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“This Madness Must Stop”: Military, Police Hunt Killers After Benue Massacre Leaves 200 Dead

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“This Madness Must Stop”: Military, Police Hunt Killers After Benue Massacre Leaves 200 Dead

“This Madness Must Stop”: Military, Police Hunt Killers After Benue Massacre Leaves 200 Dead

 

YELEWATA, BENUE STATE – A massive joint military and police operation is underway across Benue and Nasarawa states following the gruesome massacre of around 200 villagers in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, on Friday night, June 13, 2025.

Top security officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, arrived in Makurdi and Yelewata on Monday to assess the carnage and launch a cross-border manhunt for the assailants.

General Musa, visibly shaken by the scale of the killings, pledged to take the fight to the attackers, calling the incident “one killing too many.” He hinted at insider collaboration, citing the targeted nature of the attack and the strategic burnings of homes.

“We will change our strategy and take the battle to the terrorists. This must be the last. But we cannot do it without the community’s support,” Musa said.

IGP Egbetokun echoed the urgency, describing the massacre as an attack not just on Benue, but on Nigeria’s sovereignty. He assured that the police and other agencies will tighten operations despite terrain challenges.

“They may have operated with impunity in the past, but a day is coming when they will attack and never return,” the IGP vowed.

President Tinubu Cancels Kaduna Trip, Heads to Benue

Reacting to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his planned visit to Kaduna, opting instead to travel to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, to meet with victims, security chiefs, and community leaders in a bid to restore peace. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the President’s decision in a Monday statement, emphasizing Tinubu’s resolve to personally assess and end the bloodshed.

In preparation for the visit, Tinubu has dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), heads of security agencies, and the National Security Adviser to the state.

Locals Devastated, Fearing More Attacks

According to Amnesty International and local authorities, over 100 villagers were killed, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced as gunmen stormed Yelewata late Friday, torching homes and shooting residents through the early hours of Saturday. Many victims were already internally displaced from prior attacks.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who met with the President alongside SGF George Akume, lamented the continued bloodshed in his state, revealing that 17 out of 23 local government areas had been under siege at one point.

“We are bleeding. We are in sorrow. But we are hopeful that, with all hands on deck, this narrative will change,” the governor said.

He blamed external forces for the attacks, describing the conflict as “sponsored and armed from outside,” and denied claims of federal neglect.

Akume, David Mark Weigh In

SGF George Akume described the attacks as “a wound to the nation” and confirmed the deployment of more troops to Benue, following President Tinubu’s directive for a full-scale military crackdown.

Former Senate President David Mark issued a stern warning to the federal government, saying continued failure to protect citizens could force the people of Benue to resort to self-defense.

“This is the unfortunate reality. If the government continues to fail, the people may be left with no choice but to defend themselves,” Mark stated.

As the rainy season begins — often marked by tensions between herders and farmers — communities across Benue remain on high alert, fearing reprisals and renewed attacks.

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React To Your Donation Rumour Of SUV Car Meant For Monarchs To Individual, Group Tells Ogun Women Affairs Commissioner

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React To Your Donation Rumour Of SUV Car Meant For Monarchs To Individual, Group Tells Ogun Women Affairs Commissioner

 

In what it described as rumour, a concerned group under the aegis of ‘The Good People of Agbado Community’ has called on the Ogun state Commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Hon. Adijat Motunrayo-Adeleye to react to the alleged SUV car meant for traditional rulers, been donated to one Mr. Oladayo Shyllon in the community.

The group, in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman, Elder’s Council of the group, Amodu Theophilus Olayiwola JP tittled ‘SUV Allocation to Mr Oladayo Shyllon (An Error Awaiting Correction) described the development as imposition of the said person, who has been removed as an Oba by a court of competent jurisdiction, to deprive the respected obas of their rights.

You will recall that, on the 9th of April, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun distributed 40 SUV Cars to ogun monarchs to enhance their mobility in a show of appreciation of support given to his administration.

It recalled that, It is on record that Mr. Shyllon filed an appeal which is still pending in the court of appeal Ibadan Suit No. CA/IB/75/2000, noting that, the last Ogun State chieftaincy law recognized only Olu of Agbado, and Alagbado of Agbado is not known to Agbado people and not recognized by government gazette.

The group however, threaten to work against the commissioner in her interest to contest for House of Representatives for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal constituency.

“It is my believe that Ogun state is not an animal kingdom where people just act out their personal desire with disregard for the rule of law and the judicial system, Olayiwola stated”.

“It is important you make categorical and clear statement to the people so we do not begin to see you as an enemy of the people and equitable justice”, he added.

“We know our vote is our power, if you don’t respond to this damaging allegation, we shall surely mobilize against you as the race to 2027 heats up”, he threatened.

