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

US House of Representatives launches Probe into Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The session, slated for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live online, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate on global religious liberty issues.

According to an invitation issued to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the hearing will convene two panels. The first panel will feature senior officials from the US Department of State, including Jonathan Pratt, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

A second panel will include prominent voices from religious and policy organisations, among them the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The review will assess the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible US responses, ranging from targeted sanctions to humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Trump’s Hardline Position
President Trump reignited debate on October 31, 2025, when he returned Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that paves the way for sweeping punitive measures against foreign officials implicated in religious repression. In a strongly worded statement the following day, he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat,” claiming thousands had been killed by Islamist extremists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump warned. “We may very well go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities.”

He also directed the US “Department of War” to prepare for possible intervention, saying any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

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

Universities Shut Down Nationwide as Lecturers Dare Tinubu Government.

According to a report by The Punch on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, academic activities were paralysed across public universities nationwide on Monday as the Academic Staff Union of Universities commenced a two-week warning strike over unmet demands by the Federal Government.

ASUU president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the strike in Abuja on Sunday, following a breakdown in negotiations.

In immediate response, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, ordered vice-chancellors to enforce a no-work-no-pay policy and submit attendance lists of academic staff within seven days.

The Nigeria Labour Congress rejected the directive, describing it as intimidation. NLC president, Joe Ajaero, warned that failure to heed ASUU’s demands after the strike would trigger broader labour action.

Universities nationwide reported total compliance. At Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, branch chairman Haruna Jibril said the strike reflected years of accumulated frustration. Lecture halls were deserted, with students seen loitering in groups.

A similar situation played out at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; the University of Uyo; University of Ibadan; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; University of Jos and Plateau State University, Bokkos.

At some institutions, examinations were disrupted. At Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, only Veterinary Medicine students had pending papers. At Olabisi Onabanjo University and Tai Solarin University of Education, lecturers vowed to remain off duty until their demands were met.

Despite threats of withheld salaries, ASUU members insisted they were prepared to endure hardship to protect the future of public education. Piwuna dismissed attempts at division, stating: “Nobody can threaten us. We are victims, just like students.”

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.

EFCC Declares Akolawole, Enweremadu "Wanted" For Fraud And Money Laundering Cases.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared 38-year-old Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole wanted for alleged conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

In a notice signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole, an indigene of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

His last known address is River Park Estate, Cluster 1, Babatunde Folawiyo Plot 101, Lugbe, Abuja."

The Commission added: "Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission’s offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja."

Similarly, the EFCC declared Christopher Enweremadu, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Abia State, wanted for alleged conspiracy, diversion of public funds, stealing, and money laundering.

In another notice, also signed by Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"The public is hereby notified that CHRISTOPHER ENWEREMADU, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds, Stealing and Money Laundering. He is a 58-year-old indigene of Abia State, and his last known address is Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, Abia State."

The agency further appealed: "Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja offices."

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.

BREAKING: Angry Protesters Block Makurdi–Abuja Highway After Herdsmen Killed Catholic Church Minister, Others In Benue

Gov Alia Criticized for Plans to Erect Giant Statues of Himself in Makurdi

Reports emerging from Benue State suggest that Governor Hyacinth Alia is planning to erect giant statues of himself at major junctions in Makurdi, the state capital—a move that has sparked outrage and condemnation.

The information was first shared by Raphael Akume, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, who confirmed the project in a social media post. For many observers, this announcement erased earlier doubts and confirmed that the self-glorifying initiative is indeed in motion.

Critics argue that the decision to spend public funds on statues amounts to a waste of resources and a betrayal of the trust of Benue people. With urgent needs in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and welfare, allocating funds to vanity projects is viewed as insensitive and unjustifiable.

“Governance should focus on service, accountability, and transparency—not self-glorification,” Ornguga wrote, stressing that public resources must uplift citizens rather than fuel a cult of personality.

No governor in Benue’s history—from Aper Aku to Samuel Ortom—ever named public assets after themselves while in office. Traditionally, infrastructure and projects are named to honor past leaders or notable figures.

However, Governor Alia has reportedly broken this norm by naming facilities such as the “Fr Alia Quality House” at the Quality Assurance building and the “Fr Alia Complex” at the BSUTH drug collection centre after himself. Critics warn this trend risks normalizing autocratic-style branding.


Ornguga urged Governor Alia to redirect his attention to unfulfilled campaign promises. Despite receiving increased federal allocations after fuel subsidy removal, arrears of salaries, pensions, and gratuities remain unpaid in Benue—while other states have cleared theirs.

