Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that Benue land belongs to its people and cannot be taken over by suspected armed herdsmen.

Governor expressed grief over the attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju by suspected armed herders in the early hours of today.

Alia said the bandits must pay for their crime against the peaceful people of the state.

The Governor, however, commended the Benue State Police Command under Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu for their quick response, which resulted in the neutralization of two armed bandits in the area suspected to have taken part in the unfortunate incident.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary,
Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement confirmed that scores of persons were murdered, with many others sustaining various degrees of injury, “as suspected armed herdsmen launched yet another attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju district of Otukpo local government area of the State”

The statement explained that following reports of the incident, men of the Benue State Police Command deployed their men to trace the armed bandits.

According the statement, the fire exchange occurred as the police closed in on the bandits, and, two of the bandits who were apparently manned to provide cover for the others to escape got neutralised.

The Governor said his administration will continue to support the security agencies to ensure those who attack the state were spoken to in the language they understand.

“Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come and push the people away and takeover should think twice.

“Our people are peaceful, hardworking and peaceful. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure my people are protected, and our land is secured”.l the statement said.

Tinubu: I Will Soon End Insecurity In The North

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated  that his administration will soon end insecurity confronting the north.

In his address at the third General Hassan Usman Katsina memorial conference held in Kaduna, Tinubu  said his administration would continue to safeguard the legacies of the past heroes.

Represented by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, Tinubu said late General Hassan Usman Katsina served the nation with distinction.

“General Hassan Usman Katsina embodied the finest virtues of public service—humility, courage, discipline and an unwavering love for Nigeria. He was a worthy son of the North and of our great nation. His uncommon commitment to the unity of this country laid part of the foundation for the democracy and freedoms we enjoy today”

“For the record, General Hassan Usman Katsina served our nation with distinction. As Military Governor of the defunct Northern Region and later as Chief of Army Staff during the Civil War, he demonstrated uncommon courage, patriotism and vision. Beyond rank and office, he lived for the common good. He believed in education, honour and the dignity of every Nigerian. These are values that must continue to guide us” Tinubu said.

“While we continue to work day and night to secure our nation, by the grace of Allah, the challenges of insecurity confronting us, particularly in Northern Nigeria, will soon be behind us” Tinubu stated.

Meanwhile, the northern Governors and other past leaders of northern extraction who were invited did not attend Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina’s memorial conference.

Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, has sacked Dr. Ibrahim Tanko of his appointment as Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism. He represents Keffi Local Government Area in the State Executive Council.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, made this known while briefing Government House Correspondents after a meeting of the State Executive Council in Lafia.

According to him, the decision was part of the efforts to reposition the present administration for the delivery of its remaining mandates ahead of the end of tenure in 2027.

Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also announced that five other Commissioners namely, Barrister Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, Women Affairs and Social Development; CP Usman Baba (rtd), Security and Sundry Matters; Gabriel Agbashi, Science and Technology; Mu’azu Adamu Gosho, Works, Housing and Transport and Barrister David Sule Moyi, were also relieved of their appointments, in a minor reshuffle ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He expressed appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their service to the government and people of the state, adding that replacements will be announced in due course.