Royal News

Tag: Benue State

  • Fresh Kidnap Incident Rocks Benue State

    Fresh Kidnap Incident Rocks Benue State

    Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling in a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State. Among the victims were students heading to Otukpo to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, while only the driver and one passenger reportedly escaped the attack.

    The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, when the bus was ambushed en route from Makurdi to Otukpo. A local source said the attackers intercepted the vehicle and abducted its occupants, mostly young men and women travelling for the examination, causing panic along the route.

    Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident, stating that it happened between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. He said the victims were students heading to Otukpo for the JAMB examination and assured that security operatives had been mobilised for rescue efforts.

    The Ifeanyi Emenari, Commissioner of Police in Benue State, also confirmed the abduction, saying he was leading security operations in the area. He explained that the bus was attacked by armed hoodlums and that a full-scale search-and-rescue mission was ongoing in nearby forests.

    Authorities further noted that the Benue Links does not normally operate at night, suggesting the vehicle may have picked up passengers after official hours. The police have launched investigations and pledged to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.

  • 7 Feared Dead as Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack in Benue State

    7 Feared Dead as Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack in Benue State

    Seven people have been killed and several others injured in separate attacks in Benue State, as gunmen and suspected armed herdsmen struck communities in Otukpo and along the Utonkon axis. Five persons were killed in Entekpa community, Adoka, Otukpo Local Government Area, while two passengers were shot dead and 14 others abducted during an ambush on a commercial bus along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga Road.

    In the Adoka attack, suspected herdsmen reportedly entered the community with a large number of cattle before launching a coordinated assault. According to local officials, the attackers used the cattle as a decoy while taking strategic positions and opening fire on residents. Houses were burnt and several villagers sustained gunshot wounds, with many others still unaccounted for. Security forces, including the military, have since been deployed to the area.

    Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, described the attack as carefully planned and said displaced residents have fled to neighbouring communities, creating a humanitarian concern. He noted that the Deputy Governor had promised relief materials, while police authorities were moving additional personnel to restore calm.

    In a separate incident barely 24 hours after the abduction of nine worshippers from a Catholic Church in Utonkon, gunmen ambushed a 16-seater commercial bus heading to the South-West. The attackers reportedly opened fire when the driver attempted to escape, killing two passengers instantly and forcing the remaining 14 into the bush after seizing their mobile phones.

    Two of the abducted passengers were later rescued, while 12 remain in captivity as search operations continue. Local government officials confirmed the incident and assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of those still held by the attackers.

  • Benue Security Forces Neutralize Four Kidnappers in Orokam

    Benue Security Forces Neutralize Four Kidnappers in Orokam

    Nigerian military forces, in collaboration with a joint task force and local vigilantes, have gunned down four notorious kidnappers terrorising the Ogbadibo community in Benue State. The criminals were neutralised following a failed attempt to abduct a Catholic priest in Obollo-Afor, Enugu State.

    Security sources said the kidnappers fled toward Benue after the aborted operation but were intercepted near Orokam, where a fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of the four gang members.

    Residents of Ogbadibo and neighbouring communities expressed relief and jubilation, noting that the slain kidnappers had long instilled fear in the area through repeated attacks along the Enugu–Otukpo road, a key commercial route linking Benue and Enugu states.

    The gang had been involved in numerous incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and killings, frequently targeting traders, travellers, and businesspeople for ransom. The operation is seen as a major step toward restoring safety in the region.

    Community members remain hopeful that continued security operations will bring lasting peace, although authorities have yet to release an official statement on the Orokam operation.

  • Uni Mkar VC Urges Court To Dismiss ₦100.5bn Defamation Suit

    Uni Mkar VC Urges Court To Dismiss ₦100.5bn Defamation Suit

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mkar, Benue State, Prof. Zacharys Gundu, has asked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court to dismiss or strike out a ₦100.5 billion defamation suit filed against him by the Nasarawa State Government and Governor Abdullahi Sule.

    In a notice of preliminary objection filed in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3554/2024, Gundu challenged the competence of the action, describing it as frivolous and an abuse of court process, and urged the court to decline jurisdiction.

