Stop watching while our people are being slaughtered – Idomas in diaspora slam Gov Alia, Benue South leaders

The Idomas in the Diaspora, under the aegis of Idoma Assocaition USA, have strongly condemned the continued silence of political leaders and security agencies over the relentless bloodshed in Otukpo and other parts of Benue South. DAILY POST reports that within just four days, several people have been brutally murdered, and many others abducted in
Stop watching while our people are being slaughtered – Idomas in diaspora slam Gov Alia, Benue South leaders

The Idomas in the Diaspora, under the aegis of Idoma Assocaition USA, have strongly condemned the continued silence of political leaders and security agencies over the relentless bloodshed in Otukpo and other parts of Benue South.

DAILY POST reports that within just four days, several people have been brutally murdered, and many others abducted in Olena and Asa communities of Otukpo.

The group has expressed disappointment in the silence of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and Deputy Governor Sam Odeh, particularly as the latter hails from the affected region.

Edwin Ochia, the president of the group in a chat with DAILY POST on Wednesday argued that leadership is about action, not rhetoric, and that failure to protect the people amounts to a betrayal of their mandate.

He also criticized the federal government’s lack of urgency in addressing the crisis, warning that they will not remain silent while their homeland is turned into a killing field.

His words, “The Idomas in the Diaspora again condemns the deafening silence of political leaders and security agencies over the ongoing bloodshed in Otukpo and other parts of Benue South.

“It is outrageous that while innocent citizens are being slaughtered and entire villages sacked, those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property continue to look the other way.

“Reports indicate that within the past four days alone, several persons have been killed and many others abducted in Olena, Asa community, Otukpo.

“The perpetrators of these heinous crimes remain unknown, yet security agencies who should be actively pursuing them are conveniently turning a blind eye. This negligence is nothing short of complicity.

“We are not comfortable by the loud silence of H.E. Governor Hyacinth Alia, in addressing the security crisis ravaging Benue South.

“It is deeply troubling that instead of taking swift action to curb these atrocities, the state government appears more interested in playing lip service to governance.

“The Deputy Governor Sam Odeh, who, despite being a son of the land, should not fold his arms while his hometown is being overrun by criminals.

“It is equally disturbing that Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently downplayed the killings in Benue, citing the governor’s failure to cry out to the president.

“Are we to understand that the value of human lives in Benue South is dependent on political grandstanding?

“This reckless indifference from the highest levels of government is unacceptable and an insult to the victims and their grieving families.

‘We demand the following immediate actions:

“Governor Hyacinth Alia must break his silence and take urgent, concrete steps to end the violence in Benue South and Benue State in general. Leadership is all about action. If he is overwhelmed by protecting his citizens, he should speak out and seek help rather than watch idly as our people are massacred.

“Deputy Governor Sam Odeh must rise up to the occasion. As a son of the soil, he has a moral and political duty to fight for the security of his people. This he cannot shy away from.

“The Nigerian security agencies must wake up from their slumber. Their failure to investigate, apprehend, and neutralize those responsible for these killings is a dereliction of duty. We demand immediate deployment of security operatives to affected areas to restore peace and ensure the safety of our people.

“The Federal Government must stop treating Benue South as expendable. Every Nigerian life matters, and our people deserve the same level of attention and protection as any other region in the country. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively and quickly and put an end to this carnage.

‘The Idoma people will no longer stand by while our communities are turned into killing fields. We will not be silenced, and we will continue to raise our voices until justice is served. The time for action is now!”

Stop watching while our people are being slaughtered – Idomas in diaspora slam Gov Alia, Benue South leaders

China conducts second day of war games around Taiwan

China’s military has simulated attacks on high-value targets in Taiwan, conducting “live-fire” drills around the self-ruled island on the second day of war-game exercises. The targets included ports and energy facilities. The drills, which took place on Wednesday, are part of an operation titled “Strait Thunder-2025A.” They were carried out in the middle and southern
China conducts second day of war games around Taiwan

China’s military has simulated attacks on high-value targets in Taiwan, conducting “live-fire” drills around the self-ruled island on the second day of war-game exercises.

The targets included ports and energy facilities.

The drills, which took place on Wednesday, are part of an operation titled “Strait Thunder-2025A.”

They were carried out in the middle and southern parts of the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea.

Spokesman for the Chinese military’s Eastern Theatre Command, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, said the aim was to “test the troops’ capabilities” in areas such as “blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets.”

China’s military published a video of what it claimed were the live-fire drills, showing rockets rather than ballistic missiles being launched and hitting targets on land.

The video also included an animation of explosions over Taiwanese cities, including Tainan, Hualien, and Taichung, all home to military bases and ports.

