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International Day of African Child: Nigerian Govt urged to move beyond lip servce

In commemoration of the International Day of the African Child, the Nigerian government has been urged to take drastic action in investing in the lives of children rather than just mere words of mouth and promises on paper. National Director, SOS Children’s Villages, Eghosa Erhumwunse made this appeal on Monday. Erhumwunse, speaking on thisvyear’s theme,
International Day of African Child: Nigerian Govt urged to move beyond lip servce

In commemoration of the International Day of the African Child, the Nigerian government has been urged to take drastic action in investing in the lives of children rather than just mere words of mouth and promises on paper.

National Director, SOS Children’s Villages, Eghosa Erhumwunse made this appeal on Monday.

Erhumwunse, speaking on thisvyear’s theme, ‘Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010’, stressed that it is a reminder that the future of the nation rests on how well children are planned and budgeted for.

Erhumwunse insisted that budgeting for children is not optional, maintaining that the government must scale up allocations for education, health and child protection.

He noted that the allocated budgets must be fully disbursed and tracked through open and transparent mechanisms.

“As Africa marks the International Day of the African Child under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria joins the continent in reflecting on how far we have come, and how far we must go to secure the rights and well-being of every child especially in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian child deserves more than promises on paper. Budgeting for children is not optional, it is imperative. Every naira allocated to child survival, education, nutrition, and protection translates to a stronger, prosperous Nigeria tomorrow.

“We must shift from lip service to measurable investments.

“This year’s Day of the African Child is more than a commemoration, it is a collective reminder that the future of our nation rests in how well we plan and budget for our children,” he said.

Erhumwunse, while commending the government for its giant strides toward integrating children’s issues into national and subnational budgets, insisted that more work must be done.

Meanwhile, he applauded the national commitment to inaugurate the Child Rights and Welfare Commission, stressing that it will serve as a cornerstone for advancing children’s rights, driving intersectoral coordination, and enhancing accountability.

DAILY POST reports that the International Day of the African Child is held annually to commemorates the Soweto student uprising in South Africa on June 16, 1976, when thousands of black students protested against the poor quality of their education and demanded to be taught in their own language.

International Day of African Child: Nigerian Govt urged to move beyond lip servce

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Benue: Tinubu asking us to reconcile with killers means he knows them – Ex-Rep, Gbillah

A former Benue House of Representatives member, Mark Gbillah, has suggested that President Bola Tinubu knows the killers in Benue State if he is asking citizens to seek harmonious relationship and reconciliation with the attackers. Gbillah also dismissed the characterization of the killings as reprisal attack, saying it appeared that Tinubu is not being given
Benue: Tinubu asking us to reconcile with killers means he knows them – Ex-Rep, Gbillah

A former Benue House of Representatives member, Mark Gbillah, has suggested that President Bola Tinubu knows the killers in Benue State if he is asking citizens to seek harmonious relationship and reconciliation with the attackers.

Gbillah also dismissed the characterization of the killings as reprisal attack, saying it appeared that Tinubu is not being given the right information.

The ex-lawmaker spoke on Monday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

Recall that the President had charged Alia to convene reconciliation meetings and dialogue among warring parties amid the unending killings in the state by suspected herdsmen.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed Tinubu’s position in a statement he signed and released on Sunday.

Alia also backed Tinubu while appearing on Channels Television on Monday.

The governor described the ongoing attacks as possible reprisal attacks launched by suspected armed herders using known routes from neighbouring Nasarawa State.

Reacting, Gbillah described Tinubu’s reprisal attack claim as misinformed, saying he doesn’t grasp the situation in Benue.

He said: “Mr President, I want to use this opportunity to emphasize the fact that there’s a war against people in a part of your country.

“Let me say that there’s an old adage, even in several cultures, you cannot beat a child up and stop the child from crying. When our people cried out when we embarked upon our legitimate constitutional duty to protest, we were confronted with tear gas, with scores of personnel who, from nowhere, came out, who are not able to confront these killers, but are able to confront protesters.

“We saw helicopters hovering over protesters, helicopters that we did not see go to Gwer West and intercept the people.

“So we are concerned about what is happening. Some of us have waited and have given the president, the governor, the benefit of doubt to intervene, but after two years, we cannot keep quiet anymore, including those who were declared as representatives of the people. Two years later, and nothing seems to be happening.

“I have to point out immediately now what was shocking and of a concern to me in the statement made by Mr. President. And let me quote very clearly, Mr President, first of all, mentioned that he has asked that an implementation of his earlier directive, meaning he gave an initial directive that apparently was not followed. He has to now give a follow up directive that is one.

“Number two. He is saying that in the latest round of reprisal attacks, reprisal attacks. Mr. President, it appears as if some people are not giving you the right information. Mr President, is being misinformed and ill advised. There is no such thing as reprisal attacks going on. Our people are under siege.

“Mr President asked the governor to convene reconciliation meetings and dialog among warring communities. Sorry, warring parties – those are the words used by Bayo Onanuga – and then seek harmonious existence between farmers headers and communities.

“I’m aware that there seems to be a lot of sycophancy in the country right now. So Mr. President, with all due respect, if you need to be told the truth, you can ask us, the people, some of us, can come and tell you what is actually going on. You can liaise with our governor. I believe he should be honest enough to tell you the truth.

“There is no such thing as reprisal attacks. If you say, seek harmonious relationship and have reconciliation meetings, that means, Mr President, you know who has attacked us. That means the governor knows who has attacked us and is supposed to call them together for a meeting.

“That is what I deduce from that statement, and that I believe is disingenuous to the situation. There is no such thing as reprisal attacks. I will repeat for the uptenth time. These are premeditated, unprovoked attacks against the people.”

