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Tag: Benue state

  • 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.

  • Benue Assembly Confirms 8 Commissioner Nominees as Gov Ortom Appoints New Special Advisers

    Benue Assembly Confirms 8 Commissioner Nominees as Gov Ortom Appoints New Special Advisers

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed eight Commissioner Nominees forwarded to it by Governor Samuel Ortom.

    The screening and confirmation exercise came on heels of the partial dissolution of the State Executive Council, SEC, by the the Governor.

    The Commissioner Nominees include Mr Kester Kyenge, Engr Jude Aungwa, Mr Williams Agbatse an Mr Mike Inalegu. Others are; Mr Benjamin Agber, Dr Jene Ajah, Dr Saawuan Tarnongu and Barr Terungwa Nguher respectively. 

    The Speaker of the Legislature, Mr Titus Uba in his remarks, urged the Nominees to live up to their expectations in the course of their new assignments. He acknowledged the commitment and determination of his colleagues in carrying out the exercise.

    Mean while, the Governor has approved the appointment of five new Special Advisers to serve in his administration. The new Special Advisers are; Mr Michael Mbakaan, Engr Richard Ujege, Mr Ade Nguhar,  Joshua Ogbole and Hon Otse Otokpa.

    In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Ijoho, says twenty five Special Advisers retained their appointments.

  • Operation Whirl Stroke Commander Expresses Readiness to Tackle Insecurity in Benue State

    Operation Whirl Stroke Commander Expresses Readiness to Tackle Insecurity in Benue State

    By Isaac kertyo, Makurdi

    The Military Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke in charge of Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, Major General Kelvin Aligbe has assured of the efforts by the troops to tackle insecurity in Benue State.

    The Commander who gave the assurance in an interview in Makurdi pointed out that the operation has recorded tremendous success in protecting lives and properties of the citizenry.

    Major General Aligbe who hinted that efforts are being stepped up to ensure peace, sued for support and cooperation from sister agencies as well as stakeholders to nib security challenge in the bud.

    The Commander contended that the operation will not rest on its oars to tackle all forms of criminal activities in Benue State to enable citizens go about unmolested.

    He expressed satisfaction over Federal Government’s commitment for providing the necessary tools to enable the troops discharge their duties efficiently.

  • Gov Ortom vows not to Succumb to Pressures in Defending Benue’s Territorial Integrity

    Gov Ortom vows not to Succumb to Pressures in Defending Benue’s Territorial Integrity

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State says he won’t succumb to pressures to deviate from God’s will in defense of the Benue territorial integrity from both external and Internal aggressors.

    He made this disclosure while addressing delegates at a conference organized by the NKST Synod Mkar, insisting that despite verbal and violent attacks on him by opponents, he will maintain his covenant with God.

    The Governor denied insulting President Muhammadu Buhari as it is being misconstrued by some persons, stating that he always pray for Mr President and advise him to listen to the cry of Nigerians over the high level of insecurity in the county and take proactive steps towards tackling it.

    Ortom expressed worry over what he described as divide and rule tactics adopted by the Presidency in tackling insecurity, lamenting that while herdsmen are carrying AK47, other agitators were being silenced.

    Ortom noted that he received report that twelve suspected Fulanis and twelve informants who attacked him while he was in his farm at Tyo Mu along Gboko road, Makurdi have been apprehended.

    He wondered what was delaying the prosecution of the aforesaid suspects.

    The Governor lauded the NKST members over their support to his administration, urging the Church to continue to pray for leaders at all levels.

  • Three Farmers Shot Dead By Armed Herders in Benue State

    Three Farmers Shot Dead By Armed Herders in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Suspected armed herdsmen have killed two persons at Tse Avine in Mbawar Council Ward and other in Hirnyam, Nyeev Council Ward both in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The victims include a 62 year old Farmer, Akaasaa Vingir, Aondowa Iorbee, 23 years old and Jonathan aged 54 years old.

    Investigation by Day Break revealed that the Herdsmen who stormed the communities in their numbers shot sporadically to scare the people before carrying out this heinous act.

