News
Police Confirm Fresh Security Threats In Benue
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr Fatai Owoseni has admitted that the state is under renewed threats of attacks from herdsmen, communal clashes and armed bandits.
Owoseni stated this yesterday in Makurdi during his maiden news briefing.
He said that apart from the herdsmen attacks on some communities in the state, there were communal clashes and armed banditry going on in parts of the state.
He described the attacks on villages in Katsina-Ala and Zaki-Biam axis as pure banditry.
“You people are already familiar with the crisis in the state; there are three dimensions to it and we need to separate it from one another.
“You have the herdsmen attacks, the communal crisis in some parts of the state and pure acts of banditry.
“What is happening in the Katsina-Ala and Zaki-Biam axis are just pure acts of banditry and communal clashes.
“Ukum and Katsina-Ala local governments have a long history of communal crisis which, unfortunately, some political elements and bandits have taken advantage of.
“This bandits are connected to the notorious wanted Benue militia leader, Terwase Akwaza.
“So, following the directives of the I-G, a Special Police Team has been deployed to that axis to end acts of criminality.”
Owoseni also disclosed that two local government chairmen of Ukum and Katsina-Ala, together with other stakeholders, had been interrogated following the crisis.
He expressed regret that the command had yet to find one of its police officers deployed to Guma to repel the herdsmen attacks on the communities in the local government council.
He, however, hinted that available information showed he was still alive.
According to him, five persons have been arrested over the killings in Guma.
The commissioner said that there were no recent attacks on Guma, but expressed regret that the commotion that happened on the borders of Benue and Nasarawa states was caused by panic and not attacks.
He explained that the police were working in line with the security template provided by the Inspectior-General of Police (I-G), Mr Idris Ibrahim, to restore normalcy in affected parts of the state.
He said mischief makers had taken advantage of the herdsmen attack to steal and vandalise property through false security alarm with the motive of chasing away the people in order to steal and loot their possessions.
The commissioner also confirmed the death of an NNPC official, who was killed by armed bandits on the border towns of Guma and Nassarawa state while on official duty.
“I was told that some people from NNPC had come to do something on the pipeline within the border area ( Nassarawa and Benue) and that one person was attacked by bandits and killed.
“ I must tell you that I have not gotten the full report of the incident; the team that came had 16 soldiers and about 10 mobile policemen.
“We were not aware of their presence in the state; I think they were working on the pipeline from the Nassarawa axis.”
The commissioner said that the Police had established a strong partnership with the people to build confidence and effectively gather information to completely end the crisis in the state.
Owoseni, therefore, sued for partnership with the police to effectively curb criminality in the country.
He, however, warned against the escalation of the security situation in the state through fake social media platforms.
“Social media is escalating the security challenges in Benue State, people are posting fake news and even some of the posts are comments made by certain people over three years ago.
“Yes, it is good to educate the public but it is not good to be glorifying criminals; when this is done we are sending bad signals that it pays to be a criminal.
“If you condemn the Government, you are condemning yourself; I seek your partnership and strong support, the police belongs to Nigerians,” he said.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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