Yelewata: Nigerian govt contradicts Gov Alia’s claim, says over 200 killed in Benue attacks
The Federal Government has contradicted Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia’s claim that the recent attacks in the state were reprisals, officially confirming that over 200 people were killed in what it described as a “cruel and calculated” massacre. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, made this known in a press
Yelewata: Nigerian govt contradicts Gov Alia’s claim, says over 200 killed in Benue attacks
The Federal Government has contradicted Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia’s claim that the recent attacks in the state were reprisals, officially confirming that over 200 people were killed in what it described as a “cruel and calculated” massacre.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, made this known in a press statement released on Monday through his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum.
Earlier, the governor had claimed ‘only’ 59 persons lost their lives in the attack in what he descrined were ppossibly reprisals carried out by armed herders using known routes from neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Akume, while reacting to the tragic killings in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, described the attack as “mindless barbarism” and “totally unacceptable.”
“I am horrified by the scale of this attack. That over 200 human lives could be wiped out in such a cruel and calculated manner is an affront to our shared humanity,” he stated.
While consoling the bereaved families and survivors, the SGF emphasized the need for urgent collective action to address the security crisis. He urged political, religious, and traditional leaders to “join forces and work collectively toward ending insecurity in Benue State and across Nigeria.”
“As a former governor, I understand the complex challenges associated with fighting insecurity. However, we must all stand together, regardless of our differences, to confront and defeat this evil,” Akume said.
He expressed confidence in the recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Service Chiefs, urging swift action to restore peace.
“This is at the core of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We must not relent until every community is safe,” he added.
“What we’re witnessing today, if someone describes it as reprisal attacks, we wouldn’t entirely disagree,” the governor said.
Yelewata: Nigerian govt contradicts Gov Alia’s claim, says over 200 killed in Benue attacks
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Benue massacre: CAN blames Nigerian govt, makes demands
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has reacted to the horrific wave of violence that recently swept through Benue State. Series of coordinated violent attacks in Benue State have resulted in the tragic loss of over 200 lives. CAN noted that what it described as senseless killings have inflicted immeasurable pain on families, devastated communities,
Benue massacre: CAN blames Nigerian govt, makes demands
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has reacted to the horrific wave of violence that recently swept through Benue State.
Series of coordinated violent attacks in Benue State have resulted in the tragic loss of over 200 lives.
CAN noted that what it described as senseless killings have inflicted immeasurable pain on families, devastated communities, and further entrenched the insecurity threatening our nation.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, the Christian body said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.
“For too long, the people of Benue have been subjected to recurrent assaults, often blamed on armed groups, without meaningful intervention or justice.
“This persistent failure to safeguard citizens and bring perpetrators to account has emboldened attackers and prolonged the cycle of violence.”
CAN called on the Federal Government to act with urgency and resolve, adding, “We demand the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to protect vulnerable communities and, if necessary, the declaration of a state of emergency in the most affected areas.
“We further insist on a thorough, transparent investigation and the swift prosecution of all those responsible. Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity fueling these atrocities.
“We also appeal to the international community to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding trust in Benue State.”
CAN said it remains unwavering in its commitment to defending the sanctity of life and advocating for the protection and dignity of all Nigerians.
“May peace be restored, and may justice roll down like waters,” it said.
Benue massacre: CAN blames Nigerian govt, makes demands
Delta North APC Meets, Strategises for Total Victory in 2027
Delta North APC Meets, Strategises for Total Victory in 2027
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North senatorial district have resolved to strengthen its mediation and conciliation machinery in order to forge greater unity, and chart a harmonious roadmap for ensuring overwhelming victory for the party’s candidates particularly in 2027.
At a well-attended meeting and rally of the Delta North APC leaders and members held at Idumuje-Ugboko, the country home of the Senator representing the district in the National Assembly, Senator ‘Ned Nwoko, at the weekend, the party unanimously passed vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ned Nwoko, as respective candidates of the APC, in the next general election in the country.
These were parts of a successful motion at the meeting, which also indicated a generally welcome disposition of the people of the district at encouraging and supporting the ongoing efforts towards the realization of the Anioma State agenda, which Senator Nwoko – sponsor of the state creation Bill – described as ‘A done deal’.
