Benue State Air Waves, Makurdi (2026)

31/07/2026

Alleged Cover-Up of Factory Worker's Death Sparks Deadly Protest in Edo

Friday, July 31, 2026

Tension engulfed Utesi Community in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday after a protest at a Chinese-owned aluminium manufacturing company turned violent, leaving at least five persons reportedly dead and several others injured.

The protest was allegedly triggered by the death of a forklift operator, said to be a native of Plateau State, who reportedly lost his life in an industrial accident while operating heavy machinery inside the factory.

According to eyewitness accounts shared on social media, Gideon Selumun said workers accused the company's management of attempting to conceal the fatality by allegedly removing the victim's body from the factory premises in a bag and dumping it in a refuse container. The allegation has not been independently verified.

The reported incident infuriated workers, who staged a protest and demanded an explanation from the company's management. The demonstration later degenerated into violence, with protesters reportedly destroying and setting ablaze company vehicles and other valuables.

Witnesses said security personnel were deployed to restore order, but the confrontation allegedly turned deadly. Reports indicated that four protesters were killed during the clash, while another victim was reportedly struck by a stray bullet, bringing the reported death toll to five. The casualty figures, however, remain unconfirmed by the authorities.

One of the deceased was identified as an indigene of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The Vice President of the Tiv Youth Organization in Edo State, Mr. Ken Solo, was quoted as saying that arrangements had been made to convey the victim's remains to Benue for burial.

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the other victims had yet to be established, while several workers were reportedly unaccounted for.

Efforts to obtain comments from the management of the company were unsuccessful, and neither the Edo State Police Command nor the Edo State Government had released an official statement on the incident.

The claims contained in this report are based on eyewitness accounts and social media posts and are awaiting independent verification by the relevant authorities.

31/07/2026

Benue Police Arrest Suspected Arms Supplier, Recover 115 Rounds of Live Ammunition

The Benue State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against armed banditry and terrorism with the arrest of a suspected supplier of arms and ammunition and the recovery of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition in Guma Local Government Area.

According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the arrest was made during a routine stop-and-search operation carried out by operatives of the Guma Division on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The police said officers intercepted two men riding on a motorcycle during the operation. However, one of the occupants reportedly jumped off the motorcycle and fled into a nearby bush on sighting the security operatives.

The remaining suspect, identified as 20-year-old Joro Jakata from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was arrested. A search conducted on him led to the discovery of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession.

The suspect is currently in police custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation. Police said efforts are underway to arrest the fleeing accomplice and determine the source and intended destination of the ammunition.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives whose swift action led to the arrest and recovery.

He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal fi****ms and dismantling criminal networks threatening the peace and security of the state.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command's emergency lines, assuring the public that all credible information would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon without delay.

31/07/2026

Governor Alia Sacks Amua, Appoints Prof. Shilgna Acting Vice Chancellor UAST

By Johnson Adole, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Professor Leonard Karshima Shilgba as Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh.

This followed the relieved of Dr Qrisstuberg Msughter Amua from the position in what is referred to as for "administrative reasons".

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement in Makurdi on Thursday, said the appointment takes immediate effect.

Shilgba, a Professor of Mathematics, University administrator, scholar, author, educationist, and academic leader, hails from Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State and has had a distinguished academic and administrative career spanning over three decades.

"His academics also include advanced postdoctoral research experience. In 2009, he was awarded a Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Fellowship, through which he undertook postdoctoral research in Japan", the statement added.

His experience in university leadership has also included participation in strategic planning and institutional development at a period of significant transformation in Nigerian higher education.
He also contributed to establishing UAST, Ihugh.

In 2017, President Buhari appointed Professor Shilgba as the Chairman of the 9th Governing Board of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), where he served with vision, distinction, and uncompromising disposition.

Governor Alia who is the Visitor to the university, while congratulating the new Acting Vice Chancellor, stated that, "This is a position of great responsibility, and we trust you will lead with wisdom, integrity, and fairness.

“As you assume this office, I urge you to provide steady leadership, strengthen academic excellence, and promote unity among staff and students”.

The statement quotes governor Alia as further encouraging Prof. Shilgba to ensure he prioritizes the welfare of all members of the university and works diligently to uphold the values and reputation of the institution.

