Citizen Television, Office No. 22 Uptown Plaza Beside Makurdi International Market, George Akume Way, Makurdi (2025)

25/03/2025

BENUE STATE HOSTS HISTORIC LIVESTOCK SUMMIT, CHARTS NEW COURSE FOR SECTOR DEVELOPMENT.

Benue State has made history by hosting its first-ever livestock summit, a landmark event that has brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria to chart a new course for the development of the livestock sector in the state.

The two-day summit, held on March 21-22, 2025, in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital was attended by the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who delivered a keynote address outlining the bold agenda of the Ministry and how Benue can leverage opportunities in the sector.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, in his remarks, unveiled far-reaching policy directions aimed at reviving the livestock sector in the state.

According to the Director General, Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, "The summit has unlocked a number of concerns and issues for both reflection and action. Far-reaching policy directions have also been unveiled by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who is decidedly committed to reviving the over 15 livestock facilities across the state."

Dr. Asambe further stated, "As a Bureau, we have a robust plan in place to properly communicate the plans and intentions of this administration in maximizing the opportunities inherent in the livestock sector for the good of all Benue people."

He emphasized, "Once again, for the records, no Benue land has been or will be ceded to anyone. The Benue people will be effectively trained and empowered on the enormous opportunities that the livestock sector offers while also empowering them to unravel the opportunities therein."

The summit also addressed the herder-farmer conflicts and criminality that have resulted in losses of lives and properties in the past. The administration has pledged not to undermine the concerns and issues surrounding livestock development.

In response to reactions stirred by the summit, the Director General assured that the Bureau would share a communique in the coming days, which would be a collective reflection and aspirations of all stakeholders who participated in the two-day event.

Dr. Asambe further appealed to the people of Benue State to look beyond cheap polemics and join hands to collectively maximize the prospects of the livestock sector.

25/03/2025

BREAKING: Judge hands off Natasha’s case, cites Akpabio’s petition

ABUJA–Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who was assigned to hear a suit that was filed by the suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, recused himself from the case.

The trial judge based his decision on a petition the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, wrote to challenge his objectivity in the matter.

Though the suit was originally fixed for hearing, however, when the matter was called up by the court’s clerk, Justice Egwuatu, announced his decision in a short ruling he delivered.

He said the case-file would be returned back to the Chief Judge for a reassignment to another judge.

It will be recalled that Justice Egwuatu had on March 4, issued an interim order that stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from going ahead with the disciplinary proceeding that was initiated against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over an allegation that she flouted rules of the legislative house.

He held that the disciplinary process should be placed on hold, pending the determination of the suit that was brought before him by the embattled female lawmaker.

More so, Justice Egwuatu gave defendants in the matter, 72 hours to show cause why it should not issue an order of interlocutory injunction to stop them from probing the plaintiff for alleged misconduct, without affording her the privileges stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

He granted permission for the plaintiff to serve the Originating Summons and all the accompanying processes on all the defendants, through substituted means.

It held that they should be served by handing the processes to the Clerk of the National Assembly or by pasting them on the premises of the National Assembly and publishing same in two national dailies.

The interim orders followed an ex-parte application and an affidavit of urgency that was brought before the court by the lawmaker.

24/03/2025

Reps got $5,000 as ‘Sallah gift,’ not bribe for approving Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers – House Committee on FCT Chair, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara.

24/03/2025

Akpabio Vs Natasha: INEC Receives Constituents Petition Seeking For Natasha’s Recall From The Senate

The petition was submitted with over 250k+ signatures of constituents out of the 480k+ registered voters. The required percentage is 50% + 1.

Source: ebiranews

24/03/2025

Benue Yet To Cede Land For Ranching~Livestock DG

The Benue State Government says it is yet to Cede Land to the Federal Government for the implementation of ranching in the state.

The state government disclosed this through Director General, Bureau of Livestock Development & Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe.

Dr. Asambe debunked the news that the state government had ceded land to the Federal Government, stating that it was a misrepresentation.

