U.S. Pledges Action on Religious Freedom in Nigeria After Lawmakers Visit Benue IDP Camps

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defending religious freedom in Nigeria following a visit by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State. During the visit, Moore met with Christian victims who recounted horrific attacks that left families murdered and communities displaced. The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responded by pledging that America “will not look away,” noting that the visit forms part of a fact-finding mission ordered by President Donald Trump to address Christian persecution and guide future policy. Moore later met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, discussing concrete steps to tackle terrorism and violence in the North-East and Middle Belt. While acknowledging some progress, the U.S. stressed that Nigeria’s security crisis remains severe and requires urgent action.

Catholic Laity Council Joins Bishops in Condemning Rising Insecurity, Urges Government Action

The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has joined the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in strongly condemning the escalating insecurity affecting communities across Nigeria, especially in the Northern and Middle Belt regions. In a statement signed by its national leaders, the council lamented the increasing attacks on innocent citizens and praised Catholic bishops in Benue State for their steady leadership during the crisis. CLCN also welcomed a US-based fact-finding team for drawing global attention to Nigeria’s worsening security situation. The council urged the government to take immediate, decisive action to protect lives and property, while calling on Nigerians to reject violence and promote unity and peaceful coexistence.

While in Benue, I met with dozens of Christians who were driven from their homes and subjected to horrific violence and now live in IDP camps.

They told harrowing stories that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

One woman was forced to watch as they killed her husband and five children. She, and her unborn child, barely escaped.

Another woman’s family was murdered in front of her and her baby was ripped from her womb.

One man’s family was hacked to death in front of his eyes and his armed was permanently mangled.

There are more than 600,000 Christians in IDP camps in Benue State alone.

These Christians should be able to live in their ancestral homeland without fear of genocidal Fulani.

The Tragedy of Nigeria’s Mind-State: Shilgba Warns on Discipline, Leadership and National Renewal

Leonard Karshima Shilgba argues that Nigeria’s biggest crisis is a “troubled national mind-state” reflected in indiscipline, chaotic cities, poor work ethic, weak leadership, corruption, and social decay. Using Benue State as a case study, he highlights how societal neglect, insecurity and failed institutions stem from a deeper psychological decline. Shilgba draws lessons from China’s transformation—discipline, long-term planning, meritocracy, value-based education, and decisive anti-corruption—and urges Nigerians to rebuild national character from the heart, where lasting change begins.

Nigerian Troops Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims After Fierce Shootout in Orokam Forest, Benue

Nigerian Army troops under Operation Udo Ka (OPUK) have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated assault on a criminal camp in Orokam Forest, located between Enugu and Benue States. Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers and local vigilantes stormed the hideout, engaging armed bandits in a heavy firefight that forced the criminals to flee and abandon their captives. The victims—abducted while returning from a burial—were freed unharmed and handed over to the Udenu Police Division. The forest corridor has long been identified as a hotspot for cross-border kidnapping, and fresh surveillance operations are underway to prevent regrouping of the fleeing gunmen.

Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims at Orokam forest in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops of Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation at Orokam Forest, a border area linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Friday at about 1:30 p.m., following credible intelligence from locals indicating the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest.

The source said troops deployed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilised to the location alongside vigilante personnel of the Neighbourhood Watch.

“While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops. The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims,” the source said.

The sources said 14 abducted persons, who were returning from a burial ceremony over the weekend before being kidnapped, were rescued unhurt.

The sources added that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted from two separate communities Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.

According to the source, the victims were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Udenu Division, for onward reunification with their families.

The source added that the troops expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement and returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any incident.

The sources noted that troops had intensified monitoring of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

6 BRIGADE SUSTAINS MAJOR OFFENSIVE IN TARABA: BANDITS’ CAMPS DESTROYED, TWO NEUTRALISED, WEAPONS RECOVERED AND KEY SUSPECT ARRESTED

Troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified their ongoing offensive across Taraba State, recording multiple operational successes that include the destruction of bandits’ camps, neutralisation of armed elements, recovery of weapons, and the arrest of a key suspect linked to criminal activities in the region.

