The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benue

  • Bishops reject calls for emergency rule in Benue

    Bishops reject calls for emergency rule in Benue

    The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Benue Chapter, has rejected calls by some of their colleagues for the declaration of a state of emergency rule in the state.

    State Overseer of the conference, Archbishop Alexander Nyoonkyegh, said on Saturday in Makurdi that Gov. Hyacinth Alia was their brother in the vineyard and must be protected by true men of God.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some bishops had earlier called for an emergency rule in Benue over growing insecurity.

    But Nyoonkyegh said that Benue does not need emergency rule but a united front to confront the common enemy.

    The archbishop said what the state needed at this crucial moment was unity and support for the governor to succeed.

    “What we need now in Benue is unity and support for the governor to succeed. Let us help him to succeed because he is heading in the right direction.

    “We cannot continue to talk about military takeover or emergency rule in Benue. We are not even sure that a Benue son will be appointed as the sole administrator.

    “Look at what happened in Rivers. A sole administrator was appointed for Rivers who is from another state,” he said.

    He also stated that even the Bible has admonished them to be submissive to authorities, adding that only God gives authority to people.

    “As fathers of faith, when you have a son and brother in the vineyard and they are doing well, you say, brother, keep it up. Recently we were here crying on the issue of insecurity, and there were reasons to support our cries.

    “Fr Alia is our brother in the vineyard, and we will continue to pray for him to succeed. What we know is that there is no authority that is not given from God.

    “And the Bible says we must be submissive to the authorities. Yes, we are prophets, but we are submissive to the authorities here on earth too.

    Read Also: Benue people will decide its future

    “What we need here is development, and the governor is developing the state, so what else can we ask for?

    “Apart from issues of insecurity, which he is trying, and we are seeing some of his efforts, what fundamental offence has he committed?” he asked.

    Nyoonkyegh further commended President Bola Tinubu for continually standing with Benue people and currently directing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to relocate to the state and address the growing insecurity.

    “We cried with faith in God, and he is hearing our prayers, and we believe that this mystery that we have witnessed in the last few days since the arrival of the Chief of Army should continue.

    “Since his arrival, we have not heard of any further attack on our people. Let the peace be maintained, he said.

    (NAN)

  • Catholic Bishops demand govt’s action over Benue massacre

    Catholic Bishops demand govt’s action over Benue massacre

    The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) yesterday condemned what it described as barbaric massacre of innocent people in Benue State.

    The Catholic Bishops also mourned with those affected by the flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which led to the loss of many lives, properties and displacement of communities.

    In a statement signed by its President and Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji, the Bishops called on the Federal and Benue State governments to take swift and firm decisions in addressing the bloodletting in the state, and ensuring all perpetrators were apprehended and prosecuted.

    While insisting there was no justification whatsoever for the continuous bloodletting in the state and across the country, the bishops noted that the relentless attacks on innocent and defenceless communities under the watch of civil authorities constitutes a grave moral and constitutional failure.

    The statement reads in part: “These cold-blooded attacks on defenceless communities where countless have been

    slaughtered, homes destroyed, and families left in anguish—are an affront to God, a stain on our shared humanity, and a terrifying reminder of the utter breakdown of security in our land. This carnage must end!

    Read Also: My tour of Benue not political, says ex-information minister Maku

    “We recognise the efforts of the Benue State Government, especially in the areas of infrastructural development, the opening of impoverished neighbourhoods in Makurdi through road construction, the improved transportation system connecting surrounding villages to the capital, and the consistent payment of salaries to civil servants between the 23rd and 25th of each month. These are commendable strides in governance.

    “However, no matter how well a government pays salaries or builds roads, its failure to protect human lives renders its achievements hollow. The sanctity of human life is supreme. It is sacred. It is inviolable. Any government that fails to make the safety and protection of its citizens and their property its foremost priority abdicates its fundamental responsibility and moral legitimacy.

    “We, therefore, call on the Government of Benue State, and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria, to rise beyond mere rhetoric and take immediate, firm, and sustained action to secure lives and restore hope to our people. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay. We call on the security agencies to end the culture of impunity and bring professionalism, intelligence, and compassion to bear in addressing the deepening insecurity.

    “Every Nigerian life matters. Every single death in such circumstances is a national tragedy and a scandal against our common humanity.”