He said, "To clarify, the Federal Government does not own any land in Benue State, nor has the state government ceded any land to the FG for ranching. Reports suggesting otherwise misrepresented the Minister’s remarks, likely due to a failure to differentiate between fodder production and ranching. The Minister explicitly stated that the FG would provide seedlings to the state government to commence fodder production, which, for now, will cover 500 hectares.

"While at the facility, the Minister urged the Benue State Government, through the Bureau of Livestock Development, to clear 500 hectares out of the over 3,000 hectares available at Raav for livestock fodder production (grass cultivation). He emphasized that this initiative would not only enhance fodder availability for the facility but also support other markets and create export opportunities. He further assured that Raav has the potential to serve the nation and pledged to enhance capacity building and introduce modern breeding systems.

"The Livestock Breeding and Investigation Centre, Raav, is a state-owned facility that hosts some of the cattle herds belonging to the Benue State Government.

"During the opening ceremony of the first Benue Livestock smmit, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia requested special intervention from the Federal Government to conserve and breed the Muturu cattle breed (Bua Tiv), which holds both economic and cultural significance for the Benue people. This request informed the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha’s visit to Raav.

"Additionally, he urged that the land be fenced and cleared in preparation for fodder cultivation, with the Federal Government offering support to help the state government achieve this," Dr. Asambe clarified.

23/03/2025

FG targets 500 hectares of land for ranching, dairy production in Benue: Minister

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has said the Federal Government will clear 500 hectares of land in Benue State to promote ranching and dairy production.

Mr Maiha disclosed this on Saturday during his visit to the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre, Raav, Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the 2,400 hectares allocated to the centre was sufficient for ranching and dairy, adding that the FG would begin with clearing 500 hectares.

He regretted that the centre, with over 2,400 hectares, currently has only 37 animals, and its facilities dilapidated and needing full rehabilitation.

Mr Naiha stated, “We will form a small committee to suggest ways of moving this place forward. We aim to establish two enterprises here: one for dairy, the other for ranching. 2,400 hectares is sufficient, so we will initially clear 500 hectares to receive pasture before the rains this year.’’

The minister added that the committee would propose facilities such as pens, isolation centres, maternity pens, dips and other support structures including housing and chalets.

He explained that the centre would collaborate with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, for research purposes.

Speaking during the visit, Director-General, Benue Bureau for Livestock Development, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, said the initiative aligned with the state government’s vision for the bureau’s creation.

Mr Asambe noted the state government believed that ranches would address security challenges and allow farmers to return to their ancestral lands.

He said the state government took a pragmatic step to build a reliable livestock industry that brings economic benefits to the people.

He commended the state Governor Hyacinth Alia for supporting the bureau in achieving its livestock development mandate.

The minister earlier visited the Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project, Yadev, Gboko LGA, and the International Cattle Market, Makurdi.

(NAN)

22/03/2025

COURT GRANTS RECALL PROCESS OF SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI UDUAGHAN

A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja Kogi State capital have granted access to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to go ahead with the recall process initiated by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a historic ruling in Lokoja on Friday, the Federal High Court upholds the constitutionality of the recall procedure and its alignment with the citizens’ civic rights.

The constituents were advised by the court to keep exercising their rights in a civil and orderly way.

The change occurred after the court issued an interim injunction on Thursday prohibiting INEC, its employees, agents, privies, or assigns from receiving, accepting, or acting upon any petition signed by Kogi Central Senatorial District members.

The court also stopped INEC from conducting any referendum upon such petition for the purpose of initiating a re-call process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pending the determination of the Motion on Notice to the same effect.

The court granted the application following an Ex-parte application for interim supported by an Affidavit of Extreme urgency together with other court processes sworn to by Anebe Jacob Ogirima for himself and four others who are registered voters and constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State.

Counsel to the applicant, Smart Nwachimere, argued that the recall petitions contained fictitious signatures from purported constituents.

The injunction however restrains INEC, its staff, and agents from receiving or accepting recall petitions with fake signatures and conducting any referendum based on such petitions

The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for hearing on the matter.