On 2 December 2025, troops launched a deliberate clearance operation under Operation Zafin Wuta across Shiid, Agia and Tyozua villages in Takum LGA following credible intelligence on the activities of armed groups within the Tor-Tser general area. As the soldiers advanced towards the mountainous hideouts, the bandits fled deeper into the rugged terrain, abandoning their camps. The troops conducted a detailed search before destroying the camps, which the criminals had previously claimed were inaccessible to security forces. In Tyozua, the fleeing bandits set ablaze a wooden bridge in an attempt to obstruct troop movement, but the soldiers pressed forward with determination and forced the criminals across the power line into neighbouring Benue State. During exploitation, one suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, was arrested and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

In a related development, troops conducted a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido and its environs on 4 Dec 25 to deny bandits freedom of movement. While moving towards Usmanu, the patrol came under fire from armed bandits concealed behind Wudompi Community. The soldiers responded swiftly, repelling the attack and neutralising two of the armed men. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition, with no casualties recorded on the part of own troops. The attackers are assessed to be members of the Karimjo faction responsible for recent attempts at regrouping within the area. Security within Karim Lamido remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened alertness.

Reacting to the sustained operational successes, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the professionalism and gallantry displayed by the troops. He stated that the series of operations once again demonstrates that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army and no criminal enclave is beyond reach. He assured residents across Taraba State that the Brigade remains unwavering in its resolve to pursue criminals wherever they may flee and to sustain pressure until all threats to peace.

UMAR MUHAMMAD
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army
4 December 2025

CCTV captured the moment a man, along with his driver, broke into someone’s car through the glass and made away with valuable items and a large sum of money in broad daylight in Makurdi, Benue State

I am still a Reverend Father; being in governance does not take that away from me. There’s no Christian g+nocide in Benue State; we only face security challenges” — Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia

"We Don’t Have Anything like Christian Genocide Happening in Benue State" — Benue Governor, Reverend Hyacinth Alia

The Governor of Benue State, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, has stated that there is no Christian genocide in the state.

Speaking at a recent press briefing on Benue’s security situation, Governor Alia emphasized that his role as a religious leader does not conflict with his duties in government, saying, “I am a reverend father, so being in government does not take that away from me; I still remain one at the end of the day.”

He clarified that, while the state faces security challenges, they should not be labeled as genocide.

“In my state of Benue, we don’t have any religious, ethnic, racial, national, or state genocide,” Alia said. He urged referencing the United Nations’ definition of genocide when evaluating such claims to ensure accuracy.

The governor explained that insecurity in Benue has historical roots, beginning with conflicts involving farmers and gradually escalating over the years. “Yes, we have lost a number of people, and we have provided background on the challenges that date back many years,” he added.

He concluded by reiterating that Benue continues to experience security issues, but these do not amount to targeted genocide against any group. Alia emphasized the importance of measured analysis and sustained government intervention to protect communities and address the persistent security threats in the state.

Benue Insecurity: Zaki Biam Residents Pay Kidnappers N100,000 for Protection.

Residents of Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA, Benue State, are gripped by fear as criminal activities escalate, including kidnapping threats, motorcycle theft, and suspected cult operations.

A community source told Vanguard correspondent over the weekend that residents have been receiving calls from unknown individuals demanding money and threatening abduction. 

“People are scared because these callers sound serious and very coordinated. We need urgent help before things get out of hand,” he said.

He added that insecurity has worsened due to the activities of an alleged cult group that reportedly meets at the shop of its suspected leader, located at the former SSS office along Yam Market bypass. 

“These boys meet both during the day and very late at night. Their activities are suspicious, and everyone in the area is worried about what they are planning.”

Motorcycle theft has also surged. Thieves reportedly target riders at night, creating heightened tension in a community where motorcycles are essential for transport and livelihood. “Because all the motorcycle thefts have happened at night, people no longer move around freely once it gets dark,” he said.

