Benue killing; six lost their lives in a fresh attack in Okpoga

No fewer than six persons have been reported killed and several others injured after suspected gunmen invaded Okpoga community in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State.
The incident, DAILY POST gathered happened late last night.

According to a source, the unknown gunmen numbering about 10 invaded the city and shot sporadically at any one they could sight, leading to the death of no fewer than six persons, including one Mr. Okoh Simon -an emergency ambulance service provider in the community.

Our source further disclosed that the attack may have emanated from the neighbouring Olo community in Edumoga district of the same local government, which has been in cold war with the Okpoga people.

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Governor Ortom publicly names those responsible for Benue massacre (see details)

Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately arrest the Miyetti Allah Kautal for their alleged role in the recsnt killings which occurred in Benue state.

Ortom stated this on Monday, January 15, when speaking with journalists after a closed door meeting between leaders from Benue state and the president in Abuja.

The governor demanded that the Miyetti Allah Kautal be arrested because they are not above the law, The Nation reports.

He alleged that the group made inciting statements against Benue people and carried out their threats.

In his words "But beyond that we made strong appeal to Mr. President to arrest those people that perpetrated this act, the Miyetti Allah Kautal, because they are not above the law. They made inciting statements against our people and they came and perpetrated this act.
“And until this time I speak to you, they are still issuing out threats and it is not about just anti-grazing law, it is occupation because the manner with which they come and attack the man and take over the land it is something. I am not sure willing to join issues with anyone. We are law abiding citizens, we are not going to let our people go out of control.”

He also stated that President Buhari had responded swiftly to the crisis by ordering the relocation of the inspector general of police to the state in addition to sending additional troops from the military.

"As you can see I’m here with the entire leadership of Benue State, members of the National Assembly, the Tor Tiv, Ochi Idoma and the leadership of Benue State House of Assembly and other very distinguished sons and daughters of Benue state," the governor stated.

“You are aware of the challenge we had since the 1st of January up to this moment. Several people were killed, more than 60,000 people displaced and we are still counting.

“We thought it was wise as the father of the land and as the President of our country there is need to meet with him to interface with him.

“At a personal level, I spoke to the President on phone on the 1st of January when his incident occurred and he responded promptly. And I followed it up with a visit, he directed the location of IGP to Benue State in addition to sending additional troops from the military.

“So the situation as at today is relatively calm although there are pockets of issues. For the past five days we have witnessed two killings compared to what was happening before. Other places are relatively calm, the security men and the IGP and the Benue State government had been working day and night to ensure that we bring the situation under control and stop the killings.

“There are still security issues from one town to the other like some few days ago we had an uproar in Makurdi local government, headquarters of Benue State where some hoodlums wanted to take advantage. That is one of the things we have discovered in trying to create confusion so that they can go in there and loot."

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President Buhari orders inspector general of police to relocate to Benue (see details)

PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT ORDERS IGP TO MOVE TO BENUE STATE TO RESTORE LAW AND ORDER AND PREVENT FURTHER LOSS OF LIVES AND ATTACKS IN GUMA AND LOGO LGAs OF THE STATE

Following the recent unfortunate killings of innocent people in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas in Benue State and the intervention, and ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to restore peace in the State, the President and commander in Chief of Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has ordered few hours ago, that the Inspector General of Police moves immediately to Benue State to restore law and order, prevent further loss of lives and forestall the crisis from escalating and spreading in the State.

2. In compliance with the Presidential directives, the IGP is moving into Benue state with additional Five (5) Units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) making a total of Ten (10) Units of PMF deployed in the State which is in addition to other Police formations on the ground in the State before the crisis. More Units of the Police Special Forces, Counter Terrorism Units, and Conventional Policemen are already being deployed to the State as at this time today to comply in totality with the Presidential order.

3. The Aerial Surveillance by Police Helicopters will continue, while the Police Mobile Force Personnel, Police Special Forces and conventional Police Personnel, the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) and Special Police Joint Intelligence and Investigation Teams already deployed to Benue State will carry on un-relentlessly with the patrols and crime prevention activities in the affected areas to sustain the normalcy that have been restored in the State.

4. The Force will not hesitate to deal decisively with trouble maker(s), any group(s) or individual for conduct likely to instigate the escalation of the crisis. The full weight of the law will be applied on anyone arrested for being responsible for the mayhem in the affected areas in the State.