Reacting to the development, the commissioner denied and distanced herself from the allegation, and challenged the group to do their findings and act on any outcome, pointing out that, she is not the state governor the at distributed cars to buy he monarchs.

According to her “I’m not Ogun state government, and if they have any issue, they should direct it to the government. They are just shallow minded. I didn’t donate any car to anyone, they should go and get their fact right, because i don’t know what they are talking about

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A GOVERNOR AMONG THE PEOPLE: HOW MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO IS REDEFINING POWER, UNITY, AND GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE IN NIGER STATE

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A GOVERNOR AMONG THE PEOPLE: HOW MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO IS REDEFINING POWER, UNITY, AND GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE IN NIGER STATE

 

 

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is steadily rewriting the playbook of leadership in Niger State, anchoring governance not in distance or elitism, but in proximity, inclusion, and direct engagement with the people.

His administration has reinvigorated traditional institutions by consistently engaging emirates and royal fathers as active partners in governance. Beyond symbolism, these engagements reflect a participatory model rooted in cultural legitimacy and community trust.

Security remains central to his agenda. Regular high-level meetings—bringing together security agencies, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders—serve as operational platforms for coordination and response. Backed by funding and follow-through, this collaborative approach underscores his belief that unity is essential to achieving lasting peace.

In a politically and socially diverse state, Governor Bago has projected a bridge-building leadership style. He has repeatedly emphasized that religion must not be exploited as a tool for division or an excuse for failure. By maintaining visible engagement with both Muslim and Christian communities, his administration promotes inclusion and mutual respect.

His grassroots approach to governance is one of his defining traits. Within a relatively short period, he has visited all 25 Local Government Areas—more than once—taking governance directly to communities. These visits go beyond routine inspections; they involve listening, resolving immediate concerns, and maintaining a physical presence. From crossing rivers by ferry to reach remote areas like Agwara to spending extended time in rural communities, he has narrowed the gap between leadership and citizens.

Politically, he has prioritized cohesion over factionalism. His engagement spans national figures to ward-level stakeholders, reflecting an inclusive style. His support for women in governance is evident in the emergence of female vice chairpersons across the 25 LGAs, while his outreach to past and present leaders signals continuity and respect for institutional memory. His appointments, often extending beyond close allies, reinforce a broader message of collective ownership of governance within the All Progressives Congress.

Beyond policy, Governor Bago’s leadership carries a personal dimension. He is widely noted for acts of compassion—supporting families in times of need, assisting with medical and educational challenges, and offering help without publicity. These gestures, though often undocumented, have strengthened his connection with the people.

Today, on both national and international platforms, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is increasingly recognized for his emphasis on accessibility, performance, and peacebuilding. His approach reinforces a simple but powerful idea: leadership should connect, not isolate.

In a country where citizens continue to demand responsive governance, his model offers a perspective worth noting—one that places engagement, service, and unity at the center of public leadership.

 

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Presidency Unveils Bold Power Sector Reform to End Liquidity Crisis, Boost Electricity Supply

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Governing Through Hardship: How Tinubu’s Policies Targets the Poor. By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com 

Presidency Unveils Bold Power Sector Reform to End Liquidity Crisis, Boost Electricity Supply

ABUJA — In a decisive move to transform Nigeria’s power sector, the Presidency has launched a far-reaching financial reform programme aimed at resolving longstanding liquidity challenges and delivering stable, reliable electricity to millions of Nigerians.
The initiative, driven by the State House Policy and Research Office in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Energy, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing structural inefficiencies that have hindered optimal performance in the sector.
Central to the reform is a well-coordinated plan to restore financial stability across the entire electricity value chain, from generation companies (GenCos) to distribution companies (DisCos), with a strong focus on improving service delivery and ensuring consumers enjoy more dependable power supply.
According to officials, the programme prioritises the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs, improved subsidy targeting and enhanced payment discipline, particularly among government institutions, in a bid to entrench accountability and sustainability.
The reform is also expected to significantly strengthen investor confidence by creating a more transparent, predictable and investment-friendly electricity market, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for private sector participation in power generation and infrastructure development.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention capable of unlocking growth, safeguarding existing investments and driving expansion across the sector.
Although implementation will be carried out in phases, the Presidency assured that the process will be carefully managed to balance economic realities with consumer protection, demonstrating a people-centred approach to reform.
Analysts say the bold intervention reflects strong political will and a clear policy direction, key ingredients required to resolve the sector’s long-standing financial constraints.
Nigeria’s power sector, despite previous reforms, has faced persistent challenges ranging from inadequate generation capacity to distribution inefficiencies. However, the current initiative is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive efforts in recent years to reposition the sector for sustainable growth.
As implementation begins, stakeholders, including investors, operators and electricity consumers, are expressing optimism that the reform will usher in a new era of stability, efficiency and improved power supply nationwide.
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