    The objection, filed by his legal team led by Prof. Sebastian Hon, SAN, was argued before Justice Hamza Mu’azu, who reserved ruling after counsel to both parties adopted their submissions.

    Gundu argued that the claimants failed to satisfy a mandatory condition precedent required under Order 2 Rule 8 of the FCT High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2025, rendering the suit incompetent.

    He further contended that the action constituted an abuse of process, noting that the Nasarawa State Government, as the first claimant, lacked the legal capacity to institute a defamation suit, particularly as its name was not mentioned in the alleged defamatory statements.

    According to the defendant, established common law principles do not permit a government to sue for defamation or claim damages arising from it.

    In addition to the objection, Gundu filed a statement of defence, raising the defences of justification and fair comment. He maintained that the comments in question were made about the conduct of a public office holder in the discharge of official duties.

    He said the remarks, allegedly made during a television programme, addressed matters of public interest, including security and land administration in Nasarawa State, areas in which Governor Sule serves as the state’s Chief Security Officer and Chief Trustee of land.

    The Nasarawa State Government and the governor are seeking public retractions, ₦100.5 billion in damages, and the cost of the suit over the statements, which they claim portrayed them as promoting insecurity in the state.

  • Benue Launches $15m Creative Fund To Boost Jobs, Innovation

    Benue Launches $15m Creative Fund To Boost Jobs, Innovation

    The Benue State Government has launched a $15 million Benue Creative Impact Fund (BCIF) to support young creatives, drive innovation, and create more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state.

    The fund was unveiled on Friday at the Government House in Makurdi by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Sam Ode. The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader economic transformation agenda.

    Governor Alia described the BCIF as a strategic move to position Benue as a competitive player in Africa’s fast-growing creative economy, noting that the sector has become a trillion-dollar contributor to global GDP and one of Nigeria’s fastest-expanding industries.

    Launched in partnership with Circuit, an African digital content distribution platform, the fund will provide creatives with access to financing, studio facilities, training, mentorship, digital production tools, and opportunities to reach global markets.

    According to the governor, the programme is expected to strengthen creative enterprises while unlocking opportunities for thousands of young people across the state. He said Benue’s cultural heritage—including Tiv, Idoma, and Igede identities—has significant economic value that can be leveraged to attract investment and create jobs.

    Alia also highlighted related initiatives already implemented by his administration, including the establishment of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, ICT training for over 23,000 youths, and digital upskilling of 40,000 civil servants. Other efforts include the creation of the Bureau for Culture and Tourism and support for fashion, entrepreneurship, and innovation hubs.

    Speaking at the event, Circuit’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, said the fund would help close development gaps at the sub-national level by creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young people, and boosting internally generated revenue. She assured that Benue creatives would gain access to the tools, infrastructure, and financing needed to compete globally.

    Also speaking, the CEO of Impact Investors Foundation, Maria Etemore Glover, alongside filmmaker Amina Atairu, described the BCIF as a model for strengthening creative economies at the state level. The partnership agreement was signed on behalf of the Benue State Government by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, and by Bibowei-Osuobeni for Circuit.

  • Gunmen Kill Driver, Abduct Passengers On Benue Highway

    Gunmen Kill Driver, Abduct Passengers On Benue Highway

    Suspected kidnappers have hijacked a commercial vehicle in Benue State, killing the driver and abducting all passengers on board.

    The attack occurred over the weekend along the Ogobia–Adoka road in Otukpo Local Government Area, according to information obtained by DAILY POST.

    Gunmen reportedly ambushed the vehicle, forced it off the road and into the bush, and shot the driver—identified as Arrow of God from Aila community in Agatu LGA—before taking the passengers away.

    The incident comes less than three weeks after gunmen, believed to be armed robbers, attacked two police officers at a checkpoint on the same Ogobia–Adoka route. The officers, Inspector Amos Okoh and Inspector Joseph Adowebo, were on routine patrol when they came under fire.

    Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the latest kidnapping, but residents say the recurring attacks highlight growing insecurity along the highway.