Professor Shilgna And Amua

30/07/2026

AGULE SETS AGENDA FOR BENUE ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL, VOWS INDEPENDENT POLICY ADVICE, CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION

By Orseer Mnzughulga | July 30, 2026

Team Lead of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council, Mr. Nick Agule, has assured Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia that members of the council will deploy their vast professional experience to support the state's economic transformation through objective, evidence-based policy advice and innovative solutions.

Agule gave the assurance while delivering his acceptance speech on behalf of members of the newly inaugurated council, describing their appointment as a call to service and a responsibility they would discharge with integrity, professionalism and undivided commitment to the public good.

Recall that Governor Hyacinth Alia had on Wednesday inaugurated the 15-member Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council, charging the body to provide expert guidance that would strengthen evidence-based governance, deepen strategic planning and accelerate sustainable economic growth across the state.

Responding on behalf of the council, Agule thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members, saying the appointment offered them an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the economic transformation of Benue State.

He noted that while the council had no executive authority, its members were determined to make their expertise count by generating practical policy recommendations capable of supporting government in addressing developmental challenges and unlocking the state's economic potential.
"We are deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in us to serve as members of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council. We accept this responsibility with a deep sense of duty, knowing that the expectations of the people of Benue are high," he said.

Agule explained that the council's mandate was to provide objective and evidence-driven advice that would help government formulate policies capable of promoting sustainable economic growth, attracting investments, creating jobs, increasing productivity and improving the welfare of the people.

He pledged that members would work closely with government institutions, the organised private sector, development partners and local communities to ensure that the council's recommendations reflect both professional expertise and the realities on the ground.

According to him, the advisory council comprises accomplished professionals with nearly 500 years of combined experience across the public and private sectors, placing it in a strong position to provide strategic direction on economic and development issues.
"Our team brings to the table nearly 500 years of combined cognate experience across virtually every sector of the economy, gained through distinguished service at the highest levels of both the public and private sectors," Agule said.

In a move aimed at broadening public participation in governance, the Team Lead disclosed that the council intends to establish an open platform through which citizens would be able to submit ideas and recommendations for consideration.

He said although members of the council possess extensive technical knowledge, they recognise that ordinary citizens also have valuable insights gained from everyday experiences that should influence government policies.
"While our team brings together about 500 years of collective professional experience, we recognise that the people of Benue possess millions of years of collective lived experience. We therefore intend to open a public platform to harvest citizens' ideas and translate the best of them into policy recommendations," he stated.

Agule, however, cautioned members of the public against entertaining unrealistic expectations about the council's responsibilities, stressing that it is an advisory institution without executive powers or financial authority.

He clarified that the council neither controls government funds nor has the mandate to offer employment, urging citizens to judge its performance by the quality of ideas and policy recommendations it generates rather than by expectations outside its mandate.
"We have no executive powers, no budget to dispense and no jobs to offer. We appreciate your congratulatory messages, but we ask that they come with the right expectations," he added.

The Team Lead further appealed for patience and understanding, noting that many members of the council were transitioning from distinguished careers in the private sector into public service.

He assured the people that the council would approach its assignment with humility, transparency and accountability while supporting Governor Alia's vision of building a prosperous, competitive and inclusive Benue State.

Agule expressed confidence that through collaboration, sound policy advice and active citizen participation, the council would contribute significantly to shaping policies capable of driving long-term economic growth, strengthening governance and improving the quality of life of the people of Benue State.

The Economic and Policy Advisory Council is chaired by Mr. Nick Agule as Team Lead, with Mrs. Carolyn Okoh Folami serving as Co-Team Lead, while Prof. Jerome Andohol is the Secretary. Other members are Prof. Naomi Onyeje Doki, Dr. Andrew Ayabam, Dr. Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole, Mr. Patrick Okigbo, Dr. Fanen Ade, Mr. Alex Tarka, Dr. Jane Asagh, Mr. Basil Jev, Dr. Joseph Ogebe, Mr. Emmanuel Makeri, Mr. Michael Oglegba and Mrs. Theresa Nyitse, bringing together expertise from academia, public policy, finance, development practice and the private sector to support the state's economic transformation agenda.