    The Bishops noted they were; “deeply saddened by the devastating floods in Mokwa and surrounding areas in Niger State that have resulted in enormous loss of life, injury, displacement, and destruction of homes and infrastructure.”

    While commending the government’s response so far, the bishops stated that the scale of disaster calls for urgent, coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts to restore hope and dignity to the affected communities, even as they called for measures to prevent future occurrences anywhere in the country.

  • Benue people will decide its future

    Benue people will decide its future

    Sir: Since 2007, after serving for eight years as the third elected governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume has undeniably played a recurring role in influencing who becomes governor of Benue State. But curiously—and tellingly—his influence has tended to last only through part of the first term of those he installs. History has consistently proven that Akume’s overreach, often cloaked in “leadership,” eventually leads to avoidable fractures within his camp and setbacks for the party he belonged to: the (now defunct) Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) or the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue.

    In 2007, Akume supported Gabriel Suswam’s rise as the 4th elected governor. Their alliance crumbled, and Suswam forced Akume out of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Akume fled to the then-Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), fielding the calm and competent Ambassador Prof. Steve Ugbah against Suswam in 2011. Suswam prevailed, but Akume clung to his Senate seat.

    By 2013, a historic merger birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akume rode this wave to foist Samuel Ortom, a PDP defector, as APC gubernatorial candidate in 2015—abandoning his long-standing ally, Ambassador Ugbah. Ortom won, defeating by more than 100, 000 votes Suswam’s preferred candidate, Terhemen Tarzoor (“The Man Wey Sabi”).

    But Akume turned against Ortom too, about midway into his first term. I was among stakeholders from Benue Zone A who visited the Government House Makurdi in May 2018, led by our late leader, Papa Wantaregh Paul Unongu, and pleaded with Governor Ortom to not leave the APC. Sadly, he couldn’t endure the meddling anymore and decamped back to PDP, where he defeated Akume’s anointed APC candidate, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, in 2019. So, APC lost Benue. That same year, Akume too lost his own Senate seat to Hon. Orker Jev—a historic personal defeat. Later the same year, President Buhari offered Akume a lifeline appointment as a federal minister after this defeat.

    Even after President Buhari had appointed Ambassador Ugbah as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia and Belarus in 2017—a critical diplomatic post—Akume, inexplicably, barely a year after Buhari had offered him a political lifeline in 2019, influenced his recall in 2020. In his place, nominating no other than “The Man Wey Sabi,” Mr Tarzoor, sending him to far less strategic Namibia. The logic? Personal preference trumping Benue’s interest. During a 2022 visit to Russia, I heard first-hand the high praise for Ugbah’s diplomatic leadership—testimonies that make his recall a clear act of political sabotage, not national service.

    Fast-forward to today: Akume—now a federal appointee under President Bola Tinubu—is once again fighting the sitting governor, Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Benue’s sixth elected governor. From ignoring Alia’s nominee for ministerial appointment to stirring propaganda, distractions, and internal party friction, Akume seems committed to another season of political instability in Benue.

    Read Also: Tinubu can build ‘Nigeria of our dreams’ – Wike

    But this time, the script may not go as he’s used to. Governor Alia enjoys widespread popularity, commands the respect and cooperation of the Benue State House of Assembly, and has earned the loyalty of the APC state structure under Comrade Omale. The 23 Local Government Chairmen in Benue State, overwhelmingly elected on APC’s platform and recently affirmed by the Appeal Court, further signal where the wind of legitimacy is blowing.

    To those who claim, even after this legal validation, that “Akume will decide in 2031,” I ask: Who decides for Benue? One man or the people? How about 2027? And who knows what a day will bring forth? Let us remember that we are mortal men, not the only True God.

    Governor Alia’s inclusive leadership, prudent governance, and statesmanlike respect for political elders—such as Senator Barnabas Gemade, Akume’s own political godfather (who was instrumental in then-civil servant Akume becoming governor of Benue State in 1999)—are refreshing. He doesn’t trade insults; he works across party lines to develop Benue. In him, we see that Christian faith, humility, and administrative wisdom are not mutually exclusive.

    Let it be made clear: Benue APC is not one man’s farm. It is a platform built by many, sustained by people’s trust, and led today by a governor who has refused to be distracted from the mission of governance.