President Bola Tinubu himself recently noted in Makurdi that governors now receive enough funds to settle such obligations without borrowing.

Governor Alia also promised to return internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes within his first 100 days in office, a pledge yet to materialize.


Critics insist that resources earmarked for the statues should instead be invested in roads, welfare programs, and debt clearance. They warn that self-glorifying ventures risk alienating citizens and reducing governance to propaganda rather than service.

“The time for politicking has passed. Governor Alia has enough funds to transform Benue. What the people need is leadership, not monuments of self-adulation,” Ornguga concluded.

EFCC declares Billionaire Businessman, Sujimoto Wanted .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday declared Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, the owner of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited wanted.

The commission in a notice issued on its social media platform said Ogundele, 44, is wanted over an alleged case of diversion of funds and a money laundering case.

According to the commission, Ogudele, a native of Ori-Ade Local Government of Osun State and his last known address is G 29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The commission appealed to anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact its offices in any location across the country.

“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: [email protected] or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” EFCC said.

Newsbrief: Benue Assembly Speaker Resigns, Berger Elected Replacement

Aondona Dajoh has resigned as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, citing the best interest of the state. His resignation, dated August 24, 2025, was followed by the election of Alfred Berger, representing Makurdi North, as the new Speaker in an emergency plenary session that reversed his earlier suspension.

Governor Hyacinth Alia denied any involvement in the events leading to Dajoh’s resignation. Berger pledged to collaborate with lawmakers to advance the state’s development agenda. The assembly had also recently confirmed six commissioner nominees but rejected one, Timothy Ornguga, over petitions questioning his credentials.
#BenueAssembly #SpeakerResigns #AlfredBerger #BenuePolitics

Benue Assembly suspends four members for attempting to impeach Speaker.

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended six lawmakers for six months over attempts to impeach the Speaker, Aondona Dajoh.

They are member representing Makurdi North, Alfred Berger, his Kian state constituency counterpart, Terna Shimawua, Cyril Ekong of Obi state constituency, and James Umoru, representing Apa state constituency

Benue Assembly Suspends Four Members Over Impeachment Plot

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for six months over an alleged attempt to impeach Speaker Aondona Dajoh.

Those affected are Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa).

The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, moved the motion, accusing the lawmakers of attempting to destabilize the Assembly. The Speaker subsequently ordered them out of the chambers and replaced Berger as House spokesperson with Audu Elias.

#BenueAssembly #Politics #Nigeria

Benue Assembly Backs Governor Alia, Speaker Dajoh with Vote of Confidence

The Benue State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its support for Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and Speaker Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, passing a vote of confidence on both leaders during Wednesday’s plenary session.

The motion, raised by Douglas Akya of Makurdi South Constituency, praised the governor for respecting the rule of law and acting swiftly on the Assembly’s resolutions. He noted Alia’s dedication to improving the welfare of Benue citizens by addressing the concerns presented to him.

The lawmakers also applauded Speaker Dajoh’s leadership, commending his role in ensuring the smooth running of the 10th Assembly.

In a firm statement, the House condemned alleged attempts by “non-state actors” to destabilize the Assembly through moves to impeach the Speaker without just cause. Members declared their unwavering loyalty, stressing that any external interference in the Assembly’s internal affairs would be resisted.

The resolution underscores a united front between the legislature and executive in advancing peace and development across Benue State.


#BenueState #GovernorAlia #SpeakerDajoh #VoteOfConfidence #BenueAssembly #Leadership #PeaceAndProgress #NigeriaPolitics

Benue State Rewards Super Falcons Star Francisca Ordega with N50m, Apartment, and Street Naming.

The Benue State Government has honoured Super Falcons forward, Francisca Mlumun Ordega (OON), for her outstanding performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

At a state reception held in Makurdi on Wednesday night, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia announced a series of rewards for the football star, including a cash gift of N50 million, a three-bedroom apartment in Makurdi, and the naming of a street in her honour.

The event, organized to celebrate Ordega’s contribution to Nigeria’s success at WAFCON 2024, highlighted her impact both on and off the pitch. Governor Alia commended her dedication and achievements, describing her as a source of pride for Benue and a role model for young athletes across the country.

“Francisca Ordega has made Benue and Nigeria proud. Her discipline, commitment, and talent deserve to be recognised. This is our small way of saying thank you,” he said.

Mpox outbreak hits Benue 5 LGAs, records 31 suspected cases, confirms 7.

Mpox outbreak hits Benue 5 LGAs, records 31 suspected cases, confirms 7
Makurdi—Benue State has recorded 31 suspected cases of Mpox across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) — Makurdi, Ushongo, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, and Guma.