5. While once again, the Nigeria Police Force commiserate with Government and the people of Benue State over the loss of innocent lives, the Force implored them to cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force in this latest effort to restore lasting peace in the State.

6. The commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure Law and order and protection of lives and property of all Nigerians throughout the Country remains unequivocal and unwavering.

CSP JIMOH MOSHOOD
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

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Governor Ortom accuses President Buhari of being non challant in handling the Fulani crisis

Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom in an emergency stakeholders meeting at Benue people's house makurdi stated that he is ready to let go his political ambition to defend his people following attack on the state's communities by Fulani herdsmen.

Governor Ortom stated that even if it means to sacrifice 2019 elections for his people to be safe, he is ready to let go.

He also expressed dissatisfaction at the nonchalant attitudes of the federal government in tackling the crises since it started.
In His words:

“I have reported the persistent threat by the leadership of Miyetti Allah to President Buhari to effect their arrest but he was less concerned, now this people have done exactly what they were out for.

“For now I have put on hold all political activities to ensure that the genocide being carried by the suspected Fulani herdsmen on Benue indigenes is put to an end.

“I was duly elected by my people to protect lives and properties, I cannot afford to watch my people killed in their farms and homes like chicken and the fact that we have chosen to support the president by abiding by the law does not make us weaker people the herdsmen do not have the monopoly of carrying arms.

“The people of the state voted massively for the president because of his honesty and integrity except he is now telling us that as the patron of Miyetti Allah he has changed from what he has been known for, to join hands with his people to kill us or the association is above the law.”

The governor also expressed shock over media reports quoting the Inspector General of Police as saying the crisis in the state is as a result of communal clashes.

“Until I speak with the IG myself for him to repeat what I am hearing and reading in the media before I will believe what they are saying is true, if this is confirmed, then I will believe he is one among those killing us," the governor said.

He appealed to all sons and daughters of the state, at home and in the diaspora irrespective of tribe, political and religion affiliations to come together to strategies on security of lives and properties in the state.

He also disclosed that 18 herdsmen were already in remand at the prison for contravening the anti-open grazing law, saying, the law has come to stay, no going back.

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Benue Killings: Orton declares three days mourning (see details)

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has declared three days of mourning for those killed in the massacre on communities in Logo and Guma Local Government Areas of the state.

The mourning period will hold between Tuesday to Thursday this week and will end with a church service for the victims at the IBB square in Makurdi, followed by mass burial, a statement by the governor’s media aide, Tever Akase said.

Akase said flags will fly at half mast within the mourning period while work will close at 1pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thursday which is the day for the church service and burial of the victims will be work-free day in the State.

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Residents forced to flee for their lives after another Fulani attack injures many in Benue state

This was posted by James Igbudu on Facebook

"Fulani herdsmen attacked my village(Tse Igbudu Taraka to Bakin kota), they butchered people and displaced many. As of now no security personals to help the situation. I manage to escape and reach where there is network that is why am posting this"

See photo:

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Gboko to makurdi road blocked as angry youths protest over the Fulani-Tiv crisis

Angry youths have taken to the streets to protest as a result of the attack on the Benue community by suspected Fulani herdsmen which led to the relocation of many residents in the community.

The youths have just blocked the Makurdi-Gboko road as the protest is ongoing. Speaking with some of the Protestants, they expressed their displeasure over the quietness of the Benue leaders in the Fulani-Tiv crisis.

See photos:

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Physically challenged lady gets married to her heartrob in Akwa Ibom state (see photos)

At a time that some uncontented and unfaithful young Nigerians claimed that there is no true love, a graduate of the University of Uyo, South South Nigeria, Utip Okon has proved them wrong.


He got married to his physically challenged heartrob Edidiong Edet, who has been confined to the wheelchair all her life.

Mr Utip were joined in Holy matrimony on Saturday, December 30th, at The Apostolic Church, Udo Edouk Street, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Their traditional wedding took place few days ago at Ituk Mbang, Uruan Local Government Area of the state.

See photos:

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20 people shot dead in Rivers state while returning from cross over night (see details)

20 persons were shot dead by unknown gunmen while on their way back from their individual cross-over service in Omoku Rivers state.

More details coming through soon
See photos:

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Jail break alert!!! 36 prisoners escape from prison in Akwa-Ibom (see details)

The Nigerian Prison Service just released the statement below to confirm a jailbreak in one of its facilities in Akwa Ibom.

