News
SGF Condemns Killing Of MACBAN Chairman In Benue, Demands Swift Arrest And Prosecution Of Perpetrators
BY FRANCIS WILFRED
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has expressed profound shock, sadness and outrage over the gruesome killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate.According to a release by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, Akume describes the dastardly act as reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue State have worked painstakingly to rebuild.
The SGF notes with grave concern that the incident occurred at a time when the state has continued to witness encouraging improvements in security and the gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities. He warns that enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains already recorded through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.
Senator Akume, who throughout his tenure as Governor of Benue State consistently preached peaceful coexistence and unity among all residents, irrespective of ethnic, cultural or religious differences, reiterates that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
He therefore urged all communities in Benue State to reject every attempt by criminal elements to sow seeds of discord, hatred and reprisals, stressing that no individual or group should take the law into their hands. According to him, lasting peace remains the strongest foundation for attracting investment, expanding agriculture, creating jobs and guaranteeing a better future for all citizens.The SGF extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku, the leadership and members of MACBAN, and all those affected by the tragic incident.
Akume calls on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to immediately carry out a thorough, transparent and painstaking investigation into the killings, insisting that no stone must be left unturned in identifying, arresting and prosecuting everyone connected with the heinous crime. He recalls that following the horrific killings in Yelwata, he unequivocally demanded that those behind the atrocity be tracked down and brought to justice. Today, those suspects have been apprehended and are currently standing trial.
The SGF insists that the same resolve must be demonstrated in this case, stressing that those responsible for the murder of the MACBAN Chairman and his associate must likewise be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law. “The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the SGF stated.
Senator Akume further reiterates the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to confronting insecurity in all its forms across the country. He notes that the President has continued to provide the nation’s security and intelligence agencies with the necessary support, resources and strategic direction to decisively tackle criminality and ensure that every part of Nigeria is safe for citizens to live, work and pursue legitimate livelihoods.
The SGF urges all residents of Benue State to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations, and continue to support all efforts aimed at strengthening peace, security and harmonious coexistence throughout the state.
News
Group Lists Tinubu’s Achievements, Reaffirms Support For Renewed Hope Agenda
Supporters of Team Gbaja on Friday held a sensitisation and mobilisation rally for Nigeria’s North Central Zone, where they reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for what they described as his commitment to public service.
Addressing participants at the rally, the National Spokesperson of Team Gbaja, Tabuko Kennedy, said the gathering was aimed at promoting democratic participation, peaceful engagement, and national development.
Kennedy said supporters of the Tinubu administration believe the government’s performance should be assessed based on “measurable actions and visible results,” highlighting several initiatives and developments they said demonstrate progress under the current administration.
Among the achievements cited were the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State through what he described as a coordinated multi-agency security operation without the payment of ransom.
He also pointed to the commencement of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as one of Nigeria’s largest infrastructure projects intended to improve transportation, trade, and economic growth.
Other initiatives highlighted included the implementation of the Student Loan Scheme to improve access to higher education, increased investment in federal road infrastructure across the country’s six geopolitical zones, reforms in the oil and gas sector aimed at boosting local refining capacity, enhanced collaboration among security agencies to address insecurity, and
ongoing economic reforms focusing on agriculture, investment, digital innovation, and social intervention programmes.
According to Kennedy, these initiatives have strengthened the confidence of many supporters in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and justify continued public support.
He urged participants to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the rally, stressing that the event was intended to exercise citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.
“We are not here to insult anyone. We are not here to threaten anyone. We are here to demonstrate our constitutional right to freedom of expression and association,” he said.
Kennedy also encouraged supporters to continue engaging their communities through peaceful mobilisation, civic participation, voter education, and constructive dialogue aimed at promoting national unity, security, and development.
The rally concluded with calls for continued support for Team Gbaja, the North Central Zone, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
News
Group Rallies Support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Lauds Gbajabiamila
Supporters of Team Gbaja on Friday held a sensitisation and mobilisation rally for Nigeria’s North Central Zone, where they reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for what they described as his commitment to public service.
Addressing participants at the rally, the National Spokesperson of Team Gbaja, Tabuko Kennedy, said the gathering was aimed at promoting democratic participation, peaceful engagement, and national development.
Kennedy said supporters of the Tinubu administration believe the government’s performance should be assessed based on “measurable actions and visible results,” highlighting several initiatives and developments they said demonstrate progress under the current administration.
Among the achievements cited were the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State through what he described as a coordinated multi-agency security operation without the payment of ransom.
He also pointed to the commencement of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as one of Nigeria’s largest infrastructure projects intended to improve transportation, trade, and economic growth.
Other initiatives highlighted included the implementation of the Student Loan Scheme to improve access to higher education, increased investment in federal road infrastructure across the country’s six geopolitical zones, reforms in the oil and gas sector aimed at boosting local refining capacity, enhanced collaboration among security agencies to address insecurity, and ongoing economic reforms focusing on agriculture, investment, digital innovation, and social intervention programmes.
According to Kennedy, these initiatives have strengthened the confidence of many supporters in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and justify continued public support.
He urged participants to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the rally, stressing that the event was intended to exercise citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.
“We are not here to insult anyone. We are not here to threaten anyone. We are here to demonstrate our constitutional right to freedom of expression and association,” he said.
Kennedy also encouraged supporters to continue engaging their communities through peaceful mobilisation, civic participation, voter education, and constructive dialogue aimed at promoting national unity, security, and development.
The rally concluded with calls for continued support for Team Gbaja, the North Central Zone, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
News
FG to Launch Military Medical College for Armed Forces in 2026
By Abigail David
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences, with the first set of military medical cadets expected to begin training during the 2026 academic session.
Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, announced the initiative in Abuja while inaugurating a Technical Working Group tasked with accelerating the college’s establishment. According to a statement from the ministry, the institution is intended to provide a dedicated pipeline of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals trained specifically for military service.
Alausa said the project would reduce the Armed Forces’ reliance on civilian universities for medical personnel and strengthen healthcare support for military operations. He noted that the college would focus on producing professionals equipped to meet the unique demands of military and battlefield medicine.
The minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to expand medical education nationwide, stating that admissions into Medicine and Dentistry have increased to over 10,000 annually, while nursing enrolment has risen significantly.
The Technical Working Group, comprising representatives from the Ministries of Education and Defence, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders, has been directed to develop the curriculum, secure accreditation and ensure the institution is ready for the 2026 academic session.
Chairman of the committee, Major General Idris Babatunde Solebo, said the college would operate from the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna and follow a model similar to the Uniformed Services University in the United States. He added that medical cadets would receive both academic and military training, including battlefield medicine and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
According to Solebo, the Armed Forces currently face a significant shortage of medical personnel, making the new institution a key step toward strengthening military healthcare capacity.
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