The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Grace Wende, disclosed this on Thursday during the Benue State Stakeholders Engagement/Townhall Meeting on the Mpox Vaccination Rollout. She explained that seven of the suspected cases had been confirmed.

Represented by the State Immunization Officer (SIO), Mr. Emmanuel Adega, she said 10 unconfirmed cases were recorded in Makurdi, eight in Katsina-Ala, seven in Gwer East, four in Guma, and two in Ushongo LGAs.

According to her, “Of the figures, we have confirmed one case in Gwer East, two cases in Katsina-Ala, three cases in Makurdi, and one case in Guma LGAs. These cases were recorded in June, and samples were collected and taken to the laboratory. The results were released in July.

“As we speak, we have line-listed all the people who came in contact with the confirmed cases. Their names have been taken for vaccination after monitoring them for 43 days, and they did not come down with the disease.”

The Executive Secretary explained that the upcoming Mpox vaccination exercise would not be a statewide programme but restricted to communities at risk of an outbreak.

She urged all stakeholders to support the vaccination exercise and ensure prompt reporting of any suspected case of the disease for urgent attention by health authorities.

In his presentation, the Social and Behaviour Change Health Consultant with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Victor Olaniyi, noted that “Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals.”
He stated that symptoms of the disease include rashes that form blisters and then crust over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

JUST IN: Farmer allegedly beheaded as fresh attack hits Benue community.

A farmer simply identified as Gabriel Vandefan has been killed by suspected armed herdsmen who attacked the Uikpam community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the attackers had beheaded Vandefan, a former on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The farmer was said to have been killed when he went to his farm on Thursday morning to harvest his millet.

The armed herders were said to have invaded the community and attacked unsuspecting farmers in Uikpam.

According to Jim Geoffrey, a former aide to Samuel Ortom, the ex-governor of Benue State, the killers also cut off the victim’s hand and went away with it.

Geoffrey said the attackers “also beheaded the victim and also cut off one of his hands and took it away”.

This recent attack in Benue comes barely weeks after over a hundred people were killed by suspected armed herdsmen in the Yelewata area of the state.

The killing of residents in different communities in Yelewata caused outrage which also forced the president to visit Makurdi Benue State.

Man mobbed for denying herdsmen attack on Benue community.

A man identified as Mr. Zape Upaa was reportedly attacked by angry residents of Ukpiam community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State for allegedly attempting to downplay a deadly attack by armed herdsmen.

Sources said Zape was confronted and beaten while trying to record videos aimed at discrediting reports of the overnight attack that left the community shaken.

The villagers, who were still reeling from the violence, reportedly descended on him in anger.

Pictorial evidence circulating online shows Zape with visible injuries, confirming the assault.

Witnesses say the incident occurred in broad daylight, drawing the attention of other residents.

“He was trying to do a video to say nothing happened here. People got angry and attacked him,” one local said.

Ukpiam, like many other communities in Benue, has suffered repeated attacks from suspected armed herders, prompting calls for increased security presence in the area.

Upaa was rescued by well meaning local rushed to a Makurdi hospital for treatment of injuries sustained from the attack.

BREAKING: Makurdi Women Shut Down Federal Highway.

A number of women from the Agan community in Makurdi, the Benue State capital are currently protesting across streets to express their frustration over rising insecurity in the area.

The protesters, who gathered near the Agan toll gate, marched onto the highway carrying leaves and chanting solidarity songs.

A resident of the area, Torkwase, confirmed that the protest was ongoing and remained peaceful.

“The protest is currently ongoing at Agan ward, close to the toll gate,” she said in a phone interview. “It is just about the insecurity going on around the area. We are tired and need the government to act fast.”

She added that security operatives were already present at the scene to monitor the situation.

The protest follows a series of violent attacks and killings that have plagued the Agan area and other parts of Benue State in recent months

Tension in Makurdi as armed herdsmen open fire on security operatives.

Tension flared in Ancha Village, near the Agan Toll Gate in the Agan Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, on Friday, after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly ambushed security personnel responding to distress calls from locals..

Eyewitnesses say the incident began when residents noticed a group of herders grazing cattle on cultivated farmland behind the village and immediately alerted security forces to the encroachment.

However, on reaching the area, the operatives reportedly came under sudden and heavy gunfire from the armed herders, sparking a fierce shootout. The situation caused panic among villagers, many of whom fled into nearby bushes for safety.

As of the time of filing this report, the extent of casualties or arrests remains unclear, but reinforcements were said to have been deployed to the area to forestall further violence and secure the community.