    This is no longer the Benue of 2007 or 2015. Governor Alia is not leaving the APC; instead, he is building it into a real development vehicle. If Akume’s playbook remains stuck in the politics of imposition, disrespect, and removal, then both 2027 and 2031 may well repeat a familiar ending: one in which the Benue people—not a power broker—decide their governor.

    It is time for all Benue sons and daughters to embrace developmental politics over power games. Politics should not merely be about elections or appointments, but about improving lives. That is the politics Governor Alia is modelling. That is the politics Benue must defend.

    •Prof. Leonard Karshima Shilgba shilgba@gmail.com

  • 10 killed, houses burnt in Benue communities

    10 killed, houses burnt in Benue communities

    • Northern CAN condemns persistent killings

    No fewer than 10 persons have been killed by suspected herdsmen in Aondona, Vegav in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue.

    The attacks started on Saturday, according to the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Victor Ormin, on Makurdi-Naka Road, where a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomom Atongu was shot, while two occupants of his vehicle were abducted.

    Fr.V. Atongo, who is the priest of St.John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, is receiving treatment at a hospital in Makurdi.

     Ormin raised the alarm that suspected herdsmen had taken over Aondona on Taraku-Naka Road, off Otukpo-Makurdi highway, which they raided from 6pm on Sunday to 4 am yesterday unchallenged despite the presence of a military base in the area.

    “They shot and killed people, at the same time set houses ablaze in Aondona town,’’ he said.

    A resident, John Akusa, said 10 bodies had been recovered, but the casualty figure might be higher because some people were still missing.

    The Nation learnt that of the 15 wards in Gwer Local Government Area, herdsmen have taken over 14, while the residents who are farmers have taken refuge in Naka, the council headquarters.

    All access roads leading to Naka have been blocked by the herdsmen.

    The state Police Command officers said they were yet to get the report of the crisis.

    Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned persistent killings in Benue.

    Read Also: 2025 UTME result ranks best in 12 years despite glitches, says JAMB

    It noted that the violence had led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

    A statement by the factional Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, called on the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to find a lasting solution to the killinga.

    “Without prompt and coordinated action, the lives of the citizens he was elected to protect remain in grave danger.

    “As the farming season approaches, there is growing concern over whether farmers will be able to cultivate their land.

    “The implications for food security and economic stability in Benue State and beyond could be severe.

    “We also call on the people of Benue State to remain united and work closely with security agencies to bring an end to these senseless killings.

    “Community vigilance, cooperation, and collective resolve are essential in overcoming this crisis.

    “We urge the Christian community across Benue State to remain steadfast in prayer.

    “We believe that through earnest supplication, purposeful leadership, and unified action, the evil threatening the lives and livelihoods of our people can be overcome. May God grant peace and healing to Benue State and strengthen every effort aimed at restoring justice, safety, and harmony,” he added.

  • Northern CAN condemns persistent killings in Benue

    Northern CAN condemns persistent killings in Benue

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned persistent killings in Benue State by criminal herdsmen in recent times.

    Northern CAN noted that the acts of violence had led to the loss of innocent lives and widespread destruction of property in the area.

    A statement on Sunday by the factional chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, called on the Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to take decisive action in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state to find a lasting solution to the killings.

    Recall that a leadership crisis has hit the Northern CAN since February, when another group conducted an election and produced Rev. Joseph Hayab as the Chairman of the Northern CAN.

    The Rev. Pam-led group had instituted a legal action at the Federal High Court, Kaduna, challenging the election of Rev. Hayab.

    Meanwhile, the two factional groups are respectively laying claims to the leadership of the Northern CAN and have been issuing press statements independently on national issues.

    The statement by Rev. Pam read in part, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory strongly condemns the ongoing wave of violent attacks and killings in Benue State being perpetrated by criminal herdsmen.

    “These acts of violence have led to the tragic loss of innocent lives and widespread destruction of property.

    “The scale and frequency of these attacks have made it nearly impossible for farmers to access their lands, while ordinary citizens live under a constant cloud of fear.

    “We call on the Governor of Benue State, to take decisive action in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state.

    “It is imperative that all available resources be deployed to address this dire security challenge.

    “We urge the governor to empower local vigilante groups, similar to the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno, and community vigilantes in Zamfara State.