China conducts second day of war games around Taiwan

Russian overnight attack on Ukraine kills one, injures others

No fewer than one person was killed and several injured, including an infant and a 7-year-old boy, in Russia’s overnight drone attacks on Ukraine. The governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region said in a post on the Telegram messaging app that a 45-year-old civilian was killed and two injured in a strike on a settlement
Russian overnight attack on Ukraine kills one, injures others

No fewer than one person was killed and several injured, including an infant and a 7-year-old boy, in Russia’s overnight drone attacks on Ukraine.

The governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region said in a post on the Telegram messaging app that a 45-year-old civilian was killed and two injured in a strike on a settlement near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region.

“Fifteen drone strikes were carried out on Kharkiv. We have information about four injured, two of whom are children,” Ihor Terekhov, Kharkiv’s mayor, said in a post on Telegram messaging app

The governor of the Kharkiv region of which the city of Kharkiv is the administrative centre, Oleh Sinehubov,
said that a 9-month infant and a 7-year-old boy were among the injured.

The attacks came as both sides accuse each other of breaking a US-brokered partial ceasefire on strikes on energy and Black Sea infrastructure.

The full-scope of the Russian attack on Ukraine was not immediately clear, but Ukraine’s Navy said in a post on Telegram that its naval forces destroyed six Russian drones in southern Ukraine.

Russia has also recently intensified its strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, with its attacks killing at least two people over the weekend and injuring tens of civilians.

DAILY POST reports that Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has waged a bloody and brutal three-year war.

Meanwhile, both sides have repeatedly denied targeting civilians, saying their attacks are aimed at destroying each other’s infrastructure crucial to war efforts.

Russian overnight attack on Ukraine kills one, injures others

Algiers-Abuja direct flight service begins April 6 – Nigerian govt

The Nigerian government has announced the commencement of a direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja through Air Algérie. The government stated that flights on this route will begin on April 6, 2025. The acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. According to the ministry,
Algiers-Abuja direct flight service begins April 6 – Nigerian govt

The Nigerian government has announced the commencement of a direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja through Air Algérie.

The government stated that flights on this route will begin on April 6, 2025.

The acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, the new route, which is a result of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries, will be operated by the national carrier, Air Algérie, using a Boeing 737 aircraft.

This new service is expected to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and Algeria.

With this development, the ministry noted that Nigerians will have access to more affordable flights from Algeria to Europe.

“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.

“It is pertinent to state that the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries has culminated in this successful venture.

“The affordable fare structure and Algeria’s proximity to Europe will also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”

Algiers-Abuja direct flight service begins April 6 – Nigerian govt

Algiers-Abuja direct flights begin April 6

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, set to begin on April 6, 2025. This is said to strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria. According to a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, set to begin on April 6, 2025. This is said to strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria. According to a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi

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Germany, Nextier strengthen ties on security, development cooperation

Germany and Nigerian public policy think tank, Nextier, have explored the evolving landscape of German-Nigerian cooperation, focusing on economic growth, security, climate resilience, and investment opportunities. The discussion was featured in the latest episode of Nextier’s Crossing Perspectives podcast, where Nextier’s Managing Partner, Dr. Ndu Nwokolo, engaged with the Deputy Head of Mission at the
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Germany and Nigerian public policy think tank, Nextier, have explored the evolving landscape of German-Nigerian cooperation, focusing on economic growth, security, climate resilience, and investment opportunities. The discussion was featured in the latest episode of Nextier’s Crossing Perspectives podcast, where Nextier’s Managing Partner, Dr. Ndu Nwokolo, engaged with the Deputy Head of Mission at the

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Tinubu congratulates JABU varsity chancellor Adegbulugbe at 70

President Bola Tinubu felicitates the Chancellor of Joseph Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, on his 70th birthday. Tinubu lauded Adegbulugbe for his achievements and contributions to academia, evangelism, business, and philanthropy. Mr. Bayo Onanuga, his Spokesman, said in a statement on Wednesday. He quoted the President as recalling their shared experiences that “in
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President Bola Tinubu felicitates the Chancellor of Joseph Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, on his 70th birthday. Tinubu lauded Adegbulugbe for his achievements and contributions to academia, evangelism, business, and philanthropy. Mr. Bayo Onanuga, his Spokesman, said in a statement on Wednesday. He quoted the President as recalling their shared experiences that “in

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Police rescue two kidnapped university students in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has successfully rescued two students of the Federal University, Lafia who were abducted by suspected kidnappers during an attack on their lodge in Lafia, the state capital. According to a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, the incident occurred on March 30, 2024, at about
Police rescue two kidnapped university students in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has successfully rescued two students of the Federal University, Lafia who were abducted by suspected kidnappers during an attack on their lodge in Lafia, the state capital.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, the incident occurred on March 30, 2024, at about 9:20 p.m.

