosed that the lassa fever victims who were referred to the hospital were later referred out.

Governor Rochas Okorocha said the state government has taken necessary steps to bring the situation under control.

Okorocha said: “This morning we woke up to hear that Lassa fever has killed three persons and we also have seven cases of Lassa fever patients and this number is too large for a State. And we are concerned about the speed of spread. These cases were recorded in some hospitals, somewhere in Orlu and some other parts of the State. For this reason, we kindly advise that people should avoid over crowded areas, lessen the shaking of hands, and body contacts at this period.

“You are aware that Lassa fever is caused by some species of rats. The state is on it. The Ministry of Health has been adequately informed to take all necessary steps to curtail the spread. But as this number has risen this morning, we advise that people should avoid as much as possible some foods and body contacts especially in schools and market areas.

“We will do everything humanly possible to make sure that this spread is curtailed. While government is taking this action, people should keep a clean and healthy environment at this time. Avoid so many children staying in one place while government should handle the burial of those that died of Lassa fever. As you know, Lassa fever is deadly but if any discovery is made, live can be saved.”

January 25, 2018
As Benue marches on

While watching the telecast of the mass burial of the Benue killings on television, the son of a friend asked his father: “Daddy, why are they killing little children. My teacher told me that children are like angels, so why did they kill that little angel? He was pointing to the coffin of a child among those of the adults killed. Even a child was at a loss as to why an individual will kill another. The Benue killings – which is one too many – clearly shows that Nigeria is bleeding profusely and she needs “doctors” to help stop the hemorrhaging before she bleeds to death.

For the people of Benue and Taraba states, the New Year opened with unimaginable bloodshed – 73 people were gruesomely murdered in Benue while over 55 were killed in Taraba. Before these, there were several killings and wanton destruction of properties in some parts of the country. It appears to be getting worse. The mass burial given to the victims of the Benue massacre will move even the strongest hearts. What are the motivations for killing another human being in cold blood? Worse still, why kill a mere child?

All fingers pointed toward marauding herdsmen as those behind these orgies of killings. Are these herdsmen so elusive – like ghosts – that they cannot be apprehended or their activities checked by security operatives? The sometimes stoic silence of President Muhammadu Buhari is not helping matters at all giving credence to conspiracy theories that he may have a hand in the killings by tacitly supporting the herdsmen because they’re from the same ethnic makeup.

Nigeria is sliding and it is high time the president condemned these unnecessary killings in the strongest possible terms. Better still, perpetrators must be apprehended, tried and made to pay the price for their barbaric actions. A human life is sacred and no other human being has the right to take the life of another. Nigeria needs to heal, but the challenge remains: who are those that can start this national healing process?

Though it is only God that can really console grieving families in cases of this nature, the president’s sympathetic words, can go a long way in cushioning the grief of mourning families. We often watch on satellite television how former president Barack Obama of the USA often reaches out to his countrymen after senseless killings in his country. Our president’s sometimes stoic silence is giving room to the proliferations of conspiracy theories. Mr. President Sir, silence is not a strategy in periods like these. Nigerians need to hear your voice and not that of spokespersons. Nigerians need to feel your “hug” and a very big “hug” it should be.

As Benue mourns her dead, she has suddenly become the ‘beautiful bride’ as politicians’ cash in on the tragedy to subtly push their agenda. First to hit the trail was the leadership of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Middle Belt and South South Forum. They urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to embrace the call for the restructuring of the country to save it from imminent collapse. While declaring their support for the anti-open grazing prohibition law enacted by the Benue state government, they urged other state governments to adopt the law in their various states to check the menace of herdsmen in the country, noting that it was the way to go.

Also determined not to be caught pants down or napping, some Northern governors stormed Makurdi a few days later to push their own narrative. The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, who led northern governors pleaded with the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, not to resign from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum over herdsmen killings in the state. Shettima was accompanied on the trip by governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Simon Lalong (Plateau).

