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Tag: Benue state

  • Police Kill Four Suspected Criminals in Benue State

    Police Kill Four Suspected Criminals in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    No fewer than four suspected notorious armed robbers have been allegedly killed by the Police in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Bodies of the criminals were paraded by the Police at Police headquarters in Makurdi.

    Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom who visited the scene where the bodies were displayed lauded the Police over their efforts which led to the killing of the the criminals.

    The Governor Implored the Police to Intensify efforts in the fight against armed robbers and other criminal elements such as kidnappers, armed bandits among others in the state.

    Ortom assured that his administration would continue to support the Police to rid the state of criminals.

    The Governor counselled those who indulge in different forms of criminality to desist forthwith, stressing that Government in collaboration with security operatives will not relent on their war against criminals.

    Also speaking, Police Commissioner, Benue State Command, Wali Abbas appreciated the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and the Governor for their unwavering support, assuring that they won’t relent in fighting crime in the state.

    Items recovered from the armed robbers include, guns, live ammunition and charms.

  • Suspected herdsmen Again Kill Eight Persons in Benue State

    Suspected herdsmen Again Kill Eight Persons in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Suspected herdsmen have reportedly attacked two Communities in Guma local Government Area of Benue State, killing eight Persons.

    Findings showed that four of the victims were massacred in Iye while the other four who were fisherman were murdered at the Akem River located within the same community.

    The Gunmen were said to have stormed the area in the early hours of the day during which they opened fire on the victims killing them on the spot.

    Day Break learned that many people who have fled the area for fear of being attacked are currently taking refuge in the neighboring communities.

    The attack on Iye community is coming on the heels of an attack on Ahentse community in Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area where five Persons were allegedly killed by unknown Gunmen.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, DSP Sewuese Annene could not be reached for comments as at the time of filing this report.

  • Benue People are not happy with you – Ortom tells Atiku

    Benue People are not happy with you – Ortom tells Atiku

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Sunday told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that Benue people are not happy with him because he abandoned them when they came under the siege of Fulani herdsmen.

    The Governor said the people of the state had expected the former Vice President to stand with the Tiv people who honored him with the Zege Mule Tiv being one of the highest Chieftaincy titles in Tiv land but when they needed a shelter he was not there for them.

    The Governor who spoke when he hosted the former Vice President in Makurdi explain that the Benue grazing law was not targeted at any ethic group insisting that the Benue people had no problems with the Fulanis or any other ethic group in the country.

    He said, ”I want everyone to understand that the challenge we have here today in Benue state is not about the Tiv and the Fulanis.

    “In the past, former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari was a Fulani, and in Benue state alone we had three Ministers and several other appointments. We also related very well, we had no issues.

    “When President Yar’Adua came, we saw a visionary leader within the little time we had with him, we saw that he meant well. He ensured that there was equity, fairness and justice. He ensured that Benue got the best.

    “We will not forget when you a Fulani man were the Vice President, you gave support to our people and our leaders.

    But when our state came under siege and we did not see you, we were not happy, I must tell you this.

    “This was a time we needed a shelter over us. If you go to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps you will discover that they are being bitten by the sun because of lack of shelter. But we thank you for coming today because it is said that it is better late than never.

    “I still want to repeat that we are being terrorized and harassed by Fulani terrorists who are not from this country. I am aware and I know from my research that the Fulani Nationalist Movement, FUNAM, and Miyetti Allah Kautal have claimed responsibilities for the attacks we suffered and I have persistently asked the President to disband them because they are dangerous.

    “Even when our people were killed on New Year’s Day of 2018 they came out and took responsibility. The other one in MACBAN, those ones are soft and friendly; they adopted our ranching law but asked for more time.

    “I must state that our ranching law is not targeted at Fulani or any ethic group group whatsoever, it is a win win for all. It sanctions those into open grazing and also sanctions those who rustle cattle.

    “As I talk to you there people who rustle cattle including, Tiv, Idoma, Igede and even some of my kinsmen who I ordered to be arrested when they went to rustle sheep and cattle. They are all in detention as we speak. So we are not targeting any ethnic group. We all know that globally open grazing is not accepted, but ranching is the accepted practice.

    “The challenge is the failure of the Federal Government to take decisive action against the Fulani groups like FUNAM and Fulani Kautal Hore.

    “I must let the whole world know that I have nothing against the Fulani because the best of my friends are from Fulani group. In my government I have Fulanis and the law is not out to harass anyone.”

    In his response, Alhaji Atiku who explained that he was unable to visit the state in its trying times because he was out of the country for further studies donated the sum of N50million for the upkeep of the IDPs in the state.

    While condemning the killings in the state, the former Vice President said he had issues with the way the entire Fulani race was profiled in the course of the crisis as violent people but admitted that he had reconciled with Governor Ortom for the clarifications he had given.

