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BENUE INSECURITY: AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IMPOSES BAN ON FOREST LOGGING.By Jude Oche, MakurdiIn furtherance to addre...
15/06/2025

BENUE INSECURITY: AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IMPOSES BAN ON FOREST LOGGING.

By Jude Oche, Makurdi

In furtherance to address the escalating security concerns in Agatu West, the Agatu Local Government Council has imposed an immediate and comprehensive ban on all forest logging activities in Agatu West, citing the alarming rate of security in the area.

The decision, which takes effect immediately, is aimed at mitigating the security risks associated with unregulated logging and preserving the environment for future generations.

In a press statement released on Sunday by the executive chairman of Agatu Local Government, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, the ban is a proactive measure designed to tackle the growing insecurity in the area. "We've been monitoring the situation closely, and it's clear that the incessant logging has not only led to severe environmental degradation but has also created avenues for criminal elements to operate with impunity," he said.

Hon. Ejeh emphasized that the council can no longer afford to sit idly by while the environment and security are threatened by the activities of unscrupulous loggers. "We've seen the devastating impact of unregulated logging on our communities, and it's time for us to take decisive action to protect our people and our environment," he stressed.

The chairman warned that anyone found engaging in logging activities without proper authorization from the Local Government Administration will face the full weight of the law. "All logging activities henceforth require explicit clearance from myself, and we will not hesitate to take stern measures against anyone who flouts this directive," he emphasized. "We're not playing games with this; the security and well-being of our people are paramount."

Hon. Ejeh urged residents to comply with the directive and report any logging activities to the council authorities. "We need the collective efforts of all stakeholders to make this work," he said. "We urge everyone to join hands with us to tackle this menace and build a safer, more secure environment for all. Together, we can overcome the security challenges that have beset our area and build a more prosperous and secure future for ourselves and future generations."

The chairman reiterated the council's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. "We're not just talking about security; we're talking about the future of our children and the prosperity of our communities," he said. "We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to protect our environment and our natural resources. This ban is a crucial step in that direction."

Hon. Ejeh assured that the council will work tirelessly to address the security challenges facing the area and implement measures that promote peace and stability. "We'll continue to engage with all stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders, and residents, to ensure that our efforts are effective and sustainable," the chairman stated.

IN DEFENSE OF TRUTH AND THE CHAIRMAN OF AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAPerused with considerable interest was one Mr. John A...
20/05/2025

IN DEFENSE OF TRUTH AND THE CHAIRMAN OF AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Perused with considerable interest was one Mr. John Anthony Ikwulono 's feeble rejoinder, dated May 19, 2025, which appears to have been crafted with ulterior motives pertaining to the recent tragic events in Agatu and the ensuing press release issued by the Executive Chairman of the Council, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh

Ordinarily, I would not have engaged in a public exchange with you, given my familiarity with your character and conduct. Nevertheless, in consideration of the general public who may not be acquainted with your persona and may be misled into believing that Mr. Ikwulono has passion for Agatu's security and development, I feel compelled to respond to certain points raised by him.

The implication that the Chairman spoke out solely due to discrepancies in reported figures is unacceptable. As a leader, verifying information before public statements is crucial, especially when lives are at stake. Mr. Ikwulono must be reminded that the duty of my principal, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, is not to grandstand or rush to the press in the light of a tragedy without investigation. As a responsible and reliable chief security officer of Agatu Local Government Council, he has to investigate and know the exact details of what happened, including facts and figures, before granting a press audience. Hon. Ejeh is not into politics to play with the precious lives of people.

The Chairman's press release aimed to provide accurate information. Leaders often navigate complex situations, and delayed responses don't necessarily indicate inaction. The Chairman's office works on multiple fronts to address security issues.

While Hon. Ejeh recognizes the fact that even a single life loss is a significant blow to him and the entire good and genuine people of Agatu Local Government Area, what is the interest of amplifying death figures? What does Mr. Ikwulono want to achieve? Does he think it's by playing politics with precious lives of the people of Agatu that he will win his proposed Assembly political aspiration? Who made Mr. Ikwulono the authority to speak for Agatu?

