13 ABDUCTED BENUE LINK PASSENGERS RESCUED.

Thirteen passengers of Benue Links Transport Company who were kidnapped last week at Eke in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security operatives and local vigilantes.

Naija News reports that the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA, Adah Inalegwu, confirmed the development on Sunday while speaking to Channels Television.

According to Inalegwu, the victims were rescued in batches. He revealed that two of the passengers were freed on Saturday after security personnel intensified search operations across the forested region.

He added that local youths from neighbouring Kogi State were also mobilised to support the operation, putting additional pressure on the abductors.

Inalegwu also praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing logistical support that strengthened surveillance and tracking efforts.

The rescued passengers are currently undergoing profiling and medical checks and are expected to be reunited with their families soon.

Naija News had earlier reported that suspected gunmen, last Sunday, attacked a Benue Links commercial bus, robbing passengers and abducting several victims into the nearby bush.

The incident occurred at Eke community, along the Otukpo-Otukpa road, at about 6:30 pm, throwing the area into panic.

The attackers laid an ambush for the bus, which was conveying passengers and bore the registration number 14B-143BN.

HERDSMEN LAUNCH ATTACK ON FORMER BENUE GOVERNOR, SAMUEL ORTOM'S VILLAGE.

Two farmers, Nensha Adeor and Kator Gbenge, have sustained serious injuries following an attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in Adeor settlement, Ndzorov Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack occurred in the hometown of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

According to local sources, the incident happened when the victims attempted to stop the herders from allowing their cattle to graze on and destroy their farmland.

The herdsmen, reportedly armed with machetes, launched a violent assault, leaving both men with deep cuts.

Medical personnel at the General Hospital in Gbajimba said the victims are in critical condition.

DAILY POST recalls that another farmer in the area was abducted three days ago by suspected armed herdsmen and remains in captivity.

As of the time of filing this report, no contact or ransom demand has been made.

Residents of the community have raised the alarm, calling on security agencies and the state government to intervene urgently and strengthen security in Ndzorov.

POPULAR NIGERIAN GOSPEL SINGER IS DEAD.

Popular gospel singer Israel Terhemba Ikyereve, known by his stage name New Jerusalem, is dead.
He passed away at the age of 53.

News of his death has sparked widespread mourning across Benue State, particularly within the Christian community, where he was revered for transforming Tiv Swange music into a powerful medium for spreading the gospel.

Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, led tributes to the late gospel icon during a condolence visit to his residence in Makurdi. Accompanied by members of the Brethren Prayer Group, Ortom described Ikyereve as a devoted Christian whose music resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“His songs touched my heart as a lover of Christ,” Ortom said. “That attraction led me to seek a personal relationship with him, which began a lasting bond with his family.”

The former governor recounted witnessing the late singer’s music featured in an international programme in Australia, where a Tiv man was teaching music while New Jerusalem’s songs played in the background.

According to Ortom, this was a clear testament to the global impact of Ikyereve’s gospel ministry.

He offered prayers for the bereaved family and pledged his continued support to them and the New Jerusalem Gospel Music Troupe, promising not to abandon them after the burial.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Iorshagher Ikyereve, the elder brother of the deceased, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ortom for his unwavering support throughout the late singer’s illness and beyond.

He also disclosed that one of Israel’s sons was named “Ortom” in honour of the former governor’s compassionate involvement in their lives.

Prayers were also led by Rev. Pastor Tor Ujah and Dr Joseph Antyo, both leaders of the Brethren Prayer Group.

The late gospel artist is survived by his wife, fellow gospel singer Deborah Msendoo Ikyereve, four children, and several relatives.

His burial is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Sati Agirigi, Mbamo, Shitile, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

BENUE YOUTHS ARREST NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL, ANINI, AT MARKUDI SUPERMARKET.

Youths from the Yaikyo area of Makurdi, Benue State capital, have apprehended a notorious criminal identified as Anini at a local supermarket in the state capital.

The suspect was caught on the night of Thursday, June 26, 2025, during a heavy downpour at Agbatse Supermarket, located behind Jesical Filling Station in the Yaiko axis of Makurdi.

The arrest was executed by the Yaikyo community security team, led by youth leader Mr. Frank Igbakua.

Immediately after his arrest, the suspect was handed over to Operation Zenda, a special unit of the Nigeria Police Force, for further investigation and prosecution.

Community members have praised the swift and fearless action of the youths, describing it as a step forward in the ongoing efforts to rid Makurdi and its environs of criminal elements.

JUST IN: Final-year students of Gyutiev Model College in Benue State have burned their principal’s house over alleged failure to register them for NECO after collecting N85,000 each.

Alia Suspends Special Adviser, Commits To Intergrity, Accountability.

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has directed the immediate and indefinite suspension of Mkor Aondona, Special Adviser on Documentation, Research, and Planning, following his arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail.


A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula said the Governor’s decision is in line with his unwavering commitment to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service.

He said any official of his administration found wanting in matters of criminality or ethical misconduct will face the full weight of the law.

BREAKING: Aondoakaa Yaiyol, Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka LGA, Benue State, has been assassinated by unidentified gunmen.

“Nigerian big man, Ned Nwoko has instigated the jailing of a Tiktoker called Tumma. I represented Tumma in court. Sowore was present in his usual selfless resistance against injustice and oppression . The police even subtly told Sowore to abandon the case, to him, it wasn’t worth it, but Sowore emphasized that every Nigerian is entitled to fair treatment. I challenged the Magistrate on the propriety of the remand order granted to the prosecutor. I told her that it was inappropriate for her to issue a remand order to the investigators who claimed that they have not finished investigating the offense Tumma committed. I told her that it is inappropriate to jail Tumma because every Nigerian has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. I reiterated that every Nigerian also has a right to liberty and fair hearing. I told her that it will be unfair to jail a a Nigerian simply because a person of influence lodged a complaint against a common citizen, also Especially because the police claimed that they have not found any charge against Tumma. The police prosecutor attempted to blackmail me in court, he suggest that the magistrate should even try me for contempt of court for making the points I made because he couldn’t imagine someone challenging his enablers. I urged the magistrate to dispel the impression that she is colluding with the police prosecutor and handling a matter emotionally rather than legally. She refused to accede to my prayers that she should reverse the remand order. Whatever arrangements that was made seem to be more concrete that the position of the laws with which I confronted the magistrate. Tumma has been previously detained for 50days by these same people who do not have regard for the constitutional right of Nigerians. He refused to succumb to oppression, rather he courageously fought back his oppressors and now they have continued to use state institutions against him. I wish our leaders would treat all its citizens equally, I wish that state apparatus would not be used to intimidate and bully common men.I wish the law enforcement agencies, the police, would divert their energy to dealing with issues of insecurity like the ugly incident in Benue State where over 200 Nigerian were killed for nothing.
I pray that Nigeria does not continue in this trajectory that a big man can orchestrate the arrest and detention of anybody anytime he wishes.”—Barr. Musa, Tuna's legal representative

Former PDP Chairman, Yayough Aondoakaa, Shot Dead in Benue State Market

Tragedy struck in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State as Yayough Aondoakaa, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was brutally assassinated by gunmen at Wannune Market on Friday.

Eyewitnesses report that the assailants, riding motorcycles, arrived at the market asking about Aondoakaa's whereabouts before shooting him at point-blank range. This attack marks the second time his life has been targeted, following the murder of his wife in a previous assassination attempt last year.

Residents are left shaken and fearful as this targeted killing raises concerns over rising violence in the area.

#BenueState #PDP #Assassination #YayoughAondoakaa #TarkaLGA #MarketAttack

Umahi apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has tendered a public apology to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians over the flooding that disrupted movement on the newly completed Lafia-Makurdi highway, calling the incident an embarrassment caused by the negligence of the road concessionaire.

Umahi, who commended President Tinubu for his timely and fatherly intervention in Benue State, said the President’s visit had restored hope and reassurance to the affected communities.

“We apologize very profusely to Mr. President and Nigerians, for the embarrassment, this unfortunate incident caused him and Nigerians

Peter Obi has faulted President Bola Tinubu for not visiting Yelwata during his trip to Benue State over the killings in the area, saying the Nigerian leader’s excuse of bad roads is not enough reason for his decision.

BREAKING: Benue Police Confirm Arrest of Suspect Linked to June 13 Yelwata Attack

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the deadly June 13 attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.

BREAKING: The Benue State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Veronica Garba, said that corps members in crisis areas have been evacuated into family houses in Makurdi.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has made a startling revelation, alleging that certain individuals in Benue State offered shelter, food, and even women to the armed attackers behind the recent deadly assault on Yelwata community, which claimed dozens of lives.

BREAKING: Benue State Assembly Calls for Self-Defence, Strengthening of Anti-Open Grazing Law

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has confirmed that security operatives deployed to Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area have neutralised two of the bandits responsible for the recent deadly attack.

FRESH PROTEST BREAKS OUT IN BENUE AFTER TINUBU'S VISIT.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Yelwata crisis on Thursday took to the streets of Makurdi to protest worsening conditions at their camp, alleging hunger, neglect and the diversion of relief materials meant for their survival.

The aggrieved IDPs blocked the busy road near the Makurdi International Market, causing traffic gridlock as they demanded swift government intervention and accountability from relief agencies.

According to the protesting IDPs, at least two people recently died in the camp due to starvation and the deteriorating health environment.

Some alleged that food items and mattresses, including those reportedly donated by the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, never reached them.

“There’s no food, our children are starving, we sleep on the floor, and mosquitoes are almost killing us,” a female protester said, holding up a placard.

“We are suffering, and people are dying.”

The protesters accused officials overseeing camp management of hoarding and possibly diverting donated materials.

They urged the Benue State Government and relevant humanitarian agencies to investigate the alleged misconduct and ensure transparency in the distribution of aid.

As of press time, government officials had yet to release a formal statement regarding the protest or the allegations

FRESH PROTEST BREAKS OUT IN BENUE AFTER TINUBU'S VISIT.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Yelwata crisis on Thursday took to the streets of Makurdi to protest worsening conditions at their camp, alleging hunger, neglect and the diversion of relief materials meant for their survival.

The aggrieved IDPs blocked the busy road near the Makurdi International Market, causing traffic gridlock as they demanded swift government intervention and accountability from relief agencies.

According to the protesting IDPs, at least two people recently died in the camp due to starvation and the deteriorating health environment.

Some alleged that food items and mattresses, including those reportedly donated by the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, never reached them.

“There’s no food, our children are starving, we sleep on the floor, and mosquitoes are almost killing us,” a female protester said, holding up a placard.

“We are suffering, and people are dying.”

The protesters accused officials overseeing camp management of hoarding and possibly diverting donated materials.

They urged the Benue State Government and relevant humanitarian agencies to investigate the alleged misconduct and ensure transparency in the distribution of aid.

As of press time, government officials had yet to release a formal statement regarding the protest or the allegations

Insecurity: SGF Akume unveils Tinubu’s security, peace agenda for Benue, North central.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has unveiled President Bola Tinubu’s comprehensive roadmap for restoring peace and security in Benue State and the wider North Central region.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to Punch on Thursday, Akume explained that the Federal Government is rolling out a multi-layered security strategy aimed at ending the recurring violence that has plagued the region for years.

TINUBU ARRIVES KADUNA TODAY TO INAUGURATE KEY PROJECTS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Kaduna State today (Thursday) to commission several landmark projects executed by Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
President Tinubu Leaves Katsina
Naija News reports that this is in commemoration of the Governor’s two years in office.

The visit, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed following the President’s emergency trip to Benue State in the wake of recent attacks that left over 100 residents dead in Yelewata.

Tinubu is expected to unveil a range of infrastructural and development projects, including:

A 300-bed Specialist Hospital in Millennium City
The Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun
Road projects in Soba and Samaru Kataf LGAs
The 24-kilometre Kafanchan Township Road
The Tudun Biri Road
A 22km Kauru–Kubau link road
A Vocational and Skills Centre in Tudun Biri
He is also scheduled to unveil 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, aimed at modernising public transport and promoting clean energy.
Governor Sani, who assumed office in 2023, has focused his administration on healthcare delivery, job creation, youth empowerment, and rural infrastructure.

The Kaduna State Government described Tinubu’s visit as “a significant moment” and an opportunity to showcase the transformation agenda being pursued across the state.

Recall that President Tinubu had shifted his Kaduna trip by a day to visit Benue State on Wednesday, where he met with traditional rulers, political leaders, and community groups in Makurdi.

He condemned the violence and called for peace and mutual understanding, while assuring victims of government support.

The Benue State Government had declared a work-free day to honour the President’s visit and encouraged citizens to turn out in solidarity.