    He commended Governor Ortom for the growth of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state saying the explosion of the membership strength of the party in the state was a testimony of the exemplary leadership qualities of the Governor and the leadership of the party in the state.

    “On a daily basis the membership of the party is increasing in Benue state and it goes to show that the Governor is doing well as leader of the party in the state,” he said.

  • Atiku Visits Ortom In Benue, Donates N50m To IDPs

    Atiku Visits Ortom In Benue, Donates N50m To IDPs

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has visited Benue State and donated N50 million to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north-central state.

    Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom, Atiku also called for more support for IDPs.

    The former vice president also recalled how he led the first-ever private sector contribution to the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which elicited and encouraged others to support the course.

    While calling for peaceful co-existence between the Fulanis and other tribes in the state and country, he warned against ethnic profiling, especially of criminals.

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar poses for a group photograph with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and other govt officials on February 6, 2022. Credit: @atiku.

    He equally commended the administration of Governor Ortom for his peacebuilding efforts in Benue, calling on leaders to bring every Nigerian together, regardless of their religious, political, and ethnic differences.

    The former vice president said he told the governor that since his last visit to Benue in 2019, he has always wished to see the IDP camps.

    “I don’t label anybody, either ethnically or religiously. As leaders, we should try as much as possible to bring all our people together to understand themselves,” he said.

    “The other time I visited the IDPs camp in 2019, since then I have not returned. I want to announce my own donation for their upkeep of N50 million.

    “Let me recall at the beginning of the corona pandemic. I was one of the first initial donors in the private sector. My donation was not the highest, it was also N50 million. After that, so many donations came into billions.”

    Over 1.5 million persons have been displaced following the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in the state with several others killed.

  • Fire Guts Obasanjo’s Orchard Farm in Benue State

    Fire Guts Obasanjo’s Orchard Farm in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    The Orchard Farm belong to the former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo located at Howe, few kilometers from Aliede, headquarters of Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State has been gutted by fire.

    According to the Manager of the farm, Zubello Muhamed the incident occurred when he traveled out of the area for an official assignment during the weekend, explaining that he was informed at about 2pm that the farm was on fire.

    The Manager contended that all efforts to quench the fire was unsuccessful, stressing that the parameters of the farm has been carefully fire traced to avoid such incident.

    Muhammed who maintained that though the cause of the incident was yet to be unraveled, however alleged that it was not unconnected to the mischief makers who are demanding for compensation of the portion of the land where the farm is located.

    The Manager lamented that he had prevented several attempts to set the farm ablaze during this dry season, pointing out that despite numerous benefits members of the host community stand to benefit from the farm, they have insisted that compensation should be given to them.

    Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Gwer Local Government Area, Mr Emmanuel Ortserga who visited the scene of the fire incident, expressed suck. He directed security agents to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of the dasterdly act.

  • Dangote Cement Company Gboko Presents N10 Million Scholarship to Students in Benue State

    Dangote Cement Company Gboko Presents N10 Million Scholarship to Students in Benue State

    Dangote Cement Company Plc located in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State has presented the sum of Ten Million Scholarship cheque to the Mbayion Foundation for students of the community as part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility.

    Presenting the cheque at the premises of the company in Gboko, the Acting Plant Director, Engr. Munusamy Murugan averred that the firm has chosen to provide support in that regard.

    Engr. Murugan further explained that apart from the grant for educational attainment, the company through its corporate social responsibility policy has also provided electricity, borehole, rural roads, food palliative support and construction of classroom blocks among others.

    The Plant Director applauded the community for ensuring peaceful coexistence and sued for further collaborations with the community and stakeholders for the provision of more social amenities.

    Also speaking, the Chairman, Gboko Local Government, Mr James Kachina appreciated Dangote Cement Company for providing grants to the students of the host community. He appealed to the management of the firm to extend same to other parts of the local Government.

    In his remarks, the representative of the Yion Traditional Council, Mue Ter, His Royal Highness, Engr. Joseph Ikpa contended that the facility would help the students to further their education, even as he Implored the management of the company to renovate the hospital built by the firm for the health need of the people of the area.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, President of Yion Students, Jennifer Aondowase who was represented at the event by the Vice President, Mr Kelvin Akaa and President General, Yion Development Association, Mr Orver Yongo who lauded the gesture, called for an increase in the yearly grant as costs of things have also increased.

    Head of HAM/Administration, Mr Jonathan Kunde in his remarks, pointed out that the upsurge in price of cement was due to high cost of production, promising to convey the the observation and requests of the Mbayion community to the management for necessary action

  • Herdsmen attack Communities, Kill One in Benue State

    Herdsmen attack Communities, Kill One in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Suspected herdsmen have reportedly attacked communities in Michihi Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, killing one with several others scampering for safety of their lives.

    Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Council, Mr Alfred Atera who disclosed this at a security meeting in Yooyo Council Ward between leaders of Katsina-Ala and that of Takum Local of Taraba State, said the meeting was attended by the traditional rulers of the two local Governments as well as security agents.

    Mr Atera who lamented over continued attacks on his people said occupants of the affected areas have fled their homes for fear of being lynched by the attackers, stressing that they have abandoned their farms and other properties.

    He appealed to his counterpart from Takum, Mr. Shiba Dekari to call herdsmen in his domain to order now that the Benue State Anti Open Grazing Law has been amended by the Benue State House of Assembly.

    The Chairman maintained that security agents have been briefed on the matter to take the necessary steps to apprehend perpetrators of this heinous act.

    Responding, the Chairman Takum Local Government, Mr Dekari described the incident as unfortunate, promising to arrange a security meeting with traditional rulers and herdsmen in attendance to find lasting solution to the attacks.

  • Security Operatives Intercept 42 Children in Benue State as NAPTIP warns Against Trafficking

    Security Operatives Intercept 42 Children in Benue State as NAPTIP warns Against Trafficking

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    At least fourty two children from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State who were intercepted by security Operatives in Gboko Local Government over alleged trafficking have been reportedly taken the NAPTIP zonal office, Makurdi.

    It was learned that the Joint Patrol team popularly known as Operation Zenda intercepted the children while they were being taken to Osun State for trafficking purposes.

    Findings by Day Break indicated that children who are between the ages of 12 and 16 have already been profiled by the agency.

    The Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Makurdi zonal office, Mrs Gloria Bai said they were on top of the situation, adding that investigation was still in progress.

    According to the Commander, the arrangement to convey the victims to Osun State was made by one of the family members who is currently living in Osun State who came and spoke to the parents of the victims who released the children to them.

    ” They came home and talked to the parents in that locality and they released their children to them” with the believe that they were going to obtain Western education as explained by their relatives who came from Osun.

    Mrs Bai contended that it was a punishable offense to release children of below the age of 16 under that arrangement, cautioning parents against being deceived by traffickers.

    The Commander maintained that the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Mr Steve Ayua has been briefed by the agency on the need to counsel the parents of the affected children to check their actions.

    Investigation showed that the children have been united with their families.

  • Gov Ortom Presents Benue State Humanitarian Response Plan, Says 5000 IDPs Currently in Camps

    Gov Ortom Presents Benue State Humanitarian Response Plan, Says 5000 IDPs Currently in Camps

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has made public presentation of the Humanitarian Response Plan to address all humanitarian challenges in the state.

    Speaking at the Government House Makurdi during the public presentation of the Response Plan, the Governor noted that it will go a long way to ameliorate the sufferings of the IDPs.

    Towards this end, Government is stepping up efforts to ensure quick return of the Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes. ” We’re trying to see how we can assist these IDPs to enable them go back to their communities”, Ortom said.

    The Governor pointed out that over five thousand Internally Displaced Persons are currently in various IDP camps across the state due to attacks on the rural farmers by suspected herdsmen, adding however that with the Response Plan the aforesaid challenges would become a thing of the past.

    He appreciated Humanitarian Partners for their contributions to the state. ” I appreciate all of you for standing with us. Some of you have contributed in terms of materials, some in in terms of technical knowledge. Any single thing you have contributed is deeply appreciated. We appreciate those who are passionate about our challenges.”

    Earlier in her address, the Chairman Steering committee of the Humanitarian Response Plan, Prof. Magdalene Dura called the Federal Government to include Benue State on the National Humanitarian Response Plan.

    Dura equally Implored the international humanitarian actors, private sector and civil society organizations to mobilize necessary resources to reach the people concern ” so that we can also enjoy the dignity of a human Person.”

    The Chairman stressed that Benue State is currently producing another generation of illiterates due to attacks on rural farmers by herders, adding that more of the displaced Persons are still in camps.

  • 50 Internally Displaced Persons Get Scholarship In Benue State

    50 Internally Displaced Persons Get Scholarship In Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    No fewer than fifty Internally Displaced Persons’ children have been offered a six years scholarship by the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi to enable them continue with their academic programs.

    Day Break learned that after an examination was conducted at different IDP camps in Makurdi, fifty children emerged. They were received by the Principals of 5 Catholic Secondary Schools.

    Speaking at the event, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe who expressed worry over the hardship being experienced by the IDPs children, maintained that the gesture was to avert the social problem that awaits the state in the near future.

    The social problem, the Clergy noted may affect children who have not gone to school or didn’t acquire any skills following their displacement as a result of attacks and communal crisis.

    Relatedly, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, through the Member, House of Representatives representing Gwer, Gwer West, Mr Mark Gbilah at weekend distributed relief materials worth thirty million naira to communities displaced by herdsmen attacks in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The relief materials included; 500 bags each of rice, beans and gari, two hundred jerricans of vegetable oil among other items to cushion their hardship.