30/07/2026

BENUE ASSEMBLY, FORMER LAWMAKERS PAY GLOWING TRIBUTES TO LATE TYOCHIR
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‎The Benue State House of Assembly on Thursday held a solemn valedictory session in honour of former member representing Gwer East State Constituency in the 8th Assembly, Hon. Stephen Bundekaan Tyochir, with lawmakers, former legislators and political associates paying glowing tributes to his life of humility, generosity and dedicated public service at the Benue State House of Assembly complex.
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‎The Thursday session, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aondoaver Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, RQS, saw serving and former members of the House including former Speaker Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange ,Former Speaker Rt. Hon. Dave Iorhemba ,Rt.Hon.Titus Uba, former majority leaders amongst others turnout in numbers to celebrate the life, legacies and contributions of the late lawmaker, who served in the Assembly between 2015 and 2019.
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‎Delivering the House funeral oration on behalf of the Assembly, Speaker Emberga described the late Tyochir as a principled legislator who saw public office as a call to selfless service, saying his death had left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
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‎According to the Speaker, the Assembly gathered not for its usual legislative debates but to pay its final respects to a former colleague whose contributions to lawmaking, accountability and grassroots development would remain indelible in the history of the Benue State House of Assembly.
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‎He recalled that the late Tyochir chaired the House Standing Committee on Cooperatives and Rural Development and also served on the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Security, where he distinguished himself as an active, resourceful and knowledgeable legislator.
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‎Emberga further noted that the former lawmaker consistently championed transparency and accountability in government, recalling his contributions during legislative debates on abandoned projects across the state, where he advocated proper engagement with contractors to ensure value for public funds.
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‎The Speaker described the deceased as a calm, compassionate and peace-loving leader whose integrity and commitment to the welfare of his constituents earned him the admiration of colleagues and the people he represented.
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‎Speaking on behalf of former members of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Sir Sylvester Attachin extolled the virtues of the late Tyochir, describing him as a humble, generous and dependable colleague whose life positively impacted many people.
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‎Attachin urged both serving and former lawmakers to remain their brothers' keepers by sustaining the spirit of unity, compassion and mutual support among members of the legislative family.
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‎He also commended Speaker Emberga and members of the 10th Assembly for the support and care extended to him during his period of illness, urging them to continue showing such kindness to colleagues and others in need.
‎He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Tyochir's soul and asked God to grant his family the strength to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
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‎Also speaking during the valedictory session, Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu delivered a tribute on behalf of lawmakers from Benue North-West (Zone A), while Hon. Dr. Elias spoke on behalf of members from Benue North-East (Zone B).
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‎Similarly, Rt. Hon. Abu Umoru paid tribute on behalf of lawmakers from Benue South (Zone C), describing the late former legislator as a committed public servant whose contributions to legislative governance and community development would continue to inspire future generations.
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‎The House later observed a moment of silence in honour of the deceased and extended its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gwer East State Constituency and the entire good people of Benue State.
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‎The Speaker prayed for the peaceful repose of Late Hon. Tyochir, noting that his legacy of integrity, patriotism,humility and dedication to service would remain an enduring part of the legislative history in Benue State.
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‎Zape Michael Upaa,
‎Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly.
‎30th July, 2026.

30/07/2026

BREAKING NEWS

ZAKI-BIAM KILLING: LPDC SUSPENDS GADZAMA, ONE OTHER OVER FEDERAL GOVT'S N8BILLION SETTLEMENT

By Kunle Olasanmi, July 30, 2026

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama and another lawyer, Ocha Ulegede, have been suspended for three years and two years respectively, from law practice by the Legal Practitioners and Disciplinary Committee, LPDC.

The complaints that led to their suspension arose from a petition, number BB/LPDC/1314/2024, filed by a lawyer, Chris Alashi.

The LPDC suspended them over their roles in the case, which was deemed misconduct.

Justice Halima Ibrahim, who delivered the judgment of the committee, asked the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court to notify.

In its judgement, the LPDC found the Respondents, Ocha Ulegede, Esq and J. K. Gadzama, SAN, liable for being in breach of various Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023.

The LPDC consequently suspended Ocha Ulegede, Esq, from legal practice for two years with effect from the date of delivery of the judgment.

K. Gadzama, SAN, was suspended from legal practice for a period of three years from the date of the judgment.

The LPDC also directed that all the heads of superior courts of record in Nigeria should be notified of the direction.

The committee also said the Inspector-General of Police should be formally notified of the suspension of the erring lawyers from legal practice.

The court case over compensation for the Zaki Biam killings arose from the military operation carried out in Benue State in October 2001, following the killing of 19 soldiers.

During the operation, soldiers invaded Zaki Biam and the surrounding communities, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and widespread destruction of property.

