Benue gov signs N550bn 2025 budget into law

Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba. Wurgi is suspected to be responsible for the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State. Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, who shared the post
Nigerian army captures notorious bandit leader, Baka Wurgi linked to Emir of Gobir’s murder

Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba.

Wurgi is suspected to be responsible for the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, who shared the post on his X handle on Sunday said the operation that led to the bandit’s arrest was conducted on Saturday

According to the security expert, Wurgi’s arrest followed intelligence reports that he was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.

Makama said that intelligence sources informed him that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.

The sources said that During the operation, two accomplices fled but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle

The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.

“Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed, Makama said.

“Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.

“His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.”

He further added that Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.

Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices, the report said.

Nigerian army captures notorious bandit leader, Baka Wurgi linked to Emir of Gobir’s murder

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the organisers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest…

A major political shift has occurred within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, as no fewer than 10,000 members have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors, who were drawn from across wards in Orokam and Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, include notable former lawmakers and serving exco of the
Mass exodus hits PDP in Benue as Inedu leads 10,000 members to APC in Ogbadibo

A major political shift has occurred within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, as no fewer than 10,000 members have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, who were drawn from across wards in Orokam and Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, include notable former lawmakers and serving exco of the PDP.

Leading the defectors in Ehaje II, Owukpa, was PDP stalwart Engr. Julius Inedu, who joined the APC alongside over 10,000 members.

Key figures among them were Hon. Michael Abakpa, a former lawmaker representing the constituency; Hon Michael Idoko, immediate past chairman of the PDP in Ehaje II; James Agene, the longest-serving PDP executive member since 1999; Hon Onoja Obute, immediate past deputy leader of the Ogbadibo Legislative Council from Orokam III; and the immediate past women leader of the PDP, and bother serving and former exco of the opposition party in the ward.

During the defection ceremony held in Ekere Owuka, Engr. Inedu and others symbolically set their PDP membership cards ablaze, signaling their commitment to their new party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Inedu expressed their newfound hope in the APC’s vision of development.

“Today, I want to declare that I have seen the light of progress. I have received the gospel of development. Like the man who met Jesus and declared, ‘I was blind, but now I can see,’ I too now see the path of progress illuminated by the APC.

“But I cannot progress alone. I call on my people in Ehaje II and Ogbadibo at large to embrace the dividends of development brought to Enone by the servant leader, Hon. Philip Agbese.

“Today, I declare on behalf of my brothers and sisters here, and those unable to attend, that we are now part of the APC family. The PDP is dead, not just in Ehaje II or Owukpa, but in Ogbadibo and Benue State at large.”

Receiving the defectors, Comrade Austine Agada, APC State Chairman, described the mass defection as a landmark moment in the state’s political landscape.

“This wave of defection is a testament to the APC’s commitment to transformative leadership. We welcome our new members and assure them of inclusivity as we chart a path of progress together,” Agada said.

Hon. Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, also commended the defectors for their decision to join the APC.

“The decision by these distinguished leaders and members to join the APC reflects their belief in the vision we represent. Together, we will build a better future for Ogbadibo, Benue, and beyond,” Agbese stated.

Agada and Agbese, alongside other party leaders, assured the defectors of full integration and equal opportunities within the APC, emphasizing their commitment to fostering progress and unity in Benue State.

Mass exodus hits PDP in Benue as Inedu leads 10,000 members to APC in Ogbadibo