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Tag: Benue state

Insecurity: Second Republic Minister Tasks NASS members From Benue State to Speak Out
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Second Republic Minister of Power and Steel Development, Wantaregh Paul Unongo has tasked the National Assembly Members from Benue State to support Governor Samuel Ortom in speaking out over the high rate of insecurity in the state.
The Elder Statesman who was speaking at the expanded Stakeholders meeting held at the Government House Makurdi, expressed disgust over the continued silence of the matter on the floor of the National Assembly.
Unongo who expressed worry over the situation, disclosed that what the Governor was saying wasn’t a personal issue but a collective matter that was affecting the entire state.
He implored the Federal Legislators to as a matter of urgent importance raise the issue on the floor of the National Assembly.
The Former Minister admonished Governor Ortom to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving the challenge, even as called on the Presidency to understand the pains of the Governor and do the needful.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Mr Orker Jev said Senators from Benue State are on the same page with Governor Ortom over security challenges affecting the state.
August 31, 2021
Eight Killed In Fresh Benue Attack
At least eight people have been killed in Yelewta community of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Witnesses said the killings occurred when traders were closing for the day.
Chairman of Guma LGA, Caleb Aba, told newsmen in Makurdi by telephone that the victims were hacked to death.
Aba said it was Yelewta market day and that the people had hardly closed for the day when the gun-welding invaders pounced on them, killing eight on the spot.
“It was a market day and the people were still busy doing their business when they (attackers) launched the attack, shooting guns everywhere. In the end, eight people were killed, one abducted and has not been seen up till now,” he said.
The chairman added that the injured had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Contacted, the State Secretary of Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Ibrahim Galma, said he was not aware of any such development.
He also distanced members of his association from the killings.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed that six people were killed by gunmen.
She said, “Yesterday, 24th August, 2021, at about 7:45pm, the police got information that unknown gunmen invaded Yelwata community and attacked the first compound that is nearest to the forest.
“The policemen who were immediately sent to the area were able to repel them but regrettably before the police arrived, the gunmen had shot six persons they met in the first house.
“The police took the six persons to the hospital and they were confirmed dead on arrival while two other person were still receiving treatment at the hospital.”
Anene added that the Commissioner of Police, Akingbola Olatunji, has visited the community to condole with families who lost loved ones.
He assured Yelwata community that the command will continue to support them.
August 25, 2021
Gov Ortom Lauds INEC Over Creation of Additional Polling Units in Benue State
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has put the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, a pat on the back for creating adding polling Units in the state.
The Governor gave the commendation in Guma Local Government Area, during revalidation of his voter card at the Tse Ortom polling unit following split of his former unit.
Ortom whostressed that the unit was closer to his family residence, Implored the people to find out from the Commission which is responsible for the exercise about their polling Units to enable them revalidate their voters cards.
He noted that the creation of more units has brought development closer to the people as it would make voting easier. He urged the people who are eighteen years of age and above to register in the polling centers nearest to them.
The Governor explained that the voter card was the only weapon through which the people could vote in credible leaders and vote out those who performed abysmally.
August 24, 2021
Three Farmers Killed by Suspected Armed Bandits in Benue State
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Three persons have been reportedly killed by suspected armed bandits at Udei, Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Informed sources told Day Break that the bandits shot the victims while they were working on their rice farm, killing no fewer than three persons.
Those killed were Identified as Mr Tyogbea Uparegh, Raphael and Jerald Mnyam, brother to the Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, Mr Mathew Mnyam.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser who condemned the killings, enjoined security operatives to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous act as well as intensify efforts towards preventing its reoccurrence.
Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Sewuese Anene for comments as at the time of filing this report failed.
August 19, 2021
Flood Wreck Havoc in Benue State, Over 2000 Persons Rendered Homeless, Houses, Shops Submerged
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
At least 2000 persons have been reportedly rendered homeless, houses, shops submerged, farms washed away as well as property worth millions of naira destroyed on Monday by flood occasioned by heavy down pour in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Findings by Day Break showed that the displaced persons are currently taking refuge in the neighboring houses as many were seen evacuating their already sucked properties from the water.
Checks by Day Break indicated that more than one thousand five hundred houses including shops, motor parks, business premises have been affected by the incident.
It was gathered that the rains which started at about 1.am this morning lasted for over 6 hours, thereby wrecking havoc in the capital city.
Areas most hit include, Gyado Villa, behind Kyabiz hotel, Benue Links Company Limited, Wurukum Market, Wurukum parks were affected by the flood.
Efforts to get the Commissioner of Water and Natural Resources, Engr Dondo Ahire react to the incident proved abortive. Meanwhile, there has been no official statement from the Benue State Government as at the time of filing this report.
August 16, 2021
Fourty Persons Arrested by Security Operatives, Charged to Court Over Street Trading in Benue State
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
No fewer than fourty persons have been arrested and charged to court over street trading at the Wurukum Market, Wurukum round about, Swange Cinema and Abu Shuluwa road junction, Makurdi which has been banned by the Benue State Government.
The Secretary, Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority and member of the enforcement team, Mr Nathaniel Azuu who disclosed this in an interview at the weekend pointed out that the decision became necessary to stop indiscriminate dumping of waste into water channels which has been preventing free flow of water.
