Author: Terhemen Mbachirin

Acting on President Bola Tinubu’s directive to form an inclusive peace and reconciliation committee to help restore calm after the massacre of over 200 persons in the Yelewata community, by suspected armed herders, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Wednesday met with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume in Abuja to discuss the way forward. The President, who visited Makurdi in the wake of the deadly attacks, despite his earlier directive to heads of the nation’s security agencies including the Chief of Army, Defence, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), declared that such…

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on Sunday took over as the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), promising to operate on a four pillar including the deepening of the region’s democracy and an overhaul of security following rising violence, member departures, and other disturbances. “We are still confronting insecurity in the Sahel and coastal states, terrorism, political instability, illicit arms flow and transnational organized crimes continue to test the resilience of our nations and the effectiveness of our institutions,” Bio said after taking over from President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria. The Sierra Leonian leader…

A former governorship aspirant in Benue State’s 2023 election, has sharply criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration for its failure to address the ongoing killings in the state, describing the government’s silence and inaction as complicity. He called for Governor Alia’s resignation to protect the state, known as the ‘food basket,’ from further attacks. The former governorship aspirant spoke Saturday, at Yelwata, Guma local government council of the state, where he visited to commiserate with the survivors of the recent herdsmen attack, which left over 200  dead. Ityoachimin who contested the last election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress…

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, yesterday initiated consultative discussions with the paramount rulers of Benue’s two major ethnic groups, the Tiv and Idoma, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the constitution of a committee to dialogue with him in Abuja, aiming to halt the ongoing violence and killings of innocent civilians in the state, allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen. SGF Akume met with the Tor Tiv, who doubles as Chairman of Benue State Council of Chiefs, HRM. Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, HRM. John Elaigwu Odogbo, and Benue Elders. President Bola Tinubu during…

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, following the brutal killing of over 200 residents by suspected armed herders, describing the presidential gesture as timely and profound. The Minister in a statement by his Personal Assistant on media and publicity, Terhemen Oraduen said, Tinubu visited to offer his condolences to the good people of the state over the sustained killings of innocent citizens by herdsmen militia. “Professor Utsev describes President Tinubu’s visit as timely and a clear demonstration of the spirit of a servant-leader who is concerned about…

By Terhemen Mnachirin President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the capital of the ‘food basket’ State, Makurdi, on Wednesday, brought a brief, refreshing relief to the hearts of a weary population – where families are grieving loved ones lost to senseless killings. The President didn’t get the opportunity to see for himself, mothers holding starving children in IDP camps, and communities trembling under the relentless threat of ruthless armed herdsmen. But, there is no doubt that the presidential visit will offer momentary reassurance to communities deeply affected by the horrendous violence. However, across the entire state, concerns remain about whether the…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will not derive pleasure in displacing people in Abuja but will ensure justice for all. “We are not here to displace anyone unjustly,” Minister Wike told traditional chiefs and representatives of the Kpaduma and Guzape communities in Abuja. The Minister had called the meeting to discuss the ongoing road construction project and the concerns raised regarding the evacuation of affected villagers. There has been growing tension surrounding the continued presence of residents in areas marked for development, particularly for the major road…

The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ayatse has disclosed that marauding suspected armed Fulani herders have taken over several portions of lands in his domain of Kwande and Gwer West areas of Benue State, killing people and displacing thousands.  Professor Ayatse said the affected areas are Kwande where four wards have been seized and Gwer West where 15 wards have been clutched by the suspected armed herdsmen. Amnesty International data recorded between January 2023- February 2024, indicate that insecurity has left over 2,600 dead in the state with the victims being mainly women and…

A former Governorship aspirant in Benue State, Godwin Ityoachimin on Saturday said, he will again contest for the number one seat in the state in 2027, to help liberate the people from hardship, poverty, and economic retrogression. Ityoachimin who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wih a campaign of ‘Fresh Voice for greater Benue’ in 2023, spoke to journalists in Abuja, noting that he was well prepared to lead the state and propel its people to economic prosperity. The retired Director, Estate Surveyor, and Valuer declared that if elected as Governor in 2027, he would immediately…

President Bola Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 99 years birthday, acknowledging his remarkable life and describing him as one of the rare Nigerians who gave his all to public service and maintained an unblemish record. In a letter on Sunday to Pa Fasoranti, Nigeria’s foremost elder statesman and a leading figure in the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, President Tinubu extolled his political quest, saying Pa Fasoranti’s polotical odyssey is deeply rooted in Yoruba ideals of honour, integrity, and progressivism. His political odyssey is deeply rooted in Yoruba ideals of…