Flood submerges 5 communities in Kogi.

Lokoja: Executive Secretary of Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Mouktar Atima, has said floods have completely submerged Ibaji Local Government Area of the state, warning communities along the river bank to immediately relocate to safer grounds.

The SEMA boss, who led the Emergency Response and Critical team on an advocacy visit to the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adams Abdullazeez, said the state was no longer safe owing to the rising levels of water in Rivers Niger and Benue.

He said that from charts of experts and managers of various dams in the country, excessive water will begin to pour into the Rivers Niger and Benue from Tuesday night, which will cause an overflow of the river bank.

He said: ” No fewer than 258 communities in eight local government areas of the state have been marked as flood-prone areas while 42 internally displaced persons, IDPs, camps have been constructed to take care of those to be displaced while an emergency operations centre has been opened.?

“Already, five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state were worst hit including Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara community in Kogi Local Government Area of the state.”

Atimah said the state Ministry of Health was key to disaster management in the state even as he intimated the Health Commissioner of the rising levels of the Rivers Niger and Benue, stressing that in the next 72 hours, the state will be entering a difficult period.

The SEMA boss commended the Health Commissioner for his proactive measures and support given to the agency, saying the support was responsible for zero casualty in last year.

Responding, Dr. Abdullazeez, said the ministry was not only for healthcare services but for human services, saying the ministry was adequately prepared to tackle or mitigate any disaster in the state.

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.

Senseless Violence,’ Atiku Condemns Borno Attack, Calls For End To Killings


Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Boko Haram attack on Darajamal, Borno State, where five soldiers and 58 civilians were killed.

Describing the assault as “senseless violence,” Atiku expressed grief over the loss of lives and commiserated with the bereaved families, Governor Babagana Zulum, and the people of Borno.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, the resilient people of Borno, and Governor Zulum. May Almighty Allah grant the departed Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort their loved ones,” Atiku said in a statement on X.

He urged Nigeria to confront terrorism with unity and renewed determination, stressing that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians must inspire stronger security and deeper collaboration.

The insurgents also destroyed over 20 houses, vehicles, food items, and valuables belonging to resettled IDPs. Governor Zulum and the UN have both condemned the killings.

UN Condemns Killing Of 63 People In Borno, Demands Probe

The United Nations has condemned the killing of 63 people in Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The attack, which occurred on Friday in Darajamal Village, Bama LGA, left five soldiers and 58 civilians dead. Over 20 houses, vehicles, and food items belonging to resettled IDPs were also destroyed, while several people were reportedly abducted.

In a statement, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the killings as “appalling” and stressed that civilians should never be targets.

He extended condolences to the victims’ families and urged Nigerian authorities to ensure accountability and the release of abductees.

Fall noted that the attack was part of a surge in violent assaults across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states this year, which have claimed hundreds of civilian lives.

The UN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people affected by the conflict while urging all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.

Five Soldiers, 58 Civilians Killed In Fresh Borno Attack

At least 63 people including five soldiers and 58 civilians — were killed when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Daral-Jamal community along the Bama-Banki road, Sambisa Forest, on Friday night.

The insurgents torched over 20 houses, vehicles, and foodstuffs belonging to recently resettled IDPs.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the community on Saturday to condole with bereaved families and urged urgent deployment of trained Forest Guards to support the military.

Residents said dozens of fighters stormed the town on motorbikes, shooting indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. The Air Force later claimed it neutralised about 30 terrorists during the gunfight.

The attack has renewed concerns over the government’s push to close IDP camps and resettle displaced persons in vulnerable rural areas.

Ref: Channels TV
#Borno #Nigeria #BokoHaram #Security #IDPs #BreakingNews

Brief: Remi Tinubu Donates ₦1bn To Benue IDPs After Deadly Attack
By Donatus Anichukwueze | Updated July 29, 2025

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has donated ₦1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support families displaced by the deadly herders’ attack on Yelewata community in Benue State, which claimed over 100 lives in June.

During her condolence visit to the Benue State Government House, Mrs. Tinubu presented the cheque to Governor Hyacinth Alia, stating that the funds aim to help affected families rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

“As a mother, I know these are difficult times. But hope is not lost,” she said, reaffirming RHI’s commitment to “a better life for families.
#RemiTinubu #BenueAttack #IDPSupport #RenewedHopeInitiative #BenueState #HerdersAttack

Brief: Remi Tinubu Donates ₦1bn To Displaced Families In Benue.

First Lady Remi Tinubu has announced a ₦1 billion donation through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support families displaced by a deadly herders' attack in Benue State.

The announcement was made during her condolence visit to the Benue State Government House, following the June attack on Yelewata community that left over 100 people dead.

Tinubu said the funds aim to help affected families regain stability, resume their livelihoods, and rebuild their lives in line with RHI’s mission: “Towards a Better Life for Families.”
#RemiTinubu #BenueCrisis #RenewedHopeInitiative #IDPSupport #HumanitarianAid #NigeriaNews

“I only wanted to survive.” These were the powerful words of Saminu Wakili, once a child fleeing Boko Haram's horror in Borno, now a lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar. Forced to live as an IDP in Cameroon and later in Benin City, Wakili overcame a life of despair, displacement, and uncertainty to become the best graduating Law student at Edo State University.

Alongside four fellow IDPs — David Ayuba, Nathan Ibrahim, Rifkatu Ali, and Peter Isaac — Wakili stood tall in a black robe, proving that determination, support, and faith can turn tragedy into triumph. Special thanks to Pastor Solomon Folorunsho and the Home for the Needy for changing hundreds of lives.

This is not just a success story — it’s a symbol of hope for every displaced child in Nigeria and beyond.

#IDPtoLawyer #WakiliTheSurvivor #HopeAgainstAllOdds #BokoHaramSurvivor

Those Forming Coalition Against Me Are Political IDPs Planning To Unseat Themselves — Tinubu

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