The last time I checked, Mr. Ikwulono was the Deputy Chairman in Agatu LGC with no significant impact. The protection of lives and properties, which is the primary aim of every government, was outrightly neglected to the detriment of his people. It obviously appears that Mr. Ikwulono is linked to the unrest in Agatu with a sinister motive. For him to wake up and rush to the press tells much! Who are his informants that provided the death figures to him? Why did they give him wrong figures?

Collective action is vital to address Agatu's security challenges. The Chairman's efforts reflect his commitment to peace and development. The form of address used by the Chairman might seem minor to Mr. Ikwulono, it's however the best approach by any leader with a clear intention for his people, it's an opportunity for dialogue on protocol and respect in public discourse.

Despite differences in approach, the ultimate goal remains peace and security for Agatu, and that's what Hon. James Melvin Ejeh has been doing tirelessly. Let's work together, supporting each other's efforts and engaging constructively where we differ.

Amb. Amb Obochi Solomon ,
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council.

GOV. ALIA STRENGTHENS SECURITY IN AGATU LGA WITH NEW VEHICLES, MOTORCYCLES.In a bid to enhance security in Agatu Local G...
12/05/2025

GOV. ALIA STRENGTHENS SECURITY IN AGATU LGA WITH NEW VEHICLES, MOTORCYCLES.

In a bid to enhance security in Agatu Local Government Area, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has donated additional Hilux vehicles and motorcycles to the local government council.

The executive chairman of Agatu LGA, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh received the vehicles and motorcycles, which are aimed at facilitating the movement of security operatives in the area.

The donation is part of Gov. Alia's efforts to curb herdsmen attacks and ensure peace in the local government area.

The deployment has yielded positive results, as Agatu LGA remains calm and peaceful, with no reported incidents of attack at the time of filing this report.

Hon. Ejeh has expressed his appreciation to Governor Alia for the gesture, which he said would further enhance security in the area.

The chairman, while disbursing the logistics, charged the Anyam Nyôr to remain dedicated, warning that no act of indiscipline would be tolerated. He urged them to be focused and adhere strictly to their assigned areas of responsibility, emphasizing that loitering around the council headquarters would not be permitted.

He stressed that insecurity in Agatu Local Government is a serious issue and that the deployment of the Anyam Nyôr is intended to boost farmers' confidence and protect them from armed criminals within the LGA.

The vehicles and motorcycles have since been deployed to 35 affected areas in the LGA, where security personnel, including Anyam Nyôr, are conducting vigorous patrols of farm lands and flash points with a charge on them to imbibe full discipline.

This development comes on the heels of the governor's earlier deployment of security personnel to Agatu LGA last week, making this the second batch of security reinforcements.


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BENUE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN GIVES FULANI HERDSMEN 48 HOURS TO VACATE THE LAND.The Agatu Local Government Area Chairman, Benue...
27/04/2025

BENUE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN GIVES FULANI HERDSMEN 48 HOURS TO VACATE THE LAND.

The Agatu Local Government Area Chairman, Benue state Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, has issued a 48-hour deadline for Fulani herdsmen to vacate Agatu lands with their cattle. However, following an appeal by the leader of the Fulani community, Ardo Boderi, the stakeholders unanimously agreed to extend the deadline to one week, expiring on May 3rd.

In a statement made available to newsmen by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Amb Obochi Solomon, the decision was reached during a stakeholders' meeting held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the secretariat headquarters of Agatu LGA in Obagaji. The meeting aimed to address concerns surrounding the presence of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in Agatu land during the cropping season.

Hon. Ejeh emphasized the crucial role of agriculture in sustaining the livelihoods of the people of Agatu and Benue State. "I'm impressed with the level of peace we've enjoyed in Agatu," he said. "However, we must ensure that our farmers can cultivate their lands without disruption or fear of harm or crop destruction, especially during this farming season. My administration is fully committed to ensuring that farmers and every resident of Agatu have a secure environment in which to go about their daily activities."

He urged all stakeholders to support his peace initiatives and called upon the Fulani herdsmen to relocate peacefully. The Agatu Council Chairman who expressed gratitude to God, the security agencies in ensuring that no life is lost, also appreciated the people of Agatu, particularly the youth, for their patience and tolerance during this period

Chief John Agidani, a second-class chief and representative of the Och Agatu, commended the council chairman for his visionary leadership. "We appreciate your efforts in maintaining peace in our community," he said.