They sought compensation for the deaths, destruction of property and alleged violations of their fundamental rights.

The plaintiffs were represented by lawyers including Sebastian Hon (SAN), Ocha Ulegede and Chris Alashi.

On 5 July 2007, Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Enugu, awarded the plaintiffs ₦41.8 billion as compensation against the federal government.

The federal government appealed the judgment to the Court of Appeal, but later entered negotiations with the plaintiffs to settle the matter out of court.

During the negotiations, the parties reportedly agreed to reduce the compensation from ₦41.8 billion to ₦8 billion.

The proposed settlement later became the subject of reports that the compensation would be paid through the Benue State Government under then-Governor Gabriel Suswam.

The plaintiffs and their lawyers objected, arguing that the money should be paid directly to the successful litigants because the state government was not a party to the suit. They also noted that the court had not yet adopted the out-of-court settlement.

30/07/2026

LET'S HAVE YOUR VIEWS.....

: Marriage Reportedly Ends Two Weeks After Wedding Over Dispute Surrounding ₦70 Million SUV Gift

A marriage between newlyweds identified as Mr. Olukayode and Mrs. Modupeola has reportedly ended just two weeks after their wedding following a disagreement over a luxury vehicle allegedly presented to the bride by her former employer.

According to accounts circulating online, Mrs. Modupeola had worked for a Lebanese-owned company in Ilorin, Kwara State, where she reportedly earned a monthly salary of ₦400,000 before resigning and relocating to Abuja after marrying her husband.

Less than a week after the wedding, a brand-new Toyota SUV, said to be worth more than ₦70 million, was reportedly delivered to the couple's residence as a farewell gift from the Managing Director of her former company.

The gift allegedly became a source of conflict after Mr. Olukayode, a banker, objected to accepting such an expensive vehicle from another man. He reportedly insisted that the SUV be returned, expressing discomfort with keeping it in their home.

Mrs. Modupeola, however, reportedly declined, maintaining that the vehicle was an official farewell gift and noting that other employees had previously received similar benefits from the company.

Efforts to resolve the dispute reportedly included intervention by the couple's pastor and the head of Mr. Olukayode's family, who appealed to Mrs. Modupeola to return the vehicle in the interest of preserving the marriage. Despite the intervention, both parties reportedly remained firm in their positions.

The disagreement ultimately led to the reported dissolution of the marriage just two weeks after the couple exchanged their wedding vows.

The claims have continued to generate widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing differing opinions on whether either spouse should have made a compromise to save the marriage.

29/07/2026

ALIA SHAKES UP CABINET, NAMES COMMISSIONER-NOMINEE, CONSTITUTES PROJECTS MONITORING TEAM TO STRENGTHEN GOVERNANCE

By Orseer Mnzughulga

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved a cabinet reshuffle and announced a raft of strategic appointments, including the nomination of a new commissioner and the constitution of a state projects monitoring team, in a move aimed at enhancing governance and improving service delivery.

The decisions were announced on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, during a press briefing in Makurdi.

As part of the cabinet changes, the Commissioner for Science and Renewable Energy, Mr. James Dwem, has been redeployed to head the newly created Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Kula said the governor also nominated Mr. Akwa Amo II from Logo Local Government Area as commissioner, adding that his name has been transmitted to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

To strengthen supervision of government projects, Governor Alia approved the establishment of the Benue State Projects Monitoring Team, chaired by Engr. Felix Atume.

Other members of the committee are Engineer Cephas Suswam, Surveyor Bartholomew Feese, Engr. Terna Ibi, Architect S.A. Baba, Architect John Iduh Adakule and Engineer Emmanuel Jijingi.

The governor equally appointed Mr. Sam Agwa as the Benue State Coordinator of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a development expected to bolster agricultural programmes and rural development initiatives in the state.

Also appointed were Dr. Ben Ebe as Benue State Coordinator of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Mrs. Mercy Tulugh as Executive Secretary of the Benue State Agency for Recreation and Parks, and Engr. Thaddeus T. Tarzomun as the pioneer General Manager of the Benue State Roads Maintenance Agency.

According to Kula, the appointments reflect the administration's determination to strengthen institutions, improve project implementation, and ensure greater accountability in government.

He said Governor Alia urged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by bringing integrity, competence and dedication to their respective offices, expressing optimism that they would contribute significantly to the administration's drive for sustainable development and improved living standards across Benue State.