Participants at the meeting included chieftains of the APC, present and past national and state legislatures, various leaders, political appointees, elders, youths and general party faithful, who were practically competing for space in the carnival-like atmosphere.
The aforementioned motion was moved by a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ndokwa-Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon. Nicholas Ossai and seconded by Chief Felix Ndukwe of Oshimili North Local Government Area of the State, and unanimously supported via a vice-vote from all members present, and without any dissenting voice.
Highlight of the motion included the establishing of a Leadership Council, to be headed by Senator Ned Nwoko and co-chaired by the APC Delta North Senatorial District Chairman, charged with the responsibility of ensuring an all-inclusive system that will involve critical leaders and stakeholders of the APC in Delta North senatorial in the relevant decisions and affairs of the party.
The motion of APC Delta North spelt out membership of the new leadership council: “That the following persons should be automatic members of the leadership council….(I) All former and present members of the National Assembly; (ii) All former speakers of the Delta State House of Assembly; (iii) All present members of the State and National Working Committees of the Party; (iv) All local government party chairmen in the senatorial district plus ten members from each of the nine local government areas that make up the Delta North Senatorial District.”
However, notable resoutions of the Motion include, “A vote of confidence in favour of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – ‘because he is doing well’.
‘’A vote of confidence given to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
‘’Also, a vote of confidence in favour of the distinguished Senator, representing Delta North, Prince Ned Nwoko.”
Earlier in an address of welcome, Senator Nwoko, announced the award of a four-year full scholarship for 10 students each from the nine local government areas of Delta North making up the district, otherwise known as Anioma Nation.
Nonetheless, the senator assured the people that all was going well regarding the legislative process regarding the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State.
“We are on course; the technical committee will be inaugurated in Asaba, to help me to work towards actualizing the creation of Anioma State.
‘’If you were at Agbor during APC stakeholders gathering, you heard when the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, said that the creation of Anioma State ‘is a done deal’.
‘’We have taken all the steps in the Senate. As at today, 75 senators are supporting Anioma State creation.”
‘’We have moved from the committee stage of the process to public hearing coming up in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Thereafter, we will come back to the Senate for third reading of the bill for the creation of Anioma State.
“By next month, I will commence a visitation tour of all the nine local government areas in Delta North to showcase my development achievements for the past two years especially in areas of roads construction in the senatorial district, many motions and bills in the Red Chamber’.”
Former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Victor Ochei, stressed the need for a thorough process of reconciliation of aggrieved members of the to engender a more cohesive and electorally successful party in 2027 and even beyond.”
Ochei said:”We are not having a party to divide us; we are having a party to unify and unite everybody. We must unite the party, particularly in Delta North. So, we need to go back to the drawing board, and ensure that we reconcile all aggrieved persons.”
The long list of eminent APC chieftains in attendance (some of who spoke) at the event, included the member representing Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Chairman of the NDDC, Hon Chiedu Ebie, Engr Doris Uboh, Chief Emma Ejiofor, and Hon Ngozi Olejeme.
Nevertheless, chieftains of the APC of Delta North extraction, who were conspicuously absent at the form, and without any official explanation, include the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme as well as the immediate past State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North senatorial district have resolved to strengthen its mediation and conciliation machinery in order to forge
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Gov Aiyedatiwa forwards 12 Commissioner nominees to State Assembly
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has forwarded a list of 12 commissioner nominees to the Ondo State House of Assembly for confirmation into the State Executive Council. This was made known in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, citing the constitutional authority vested in the Governor by Section 192 (1
Gov Aiyedatiwa forwards 12 Commissioner nominees to State Assembly
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has forwarded a list of 12 commissioner nominees to the Ondo State House of Assembly for confirmation into the State Executive Council.
This was made known in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, citing the constitutional authority vested in the Governor by Section 192 (1 & 2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Aiyedatiwa appealed for prompt consideration and confirmation of the nominees “in the overall interest of our dear State.”
The list of nominees includes: Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, Engr. Aycrinde Abiola Olawoye, Hon. Ayodele Akande, Engr. Alabi Johnson, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, and Otunba Adewale Akinlosotu.