Governor Shettima, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said they were in Benue to commiserate with Ortom on the killings. But midway into his speech there was murmuring from some guests who expressed dismay that he did not condemn the attack or made mention of the Fulani herdsmen in his address. He however, used the occasion to accuse South West and South-south leaders of coming to score cheap political points by politicising the herdsmen killings.

As these dramas played out, I’m sure not one of these politicians would be able to name just one of the 73 people killed. The unfortunate thing is that the victims are just numbers – except to family members and neighbours who will continue to feel the pains. This is the sad part of our commentary as a nation; people hide behind outlandish rationale trying to justify the killing of another human being. Except we become rationale, things might sort themselves out the way we never expect.

Ripples from these visits are still being felt. Last week, The Benue Advancement Forum described the visit of northern governors to Ortom as “a mockery” and “belated.” In the same vein, the Tiv Professionals Group said it welcomed the alliance of the South/Middle Belt Forum with Benue State and expressed support for the restructuring of Nigeria. In separate press briefings by the two groups, they expressed support for the anti-open grazing law and insisted that there was no going back.

Prof. David Iornem, the leader of BAF demanded an outright apology from the northern governors because “There was no genuine intention in their visit, rather they came to mock us. Imagine them saying we have politicised the killings. It was an insult on the people of Benue. They should tender an apology, or else, we may be forced to back out of all the northern meetings.”

The tone was further echoed by Prof. Zacharys Gundu of the Tiv Professionals Group who applauded the visit of southern leaders to the state and welcomed their alliance. “We commend the National Assembly and other socio-cultural groups, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum and the South-South, for their alliances and solidarity with the people of the state.

“We commend them for condemning the Fulani genocide and ethnic cleansing of our people. We welcome their invitation to stand with us and consider our injury as their own. We strongly support calls for the country’s restructuring, including the establishment of state police, and will work with other groups to ensure the restructuring agenda is achieved as soon as possible.”

Americans often say. ‘The buck stops at the president’s table.’ It really does. I urge President Buhari to take a “trip” to Rwanda and learn an eternal lesson on how that country healed after an unimaginable genocide that exposes the crass wickedness of the human heart.

After the horrific and barbaric 1994 genocide, Paul Kagame, who became the president after leading a rebel movement, knew that the first step toward recovery is not revenge killings but to de-emphasise the word “tribe” and bring his country men and women together. He rallied his people together charging them to see themselves as Rwandese, and not “Hutu” or “Tutsi”. He was smart enough to know that the utmost goal of citizens of any nation is peace, security and prosperity, if these abound friction would be less likely. He was also smart to know that if the economy of any nation is robust citizens’ care less about which leader or political power is in power.

I make bold to say that leadership plays a crucial role in the development of any society; a look at the leadership structure of a society says a whole lot about that society, which is why John Maxwell, who has written and researched on the subject, said everything rises and falls on leadership. Leadership can either move a people forward or backward, it can cause incalculable damage that in some cases may require decades to amend. As a student of history and political economy, I’ve taken the pains to study the critical path of nations, and in my studies and research, I’ve discovered that leadership plays a fundamental role.

We need such leadership at this critical stage because it will take the highest form of statesmanship trying to appeal or convince the people of Benue – who are in so much pain right now – to “in the name of God” accommodate their “countrymen.”

January 25, 2018
Lassa Fever: 107 suspected cases in 10 states

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has confirmed that Since the beginning of this year, a total number of 107 suspected Lassa fever cases have been recorded in ten States: Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo and Lagos States. As at 21st January 2018, the total number of confirmed cases is 61, with 16 deaths recorded. Ten health care workers have been infected in four States (Ebonyi – seven, Nasarawa – one, Kogi – one and Benue – one) with three deaths in Ebonyi State.

It stated that Following the increasing number of Lassa fever cases reported from several States across the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response to the outbreak on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health.

The EOC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to the most affected States- Ebonyi, Ondo and Edo States. The RRTs are supporting the States in response coordination, contact tracing, case management, risk communication and strengthening infection prevention and control practices. Emergency supplies have also been sent to treatment centres in all affected States.