Ardo Boderi, leader of the Fulani community, expressed appreciation for the Chairman's leadership and thanked the people of Agatu for their hospitality.

The General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Oloche Silas praised the council chairman and assured Agatu youths would refrain from harming any cattle or Fulani during the relocation process.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement to grant the Fulani herdsmen a one-week grace period to prepare for their relocation from Agatu land to pave the way for famers to cultivate their crops in the face of cropping season. The Fulani cattle rearers were urged to remain peaceful, and the Agatu youths were appealed to remain law-abiding during the relocation process.

BENUE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN REITERATES LEGITIMACY, WARNS AGAINST THREATS TO PEACE.The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Gover...
21/04/2025

BENUE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN REITERATES LEGITIMACY, WARNS AGAINST THREATS TO PEACE.

The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Benue State, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, has reiterated his legitimacy as the duly-elected Chairman of the council, dismissing claims by Napoleon Otache (Odaliko) who is said to be parading himself as an imaginary "chairman-elect" of the council.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Obochi Solomon, categorically stated that Ambassador Melvin Ejeh remains the duly-elected Chairman of Agatu Local Government, having been so trusted with the overwhelming votes of his beloved people on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Consequently, any person parading himself as 'chairman-elect' or under any other guise whatsoever is not only an impostor but one living in a daydream.

The statement noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which is the grundnorm, provides a window of appeal, including enforcement of fundamental rights. In line with this provision, Ambassador Ejeh has since filed an appeal against the ill-fated judgment of the Benue State Local Governments Election Tribunal, which decision has continued to elicit concern among the people of Agatu - both at home and in the diaspora.

It is curious, the statement wondered, why a man touted to be a lawyer would shrug off all the aforementioned time-honored legal principles to satisfy his inordinate ambition of reaping where he did not sow. In response, Ambassador Ejeh has instructed his team of lawyers to take necessary action and has also notified the relevant authorities about the threats to security and public safety inherent in the conduct and disposition of Napoleon Otache, whose desperation is unparalleled in the power-grabbing equation.

The Chairman reassured the good people of Agatu that, by virtue of his appeal against the election tribunal's decision, he remains the only legally recognized and legitimate Chairman of Agatu.

He stressed that he remains undeterred by the antics of disgruntled and failed political neophytes who seek political power through the backdoor and remains irrevocably committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

"I undertake to serve you to the best of my ability, as I continue to implement people-oriented programs designed to uplift the plight of the poor and vulnerable, especially women, children, and the aged," he said.

As the Executive Chairman and Chief Security Officer of Agatu LGA, Ambassador Ejeh vowed not to fold his arms and allow anybody, no matter how highly or lowly placed in society, to attempt to undermine his authority and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in Agatu.

"As the Executive Chairman and Chief Security Officer of Agatu LGA, I will not fold my arms and allow anybody, no matter how highly or lowly placed in society, to attempt to undermine my authority and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in Agatu," he said.

Accordingly, anyone found to be engaging in acts detrimental to security, good governance, and order will face the full weight of the law.

EASTER SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM BENUE LINKS NIGERIA LIMITED To His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executiv...
16/04/2025

EASTER SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM BENUE LINKS NIGERIA LIMITED

To His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State; The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Aondona Dajoh and Honourable Members; Benue State Executive Council Members; Spiritual, Traditional, and Community Leaders; and the Good People of Benue State.

As we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the management and staff of Benue Links Nigeria Limited extend warm and heartfelt Easter season greetings to you and your families. May the joy, peace, and love that define this season bring renewed hope, prosperity, and progress to our great state. May the spirit of sacrifice, love, and kindness that characterizes this period inspire us to work together for the development and well-being of our community.

We express our deepest appreciation for your leadership and commitment to the growth and development of Benue State. Your tireless efforts to promote peace, unity, and progress have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the economic development of our state.

As we celebrate this Easter season, may we be reminded of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and unity in our journey towards a brighter future. May the risen Christ fill our hearts with peace, love, and joy, and may His teachings guide us in our endeavors to build a better Benue State for all.

In this season of renewal and rebirth, we pray for continued peace, prosperity, and progress in our state. May God bless our leaders, our communities, and our people, and may we emerge from this season with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our collective well-being.