    “These community-based security structures have proven effective in confronting insecurity at the grassroots level.

    “Furthermore, we appeal to the governor to urgently seek support from the federal government and all relevant security agencies to end the killings.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Benue NASS APC Caucus endorses Tinubu for 2027

    “Without prompt and coordinated action, the lives of the citizens he was elected to protect remain in grave danger.

    “As the farming season approaches, there is growing concern over whether farmers will be able to cultivate their land.

    “The implications for food security and economic stability in Benue State and beyond could be severe.

    “We also call on the people of Benue State to remain united and work closely with security agencies to bring an end to these senseless killings.

    “Community vigilance, cooperation, and collective resolve are essential in overcoming this crisis.

    “We urge the Christian community across Benue State to remain steadfast in prayer.

    “We believe that through earnest supplication, purposeful leadership, and unified action, the evil threatening the lives and livelihoods of our people can be overcome. May God grant peace and healing to Benue State and strengthen every effort aimed at restoring justice, safety, and harmony”.

  • JUST IN: Catholic priest feared killed in Benue as diocese calls for prayers

    JUST IN: Catholic priest feared killed in Benue as diocese calls for prayers

    A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, was reportedly shot by suspected herdsmen on Saturday evening along the Makurdi-Naka road in Benue state.

    According to a statement by Rev. Joseph Beba, Chairman of the Diocesan Priests, Rev. Atongo was attacked while returning from Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area.

    Rev. Atongo serves as the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition following the attack.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Benue NASS APC Caucus endorses Tinubu for 2027

    The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has since called for prayers for the wounded priest as doctors work to save his life.

    As of press time, the Benue State Police Command had yet to confirm the incident.

  • Herdsmen shoot Catholic priest in Benue

    Herdsmen shoot Catholic priest in Benue

    A Catholic priest Rev Fr.Solomom Atongo was yesterday evening shot by hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen.

    According to a statement by Rev.Joseph Beba, who is the Chairman, Diocesan Priests , Rev. Atongo was shot on Makurdi- Naka road on his way from Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area.

    Rev .Atongo is the priest in charge of St Johns Quasi Parish, Jimba.

    His condition was said to be critical as he was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

    Read Also: Suspected herdsmen kill nine in Benue communities

    For the past two years the road from Makurdi to Naka has been  abandoned to the activities  of hoodlums who kidnapped and killed people on the road

    It was learnt that  Fr. Atongo was in the  company of two people when the hoodlums struck.

    After shooting the priest and thinking he was dead, the  herders reportedly whisked away  the other persons to an unknown destination.  There was no information about their whereabouts at press time.

  • JUST IN: NUC grants provisional license to Benue govt to establish new state varsity

    JUST IN: NUC grants provisional license to Benue govt to establish new state varsity

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted a provisional license to Benue State to establish a new state university.

    The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, presented the licence to the State’s Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia at the occasion.

    Ribadu said the institution, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BUSAST), located at Ihugh in Vandeikaya Local Government Area, Benue State, has become the second Benue state-owned university.

    He said that the new addition brought the number of state-owned universities in the country to 68 and the total universities in Nigeria to 299.

    “We expect that it will adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth for quality assurance, character development, and overall management of academics programmes.

    “I have no doubt that this university will play a vital role in shaping the future of education and especially agriculture in the development of this country.

    “Going forward, whenever you are ready, we will write the commission to send a team to look at the facilities on ground.

    “We will look at the communities, facilities, infrastructure, human capital, staff members and resources you have,’’ he said.

    On his part, the governor said the development marked a watershed moment in the state’s pursuit of academic excellence.

    Read Also: Suspected herders kill 10 in Benue community

    “For those who know the people of Benue and our quest for education, you will understand the joy with which we receive this recognition that has been accorded by the Commission.

    “We are indeed very grateful and want to assure the Executive Secretary of the NUC that Benue State will pursue the mandate of its university with all the zeal required.

    “We shall, in no time, put in place the necessary amenities and platforms that will enable us to drive the agenda and help this university to reach its full potential,’’ he said.

    (NAN)

  • Suspected herders kill 10 in Benue community

    Suspected herders kill 10 in Benue community

    • Bandits abduct five in Plateau

    Ten persons were reportedly killed in Mbakundu, Mbaya Ward, Buruku Local Government Area in Benue State on Sunday night, after suspected armed herdsmen stormed it, and set houses ablaze.