NCDC stated that it is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, African Field Epidemiology Network, US Centers for Disease Control, University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB), Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) and other agencies, in supporting the response in the affected States.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures. Health care workers in health facilities are particularly at risk of contracting the disease, especially where infection prevention and control procedures are not strictly adhered to.

Lassa fever can be prevented through practicing good personal hygiene and proper environmental sanitation. Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households, and other measures to discourage rodents from entering homes. Hand washing should be practiced frequently.

The organisation reminded Health care workers that Lassa fever presents initially like any other disease causing a febrile illness such as malaria; and are advised to practice standard precautions at all times, maintaining a high index of suspicion. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) must be applied to all suspected cases of malaria. When the RDT is negative, other causes of febrile illness including Lassa fever should be considered. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment increase the chances of survival.

Family members who are providing care for patients with Lassa fever should take extra caution. In addition, States are encouraged to ensure safe and dignified burial practices for patients who die from Lassa fever.

January 24, 2018
Benue, Taraba to partner on security

BENUE and Taraba States have agreed to resist reported plots by Fulani pastoralists to takeover people’s lands.

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Darius Ishaku spoke yesterday in Takum, at the burial of a member of Taraba House of Assembly, Hosea Ibi, who was killed by kidnappers.

According to Ortom, the land which the herdsmen are claiming was passed to the Benue people by their forefathers.

He maintained that God brought him and Ishaku to strengthen the bond between their states, promising that they will fight and defeat crime.

Ortom hailed the people and government of Taraba for standing firm in the implementation of Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, which he said could end farmers/herdsmen crises.

Ishaku said the law was enacted to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state.

He lamented the level of insecurity, and called on security agencies to reverse the trend.

The governors reaffirmed their rejection of the proposed cattle colony, urging other states to embrace ranching as the global best practice for animal husbandry.

January 24, 2018
Kogi to evolve Cassava Value Chain Policy

The Kogi Government has partnered with Synergos Nigeria to evolve a Cassava Value Chain policy as part of efforts to reposition the agriculture sector in line with the Federal Government’s policy.

Mr Victor Adejoh, Synergos Nigeria’s Field Manager for Kogi, Benue and Kaduna states, implementing the State Partnership for Agriculture (SPA), disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Lokoja.

Adejoh said the government has also concluded arrangements to organise a Mini Summit on Cassava from where the policy would evolve.

He said that aside evolving a policy on cassava value chain, the summit was also aimed at promoting the Agriculture sector towards eventual diversification of the economy.

Read also: Kogi ’s IGR hits N1b monthly

According to him, the summit, a brainchild of the Agricultural Vision Group ( AVG ) and Agricultural Innovation Group ( AIG ) of the SPA, will also help reposition the state on the world map in Cassava Value Chain.

“The mini-summit will through a participatory and inclusive panelist engagement, elicit inclusive steps to evolve a Cassava Value Chain Policy to position Kogi on the world map in the Cassava Value Chain”, he said.

Adejoh said that the summit would be chaired and co-chaired by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Kehinde Oloruntoba and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria ( AFAN ) President in the state, Mrs Rabi Emaiku respectively.

He said that the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with key ministries, departments and Agencies of government and non-state actors in the Cassava value chain were promoters of the mini Cassava summit billed for Jan.24.

The Synergos Field Manager said Kogi Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Development Project ( ADP ), Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the State Bureau for Public Private Partnership ( BPPP ) would be participating in the summit.

Other participants, he said, included Kogi Chapter of AFAN, FADAMA, Nigerian Cassava Growers Association, CrestAgro Farms Ltd., Unicane Ltd, Bank of Agriculture and NIRSAL.

Also listed are Kogi Network of NGOs, Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agricultural ( KOCIMMA ), Federal Ministry of Environment and Small-Scale Women Farmers Organization of Nigeria ( SWOFON )

NAN

January 22, 2018
Anti-open grazing law will enable herdsmen’s children acquire education – Bishop

Bishop William Aveya of Gboko Catholic Diocese in Benue has said that the anti-open grazing law passed by the state government would enable children of herdsmen to acquire education.

“Open grazing makes it impossible for the children of herdsmen to acquire education because they remain in the bush chasing cows.

