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11 Policemen Declared Missing In Benue …Senate Orders Investigation, May Shut Down Over Massacre

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Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have again killed at least 36 persons in Benue and Nasarawa States.
The four persons killed in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State were police officers, while 11 others were declared missing after an ambush was laid for the policemen by the herdsmen last Sunday evening and yesterday morning.
However, the Logo Local Government Council Chairman, Mr. Richard Nyajo, in a telephone interview maintained that the casualty figure was far higher, adding that many sustained injuries in the attack.
Nyajo said: “The well armed herdsmen entangled the Police personnel on duty in the area at about 6pm and killed several of them but some managed to flee. “Though I cannot confirm the total casualty figure but many were reported dead and several others sustained injuries.
That is what those who managed to escape told me when I met them.” The state Police Command in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent, ASP, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the policemen lost their lives in an attack that started Sunday evening and lasted till the early hours of Monday (yesterday).
The statement read in part: “Benue State Police Command regrets to report that its personnel came under attack of insurgents at Anyibe, Logo LGA of the state between 6pm last Sunday April 15, 2018 and early Monday morning.
“Sadly, at the moment, four casualties have been suffered by the Police. Additional reinforcement (including the Air Asset of the Police) deployed by Inspector General of Police is in pursuit of the murderous gang.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Prof. Tersoo Kpelai, has disclosed that over 56 persons were killed by suspected herdsmen in last Thursday’s attack on Gbeji town of Tsaav ward, Tse-Akaanya and Tse-Hiityo of Lumbuv council ward of Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Kpelai, who hails from the area, made the disclosure after undertaking an on-the-spot assessment of the sacked communities. He said the figure could be far higher at the end of search for the remains of victims in the affected villages.
He said: “So far, we have recovered 33 bodies from some of the bushes and rumbles of burnt houses, huts and farmland and the search is still ongoing. So, there is every likelihood that the figure would be much higher because three more bodies have just been recovered and many are still missing.
“From what we have gathered so far from survivors, the herdsmen, who attacked the border communities, came from Chenkei in Taraba State. “Most of the survivors also accused Nigerian Army of colluding and leading the militant herdsmen to attack their villages.
The property and valuables lost in the attack including houses, huts, farmland, economic trees, food barns and seedlings could be well over N300 million.’’
Narrating their ordeal before the Commissioner, Mr. Sunday Kulegwa and Iortaver Idye (the most elderly person in Gbeji town) all pointed accusing fingers at the army, noting that military personnel using official vehicles were not only spotted on the scene of the attacks with the invaders but also participated in the shooting and killing of innocent people.
Similarly, at Tse Akaanya and Tse Hiityo all in Lumbuv council ward, Mr. Timothy Iorfa, Councillor representing Lumbuv ward, Austin Damsa and Terkaa Agera who witnessed the attack maintained that “men in army uniforms in their personnel carriers and other utility vehicles were seeing shooting and killing people while herdsmen followed the troops burning houses and carting away valuables.
In the Nasarawa incident, no fewer than 32 persons were killed when herdsmen launched a fresh attack on over 32 Tiv communities in the southern senatorial district of Nasarawa State.
The suspected killers were said to have carried out the attacks simultaneously in Awe, Keana, Obi and Doma Local Government Areas of the state, leaving 19 others with severe gun and machete injuries. At press time, over 10,000 Tiv villagers are currently trapped in Obi Local Government Area following the cordinated attacks by the suspected herdsmen.
A visit to some of the sffected communities by Vanguard revealed that about 15,000 fleeing Tiv villagers are currently stranded and are taking refuge in Lafia, the state capital aside the over 100,000 in different IDP camps at Agwatashi, Aloshi, Awe, Adudu, Obi, Keana, Doma, Agyaragu, among other locations.
When Vanguard visited Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia, where eight of the victims are currently receiving treatment as a result of injuries sustained from the attacks, it was also gathered that five dead bodies were initially deposited at the hospital mortuary of which three were already released by the Police for burial.
Confirming the development to journalists in Lafia, President, Tiv Youth Organization Nasarawa state chapter, Comrade Peter Ahemba said the entire Tiv communities in the southern part of the state had been sacked, noting that most of the affected villages were being occupied by the invaders.
“As I speak to you, seven corpses of our people killed this morning by the Fulani herdsmen in Wurji village of Keana LGA have just been recovered and brought to Keana town by the Police.
‘’Also last night, five of our people were killed in the coordinated attacks, with seven others still missing at Kertyo and Apurugh villages in Obi Local Government “Three days ago, we recorded eight deaths from similar attacks in Kadarko area, four from Aloshi area,one from Agberagba, all in Keana LGA.
‘’Another six persons shot at Imon village, were rushed to Obi General Hospial as a result of which one of them later died. This is just a few out of deaths we recorded within the last three days as a result of these senseless killings,’’ Ahemba explained.
The Tiv youth leader, who alleged that the herdsmen were conveyed in trucks and brought into the state to carry out the attack, told journalists that it was now clear that incessant attacks on the Tiv people were no longer protest against any enacted law but a calculated attempt to exterminate the Tiv community of the state.
He appealed to Nasarawa State government to urgently stop the carnage, and asked the international community to intervene in order to save the state and country from the current bloodbath.
Contacted on the incident in a telephone interview, the Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Kennedy Idirisu, said the command was only aware of yesterday’s attack.
He said: “There was an attack early Monday morning, but the command is yet to be given details as regards to the number of people that lost their lives in the early hours attacks by unknown gunmen.”
Suleiman Adokwe, who represents Nasarawa South Senatorial District.
He decried ongoing crisis in the district, describing it as “unfortunate’’.
“Throughout the weekend and up to this moment, herdsmen have unleashed mayhem on the people of the senatorial district, leaving many dead bodies, numerous wounded persons and hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS).
“Their victims are largely the Tiv-speaking ethnic nationalities with a reported death toll of 32 persons.’’
Adokwe, who is Chairman, Committee on Information, said the real tragedy in the situation was not “in the well-coordinated and simultaneous carnage across Awe, Obi, Keana and Doma Local Government Areas of south senatorial district.
“The tragedy lies from the fact that for four days running, this mayhem continued unhindered, unchecked, unstopped by any arm of the law and security enforcement agencies.”
He expressed sadness that in Nigeria, with all the security forces, a whole senatorial district would go on being punished by militia and no action was taken by the government.
“This is a sad commentary. It was even with impunity that we woke up on Monday to see that the entire city of Abuja was under siege.
“This country is gradually falling into anarchy and we need to wake up to our responsibilities.
“It is no wonder that very eminent Nigerian citizens have urged Nigerians to defend themselves because their lives are in their own hands and no longer in the hands of the Nigerian security forces.
“I am very emotional on this matter and I am not one given to emotion very easily, but what I have gone through this weekend is very horrifying; it is very distressing and sad.
“It is as if we are in a lawless society where life is brutish, where there is absence of state powers. We call on the Federal Government to stop this carnage,” he said.
Seconding the point-of-order, Sen. Barnabas Gemade (APC-Benue) said “this country is becoming a state without control; it is becoming a state that is experiencing anarchy.
“It is a state in which we have seen ethnic cleansing and when statements like this are made by very senior nationalists, many people try to trivialise it.
“It is a shame that a sitting government could watch criminality go to the level that we have seen it today rather than rise up and take very decisive steps against it.
“We embark on deniability and simply shield this evil by just explaining with flimsy excuses that these are communal clashes in those communities.
“Indeed, the carnage in Nasarawa South affects mainly people of my ethnic group, who are in large population in Nasarawa.
“It is the same kind of killing that is going on Goma, Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas in Benue.
“And, it is the same kind of killing we are witnessing in Wukari and Takum Local Governments. It is targeted at a particular ethnic nationality, which is my own people,” Gemade lamented.
He urged his colleagues to support the motion whole-heartedly with ideas on how they could deal with the issues.
The motion was unanimously adopted and the ad hoc committee was mandated to immediately investigate the killings.
In his remarks, Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, who presided at the plenary, said “as we have pointed out, the primary purpose of government anywhere in the world is the preservation of the lives of citizens.
“If citizens are being killed, we owe the responsibility as a parliament to give it the desired attention, and we will never stop talking about these killings.
“Unless it stops, we will never be tired of speaking about it,” Ekweremadu said.
He said it was time to seek help from other countries as some of the lawmakers had suggested.
“We should not be ashamed to ask for help. President Muhammadu Buhari met with the UK Prime Minister and she was of the opinion that Britain would help us security wise.
“We are representatives of the people. If they kill everybody, we will have nobody to represent; we will have no job. So, security is more important than any other thing that we do here.
“If it gets to a level where we have to shut down this National Assembly and sit down with the Executive for as long as it lasts to resolve the problem, we may have to do that.
“We must have a country before we can talk about elections,” Ekweremadu said.