    Also, bandits attacked Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar district, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, abducting five residents on market day yesterday.

    In the melee that ensued in Benue, some people were gunned down by the invaders.

    The number of casualties is yet to be known but a member of the community who escaped from the attacks, Solomon Zawua, said he saw over 10 bodies on the ground.

    The attacks are coming when security personnel are being deployed to troubled communities.

    House of Representative member, representing  Buruku Federal constituency, Sekav Iyortyom, condemned the attacks and killings.

    Read Also: Deeper Life Pastor defiles teenager, procures abortion

    Iyortyom called on security agencies to provide security for his people to enable them to return to  their farms.

    The lawmakers called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials for the displaced.

    According to sources, the bandits burgled shops and business centres, carting away huge quantities of food items and medicines in Plateau.

    Our correspondent gathered that at the market, which attracts hundreds of visitors from neighbouring communities, traders sell food items, including flour, rice, beans, drinks and other items.

    Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader, told The Nation that the bandits arrived around 11 am, on motorcycles and started shootings when residents and visitors were transacting businesses, forcing people to flee.

  • You can’t shield state Assemblies from accountability, Group replies conference of speakers

    You can’t shield state Assemblies from accountability, Group replies conference of speakers

    The Citizens Coalition for Transparency and Accountability (CCTA) has strongly condemned the recent stance of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, who rejected the summons issued by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions to the Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly.

    In a statement released on Saturday, the CCTA called out the speakers for attempting to shield state assemblies from scrutiny, asserting that no institution or arm of government should be above accountability, especially in the face of allegations that could affect public trust and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.

    The CCTA described the response of the Conference of Speakers as an attempt to subvert the core principles of transparency and accountability that are fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic fabric. 

    According to the group, the Speakers’ objection to the National Assembly’s investigative powers is a flawed interpretation of the law designed to protect the interests of individuals, rather than the greater public good.

    “While we respect the autonomy of state legislatures, we must make it clear that no institution is beyond the reach of accountability. The people of Nigeria deserve to know how their representatives and leaders are conducting public affairs, whether at the federal or state level,” said Olufemi Adewale, President of the CCTA.

    The pro-democracy group argued that the National Assembly, under its constitutional mandate, has the power to intervene when there are clear allegations of misconduct, particularly when such allegations can tarnish the image of democratic institutions. 

    The CCTA emphasized that the checks and balances system is essential to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual or entity is able to undermine the trust placed in public offices.

    “The Conference of Speakers seems to forget that Nigeria’s democracy is not a system of unchecked autonomy for any of its parts. If state assemblies are exempted from public scrutiny, we risk creating a parallel system where state governors and legislators operate with impunity,” Adewale added.

    “The Constitution of Nigeria, under Sections 88 and 89, grants the National Assembly the authority to investigate any person or group involved in a matter of public concern. Section 88 empowers the National Assembly to conduct investigations into any issue of national interest, including those affecting the functioning of the government or the exercise of power. 

    “Section 89 further authorizes the National Assembly to issue summons and compel attendance, ensuring accountability across all levels of government. This power is not confined to federal matters alone but extends to issues affecting the broader democratic integrity of Nigeria.”

    In defense of the actions taken by the House of Representatives, the CCTA highlighted that the petitions in question were made by Guardians of Democracy and the Rule of Law, a civil society group, indicating that the issue was not a mere political ploy but a matter of public concern that warranted examination.

    The CCTA also pointed out that the National Assembly’s oversight role is not limited to federal issues alone, as established by the Constitution. 

    The group noted that the Federal Government has a vested interest in ensuring that all arms of government operate with the utmost integrity, particularly when matters of public interest and governance are at stake.

    “We cannot afford to ignore complaints from civil society or avoid investigating credible claims of wrongdoing. The people’s right to a transparent government cannot be trampled on by those who wish to shield corrupt practices,” the group asserted.

    The group’s called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to foster accountability, transparency, and good governance across Nigeria.

    It urged the Conference of Speakers to reconsider their position and allow the investigative process to unfold in the interest of the Nigerian people.

    “We challenge the Conference of Speakers to put aside political interests and support efforts to uncover the truth. Only through transparency and accountability can we safeguard the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” Adewale stated.