Others are Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, Dr. Oluwaseun Abosede Osamaye, Dr. Tob Loko, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, Hon. Sunday Olajide, and Mr. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry.
Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence in the nominees’ capabilities and urged the Assembly to act expeditiously to ensure the swift constitution of the State Executive Council.
DAILY POST reports that the House is expected to commence screening procedures in the coming days.
Gov Aiyedatiwa forwards 12 Commissioner nominees to State Assembly
Benue killings: ‘Government deploying kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity’ – Adaje
Amid rising insecurity and renewed killings across Benue State, a 2027 House of Representatives aspirant for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Inalegwu Ejembi Adaje, has urged youths to remain calm and law-abiding as efforts intensify to restore peace. Addressing the recent wave of protests that erupted in Makurdi and surrounding towns on Sunday, Adaje acknowledged the
Benue killings: ‘Government deploying kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity’ – Adaje
Amid rising insecurity and renewed killings across Benue State, a 2027 House of Representatives aspirant for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Inalegwu Ejembi Adaje, has urged youths to remain calm and law-abiding as efforts intensify to restore peace.
Addressing the recent wave of protests that erupted in Makurdi and surrounding towns on Sunday, Adaje acknowledged the frustration and grief felt by many, but commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully.
“I want to commend our young people for expressing their grievances peacefully. This is a difficult time for all of us, but I urge you to remain calm. Government is not sleeping. Measures are being put in place to deal with the situation comprehensively,” he said.
Adaje revealed that authorities are deploying a combination of kinetic (military and security force action) and non-kinetic (dialogue, reconciliation, and community engagement) strategies to address the root causes of the violence and bring lasting peace to affected communities.
While condemning the recent killings in Guma, Apa, and Agatu local government areas, Adaje offered prayers for the victims and expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families.
“As a people of faith, we must keep praying. The church continues to intercede, and with unity and perseverance, Benue will overcome these dark times,” he stated.
BREAKING: IGP arrives Benue after suspected herdsmen burn over 200 citizens alive
Following the sad incident in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State where nearly 250 people were killed by suspected herdsmen, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has arrived the state. The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a terse statement on its official Facebook page on Monday. The post said the
BREAKING: IGP arrives Benue after suspected herdsmen burn over 200 citizens alive
Following the sad incident in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State where nearly 250 people were killed by suspected herdsmen, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has arrived the state.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a terse statement on its official Facebook page on Monday.
The post said the IGP has “ordered for additional deployment of tactical teams” to tackle the security crisis.
Suspected Fulani herdsmen had attacked the community near Makurdi the state capital and burnt the unsuspecting citizens alive.
Following the incident, hundreds of Benue youths staged a protest in Makurdi on Sunday to draw global attention to the incessant and deadly attacks by going on in the state.
BREAKING: IGP arrives Benue after suspected herdsmen burn over 200 citizens alive
Court jails two for stealing clothes in Jos
An Area Court in Jos on Monday sentenced two friends, Michael Auta and Gabriel Sunday, to 12 months in prison each for stealing clothing items valued at N488,000 from a fashion shop. Presiding over the case, Judge Shawomi Bokkos handed down the sentence after the duo pleaded guilty to the charge of theft. However, the
Court jails two for stealing clothes in Jos
An Area Court in Jos on Monday sentenced two friends, Michael Auta and Gabriel Sunday, to 12 months in prison each for stealing clothing items valued at N488,000 from a fashion shop.
Presiding over the case, Judge Shawomi Bokkos handed down the sentence after the duo pleaded guilty to the charge of theft. However, the judge offered them an option of a N50,000 fine each.
In addition to the jail term or fine, the convicts were also ordered to pay N200,000 each in compensation to the complainant, Ms Gift Ernest. Failure to comply with the compensation order would attract another 12-month jail term, the court ruled.
Earlier, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Daniel Damulak, informed the court that the theft was reported on April 17 at the B Division Police Station by Ms Ernest. According to her, the convicts had unlawfully entered her shop and made away with clothes worth nearly half a million naira.
Damulak said that during investigation, both Auta and Sunday confessed to committing the crime. He added that their actions contravened the Plateau State Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria, enacted in 2017.