The suspected kidnappers reportedly stormed a student lodge located behind Nasarawa Housing Estate, Tudun Kauri, in Lafia Local Government Area, abducting two students identified as Sadiq Adinoyi and Sakina Adinoyi.

Nansel stated that following a distress call, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately mobilized operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and ‘A’ Division, Lafia, to track down the kidnappers.

“Following technical intelligence gathering, a rescue operation was conducted on April 1, 2025, at about 11:30 a.m. in a forest behind the 500 Housing Unit along Doma Road, Lafia,” Nansel disclosed.

During the operation, police operatives reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. Overpowered by the police firepower, the suspects abandoned the victims and fled in different directions, allowing the operatives to safely rescue the abducted students.

One suspect, Ibrahim Musa of Abuni village in Awe Local Government Area, was apprehended at the scene. According to the police, Musa has provided useful information and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.

Police rescue two kidnapped university students in Nasarawa

Taraba command announces inaugural National Police Day celebration

The Taraba State Police Command, on Wednesday, announced the launch of National Police Day, an annual event set to be observed every April 7. This initiative, according to the Commissioner, Bretet Emmanuel Simon, follows a presidential directive aimed at recognising the dedication and sacrifices of police officers across the country. Apart from extending an open
Taraba command announces inaugural National Police Day celebration

The Taraba State Police Command, on Wednesday, announced the launch of National Police Day, an annual event set to be observed every April 7.

This initiative, according to the Commissioner, Bretet Emmanuel Simon, follows a presidential directive aimed at recognising the dedication and sacrifices of police officers across the country.

Apart from extending an open invitation to the public, the event, as announced by him in a statement made available to journalists in Jalingo by the command’s spokesperson, James Leshen, is designed to foster stronger ties between law enforcement and the public while promoting trust and cooperation.

As part of the celebration, the command said it has lined up several activities to engage the community and promote safety and well-being.

Among such activities, as enumerated by him, are a town hall meeting with stakeholders, a sanitation and cleanup exercise, free medical outreach, school outreach on social vices, and a walkathon for strength and community partnership, among others.

Simon emphasized the significance of National Police Day, highlighting its role in strengthening public trust and enhancing security efforts.

“This celebration underscores our dedication to ensuring public safety and fostering a strong relationship with the communities we serve,” he stated.

The Command encourages active public participation in the planned activities, reinforcing the shared responsibility of creating a safer society.

He stated that National Police Day is expected to become a key annual tradition, honoring the service of police officers and reinforcing their role in national development.

Taraba command announces inaugural National Police Day celebration

Gov Uba Sani warns traditional leaders against illegal land grabbing

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has issued a stern warning to traditional leaders against engaging in illegal encroachment and land grabbing within their domains. The governor’s caution came during the annual Eid el-Fitr Sallah homage, held at the Emir of Zazzau’s Palace in Zaria. Governor Sani, represented by Alhaji Muktar Shehu (Jarman Zazzau), Special
Gov Uba Sani warns traditional leaders against illegal land grabbing

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has issued a stern warning to traditional leaders against engaging in illegal encroachment and land grabbing within their domains.

The governor’s caution came during the annual Eid el-Fitr Sallah homage, held at the Emir of Zazzau’s Palace in Zaria. Governor Sani, represented by Alhaji Muktar Shehu (Jarman Zazzau), Special Adviser on Traditional Affairs, emphasized that the state government has been receiving numerous complaints regarding illegal land grabbing by village and ward heads.

According to him, all lands within the state belong to the government, underscoring the importance of following due process when acquiring land from relevant authorities. He stressed that adherence to proper procedures is necessary to ensure peace and stability across the state.

The governor also urged traditional leaders to maintain the prevailing peaceful atmosphere within their domains and throughout Kaduna State. Furthermore, he encouraged farmers to resume agricultural activities, assuring them that the security situation in the state has significantly improved.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, reiterated his directive to district, village, and ward heads to avoid mistreating their subjects. He also warned them against collaborating with illegal miners operating without proper authorization.

The Emir noted that before allowing any mining activities, necessary verifications must be conducted with relevant authorities, and the emirate must be duly informed.

Additionally, Bamalli cautioned village heads against encroaching on lands belonging to the Ministry of Forestry, instructing them to limit their authority to properties belonging to the emirate.

He also reminded traditional title holders with dual appointments to comply with the state government’s directive by resigning from one of their roles.

Gov Uba Sani warns traditional leaders against illegal land grabbing

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