Read full statement below:-

At about 1147hrs on Wednesday, 27 December 2017, there was an attack on kitchen staff that were on duty at Ikot Ekpene Prison in Akwa-Ibom State by some prisoners.

They seized an axe from fellow inmate attached to the kitchen, inflicting a deep cut to inmates’ head in the process and immediately made for the rear entrance to the prison.

They broke the door with the axe and engaged the staff that chased after them in battle.

At the end of the scuffle, 4 of them that sustained gun shots lost their lives while 7 were recaptured. 36 are still at large and search parties have been activated to effect their recapture.

Meanwhile, the Controller of Prisons Akwa Ibom State Command, Alex Oditah has ordered an investigation into the circumstance surrounding the unfortunate incident.

The CP wishes to appeal to members of the public to assist the authority with useful intelligence that will aid arrest of feeling prisoners assuring that security has been strengthen in all prison formations in the State to forestall breach of security.

ASP Ogbajie J. Ogbajie
Command Public Relations Officer
For: CP Akwa-Ibom State

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Famous pastor involved in Ghastly motor accident in Benue state (see details)

Famous pastor,Dave Ogbole was yesterday involved in a ghastly motor accident along Gboko road while on his way to attend the KSS Cultural festival in Gboko, Benue state.

The pastor who was driving a white vehicle collided with another car on the highway.

The pastor sustained a minor fracture on his first fonicum bone (sic) and a dislocation on his left ankle, after undergoing an X-ray.

See photos below:

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See Governor Ben Ayade outfit as he visited the #Miss Africa 2017 contestants

Governor of Cross River state, Ben Ayade yesterday met with Miss Africa 2017 Calabar contestants at Tinapa resort...but it's his very casual outfit that has got people talking!
See photos:

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See photos of Anambra lady who makes a living by assembling of tricycles parts

In a world where women are said to be limited in their occupation, pictured above is a woman identified as Ada Mike who hails from Anambra state that makes a living out of assembling of tricycles, otherwise known as keke napep after their parts are imported. See more photos:

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Akwa Ibom state police arrests 67 cult members and notorious gang members (see details)

The Akwa Ibom State Police arrested 67 suspected cultists and members of a notorious armed robbery gang on Thursday

The command's spokesperson who confirmed this to newsmen DSP Bala Elkana, stated that on December 7, police operatives arrested a teen identified as Miracle Joseph Etukudoh, aged 20 years old, of Effiat Offot village in Uyo Local Government Area, who is said to be a gang leader of a notorious armed robbery group
specialized in robbing people of their handsets, handbags, monies and other valuables around Uyo.

During the course of investigation, three other gang members were arrested and one locally made pistol was recovered in the house of one Uko Effiong Edem of Ikot Oduot village in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

Other items recovered from the suspects includes: wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, phones snatched from people, female handbags, electronic devices suspected to be stolen. They all confessed belonging to REDSKIN cult.

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Deeper life Bible church finally completes its 30,000 seater headquarters in Gbagada (see photos)

The Deeper Life Christian Church has completed its main auditorium located at the church’s headquarters in Gbagada area of Lagos state and it is valued at over N5 billion (about $16 million).

According to reports, the 30,000 capacity church project which had goning on for about 13 years is said to be the fourth largest completed church auditorium in the world.

See photos:

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First lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari spotted in a tricycle in katsina state (see photos)

Aisha, the wife of Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari was spotted on Tuesday, December 12, in Katsina inside a tricycle popularly called Keke Napep.

The beautiful president's wife was in Katsina state to inaugurate children and maternity clinic at the General Hospital, Daura built the children and maternity clinic to cater for the health needs of under-privileged families in the country.

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Teacher at Gateway Excel college,Benue state shortlisted among the 50 finalist for global teachers award (see details)

A Nigerian man who hails from Benue state identified as Itodo Samuel Anthony has just emerged as one of the top 50 teachers for Global Teacher Prize awards.

Anthony is a teacher at Gateway Excel College, Otukpa in Benue state. He is also said to be known on Facebook for his wise posts.

