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Tag: Benue state

  • Flood Wreck Havoc in Benue State, Over 2000 Persons Rendered Homeless, Houses, Shops Submerged

    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. 

  • Fourty Persons Arrested by Security Operatives, Charged to Court Over Street Trading in Benue State

    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.

  • BNSG to Eliminate Unlicensed Hospitals, Clinics, Dispensaries, Others

    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.

  • My Administration Won’t Allow Benue People Turn Into Slaves – Gov Ortom

    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.

  • PDP is Waxing Stronger in Benue State Following Arrays of Defectors into the party – Gov Ortom

    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.

  • Kidnapper Shot Dead As Police Rescue Victim In Benue

    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.

  • Benue Stakeholders Wade into Konshisha-Oju Boundary Crisis

    Benue Stakeholders Wade into Konshisha-Oju Boundary Crisis

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Disturbed by the lingering communal clashes between the people of Bonta in Konshisha and that of Okpute in Oju Local Governments Areas of Benue State, stakeholders in the state have stepped up efforts towards sustainable peace.

    Briefing Newsmen shortly after a closed-door-meeting at the Government House Makurdi, Governor Samuel Ortom who presided over the meeting disclosed that stakeholders condemned in strong terms the crisis which has claimed several lives.

    According to the Governor there should be urgent demarcation of the land in question, adding that there should be no breach of peace between people of the local Governments.

    It directed the reopening of the Konshisha- Oju road for normal activities to resume, even as the stakeholders advocated establishment of a police station within the area for maintenance of peace and order.

    The stakeholders called on traditional rulers of the affected areas to take full control of their various domains to halt further escalation of the crisis. It enjoined faith organizations to encourage the Communities involved to see the need to return to the negotiating table.

  • Traditional Leader, Others Killed, Property Destroyed in Renewed Boundary Hostilities in Benue State

    Traditional Leader, Others Killed, Property Destroyed in Renewed Boundary Hostilities in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    The renewed boundary crisis between the people of Bonta and Ubuta of Konshisha and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State allegedly claimed the live of Chief Dennis Oga, a Traditional leader of Ocholo community, two others as well as property worth millions of naira said to have been destroyed.

    Reacting to the development, a Member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Konshisha, Hon Cephas Dyako in an interview maintained that efforts to ensure that the boundary committee led by the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu swing into action proved abortive.

    The Legislator averred that any peace process in the crisis must start with the boundary demarcation for permanent peace to reign between the two Communities.

    Meanwhile, the youths of Igede extraction have enjoined the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency deploy troops to the affected areas to maintain law and order.

    Leader of the group, Mr Thomas Oga lamented that the resumed hostilities had claimed several lives including a traditional ruler. He called on the boundary committee to be alive to its responsibility of ensuring timely demarcation of the boundaries.

  • Over One Million Women to Receive Vaccination Against Tetanus Infection in Benue State

    Over One Million Women to Receive Vaccination Against Tetanus Infection in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Arrangements have been concluded by the Benue State Government to vaccinate one million Women in eighteen local government areas of the state.

    Commissioner in charge of Ministry of Health and Human services, Dr Joseseph Ngbea stated this while briefing Journalists in Makurdi, explaining that the vaccination program is the state government’s partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

    According to Dr Ngbea the exercise would start this week and ends next week Friday to address high cases of the bacteria infection in the selected local government areas.

    The Local Governments include: Vandeikya, Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Ushongo, Konshisha and Makurdi. Others are; Guma Gboko, Tarka, Gwer East, Ado, Apa, Obi Ogbadibo, Okpokwu and Otukpo Local Governments respectively.

    The Commissioner maintained that the State Government is fully prepared to implement the campaign, averring that one million, three hundred doses of Tetanus vaccine as well as four thousand health workers have been deployed to various centers such as Churches, markets and schools for the exercise.

    Ngbea Implored the general public to disregard misconception about the vaccination, even as he enjoined all stakeholders including religious and traditional leaders to mobilize women of child bearing age to go to health facilities to be vaccinated.

  • Benue State NSCDC Command Dismisses Speculation Over Recruitment Exercise

    Benue State NSCDC Command Dismisses Speculation Over Recruitment Exercise

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Makurdi, Mr Philip Okoh has dismissed the speculation that the Command has embarked on recruitment of new Personnel.

    Okoh who debunked the allegation while briefing Newsmen at the Command Headquarters, Makurdi maintained that NSCDC is currently doing an in-house training for the officers to prepare them towards tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country.

    According to the Commandant, the Command had commenced screening and selection of Officers ahead of their proper training in line with the core mandate of the National Headquarters.

    Okoh pointed out that the process was to ensure restructuring, reforming and restoring the glory of the Corp towards combating Insecurity.

    The Commandant hinted that between November, 2020 and June, 2021, the Command had arrested 14 suspects in different parts of the state those who specialize in vandalizing National infrastructures, noting that some of them have been charged to court.

    He urged members of the Public to cooperate with the Command in areas of Intelligence gathering, surveillance to enable it surmount security challenges in the state.