Wishing you a blessed and joyous Easter celebration.

Signed,

Comrade Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa
KSM MNIM MCLMI
General Manager, Benue Links Nigeria Limited

UCHA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR GWER WEST LGA CHAIRMAN.The Ucha Traditional Council, comprising Merkyen and...
31/03/2025

UCHA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR GWER WEST LGA CHAIRMAN.

The Ucha Traditional Council, comprising Merkyen and Nyamshi council wards, paid a solidarity visit to Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor Executive Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, at his Makurdi residence on March 30, 2025. The visit was a show of support and solidarity with the Chairman and his administration, particularly in the face of recent challenges.

Leading the delegation, Chief Stephen Igba, District Head of Merkyen Council Ward, congratulated Hon. Victor on his electoral victory and commiserated with him over the recent unrest that resulted in the destruction of the local government secretariat, the Ter Tyoshin's palace, and other properties. Chief Igba urged the Chairman to remain steadfast, assuring him of the council's support during this challenging period.

Chief Mzahan Ianna, District Head of Nyamshi Council Ward, echoed Chief Igba's sentiments, pledging the support of the Ucha clan during this difficult time. Chief Ioryoosu Nicholas Tyokyer, Kindred Head of Mbashie, also promised to stand with the Chairman and his administration to ensure the success of their mandate.

In response, Hon. Victor expressed gratitude for the traditional rulers' public show of support and assured them that, with the backing of Benue State Governor, Very Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, he is confident in overcoming the challenges facing the Tyoshin nation, including insecurity, water supply, and infrastructure issues.

The visit was climax by the dressing of the Executive Chairman and his wife in traditional Tiv attire and the presentation of gifts by the Ucha traditional rulers. Hon. Victor thanked them for the gifts and demobilized them accordingly.


EID-EL-FITR MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BENUE STATE.Sunday, 30th March, 2...
30/03/2025

EID-EL-FITR MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BENUE STATE.

Sunday, 30th March, 2025.

On behalf of the Executive Members, Legislative Arm, Management, Staff and good people of Agatu local government, I felicitate with our Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr after the completion of the Ramadan fast, a major pillar of Islam

The Holy Month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity, and love for one another.

It was a month of intense worship, absolute Piety and love for one another.
It’s a month of equality and unity .

To be blessed and honoured to be alive to witness the month is an invaluable opportunity and none should discard the lessons learnt in it.

The period of the Eid celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity as well as a sincere commitment to righteous conduct in private and public life

My administration is committed to promoting peaceful co-existence in local government and the state, I urge all Muslims in Agatu local to sustain these values even after the Holy month to build a prosperous and peaceful Agatu Local Government where everyone can actualise their dreams.

It is therefore incumbent upon all of us, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences, to work assiduously towards ensuring the success of the Nigerian project.

I pledge to continue to do my utmost best to safeguard the lives and property of the people of Agatu.

My administration will leave no stone unturned, to further better the lives of the people of the local government.

Happy Eid-Fitr Celebration!

Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh,
Executive Chairman, Agatu Local Government.

AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL RECORDS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN PEACE BUILDING, AS CHAIRMAN EJEH RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD ...
26/03/2025

AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL RECORDS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN PEACE BUILDING, AS CHAIRMAN EJEH RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD FROM ARMY WAR COLLEGE.

The Agatu Local Government Council in Benue State has recorded a major breakthrough in peace building, following the successful implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) measures by the council chairman, Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh.

The council's efforts in promoting peace and security in the area were recognized on Monday, March 24, 2025, when Hon. Ejeh received a leadership award from the Nigerian Army War College.

The award was presented to Hon. Ejeh during a visit by participants from the Army War College of Nigeria to the Agatu Local Government Council Secretariat in Obagaji.

Hon. Ejeh expressed his gratitude for the award, stating that it was a testament to the council's commitment to peace and security. "We are delighted to receive this award, which recognizes our efforts in promoting peace and security in our area," Hon. Ejeh said.

"We are committed to ensuring that our people live in peace and harmony, and we will continue to work tirelessly to achieve this goal," Hon. Ejeh added.

The council chairman also highlighted the challenges faced by the community, including the devastation of 14 communities by herders. "We convened meetings to bring both parties together for discussions aimed at resolving the farmers/herders crisis in the region," Hon. Ejeh explained.