The fear is intensified by kidnapping threats. “One case involved a POS operator who allegedly paid ₦100,000 after being threatened by criminals who warned they would kidnap him if he refused. Imagine receiving a call telling you to send money or you will be taken away. That is the kind of fear people here are living with every day,” he added.

Residents are calling for urgent intervention from security agencies. “We are appealing to the government and security operatives to come to our rescue. Lives and property are no longer safe, and something must be done urgently,” he lamented.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at press time.

Gov Alia approves implementation of unions’ demands at Benue varsityNewsGov Alia approves implementation of unions’ demands at Benue varsity.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the immediate implementation of the demands made by striking workers of the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Benue State.

This followed negotiations between the government team led by the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Serumun Deborah Aber; the institution’s management, led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Terver Ubwa; and the university-based unions—ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT—culminating in a Memorandum of Agreement.

The visitor to the university, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, approved the implementation of the contentious issues that had caused industrial disharmony since 2018 with immediate effect.

This was contained in a letter dated October 31, 2025, duly signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services) on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Registrar of the institution, Barnabas Hema, he enumerated the approved demands to include “immediate and complete implementation of the newly approved minimum wage template as presented by the unions.

“Immediate payment of arrears of the minimum wage from November 2023 to date; proper placement and payment of salary entitlements to previously promoted staff of the university. This is with immediate effect, starting with October 2025 salaries.”

He said the government is committed to the payment of arrears of all deferred promotion entitlements to deserving staff.

Hema added that the accumulated promotion entitlements from 2018 would be defrayed at a later date

Boat Accident Wipes Out 5 Siblings In Benue.

Tragedy struck in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday evening when a small boat carrying a family of seven capsized in Obagaji, the local government headquarters, killing five siblings.

In a telephone interview, a local identified himself as John, said the incident occurred when a small boat carrying a man, his wife, and their five children lost balance and sank in the water.

According to him, the man and his wife were rescued alive, but all five children drowned before help could reach them.

Another eyewitness, Ameh Ejeh, said local divers and community members immediately launched rescue efforts, but all the children rescued were confirmed dead at the scene.

The heartbreaking incident has thrown the community into mourning, as sympathisers trooped in and out of the residence of the bereaved parents to offer condolences.

Some residents who spoke to our correspondent have called on the authorities to enforce safety measures on waterways and monitor agents to checkmate the excesses of those handling boats in rural communities.

Stray Bullet Mistakenly Hits Secondary School Students as Army Troops Battle Bandits in Benue.

The incident occurred at about 3:20pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.

A student has been k!lled while two others are fighting for their lives after being hit by stray bullets during a gun battle between troops of Operation Whirl Stroke and bandits in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Information showed that the incident occurred at about 3:20pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, trouble started when the patrol team sighted some suspected bandits on a motorcycle carrying firearms.

On sighting the troops, the hoodlums opened fire. The soldiers immediately engaged them in a gun duel.

In the exchange of fire, one of the hoodlums was shot d3ad, while others escaped, abandoning their motorcycle.

Unfortunately, three students of ATM Divine Academy Science and Technical Secondary School, Jato-Aka, who were closing from school at the time, were hit by stray bullets.

One female student identified as Songo Gloria, was later confirmed d3ad by a doctor at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka, while the other two were admitted and are responding to treatment.

The corpse of the neutralised bandit was also deposited at the NKST Hospital Mortuary.

Repentant bandit shot dead in Benue market.

Panic erupted in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday after unidentified gunmen shot dead a repentant bandit, Kyoga Joka, at the town’s main market.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the bustling market and opened fire on Joka, who was serving with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum.

He was killed instantly, prompting traders and shoppers to scatter in fear.

Benue: Armed herdsmen ambush bus with passengers in Markudi, Naka road.

Fear gripped commuters on Sunday as suspected armed herdsmen ambushed a commercial bus on the Makurdi–Naka highway and abducted all passengers on board.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle, which left Makurdi for Naka, was intercepted before it reached its destination.

The attackers reportedly marched the passengers into nearby bushes at gunpoint.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Edet Udeme, said she had not yet received any report of the incident and would confirm the situation and provide updates.

Benue: Man arrested over fraud case dies in police custody.

A man identified as Fanen Kpenteman has reportedly died in Police custody in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The deceased’s bank account was allegedly hacked by unknown persons, who used it to scam a Hausa trader at Market in Makurdi.

Mr Ukan Kurugh, a rights activist who reported the incident on his official facebook page, said when the trader traced the account used to defraud her, she found the picture of the deceased and assumed he was the criminal.

“She alerted/reported it to the Zone 4 Police Station, who came to his (deceased) workplace and picked him up and then handed him over to OPERATION ZENDA since Friday.

“From that moment, no one was allowed to see or speak to him.

“His family and friends were shut out completely.

“Then the worst happened, news broke that he had died in police custody, tortured to death for a crime he knew nothing about,” Kurugh said.

The activist said the incident is not a tragic mistake but a case of murder by the police.

Insisting that it is also a case of injustice and gross abuse of power by the police, he said, “And let me be clear, this is going to be a serious case between me and the men of the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command.”

The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP, Udeme Edet, could not be reached to confirm the incident as calls to her mobile telephone were not answered.

11 security operatives confirmed dead, ASP still missing in Benue militia clash.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of seven additional bodies of security personnel killed during a violent confrontation with suspected herdsmen and local militia at Agu Centre in Katsina Ala Local Government Area.

The latest recovery brings the total death toll to 11 security operatives, comprising nine police officers, one hunter, and one Civil Protection Guard. Their remains have been deposited at Katsina Ala General Hospital.

Police also confirmed that ASP John Aledu, attached to Operation Zenda, remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

“The recovered bodies have been preserved as efforts are ongoing to contact their families,” sources told Zagazola Makama.

In response to the attack, police tactical teams, supported by local hunters and vigilantes, have intensified operations to rescue the missing officer and pursue the attackers.

So far, 15 additional suspects have been arrested in Ukum Local Government Area, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 21, following six earlier arrests in Katsina Ala.

The police assured that, in collaboration with other security agencies, they remain fully committed to bringing all perpetrators of the attack to justice

APC Chieftain, Hon. Ejeh Udeh, Shot Dead in Otukpo.

Shock and grief have hit Otukpo, Benue State, following the brutal assassination of Hon. Ejeh Udeh, a notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when armed men stormed Udeh’s Ugboju residence around midnight. Witnesses said the assailants, who rode in on a motorcycle, hid nearby waiting for his arrival.

On entering his compound, Udeh was ambushed and shot multiple times at close range. The horrifying attack, carried out in front of his wife and children, left the family devastated.

Neighbors recalled hearing “sporadic gunshots that shattered the silence of the night,” triggering panic in the community. By the time they gathered at the scene, Udeh was already lifeless in a pool of blood.

His death has thrown the area into mourning, with residents hailing him as a “grassroots mobilizer and a strong pillar of support for the APC in the area.”

Security operatives have yet to issue an official reaction, but locals and party members are demanding an immediate probe to bring those behind the killing to book.

The assassination comes amid rising insecurity in Benue, marked by repeated cases of violence, abductions, and political unrest. Party stakeholders are expected to press harder in the coming days for justice over the killing of Hon. Udeh.

Gunmen assassinate APC chieftain in front of his family in Otukpo, Benue.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Otukpo, Benue State, Hon. Ejeh Udeh, has been shot dead at his residence by unknown gunmen.

Gunmen stormed his Ugboju residence around 12:00 a.m. on Monday and opened fire on him in front of his family.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle, laid in wait for him.

As soon as he entered his house, they surrounded him and opened fire.

His body has since been deposited at the Otukpo General Hospital morgue.