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.

Alleged Killer Of Lagos Interior Decorator, Deborah Moses Remanded In Kirikiri Prison..

The suspect, identified as Lintex Ogale, was arraigned on Wednesday at the Yaba Magistrate Court around 10am over the fatal stabbing of Moses in her apartment earlier this month.

The alleged killer of 26-year-old Benue-born interior decorator, Deborah Moses, has been remanded in prison custody after making his first appearance before a magistrate court in Lagos State.

The suspect, identified as Lintex Ogale, was arraigned on Wednesday at the Yaba Magistrate Court around 10am over the fatal stabbing of Moses in her apartment earlier this month.

After reviewing the case file, the presiding magistrate ordered that Ogale be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings.


The matter was subsequently adjourned to a date yet to be announced.

It was learnt that the next hearing date would be communicated once administrative formalities are concluded.

Moses, popularly known as Deb’rah Porsche, was gruesomely murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Lagos, months after she ended their relationship.

The suspect, a native of Otukpo, Benue State, allegedly gained entry into Deborah’s residence late Wednesday night after deceiving estate security by posing as a dispatch rider.

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.

AAC Party Warns Against Rising Slogan 'No Alia, No Benue' As Threat To Democracy

The African Action Congress (AAC), FCT Chapter, has cautioned against the growing use of the slogan “No Alia, No Benue”, warning that it poses a direct threat to democracy and civic engagement in Benue State.

In a statement on Saturday, AAC Chairman Ande said the slogan, promoted in support of Governor Hyacinth Alia, carries a sinister undertone that undermines democratic principles by suggesting that governance in the state is inseparably tied to one individual.

He argued that such narratives promote personality cultism, stifle dissent, and risk destabilizing the state by sowing division among citizens.

Ande urged Benue people to reject the slogan, embrace civic participation, and focus on accountability and good governance instead of elevating leaders above democratic institutions.

#BenuePolitics #Democracy #AAC

Man Arrested After He Unalifed EX Girlfriend For Breaking Up With Him.

‎Tragedy struck recently when Deborah Moses, an interior designer from Benue State,was unalifed by angry, stalking ex-boyfriend Lintex.

According to reports and a voice recording shared by her sister, Deborah had endured repeated abuse during her relationship with Lintex. Tired of the violence, she decided to walk away. However, Lintex refused to accept the breakup, allegedly vowing that if he could not have her, no one else would.
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‎On the day of the incident, he disguised himself as a dispatch rider in an attempt to gain access to her estate. Deborah reportedly informed security that she wasn’t expecting any delivery. Despite this, he managed to sneak into the estate, force his way into her home, and viciously stabbed her multiple times.
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‎Neighbors, alarmed by the chaos, rushed to the scene and were able to overpower Lintex before handing him over to the police. He is now in custody

Benue Lady M¥rdered by Ex-Boyfriend in Lagos Two Years After Their Breakup

Shock and outrage have trailed the br¥tal k+lling of a young woman from Benue State, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, in Lagos on Thursday night.

The victim, an interior decorator who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was reportedly att@cked in her residence by the suspect, identified as Lintex Ogale. According to the victim’s sister, the pair ended their relationship in August 2023, but Ogale allegedly refused to move on, often thre@tening that if he could not marry her, no one else would.

On the night of the incident, Ogale allegedly disguised himself as a dispatch rider to gain access to the estate. When denied entry, he reportedly scaled the fence, c¥t her gas pipe in an apparent attempt to cause an expl%sion, and later broke into her home. Neighbours said he att@cked the victim with a kn+fe, st@bbing her multiple times until she coll@psed.

The suspect, who allegedly tried to h@rm himself after the act, was overpowered and p+nned down by neighbours until police arrived.

The victim’s family described her as a hardworking young woman with a promising future, whose life was cut short by what they called “a relationship by f%rce.”

Police have confirmed the arrest of the suspect as investigations continue.

Governor Alia Celebrates VP Shettima at 59

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 59th birthday.

In a goodwill message on behalf of the government and people of Benue State, Alia described Shettima as a symbol of resilience, courage, and devotion to Nigeria.

He commended the Vice President’s leadership record as former Borno State governor, lawmaker, and now deputy to President Bola Tinubu, noting his contributions to peace, unity, economic reform, and good governance.

“May God bless you with renewed strength, wisdom, and good health to continue serving our dear country,” Alia prayed.

#ShettimaAt59 #BenueState #RenewedHope

The DSS alleges that Adamu and Abdullahi concealed information about planned terrorist acts and killings in Abinsi and Yelwata villages between June 13 and 14.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed six separate charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja against terror suspects responsible for deadly attacks on Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which left several residents dead and others injured.

Although the six charges involve nine suspects apprehended through DSS intelligence operations, two of them face a separate four-count charge specifically related to the Yelwata massacre.

Benue Assembly Makes U-Turn, Confirms Law Professor As Commissioner

The Benue State House of Assembly has reversed its earlier decision and confirmed the nomination of Prof. Timothy Yangien Ornguga, a law lecturer at Benue State University, as commissioner.

Ornguga’s nomination was initially rejected last week under the leadership of the former Speaker, Aondona Dajoh. However, on Tuesday, the new Speaker, Alfred Berger, announced his confirmation alongside four other nominees after reading a fresh letter from Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Governor Alia argued that Ornguga and another nominee, James Dwem, who were earlier rejected, had not been convicted of any crimes despite petitions against them. The Assembly offered no objection when Berger confirmed them without the usual voice vote.

The House also suspended ex-Speaker Dajoh for three months over what members described as his attempt to impeach the governor. The motion for his suspension was moved by Terna Shimawua (Kyan Constituency) and seconded by James Umoru (Apa Constituency).

Interestingly, Shimawua was among lawmakers Dajoh suspended last week before resigning as Speaker. Berger, in his ruling, also reduced Dajoh’s suspension from six months to three months without putting it to a vote.

Quick Digest (For Social Media)

Benue Assembly confirms Prof. Timothy Ornguga as commissioner after earlier rejection.
New Speaker Alfred Berger overturned ex-Speaker Dajoh’s decision.
Lawmakers also suspended Dajoh for 3 months over alleged impeachment plot.
Governor Alia had defended Ornguga & Dwem, saying petitions against them lacked merit.

#Benue #Politics #Nigeria #Assembly

JUST IN: Benue Assembly Suspends Ex-Speaker Dajoh After Resignation

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended former Speaker Aondona Dajoh for three months, accusing him of attempting to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The motion was moved by Terna Shimawua (Kyan Constituency) and seconded by James Umoru (Apa Constituency).

Notably, Shimawua was among lawmakers suspended by Dajoh last week before his resignation.

Current Speaker Alfred Berger reduced the suspension period from six months to three without a vote.

Other Assembly Decisions

The House made a U-turn by confirming Timothy Yangien Ornguga as Commissioner, despite being rejected by Dajoh last week.

Governor Alia defended Ornguga and James Dwem, saying neither had been convicted of crimes.

The Assembly also lifted suspensions on three officials:

Grace Adagba (SUBEB Chair)

Maxwell Ogiri (Otukpo LG Chair)

Michael Uper (Secretary, State Lottery Board)

#BreakingNews #BenueAssembly #Dajoh #Politics #Nigeria

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