He studied Petroleum Engineering at University of Port Harcourt before proceeding to study Reservoir Evaluation and Management at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh campus

Anthony who took to his Facebook profile on Wednesday, December 13, to share information about his encounter with the organisers of the award stated this

He said: “Global Teacher Prize Top 50 Finalists. Remember my Skype interview with the English woman who did not now know that time was going? That one that ended with the score Oyibo woman 1 - 1 Pope? Well, the result is out. The interview was for the second stage of the Global Teacher Prize 2018 and I made the Top 50 finalists out of thousands of entries from teachers across the world. Scores now Oyibo woman 1 - 2 Pope. The Global Teacher Prize is the biggest teacher prize in the world. It is a 1 million dollar prize given to an outstanding teacher by the Varkey Foundation, UK in recognition of the great contributions of teachers to society and with the aim of elevating the status of the teaching profession globally. It is popularly referred to as the Nobel Prize for teaching and aptly so. As a Top 50 finalist, a teacher becomes a part of the prestigious Varkey Teacher Ambassadors programme, which has the Top 50 finalists from the past three editions as members. For me this is one of the biggest attractions of the prize, the opportunity to share a platform with over 200 of the world's finest teachers to learn and share best practices. Top 50 was my primary target and I achieved that. In the past three editions of this prize no Nigerian teacher made Top 50 and that was pretty unsettling for me, seeing how Kenyan teachers dominated African representation. This year we are two Nigerians, me and my friend Odeogbola Ay. I am happy we're changing the narrative and opening the path for other Nigerian teachers. Top 10 finalists will be announced in February and the winner of the 1 million dollar prize, taken from this top 10 will be announced at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai next March .”

The Global Teacher Prize is a $1 million (N360 million) award presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.

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Emerging news: Benue state shut down over 40 schools (see details)

Over 40 illegal Health Technology schools in Benue state have been closed down.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Cecilia Ojabo disclosed this to newsmen on Monday, stated that closure was to rid the state of quackery while also lamenting the proliferation of Schools of Health Technology in the state.

"Benue has the highest schools of health technology in the country.”

The commissioner explained that the ministry had to set up a committee on quackery due to public outcry on the danger inherent in the activities of quack health personnel.

The commissioner lamented that several lives had been lost in the rural communities in the state to the illegal activities of the quacks.

“We set up a committee to move round all the communities in the state due to public outcry about the illegal activities of these quacks, we learnt that those illegal schools of health technology train people who later open clinics and carry out surgical operation.

“Many of these people in the process of carrying out their illegal activities killed the unsuspecting patients while those who are lucky to survive have their reproductive system destroyed in the guise of treating them for infertility”

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Reno Omokri shares photo of Atiku Abubakar in the gym, says Nigeria needs a leader that is fit

Remo Omokri shared a photo of the former Vice President on IG, Reno wrote;
'Atiku Abubakar, with the caption "the type of leader Nigeria needs. Fit in body. Astute in business. Broad minded and accommodating to people of other ethnicities and religious groups".

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Woman who hails from Benue inserts hot knife into 5 year old niece private part over food (see details)

A lady identified as Mrs. Esther Abgundu, who hails from Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State, has been accused of inserting a hot knife in her five-year-old niece’s private parts.

According to a petition by an NGO, the Justice Development and Peace Commission of the Ekiti Catholic Diocese, the evil act was carried out on November 26.

The petitioner stated that the offence of the innocent niece who was the victim was that she ate the food of the suspect’s baby.

The petition read in part, “On November 26, 2017, the victim was babysitting the baby of the respondent (Abgundu) and in the course of feeding the baby, the victim ate a spoon of the baby’s food.

This annoyed the respondent and she inserted pepper into her niece’s private parts. The respondent further put a knife in the fire and inserted the hot knife into the victim’s private parts. She also beat up the girl and told her not to cry.”

The JDPI indicted the police in the petition signed by its Director, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, which was sent to the National Human Rights Commission.

“The respondent was released barely few hours after her arrest and boastfully roamed the streets of Ijelu-Ekiti freely as if nothing happened.

We hereby urge you, as bastion of hope and front runner in protection of human rights, to use your good offices and intervene in this matter of cruelty against the victim by ensuring that the respondent is brought to book to serve as a deterrent to whoever still engages in acts of inhuman and degrading treatment to others, especially to children.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti, Alberto Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident, said the police were still investigating the incident. He said, “The parents of the victim have been invited to the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti. We will ensure justice in the matter. Anyone indicted in the investigation will be prosecuted.”

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