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RHI: First Lady Gives N50m Business Grants To Rivers PWDS, Disabled Veterans  …As RGS Unveils Free Medical Services For Vulnerable Persons

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2 days ago

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December 5, 2025

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a major financial lifeline to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled veterans in Rivers State.

The support comes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, a nationwide economic empowerment effort.

The event, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with the theme: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.

The RHI empowerment effort covers all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA).

Each jurisdiction will have 250 PWDs receive a N200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grant per beneficiary, amounting to N50million. In total, with N1.9 billion being disbursed to 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria.

Expressing delight at unveiling the programme under the RHI Social Investment Framework, Senator Tinubu noted that the launch was intentionally scheduled for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

She emphasised the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating that the nation becomes stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute.

According to the First Lady, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in

Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country. To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity.”

Mrs Tinubu said that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.

She announced that the RHI Governing Board has approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event every December 3.

She thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, for their support, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.

In her speech, Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative in the State will collaborate with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to promote an inclusive society where the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities are guaranteed.

She said that the celebration of the 2025 World Disability Day, reaffirms the government’s commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable State, where no one is left behind.

Lady Fubara also delivered a strong message of empowerment to the beneficiaries, saying “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this State.”

She urged society to champion inclusion, noting that disability is not a tragedy but that discrimination, silence, and exclusion are.

The governor’s wife confirmed that 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the N200,000 grant, and urged all the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely.

“Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family,” she said.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr Vetty Agala, announced the enrollment of the 250 persons with disabilities into the state’s contributory health protection programme, adding that the beneficiaries will now enjoy free medical care and services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the State.

“You’re going to not only access primary care, but anytime you require secondary or tertiary services, you will be referred to those levels of care at no extra cost,” in line with the government’s “Health For All Rivers Initiative,” she said.

In her own remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lorenta Davis-Dimkpa, stated that efforts are underway to establish a South-South office for the Disability Commission.

She also confirmed that there was an ongoing work to domesticate the 2018 Disability Act.

In her goodwill message, former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), commended both the Federal and Rivers State governments for taking bold steps to ensure persons with disabilities are included in governance.

Earlier in her speech, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, had said that the programme was carefully designed to address the needs of persons with disabilities and disabled veterans, helping them upscale their businesses across the State.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kie Obamanu, called for the full implementation of disability laws to eliminate discrimination.

He expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady and the wife of the Rivers State Governor for their support.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Universal Health Coverage Ambassador Award to Lady Valerie Fubara by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in recognition of her contributions to improving access to healthcare services in the State.

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Fubara Assures Greater Collaboration With Navy 

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2 days ago

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December 5, 2025

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured greater collaboration with Navy and other security agencies in combatting crimes and criminality in the State.

 

The governor also hailed the appointment of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff, saying he will deliver on his mandate based on his track record of excellence and meritorious service.

 

Fubara gave this assurance when Abbas and his team paid the governor a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

 

The governor also commended the efforts of the Nigeria Navy in tackling criminality on Rivers waterways and protecting critical national assets.

 

He emphasized the need for more security surveillance on Rivers State coastal environments to safeguard lives and properties.

 

According to him, the Navy’s superior technology, manpower, and tactical competence are vital to protecting the state’s vast waterways.