"As a result of these discussions, the herders vacated the communities, allowing our people to return to their ancestral homes. However, their homes were destroyed, and we have been seeking humanitarian aid to help rebuild them," Hon. Ejeh said.

The visiting team, led by Brigadier General Odigie, commended Hon. Ejeh's proactive approach to security and recognized the local government's stability as a testament to his leadership.

"We commend the Chairman's proactive approach to security, and we recognize the local government's stability as a testament to his leadership," Brigadier General Odigie said.

"The Chairman's efforts in promoting peace and security in the area are highly commendable, and we urge him to continue his good work," Brigadier General Odigie added.

The team leader urged all security agencies to continue collaborating with the Chairman and relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and protect lives and property in the area.

"We urge all security agencies to continue collaborating with the Chairman and relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and protect lives and property in the area," Brigadier General Odigie said.

The event marked a significant milestone in the council's efforts to promote peace and security in the area. As Hon. Ejeh continues to prioritize peace and security, his administration's efforts have yielded positive results, with the local government enjoying relative peace over the past five months.

"Thanks to these efforts, the local government has enjoyed relative peace over the past five months since I took office," Hon. Ejeh said.

The people of Agatu Local Government Area have expressed their appreciation for Hon. Ejeh's leadership and commitment to peace and security.

"We are grateful for the Chairman's leadership and commitment to peace and security. We urge him to continue his good work," Mama Oche Regina, resident of Agatu.

As the Agatu Local Government Area continues to enjoy relative peace, Hon. Ejeh's administration remains committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of its people.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the well-being and safety of our people," Hon. Ejeh said.

GOV. ALIA'S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE: A NEW DAWN FOR BENUE STATE.Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iorme...
12/03/2025

GOV. ALIA'S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE: A NEW DAWN FOR BENUE STATE.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reiterated his administration's commitment to the collective prosperity of the people, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation among stakeholders. Gov. Alia re-echoed this through his Principal Special Assistant on National Programs, Civil Society, Mass Voter Education and Strategic Interventions, Solomon Semaka.

According Semaka, "The administration of His Excellency Fr Dr Hyacinth Alia believes in the collective prosperity of the people of Benue, hence the need to unite the state through the elderly counsel and guidance of critical stakeholders".

Semaka, who represented the Governor during a courtesy and solidarity committee visit to selected stakeholders from Benue South Senatorial Districts, acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders to the development of the state, predating the current administration.

The Governor expressed appreciation for the patience, openness, sincerity, and long years of sacrifice by stakeholders, particularly during difficult times. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding confidence in his administration and urged stakeholders to sustain their solidarity and support.

In a scorecard of his administration's achievements, Semaka highlighted notable progress in areas such as civil servants and pensioners' welfare, massive road infrastructure, provision of agriculture inputs, zero borrowing, improved efficiency, and fiscal responsibility, security, and education.

"Overall, within the last one year and 9 months, the governor has made notable progress in the following areas: Civil servants and pensioners welfare, massive road infrastructure, provision agriculture inputs, zero borrowing, improved efficiency, and fiscal responsibility, security and education." Semaka said.

A special documentary on the Governor's achievements across all sectors is expected to be shared with stakeholders ahead of a forthcoming interaction with the government delegation's "Special Strategic Interventions Committee".

"A special documentary on his Excellency's achievements across all sectors would be shared with you in due course to prepare you ahead of the interaction with the government delegation "Special Strategic Interventions Committee"

The community solidarity visit to the carefully selected Stakeholders in the area which began on Tuesday, 11 March, 2025 is expected to last for Six days.

INVASION ALERT: UKUM LG CHAIRMAN RAISES THE ALARM OVER ARMED HERDSMEN TAKEOVER, URGES RESIDENTS TO UNITE AGAINST COMMON ...
04/03/2025

INVASION ALERT: UKUM LG CHAIRMAN RAISES THE ALARM OVER ARMED HERDSMEN TAKEOVER, URGES RESIDENTS TO UNITE AGAINST COMMON ENEMY.

The Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government, Hon. Jonathan Modi, has issued a call to action to all sons and daughters of Ukum to reclaim their land and secure their future. This comes after an assessment of villages overtaken by armed herdsmen, which revealed mass displacement of residents and unlawful occupation of farmlands.

In a press release on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, Hon. Modi stated that the situation in Ukum is dire, with armed herdsmen posing a direct and imminent threat to the security, livelihood, and future of the Ukum people. He emphasized that the responsibility of reclaiming Ukum does not rest solely on those residing within the local government, but requires collective action from all stakeholders, including those in Abuja, Makurdi, Lagos, and the diaspora.

“Our land is desolate. I have traversed the affected areas and witnessed firsthand the devastating reality—our people are no longer in their homes, and their farmlands have been forcefully seized. These herdsmen are not mere pastoralists; they are armed with sophisticated weapons, determined to unleash terror, displace our people, and establish a permanent presence. This is an existential threat that demands urgent and decisive action.”

"While my administration and the council are making concerted efforts to restore peace and security, it is imperative that every stakeholder takes this matter seriously. Security is a shared responsibility—it is not the sole duty of the government. Our people look up to us for protection and the hope of returning to their ancestral homes.”

Hon. Modi assured that any credible intelligence, strategic initiatives, or security interventions aimed at reclaiming occupied communities and safeguarding the lives and properties of Ukum residents will receive immediate attention and full cooperation from the government.

This call to action comes amidst recent reports of attacks by armed herdsmen in the region, including the recent incidents in Ugbaam and Ityulugh districts in the Local Government Area.

BENUE STATE TEETERS ON BRINK OF STATE CAPTURE BY GANGSBy Terna Vembe.Benue State, once hailed as the "Food Basket of the...
03/03/2025

BENUE STATE TEETERS ON BRINK OF STATE CAPTURE BY GANGS

By Terna Vembe.

Benue State, once hailed as the "Food Basket of the Nation," is rapidly descending into chaos due to an alarming surge in political thuggery and organized violence. This disturbing trend, if left unchecked, poses a severe threat to peace, development, and the very fabric of society says Dr. Timothy Aikor.

He warned that the emerging situation in Benue bears a striking resemblance to the early days of Boko Haram in Borno State, where what began as a localized issue soon spiraled into a full-blown insurgency that has destabilized the entire region for over a decade.
"The emerging situation in Benue bears a striking resemblance to the early days of Boko Haram in Borno State, where what began as a localized issue soon spiraled into a full-blown insurgency that has destabilized the entire region for over a decade."

According to Dr. Timothy Aikor, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, "The rise in thuggery in Benue is following a familiar pattern. Political actors and influential figures recruit young men, arm them, and use them to intimidate opponents and settle personal scores."

Dr. Aikor cautioned that these groups eventually become uncontrollable, turn against their benefactors, evolve into criminal syndicates, and terrorize the very communities they were once hired to "protect."

The implications of inaction are dire. If this trend continues, Benue risks plunging into a state of lawlessness, with political thugs potentially becoming violent militia groups, enforcing their own rule and disrupting governance.

Already, reports of attempted assassinations and violent clashes linked to political thuggery are becoming more frequent. The displacement of people, similar to what has happened in Borno, is not far-fetched if the violence escalates.

Aikor urged leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders in Benue to act decisively to curb this menace before it escalates. "Law enforcement agencies should intensify crackdowns on political thuggery, and the government must invest in youth empowerment initiatives to address the root causes of violence."

"To the sponsors of these thugs: history has repeatedly shown that violence, once unleashed, is difficult to contain. Those who think they can control armed groups for political gain must look at Borno State and see the ruins left behind. Many of those who once empowered Boko Haram have either been killed or have fled. Political gains are short-lived, but the destruction caused by such empowerment lasts for generations.

Now is the time to rethink this path. Leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders in Benue must act decisively to curb this menace before it escalates. Law enforcement agencies should intensify crackdowns on political thuggery, and the government must invest in youth empowerment initiatives to address the root causes of violence.

Benue has a choice: learn from Borno’s tragic experience or repeat it. The future of the state depends on the decisions made today. Let us choose peace over violence, unity over division, and progress over destruction."

The future of Benue State hangs in the balance. Will the state learn from Borno's tragic experience, or will it repeat it? The choice is clear: peace, unity, and progress over violence, division, and destruction. Dr. Aikor stated.

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