According to Mr Azuu, street trading has been causing traffic congestion within the aforementioned areas, stressing that it has caused environmental hazard.
The Secretary declared that the enforcement team would not relent until the aforesaid traders relocate to Government designated markets.
He noted that the committee saddled with the responsibility to carry out the enforcement which include the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Urban Development Board, Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority, Police and other security agents were alive to their responsibilities to ensure total compliance.
August 15, 2021
BNSG to Eliminate Unlicensed Hospitals, Clinics, Dispensaries, Others
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Government is to eliminate all unlicensed hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, Dispensaries, diagnosis, among others with the aim to sanitize the health sector and ensure effective revenue generation.
Commissioner of Health and Human services, Dr Joseseph Ngbea made this disclosure in Makurdi, the Benue State capital when he received on a courtesy visit, the Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, Mr Andrew Ayabam.
Dr Ngbea directed all unregistered and unlicensed hospitals, clinics, pertinent medicine shops, others to complete registration and acquire their licensing requirements as stipulated by law.
He also directed those who have registered and have the license to provide proof of registration and licensing with the relevant councils or face the wrath of the law.
The Commissioner pointed out that the directive became necessary due to an upsurge in the number of unlicensed and unregistered medical facilities in the state.
He restated government’s commitment to check activities of the health sector that are inimical to the health needs of the Benue citizens as well as boost revenue generation in the state.
Ngbea hinted that a committee comprising critical Stakeholders from the ministry, BIRS, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police would be constituted to ensure strict compliance.
He lauded the BIRS’s helmsman, Mr Ayabam for recognizing the role of the ministry in boosting revenue generation in the state.
The Chairman of BIRS, Mr Andrew Ayabam in his remarks maintained that the visit was to ensure how to improve the revenue profile of the state. He applauded the Commissioner over his efforts in revamping the health sector.
He described the proliferation of unlicensed hospitals among others as illegal, noting that if not checked it would affect the health needs of the masses.
August 11, 2021
My Administration Won’t Allow Benue People Turn Into Slaves – Gov Ortom
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State says his administration would not allow the people of the state to be made slaves under the watch of the All Progressives Congress’s led Federal Government.
The Governor made this declaration at the Government House Makurdi when he received on a courtesy visit, the former Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, Mrs Mimi Orubibi who recently defected from the opposition APC to the PDP.
Ortom maintained that it was by God’s grace and prayers of the Benue citizens that has prevented the people from being attacked and killed by those who vowed to take over the state.
He lauded Mrs Mimi Orubibi and her teeming supporters over decision to dump the APC for the ruling PDP which he said has the bright future to lead the country and give Nigerians purposeful leadership in 2023.
Ortom assured Mrs Urubibi and her teeming supporters of equal opportunities in the PDP, adding that the party is capable of accommodating more members.
In her remarks, Mrs Mimi Orubibi contended that their decision to dump the party was due to the fact that PDP has demonstrated high capacity for leadership.
August 6, 2021
PDP is Waxing Stronger in Benue State Following Arrays of Defectors into the party – Gov Ortom
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has declared that the People’s Democratic party, PDP, in state is waxing stronger following arrays of defection from the opposition political parties into the party.
Ortom who spoke at the Government House Makurdi during the Party’s expanded caucus meeting, Implored members to remain steadfast, even as he tasked them to open their arms to receive the defectors.
The Governor posited that the vote of confidence passed on him would spur him to do more for the people of the state, stating that the decision of the party has strengthened and encouraged him.
Ortom enjoined governorship aspirants on the platform of the party to work together for interest of the PDP devoid of parochial interest.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of the party, Mr John Ngbede said the party has total confidence in the ability of the Governor to lead the party to victory in the 2023 general elections.
He contended that those aspiring to govern Benue State on the Party’s platform has the task of ensuring that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law is sustained to stamp out insecurity and avoid foreigners to occupy the Benue valley.
August 4, 2021
Kidnapper Shot Dead As Police Rescue Victim In Benue
A suspected kidnapper has been shot dead during a gun battle with the police in Benue State.
One victim was also rescued in the incident, which took place in Logo Local Government Area of the state.
Police spokesperson for Benue command, DSP Catherine Anene, said the feat was achieved in the ongoing operation to clamp down on kidnappers in the state.
She explained that the operatives of Operation Zenda Crack Squad extended their work to Logo area during which they tracked the kidnappers to their den and successfully rescued a victim, Peter Ogbonna.
Anene said three of the kidnappers were overwhelmed and arrested by the police after a gun battle but one of the suspects later died from gun shot injury.
“Today, 4/8/2021 information was received that gunmen who kidnapped Mr. Peter Ogbonna of Ugba town were in a hideout at Tse-Atoov, Alabar, Logo LGA, the operatives quickly swung into action by invading the hideout.
“On sighting the police, suspects engaged them in an exchange of fire but the police were able to subdue them and three (3) of the suspects were arrested at the scene.
“One of them sustained gunshot injuries, was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead and corpse has been deposited at the morgue while two of them identified as Yakyuur Aondona and Teryange Myina are currently undergoing interrogation.
“The victim was rescued unhurt and has been reunited with his family,” the PPRO added.
Anene further disclosed that one fabricated barretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.
She noted that a cordon and search operation was going on in the area to arrest fleeing suspects with gunshot wounds.
August 4, 2021