Court jails two for stealing clothes in Jos
Silent Heroes Award: Nnaji Honoured for Transformational Leadership in Innovation, Technology
Silent Heroes Award: Nnaji Honoured for Transformational Leadership in Innovation, Technology
By Emmanuel Ikechukwu
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has been conferred with the 2025 Nigeria Silent Heroes Award, a prestigious honour reserved for individuals whose quiet but far-reaching contributions are shaping the future of the nation.
Dr. Robert Ngwu, the Minister’s Senior Special Adviser, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the Silent Heroes Awards honours the unseen hands that move societies forward; and in this regard, Nnaji’s legacy is increasingly hard to ignore.
The announcement, made at a high-level event attended by national dignitaries and international stakeholders, came as a rare public recognition for a public servant who has deliberately kept the spotlight on his work rather than himself.
“I have quietly declined many award offers—not out of pride, but out of principle.
“But this one struck a personal chord; it reflects a philosophy I have lived by: that service to nation does not always need a spotlight.
“I dedicate this award to the many Nigerians—within government and beyond—who work silently every day to build a better nation. May we never lose sight of the power of humble service,” Nnaji said.
The Minister was represented at the award ceremony by Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
Since his appointment, Nnaji has redefined what it means to lead a government ministry in the 21st century.
Under his stewardship, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has transformed from a bureaucratic backwater into a strategic engine of national development.
Among his standout achievements:
- International Engagements: Represented Nigeria at the 79th UN General Assembly, championing discussions on space exploration, artificial intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture.
- Satellite Expansion: Secured federal approval for the launch of NigeriaSat-3, Sat-4, Sat-5 and NigeriaSAR-1—positioning Nigeria for enhanced national security, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.
- Project Green: Attracted €7.9 billion in FDI for Africa’s largest green methanol and hydrogen initiative.
- Healthcare Breakthroughs: Overseeing the establishment of Africa’s first insulin manufacturing plant and Nigeria’s first AI-powered smart hospital.
- Youth Empowerment: Trained 200,000+ youths on Ai using the Commonwealth Ai Academy, powered by Intel; Launched Project NOVA, training 25,000+ Nigerian youth annually in global tech skills; championed Youth Space Skill Programme and Barefoot Renewable Energy College.
- Energy Access: Initiated the Sustainable Energy Access Programme (SEAP), delivering renewable energy solutions across all 774 LGAs.
- Institutional Reform: United space-focused agencies—NASRDA, NigComSat, and DSA—under a harmonised national space strategy.
- Policy Innovation: Introduced 30% local value addition for raw material exports; launched a Science and Innovation Fund; facilitated a 10-year raw materials roadmap with AfDB.
- Global Partnerships: Signed MoUs with UNESCO on bioethics and with Commonwealth nations on AI and climate resilience.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Substance
Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, Project Coordinator of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, described Nnaji’s recognition as an affirmation of what true public service should represent:
“Chief Nnaji exemplifies the kind of quiet excellence that strengthens the moral and institutional fabric of our society. His story is one of substance over showmanship—results over rhetoric.”
The ceremony also marked the unveiling of “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes (Vol. 3)”, a commemorative publication profiling the lives and legacies of changemakers across sectors.
Nnaji’s chapter reads like a blueprint for national transformation—infused with data, vision, and humility.
Shared Honour, Shared Vision
But among the 40+ recipients, Nnaji’s name stood out—not for the decibel of applause, but for the echo of his impact.
Global Reflections, National Impact
Chief Nnaji’s trajectory is attracting international attention—not only as a reformer, but as a visionary who sees innovation not as a luxury, but as the foundation of inclusive growth and national sovereignty.
From space technology to green energy, AI to ethics, and youth skills to infrastructure, Nnaji is building a legacy not just for now—but for generations.
And as Nigeria looks to the future, it’s fitting that one of its quietest voices is proving to be one of its strongest.
Other awardees included global philanthropist Tony Elumelu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs.
The award was also presented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, who described Nnaji as a “distinguished Nigerian whose achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda have brought pride and progress to the nation.”
- Emmanuel Ikechukwu writes from Abuja
By Emmanuel Ikechukwu Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has been conferred with the 2025 Nigeria Silent Heroes Award, a prestigious honour reserved for individuals whose