 

“We need to work together for us to succeed,” he said, stressing that collaboration remains the most effective way to keep residents, assets, and the environment safe.

 

Pointing out the strategic significance of Rivers State as the hub of Nigeria’s crude oil and coastal infrastructure, Fubara commended the Navy for its continuous efforts in preventing losses to lives, livelihoods, and the ecosystem, and assured the service of the government’s sustained cooperation and support.

 

On his part, Abbas said his visit was part of a nationwide tour aimed at assessing operational readiness across naval formations since assuming command on October 30, 2025,

 

The new Naval Chief noted that Rivers State hosts several critical energy installations that fall under the Navy’s mandate to protect, adding that the state also remains central to the Navy’s training operations, with several key units located within its territory.

 

Abbas commended Governor Fubara for the State’s consistent support, citing the provision of six gunboats and the donation of a school building as significant contributions that have boosted the Navy’s operational efficiency.

 

He appealed for continued collaboration as the Navy intensifies efforts to secure the maritime domain.

 

Taneh Beemene

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Fubara Tasks Traditional Rulers On Peace, Security …Says Education, Job Creation ‘ll Receive Boost In 2026 Budget

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2 days ago

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December 5, 2025

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Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that amidst glaring challenges, his administration has remained determined and focused to dispense good governance and put in place the needed development in the State.

 

The governor disclosed this while addressing the 123rd and 124th combined quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Council Secretariat on Monday.

 

Fubara who commended the traditional rulers for their supports and efforts in promoting peace and development in the State, urged them to live up to their roles as custodians of peace by becoming alert and more vigilant in their domains to tackle the menace of insecurity especially in boundary communities.

 

He advised the traditional rulers to work with local government chairmen and security agencies to safeguard lives and properties in their domains.

 

“Let me thank everyone of you from the bottom of my heart, I met you in Government House to say a big thank you, because the royal fathers stood as fathers in our most trying moments.

 

“I say thank you again for your support, for understanding that your role is fatherly role, and one of the reasons you were elected or selected to be head is to bridge the gap in terms of crisis, and to play fatherly role when called upon. Thank you for ensuring that peace reigns in Rivers State,” he said.

 

The governor reaffirmed his commitment towards the protection of lives and property in the State.

 

“Our vision is to ensure that Rivers State is safe, our vision includes the provision of good health care services, which we are doing, the records are there, people from the south east are witnessing what is happening in the Zonal Hospital in Bori, presently. I’m sure that before the end of this year, the Omoku and Ahoada Zonal Hospitals will be commissioned while Degema is 80% completed, we’re not just talking, we’re doing it,” he said.

 

Fubara, however, dismissed speculations making the rounds on the issue of 10,000 jobs, urging the public to discountenance the false information.

 

He assured that employment will be carried out in the state based on needs, and not on political considerations.

 

He disclosed that the 2026 budget will make provision for job creation and the refurbishment of schools in the State which, he noted, are currently in deplorable conditions, having given due consideration to roads and the health sector.

 

“Let me use this medium to address an issue, I saw some people sending messages to my WhatsApp, they want to protest against 10,000 jobs, they claim was included in the budget, which budget? We are going to employ based on the needs of the state, I’m not going to employ politically to please anybody,” he assured.

 

The governor promised to address the requests of the traditional rulers, and charged them to ensure that their meeting brings out a strong position that will make the State stronger.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Eze Oha Apara 1V, of Apara Kingdom, HRM Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, thanked the governor for personally attending the meeting.

 

The royal father restated the support of the traditional rulers to the State Government, and presented some requests of the Council to the governor.

 

“Your Excellency, the news that we have received all over the State is quite cheering and symbolic of the peaceful life and developments that Rivers people yearn for in the State. You have brought back those glorious old days of harmonious living and peaceful coexistence the way it was. May the Almighty  God bless you and help you to sustain this laudable feat,” the royal father prayed.

 

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs , Egnr.Charles Amadi, expressed gratitude to the governor for his developmental strides in the State, and also commended the traditional rulers for their unwavering commitment towards promoting peace in the State.

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