22/03/2025

Crime: Gunmen kidnap FRSC Inspector in Benue

Unknown gunmen on Wednesday night kidnapped an inspector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nathaniel Terwanger Kumashe in Benue state.

The incident, which was confirmed to newsmen via telephone by his uncle who is a former Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Transportation, Chief Yimam Aboh had occurred at about 10pm.

According to him, the unknown armed men fired several gunshots to scare the family members and neighbours, abducted the victim from his country home in Tse Aboh, Uchi-Mbakor in Tarka LGA as he returned to his house from the wake-keep of his late cousin who was slated burial yesterday, Friday.

He said, “Youths in the entire community immediately launched a search throughout the night but the gunmen were fast gone.

“Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) joined in the search operation and the police visited the community after the incident”.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue state Command, Catherine Anene referred our correspondent to the FRSC Sector Command, saying she is not aware of the incident.

However, confirming the incident, the FRSC’s Public Relations Officer, in the state, Ngozi Ahula said the matter has been reported to the police.

By Peoples Daily

21/03/2025

JUST IN: Thunderstone Kills Young Girl in Adikpo

A devastating incident occurred at Mrs. Celina Agbatse's compound in Mbaiwen, Adikpo, resulting in the tragic death of a young girl.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim had ventured out to fetch water when the rain started. Seeking shelter, she hid in front of the house, waiting for the rain to pass. Unfortunately, a thunderstone struck her, causing fatal injuries.

The victim was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Adikpo, where she was pronounced dead. Her body has been deposited in the hospital's mortuary.

21/03/2025

BREAKING: Supreme Court declares Senator Samuel Anyanwu as legitimate National Secretary of PDP, sets aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Enugu.

The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, declaring him the legitimate National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The apex court set aside the December 20, 2024, judgment of the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which had upheld the High Court’s decision removing Anyanwu and recognizing Sunday Udey-Okoye as his replacement.

Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s ruling, Anyanwu took the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that both the Court of Appeal and the Enugu High Court lacked jurisdiction to decide on an issue concerning the internal affairs of the PDP. He maintained that party leadership and membership matters are non-justiciable and should not be determined by any court.

Anyanwu also faulted the lower court for failing to consider whether the plaintiff had exhausted PDP’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before filing the suit. Additionally, he questioned the decision to grant the plaintiff locus standi to challenge his position, insisting that such matters are fundamental to a court’s jurisdiction

Furthermore, Anyanwu challenged the interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 by the lower courts, asserting that he neither resigned nor was removed from office as National Secretary.

He argued that the PDP constitution clearly outlines procedures for vacating executive positions, and there was no legal basis for the courts’ conclusion that he had left office. He emphasized that Article 47 of the PDP constitution provides for a single four-year term for party officers, reinforcing his claim that his removal was unlawful.

21/03/2025

BENUE STATE GOVERNOR RECEIVES HIGH PRAISE FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

By Iorfa Akpen

The Director General of the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, Mrs. Dooshima Zaki, has commended Governor Hycienth Alia for his tireless efforts to improve the well-being of Benue people through agricultural development.

Mrs. Zaki made these remarks while interacting with journalists in her office, highlighting the bureau's two major objectives: extension delivery service and mechanization. She emphasized that the bureau is working closely with private extension workers and volunteers to achieve these goals.

The bureau is also working towards activating three zones in Benue State, with plans to establish its own farms, government farms. Mrs. Zaki expressed satisfaction with the government's commitment to keeping its campaign promises, particularly in the area of agricultural development.

One of the bureau's key initiatives is to farm enough crops to provide food for palliatives, which will enable the government to save money and allocate it to other important purposes. Mrs. Zaki hopes to achieve this goal before the end of Governor Alia's first term.

The bureau has identified four main value chain crops to focus on: rice, maize, cassava, and soya beans, in addition to yam, which is Benue State's chief crop. To improve yam seedlings, the bureau is considering a partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), given Benue State's status as the largest yam producer in West Africa.

To support young farmers, Governor Alia has allocated a significant budget for land clearing and mechanization. This initiative allows youths to hire equipment at subsidized rates in all development areas of the state, including the state capital.

Mrs. Zaki assured Benue people that the bureau will do everything possible to ensure that farmers receive the necessary support to succeed. She also highlighted the governor's measures to ensure the success of dry season farming in 2025, including allocating land for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to improve their livelihoods.

The Director General urged young people in the state to shun vices and embrace agriculture to better their future. She appealed to the government to employ more extension workers to enable Benue State to compete favorably with other states in dry season farming and irrigation.

Mrs. Zaki emphasized the need for young people to take up farming, given the government's efforts to make farming attractive to youths using the latest technology trends.

The bureau's initiatives have been designed to promote agricultural development and improve the lives of Benue people. With Governor Alia's support, the bureau is confident that its goals will be achieved.

As Benue State continues to prioritize agricultural development, the bureau's efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the state's economy and food security.

The partnership between the bureau and IITA is also expected to yield positive results, particularly in the area of yam production.

Mrs. Zaki's commendation of Governor Alia's efforts is a testament to the governor's commitment to improving the lives of Benue people through agricultural development.

The bureau's initiatives and the governor's support are expected to drive agricultural growth and development in Benue State, making it a model for other states to follow.

20/03/2025

Breaking: Suspected Armed Herdsmen Ambush, kill 2 Soldiers, Policeman, 2 Farmers In Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Armed men suspected to be herdsmen, have reportedly ambushed and killed two soldiers during an attack closed to Jato-Aka town, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

The suspected herders also killed a police officer and two farmers identified as Yenge Kwaghkuga and Bem Adughigbudu in the community.

An eyewitness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the soldiers were ambushed while responding to a distress call to rescue residents living on the outskirts of Jato-Aka town.

It was gathered that one soldier sustained a gunshot wound on his thigh while another soldier who was shot during the attack was still missing.

Community members are pleading for increased security in the area.

The source said that in response to the attack, 12 trucks of security personnel were deployed to the area on Thursday morning.

However, residents believe that more security is needed to address the situation, given the level of attacks and sophistication of arms by the attackers in the area.

The attacks have had a severe impact on the community, with food stuffs destroyed, economic activities crippled, and schools remaining closed.

Lawrence Akerigba, a resident of the area, expressed concern over the continuous attacks by herdsmen, stating that they had attacked Tse Tsumbu, Yaav ward,on Wednesday killing two people.

“The attacked area is home to the Legislative aide to Senator Emmanuel Udende, whose brother, a member of the Volunteer guard, was killed last year.

“We have flee Jato Aka, which is the largest town in Turan, which is also the hometown of the formal minister and elder States man Late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo.

“Jato Aka I’d like an Afghanistan now hence residents are unable to enter their homeland.

“While people are moving out of Jato Aka, increased security would restore confidence in the community and motivate residents to return and continue with their normal”he said.

The source said the injured soldier has been evacuated to NKST Hospital in Jato-Aka for medical treatment, while efforts are ongoing to locate the missing personnel.

20/03/2025

CITIZEN TELEVISION APOLOGY FOR DEFAMATION OF PROF CELESTINE UZOMA AGUORU, JOSEPH SARWUAN TARKA UNIVERSITY MAKURDI ON ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL HARRASSMENT.

To: Prof. Aguoru, Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa University, Makurdi

We, the management of Citizen Television, hereby offer our sincerest apologies for the defamatory report shared on our platform on Thursday 13th March 2025 as supplied by Dr Tersagh Smart Ichor of same University, which falsely implicated you in an alleged sexual scandal.

We have obtained the letter which consituted the late Professor S. A. Ikurior committee on 21st February 2008 and discovered that it was NOT set up to investigate you (Prof Aguoru) nor was it set due to any complaint by Miss Patricia A. Ochi ( document attached)

We acknowledge that the report was entirely without foundation and was a gross violation of your rights and reputation. We understand that the false allegations caused you significant distress, harm, and embarrassment, and for this, we are truly sorry to have participated in the blackmail ab-initio unknowingly.