29/07/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

GAMAS Celebrates Prof. Alabar on His Birthday, Commends His Exceptional Leadership in Higher Education

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Governor Alia's Media Advocates, Sankera (GAMAS), warmly felicitates with the Vice-Chancellor of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Prof. Timothy Terseer Alabar, on the joyous occasion of his birthday.

As a media advocacy group saddled with the responsibility of projecting the policies, programmes, and achievements of the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, while also defending the Governor and his government against misinformation, falsehood, and malicious media attacks, we are delighted to identify with an accomplished academic and administrator whose leadership continues to advance the frontiers of education in Benue State.

Prof. Alabar has distinguished himself as a visionary leader, an astute scholar, and a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional development, innovation, and human capital development has positioned Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University for greater accomplishments.

His sterling leadership perfectly complements Governor Hyacinth Alia's transformative agenda in the education sector, which prioritizes quality learning, research, innovation, discipline, and the repositioning of Benue's tertiary institutions to compete favourably on the national and global stage.

As you celebrate another year of God's faithfulness, we acknowledge your invaluable contributions to the growth of education in Benue State and your unwavering commitment to mentoring future leaders and building a stronger academic community.

Governor Alia's Media Advocates, Sankera (GAMAS), joins your family, friends, colleagues, students, and well-wishers in celebrating this remarkable milestone. We pray that Almighty God grants you many more fruitful years in excellent health, divine wisdom, renewed strength, and greater accomplishments in your service to Benue State, Nigeria, and humanity.

Happy Birthday, Prof. Timothy Terseer Alabar. We wish you continued success and God's abundant blessings.

GOVERNOR ALIA'S MEDIA ADVOCATES, SANKERA (GAMAS)

29/07/2026

‎FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‎
‎STOP THE POLITICIZATION OF TRAGEDY: A Note to Aondoakaa and Hembe
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‎Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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‎The continuous, cynical, and shameful weaponization of the recent armed herders' attacks on innocent communities in Benue State by some opposition elements, especially the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, for narrow partisan political gain has become a source of serious worry and concern.
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‎We condemn, in the strongest terms, this irresponsible act.
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‎The blood of our people being spilled, the grief of bereaved families, the trauma of survivors, and the many other losses require compassion, urgent action, and unity, not sarcastic profiteering.
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‎It is both shameful and a clear demonstration of heartlessness for individuals like Michael Aondoakaa and his followers to seize upon human suffering to score cheap political points and level unfounded accusations aimed primarily at fanning the embers of discord when solidarity and calm are most urgently needed.
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‎At a moment like this, what our people expect and deserve is responsible leadership and constructive oversight.
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‎Confirmation by security chiefs abounds to the effect that Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration is consistently providing tangible support to security agencies through logistical assistance, intelligence collaboration, personnel motivation, and coordination with local vigilantes to protect communities and restore peace.
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‎Every responsible citizen who genuinely cares for the people knows these efforts deserve recognition and measured scrutiny based on facts, not opportunistic blame designed to advance election year agendas.
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‎We are sincerely alarmed by a recurring pattern in which some political actors, especially those in the opposition led by Michael Aondoakaa and Herman Hembe, who for years offered neither public empathy nor substantial solutions when the violence first escalated, suddenly appear at the forefront of every crisis with political statements and accusations.
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‎It is, rather, a betrayal of our civic decency and national conscience for these groups to continue exploiting the suffering of children, women, elders, and ordinary families for partisan headlines.
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‎As a matter of fact, if, as some have insinuated, there are actors sponsoring violence to create political advantage, we strongly urge the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate such allegations, including any claims involving Michael Kaase Aondoakaa of the PDP and Herman Hembe of the Labour Party.
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‎We demand that the relevant independent security authorities investigate these allegations swiftly and transparently.
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‎Anyone found to be inciting, funding, or otherwise enabling attacks on innocent people to score heartless political points must be held fully accountable under the law.
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‎We call on all political leaders of good conscience, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, faith leaders, the media, and citizens to reject this cynical politicization and put the welfare and safety of the people of Benue above partisan interests.
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‎Now, more than ever, is the time for solidarity, facts, and action, not opportunism.
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‎The government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia stands with the victims and survivors and remains committed to working for truth, justice, and lasting peace in Benue State.
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‎Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr,
‎Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

💪💪

Benue State Air Waves

31/07/2026

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