“If the herdsmen embrace ranches, the children will be less busy with the cattle and have more time for education which is very crucial to a better future,” Avenya told the news men, in Gboko on Monday.

The herdsmen, under the aegis of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), have remained opposed to the law and have vowed to resist it.

But Avenya said that the law would promote and protect the rights of herdsmen’s children usually denied their rights and privileges.

“Nigeria is a signatory to many Child Right charters and conventions that seek to protect and enhance children’s welfare.

“While other children enjoy such rights and privileges, herdsmen’s children are left behind because they are holed up in the hinterland running after cows and getting exposed to the vagaries of the environment.

Read Also: ‘Lalong not opposed to anti- grazing law’

“It is certainly not fair to leave the herdsmen’s children uneducated because that will denies them the privilege of exploring opportunities in life,” he said.

He argued that cattle ranching was the best option that could provide some comfort for cattle, herders and their children, adding that cattle feeding would be improved at the ranches.

Avenya appealed to herdsmen to accept the law as a panacea to frequent farmers/herders clashes and explore its immense benefits.

He challenged Nigerians resident in the North-East to evolve ways of reclaiming the desert wastelands, and suggested the growing of grasses to help tackle desertification and provide pasture for cattle.

Avenya, however, condemned the killing of innocent people by gunmen, and called on the Federal Government to encourage ranching as a way out of the frequent skirmishes.

The Bishop said that the Church would not encourage reprisal attacks saying, saying that such action had no place in the Christian faith.

“Instead of carrying arms in self defense, we must encourage each other to pray for the attackers so that God will arrest their spirit and purge them of such wickedness,” he said.

NAN

January 22, 2018
Fed Govt ‘must’ stop violence in Benue, others

The National President of Igbo Youth for Positive Change in Nigeria, Chinedu Obigwe, has condemned the killing of a monarch from Taraba State and 28 others by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

He said the Federal Government should stop the violence, to prevent Nigerians from resorting to self defence.

Obigwe supported Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom’s demand that President Muhammadu Buhari should prosecute leaders of Miyetti Allah for failing to fish out the bad eggs among herdsmen.

He said the failure had made Nigerians to see herdsmen as murderers.

Obigwe said as the 2019 general election approaches, President Buhari should stop senseless killing by herdsmen, to prevent it from affecting his chances at the polls.

He hailed the President for his efforts to better the lives of Nigerians, saying he should be supported because he meant well for Nigerians.

Obigwe urged politicians to avoid heating up the polity ahead of the elections, noting that the country’s unity is a task for all Nigerians.

He advised the leadership of Ohanaeze Youth Wing to regard Chief Nnia Nwodo as the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

January 22, 2018
Our position, by Kogi, Benue govts

The Director General on Media and Publicity in Kogi State, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, said: “We have not had any such report from the security chiefs here. Kogi is relatively safe and if anything of such magnitude was detected, we would have been briefed.

Kogites should continue to go about their businesses peacefully as there is no security threat.

“However, as a result of the successful operation of our gallant military men in the North East, many Boko Haram terrorists have relocated to many parts of the country, including Kogi and Edo states. The dedication of the Governor Yahaya Bello Administration to security has dislodged the terrorist elements.

“Operation Total Freedom has crushed their network and many arrested suspects are currently standing trial in competent courts of jurisdiction.

“We are aware that the Boko Haram have links with international terrorist groups, such as the ISIS. But we don’t have a major threat in Kogi State.

“The Office of the State Security Adviser has been able to work effectively with Operation Total Freedom to dislodge all criminal elements and organisations in the state. Kogi is safe.”

Mr Tahav Aghezua, the Special Adviser on Media to Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, said:

The Miyetti Allah Hore in May 2017 threatened to mobilise Fulani around the world to attack Benue to claim the land in the state which they said belonged to them.

After the open threat at a news conference and which was published by newspapers, the Benue State Government wrote to the Federal Government and security agencies and nothing was done until the January 1 attack.

“It is not impossible that these people were mobilised to join forces to attack our people.”

January 22, 2018