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Floods, Fear, and Fatalities: Benue Residents Cry Out as Crisis Deepens
Benue State, widely regarded as Nigeria’s Food Basket, is grappling with compounding threats—rising insecurity and imminent flooding—that pose serious humanitarian and agricultural concerns.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has named Benue among the 30 states likely to experience severe flooding this year, according to its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook. With over 1,249 communities across 176 LGAs in danger—including Makurdi and surrounding riverine areas—residents are bracing for impact.
Flooding is not new to Benue. The 2012 deluge remains one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history, displacing over 100,000 people. Similar events in 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023 have resulted in repeated displacements, ruined farmlands, and destroyed properties.
Experts attribute the recurring floods to several factors: the overflow of River Benue, release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, blocked waterways, poor drainage infrastructure, and the growing impact of climate change. These challenges continue to put riverside communities on constant alert during rainy seasons.
In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to heighten readiness efforts. Measures include preparing temporary shelters, running awareness campaigns, and encouraging residents within one kilometre of the river to evacuate to safer zones. Additionally, the state is working with federal agencies to implement early warning systems and develop localized flood prediction models.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change emphasized the proactive steps being taken, including flood vulnerability assessments, public sensitization in all 23 LGAs, and community-level risk mapping—supported by both national and international partners.
Despite these preparations, fear and uncertainty remain widespread among residents. Eunice Akpa from North Bank voiced her frustration, noting, “We are told to move every year, but we have nowhere else to go.” Similarly, Agatu-based farmer Mrs. Ichalefu Oyiwodu lamented the lack of safety, either from flood or violent attacks.
Fisherman Shima Akaa in Makurdi echoed these concerns: “Every year the flood returns stronger, yet nothing concrete is done. Government should act now, not when people are already submerged.”
Elder Godwin Abuul, a community leader from Logo, highlighted the double crisis of flood and armed attacks: “We’ve lost lives to both disasters. Government must act swiftly—our lives, farms, and children are all at risk.”
These fears are not unfounded. Over the past three months, several local government areas—Guma, Logo, Otukpo, Agatu, and Apa—have witnessed deadly attacks by armed groups, leaving many dead and thousands displaced.
As the rainy season approaches, Benue faces an overwhelming challenge. The convergence of natural disaster and human conflict presents a major test for Governor Alia’s administration and a call to action for national emergency and security agencies.
According to Nivo News, the Office of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has clarified that the revocation of his bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was solely linked to his presence at a political event in Kebbi State, and not due to any alleged breach of bail conditions....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement issued on Thursday, Malami’s Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Mohammed Doka, dismissed reports claiming the former AGF failed to comply with his bail terms. He described such reports as inaccurate and at odds with the established facts.
The statement explained that Malami had met all the requirements earlier set by the EFCC in relation to allegations of money laundering and abuse of office—claims he has consistently denied. It added that the anti-graft agency later imposed additional conditions, including restrictions on media engagements and a ban on participating in political activities within Kebbi State.
Doka maintained that Malami committed no violations, arguing that the EFCC withdrew the bail only after he attended a political gathering in his home state, which did not constitute a legal or procedural breach. He further noted that prohibiting Malami from political involvement in Kebbi was unconstitutional and amounted to an infringement on his rights to freedom of movement, association, and political participation.
A popular Nigerian singer, Ruger, has stirred reactions online after expressing his opinion about women who undergo Brazilian Butt Lift procedures, commonly known as BBL. According to Nivo News, the artist shared his thoughts in a recent post on X, where he claimed that many women with surgically enhanced bodies often display questionable behaviour.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ruger, writing in pidgin English, suggested that the cosmetic procedure appears to come with what he described as “a little attitude.” His post read: “When I see girl with BBL, I dey straight up think say dem get bad character. Be like the procedure dey come with small attitude and ogba.”
His comment immediately sparked widespread debate across social media platforms, as users questioned why women’s bodies continue to be subjected to harsh scrutiny and judgment in public discourse.
Renewed unrest has erupted in Benue State as coordinated attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area left a Fulani herder dead and more than 20 cattle slaughtered, heightening fears of escalating communal strife. According to Nivo News, the incidents, which occurred between December 4 and 5, spread across the Ondo, Ogobia, Ugboju and Otukpo Nobi communities—areas already burdened by intermittent clashes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Residents expressed concern over claims that the handling of a key suspect by a security agency may have worsened tensions, raising suspicions of institutional negligence and prompting fears of retaliatory violence.
The crisis intensified on Friday, December 5, when armed individuals from the Ondo community in Ogobia reportedly ambushed a Fulani herder, Hassan Sule, popularly known as Alhaji Foder. Local accounts indicated that he was travelling on a motorcycle with a labourer to inspect his herd when the attackers opened fire. The labourer sustained injuries but managed to escape, while Foder died on the spot.
Panic spread rapidly among Fulani families, who immediately notified troops stationed at the Ogobia military post. Soldiers accompanied the herders to recover the deceased, but the situation escalated when armed men allegedly launched a second ambush, apparently unaware that the military was part of the approaching team. Security sources said troops returned fire swiftly and subdued the assailants.
One of the attackers was reportedly captured alive and disarmed, raising hopes of uncovering those behind the organised assaults. However, the situation took a troubling turn after the suspect was handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Ogoli/Ogboju. According to multiple sources, the officer allegedly released the suspect less than an hour after taking custody.
Fulani community representatives who confronted the DPO said he dismissed their concerns, allegedly stating that the military had no authority to arrest and transfer suspects to him, insisting he was following his professional judgement.
Community leaders condemned the decision as irresponsible and inflammatory, warning that the release of the suspect has worsened an already volatile atmosphere and could trigger further unrest in the affected communities.
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