We also have in our possession a letter from the university governing council to you signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, clearing you of such allegations.

Specifically it is stated in the letter that you have never been queried nor has any panel been set up in the university to investigate you of such allegations.

We want to assure you that we take full responsibility for the mistake and are taking immediate actions to prevent such incidents in the future. We have reviewed our editorial processes and have implemented additional measures to ensure the accuracy and fairness of our reporting.

We recognize that our actions have caused harm to your reputation and have undermined the trust and confidence that the public has in you. We hope that our apology and the actions we are taking will help to restore your reputation and demonstrate our commitment to responsible and ethical journalism.

Once again, we offer our sincerest apologies for the harm caused by our defamatory broadcast. We hope that you will accept our apology and that we can work together to rebuild trust and confidence.

Sincerely,

Orseer Mnzughulga,
For: Management, Citizen Television

20/03/2025

BREAKING: Senate Approves Emergency Rule In Rivers

THE Senate on Thursday passed and adopted the proclamation of President Bola Tinubu on the six-month suspension he slammed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced this after a closed-door session on Thursday that lasted over one hour.

According to him, the Senate relied on its Orders 133, 134, 135 and 136.

Earlier, Akpabio disclosed that Tinubu had written the Senate a letter of proclamation on the six-month suspension he slammed on Fubara.

The letter read aloud at plenary by Akpabio said: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.

“The main features of the proclamation are as follows.

“A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, River State.

“The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

“An appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba, as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.

“While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

20/03/2025

WATCH: House of Representatives Members Vote In Support Of President Tinubu’s Declaration Of A State Of Emergency In Rivers State

20/03/2025

Tragedy struck along the Agyaragu-Makurdi road yesterday night, as Sunday Obekpa John killed by suspected armed robbers.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim's lifeless body was recovered by the police and brought to the Jenkwe Development Area Secretariat in Agyaragu.

The deceased's identity card, found on him, bears the name "Sunday Obekpa John".

Anyone with information about Sunday Obekpa John's family or next of kin is urged to contact the Jenkwe Development Area Secretariat or the nearest police station.

20/03/2025

BREAKING: Founder of Mammy Market in military barracks, Mammy Ochefu is dead

She hailed from Jericho-Ugboju in the present Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Idoman TV reports.

20/03/2025

12 BANDITS FALL IN BENUE POLICE CROSSFIRE, 37 SUSPECTS APPREHENDED AS COMMAND INTENSIFIES WAR AGAINST CRIME

By Orseer Mnzughulga

The Benue State Police Command has recorded a major success in its fight against crime, with the neutralization of 12 suspected bandits and the arrest of 37 other suspects.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the police achieved this feat through a combination of tactical operations and intelligence gathering.

"On March 19, 2025, at about 0200hrs, a joint task force operation was carried out in Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, based on credible intelligence," CSP Catherine said. "The operation was aimed at dislodging a notorious gang of bandits that had been terrorizing the area."

CSP Catherine explained that the bandits, on sighting the police, engaged them in a fierce gun duel. "Our operatives, however, responded with superior firepower, and at the end of the crossfire, 12 of the bandits were neutralized," she said.

The police also recovered three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms from the bandits.

Sadly, one of the police operatives, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter and was later confirmed dead.

"We commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased officer and pray for the repose of his soul," CSP Catherine said. "We also commend the bravery and professionalism of our operatives who participated in the operation."

In a separate operation, the police arrested five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultists in Daudu and Makurdi. Seven locally made pistols were also recovered during the operation.

"The Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet, has assured the people of Benue State that the command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure their safety and security," CSP Catherine said. "We urge members of the public to continue to support us with credible information and to report any suspicious activities to the police."

The police command has also warned that it will not tolerate any form of criminality in the state and will deal decisively with anyone found to be involved in such activities.

The command advised the people of Benue State to remain vigilant and to cooperate with the police to ensure a safer and more secured environment for all as it continue to intensity efforts to rid crime out of the state.

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