    It was gathered that some of the displaced persons are currently taking refuge at the Internally Displaced Persons Camp, Ortese close to the scene of the event.

    A close relation of one of the slain victims, Matthew Asema who expressed shock over the gruesome murder of his brother, Implored Governments to be alive to their responsibilities of protecting lives and property of the citizens.

    Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, Benue State Command, DSP Sewuese Anene for comments failed as she could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

  • Rep Member decry plot to resist Open grazing law in Benue State

    Rep Member decry plot to resist Open grazing law in Benue State

    By Our Correspondent

    Member representing Makurdi/Guma in the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Mzondu, has decried plots to resist the passage of ban on open grazing law in Benue state noting that all involved should refrain from all antagonistic posture against Governor Samuel Ortom in the fight against open grazing.

    Particularly calling out Tiv people, the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Steven Tsav and the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Titus Zam, Mzondu noted all those working against the Governor should be wary so as to escape the judgment of history.

    Mzondu in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi noted that some Tsav, Zam and their cotravelers, going by their posture appear to be agents of Miyetti Allah, the Fulani sociocultural organization and armed Fulani herdsmen who have been killing and terrorizing the people of the state.

    Recall that Tsav and Zam and a few others in a recent statement attempted to blackmail Governor Samuel Ortom on the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.

    The law maker cautioned that the people of Iharev and the entire Tiv race with not forgive any Tiv personality who for any reason chooses to align with the armed herdsmen and their sponsors for political reasons.

    “It is my appeal that Zam, Tsav and other Tiv sons playing politics with the killing of Benue farmers by armed Fulani herdsmen retreat their steps and stand with Governor Ortom to salvage, not just Iharev communities but the entire Benue State from the hands of invaders and their pay masters.

    “It is only by doing so (retreating their steps) that history will be kind to them and record them as those that fought on the side of their people,” he stated.

    He reminded Zam and Tsav and their allies that their acts of chicanery are late in the day as Nigerians are all aware of the intentions of the armed Fulani herdsmen and their sponsors which tilts towards fulanisation and islamisation.

    “Therefore, no amount of blackmail and negative profiling of Governor Samuel Ortom will change the perception of the people of Benue State that he is a leader that has sacrificed his life and office for the liberation of his people.

    On the allegation that Governor Ortom used the anti-open grazing law to win election, Mzondu wondered whether the governors of other states and their legislators who passed a similar law are using theirs for election.

    “If one may ask, is Zam and Tsav aware that the issue of banning open grazing of cattle is no longer perculiar to Benue State. Did the Governors of those states and the legislators in their Houses of Assembly also promulgate the law for political reasons as they alluded of Governor Ortom whom they said did it to win election?”

    However, the law maker urged Zam and Tsav to take any Livestock Guard who breeches the law while carrying out their duties to task, stressing that the law banning open grazing has come to stay in the state and no amount of blackmail will lead to its repeal.

  • BNSG to Amend Anti Open Grazing Law to Provide Stiffer Penalties for Violators

    BNSG to Amend Anti Open Grazing Law to Provide Stiffer Penalties for Violators

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State Government is to amend the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to provide stiffer penalties for Violators.

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom made this disclosure at the Government House Makurdi when the Primate of the Aglican Comminion, Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba paid him a courtesy visit.

    The Governor noted that there was need to amend the law, adding that the fines prescribed were too meager, and easily letting the offenders off the hook and encouraging Violators to blatantly disobey it.

    Ortom opined that his administration will stand against Federal Government’s proposed agricultural settlement centers which he said was a deliberate attempt to annex farm lands for grazing of cattles.

    He averred that the Benue economy is being driven the Civil Service, complemented by farming which is badly affected by Herdsmen attacks. He enjoined the Federal Government to deal decisively with Herdsmen militia who are responsible for these heinous acts.

    Earlier Primite Ndukuba lauded the Governor for his commitment to the well-being of Benue people as well as provision of basic infrastructure amidst security and economic challenges.