Benue: Tinubu asking us to reconcile with killers means he knows them – Ex-Rep, Gbillah

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Windstorm destroys over 450 houses in Bauchi community

A windstorm has ravaged Kuletu community in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, affecting over 450 houses. As reported by local radio station, the incident occurred on Sunday evening June 15, at around 4:47 p.m. when a windstorm hit the area, tore off roofs, displaced property and destroyed some buildings completely. A resident of
Windstorm destroys over 450 houses in Bauchi community

A windstorm has ravaged Kuletu community in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, affecting over 450 houses.

As reported by local radio station, the incident occurred on Sunday evening June 15, at around 4:47 p.m. when a windstorm hit the area, tore off roofs, displaced property and destroyed some buildings completely.

A resident of the community who is leading community inspection of the damage, identified as Jibrin Abdullahi, said so far there have been 452 houses counted as either partially or completely destroyed.

According to him, “We are in a pathetic situation. Some houses have completely collapsed while others lost their roofs completely. Most of the people in our community no longer have shelter and are in urgent need of assistance. So, I call on relevant agencies to immediately come to our the aid” Abdullahi said.

As at the time of filing this report, no official figures have been released by authorities on the total extent of the damage.

Windstorm destroys over 450 houses in Bauchi community

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Foreign terrorists, not just herders, behind Benue killings – Gov. Alia

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has revealed that foreign terrorists, not just herders, are now behind the rising killings in Benue State. He explained that many of the attackers are heavily armed, move without cattle, and do not speak any Nigerian language. Governor Alia also said President Bola Tinubu has not abandoned Benue, noting that
Foreign terrorists, not just herders, behind Benue killings – Gov. Alia

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has revealed that foreign terrorists, not just herders, are now behind the rising killings in Benue State.

He explained that many of the attackers are heavily armed, move without cattle, and do not speak any Nigerian language.

Governor Alia also said President Bola Tinubu has not abandoned Benue, noting that the Federal Government has been supporting the state with security forces and resources to tackle the ongoing violence.

He revealed this while speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday.

Alia stated that federal support has helped reduce the number of local government areas being terrorised by armed attackers from 17 to just three.

He stated that after some recent deadly attacks, three federal security agencies were sent to Benue State, forcing the invaders to withdraw from areas they occupied.

Governor Alia expressed concern that the violence in Benue has gone beyond the traditional farmer-herder crisis.

According to him, many of the attackers are now “heavily armed and move without cattle,” which has led authorities to classify them as “armed herders” rather than traditional pastoralists.

He also warned that some locals may be collaborating with the attackers.

“Some of them are being aided by people within,” Alia noted.

The governor further raised alarm over the porous borders around Benue, saying: “We have serious security concerns along our borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa.”

He emphasized that many of the attackers are likely foreign nationals.

“They don’t speak any Nigerian dialect. Even if they are locally connected, they are not from the area,” he said.

Governor Alia also disclosed that he had discussed intelligence findings with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule. “From our conversations and the intelligence reports shared, many of these terrorist activities are linked to foreign elements entering through Benue,” he added.

Recent months have seen a rise in violence in Benue State, especially in 2025.

On June 15, 2025, a night attack on the Yelewata community left 59 dead, including security personnel. There have been similar mass killings in Ukum, Logo, and Gwer West LGAs in April and May, with dozens of civilians murdered by suspected herders.

The violence has generated national outrage and international condemnation.

Pope Leo XIV called the Yelewata massacre an act of “extreme cruelty.”

Opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi also condemned the actions of ‘foreign criminals.’

Foreign terrorists, not just herders, behind Benue killings – Gov. Alia

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Benue killings: Group calls for govt action to protect lives, livelihood

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) l, a human rights advocacy organization, has strongly condemned the ongoing genocidal attacks and violent land grabbing in Benue State. The group said the development has led to loss of innocent lives, displacement of thousands and destruction of ancestral farmlands and homes. According to the group,
Benue killings: Group calls for govt action to protect lives, livelihood

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) l, a human rights advocacy organization, has strongly condemned the ongoing genocidal attacks and violent land grabbing in Benue State.

The group said the development has led to loss of innocent lives, displacement of thousands and destruction of ancestral farmlands and homes.

According to the group, what is unfolding in Benue State is not only a humanitarian crisis but a gross violation of human rights and a threat to national security.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor stated that reports indicate that communities in Guma, Logo, Agatu and other local government areas have come under sustained attacks by suspected armed herders and militia groups.

It noted that the attacks are systematic and appear to be aimed at forcefully displacing indigenous populations and seizing their lands for occupation and control.

“FENRAD views this as an act of environmental and cultural genocide, where communities are stripped not only of their homes and means of livelihood but also of their ancestral ties to the land, which holds historical, spiritual, and economic significance.

“We note with deep concern the failure of security agencies and the federal government to arrest the situation decisively. Despite repeated cries from affected communities, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and international observers, there has been no adequate protection or justice for victims. Instead, impunity reigns.

“We therefore demand the following: Immediate and strategic deployment of security forces to protect vulnerable communities in Benue and prevent further bloodshed.

“An independent judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the killings, displacement, and land grabbing, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

“Restoration and protection of displaced persons through coordinated state and federal intervention, including resettlement, reconstruction, and psychosocial support.

“Protection of ancestral lands from illegal occupation and conversion, in line with Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights frameworks.

“A National Policy on Internal Displacement and Land Use to address recurring land conflicts, climate-driven migration, and ethno-religious violence in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government must recognize that failure to act is complicity. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy when certain groups are allowed to be exterminated silently and dispossessed of their land without consequence.

The organization called on the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and the international community to speak out and demand justice for the people of Benue state.

“Silence is no longer an option. Enough is enough.The killings must stop,” it said.

Benue killings: Group calls for govt action to protect lives, livelihood