  • Makurdi Youths Foil Attempted Phone Theft

    Makurdi Youths Foil Attempted Phone Theft

    Youths in the High-Level area of Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday apprehended a 53-year-old man, identified as Ahagba, after he allegedly attempted to steal a mobile phone.

    Eyewitnesses said the suspect was caught in the act and immediately restrained by residents before he could escape.

    The swift intervention by the youths prevented the theft and drew commendation from community members, who praised their vigilance and coordinated response.

    Residents have also been urged to remain alert as the festive season approaches, a period often marked by a rise in petty crimes.

  • Constitution Review Committee Commits to People-Centered Reforms

    Constitution Review Committee Commits to People-Centered Reforms

    The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a timely, inclusive, and people-centered constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.

    ROYAL NEWS gathered that, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, praised Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for bringing intellectual depth, inclusiveness, and vision to the constitution review process. He described Kalu as a “brilliant reformer whose leadership has inspired confidence in the Committee.”

    Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, highlighted the rare level of seriousness, collaboration, and patriotism characterizing the committee’s work. “Our members fully understand the weight of the responsibility we carry on behalf of Nigerians. The robust participation we’ve witnessed from lawmakers, experts, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community, political parties, and citizens alike has been unprecedented,” he said.

    He disclosed that the committee has received hundreds of memoranda from stakeholders—including state governments, traditional institutions, and professional bodies—covering critical areas such as devolution of powers, special parliamentary seats for women, state policing, gender equality, and electoral reforms.

    Agbese further explained that state, zonal, and national public hearings, along with technical sessions, were structured to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and broad-based input from Nigerians. The next phase, he said, would focus on harmonizing contributions and legislative proposals for a final report to be presented to the House for voting.

    “Our goal is to give Nigerians a constitution that truly works for them—a document that deepens democracy, promotes equity, and strengthens national unity,” he emphasised.

    Agbese also commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for providing institutional backing and described the cooperation between the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly as a key catalyst for progress. “With the kind of leadership and dedication we have seen, Nigerians can be hopeful that this constitution review will not go the way of previous ones. It will leave a lasting legacy,” he assured.

    The Committee recently held a national public hearing in Abuja on September 22 and is scheduled to meet political parties on October 6, 2025, as part of its ongoing consultations.

  • Tragedy In Benue: Mother And Four Children Found Unconscious, One Dead

    Tragedy In Benue: Mother And Four Children Found Unconscious, One Dead

    Gboko, Benue State — A mother and her four children were discovered unconscious in their home at Akaajime community, Gboko Local Government Area, on Wednesday, with one child confirmed dead.

    The victims were found locked inside their home before neighbours rushed them to a private hospital in Gboko. A four-year-old boy was pronounced dead before medical help arrived.

    A surviving family member, Mohivinze Terkura, told journalists that she had escaped the tragedy by spending the night at her aunt’s house due to heavy rain. She returned home around 10 a.m. to find the door locked from the inside and, after forcing it open, discovered her mother and siblings unconscious.

    “I immediately raised an alarm, and neighbours helped convey them to the hospital. Sadly, my younger brother did not survive,” she said. Terkura added that she noticed a strange chemical-like smell in the room, despite the family not using a gas cooker or insecticides, aside from mosquito nets.

    One of the surviving children told journalists that he had tried to get up for school but found himself unable to move and called for his mother, who was also unresponsive.

    Dr. Joshua Atime of Vawar Hospital confirmed that the patients were initially treated at his facility before being transferred to General Hospital, Gboko, for further care.

    Gboko Local Government Chairman, Torseer Yina, said he had not yet received a formal report of the incident and only learned about it through social media.

  • Benue Assembly Approves 10 More Special Advisers for Governor Alia

    Benue Assembly Approves 10 More Special Advisers for Governor Alia

    The Benue State House of Assembly has approved Governor Hyacinth Alia’s request to appoint 10 additional Special Advisers.

    The approval was granted during plenary on Thursday, giving the governor the go-ahead to further expand his team days after announcing a fresh round of appointments across key offices and statutory boards.

    Lawmakers said the decision is aimed at strengthening governance and supporting the administration in delivering on its development agenda.

    Governor Alia is expected to unveil the names of the new appointees in the coming days.

    Details later………