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Powerful Forces Responsible For Benue Attacks -Army …Hoodlums Invade Gombe, Destroy Radio Station
The military has said that certain powerful forces in Benue State were responsible for recent attacks on communities in the state.
The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Maj-Gen Adeyemi Yekini, made the statement at a press briefing yesterday in Makurdi.
Yekini also said such individuals were instigating violence as could be seen in the recent attacks on communities preceding major elections in the country.
“It is obvious that some forces are instigating violence in Benue; it is not a coincidence that there was an attack on Agatu community a week to the presidential election and now there is another attack on Gwer West a week to the governorship election,” he said.
OPWS was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 to tackle cases of armed banditry on communities in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
The force commander said the military outfit had intensified operations along Loko-Agatu, Kwande and other border communities in Benue to prevent recurrence of the attacks.
He condemned the preference to cattle over human lives by those who retaliated because of cattle theft.
Flt Officer Mohammed Abubakar, the Sector Commander, OPWS in Gwer West Local Government Area, said some people were using military uniforms to rustle cattle.
“Those people who did this are suspected to be Livestock Guards, according to our local sources,” he said.
Abubakar said seven corpses had already been recovered.
According to him, the council chairman of Gwer West, Mr Francis Ayaga and the Divisional Police Officer of the local government area have already submitted seven names of the suspects to him.
Meanwhile, Some hoodlums suspected to be political thugs have attacked Lafiyawo community in Gombe State, destroying a private radio station, Progress FM, located along Gombe Airport Road.
Our source, who visited the scene, yesterday, reports that eight shops were burnt down in the community.
The source also confirmed that two vehicles were also set ablaze in Jekadafari Quarters of the state capital.
When contacted, yesterday, the Gombe State Police Commissioner (CP), Mr Bello Makwashi, confirmed the incident.
The commissioner, who confirmed this through the command’s spokesperson, Mary Malum, said investigation into the attack, which occurred on Saturday evening, was still ongoing.
A resident of the community, Malam Nuhu Usman told newsmen that the attackers started stoning them on their way back from airport before setting eight shops on fire.
According to him, many people sustained various degrees of injury, while one of them is currently hospitalised.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the radio station, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu, has alleged that the attack was caused by some thugs attached to Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.
“Yesterday evening, thugs following the governor’s convoy from the airport attacked our office with weapons.
“They were throwing stones and making attempts to gain entrance into the compound.
“`So, I quickly called the commissioner of police and the director of State Security Service who responded swiftly.
“In the attack, one of our security men was wounded. It was very scary but we thank the security for their swift response,” he said.
However, the Director of Media of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council in the state, Mr Dahiru Kera said the thugs that attacked the community and the radio station were not from PDP.
Kera said the thugs had initially attacked the governor’s convoy on his way from the airport, adding that two cars in the entourage were burnt.
He disclosed that the development was why the governor cancelled a rally organised to welcome him back to the state.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol