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“Tinubu’s Visit a Turning Point? Alia Sees Light at the End of Benue’s Dark Tunnel”
Benue State is optimistic that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit today will mark a turning point in ending the spate of killings across the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Benue State is not only hopeful for an end to the horrific wave of killings but also anticipates the resolution of political tensions among its top power players — hopes reignited by President Bola Tinubu’s visit.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a statement late Monday, affirmed that Tinubu’s visit represents “a full demonstration of federal backing” for Benue’s leadership and people.
“With the deployment of security personnel and equipment across the state,” Alia noted, “we believe this renewed effort will put an end to the killings — not just here in Benue, but elsewhere in Nigeria.”
The President’s arrival, according to the governor, signals clear and unwavering support for governors seeking lasting peace.
President Tinubu is expected to personally review the security situation alongside his top security and intelligence chiefs. He will also participate in a town hall meeting with residents to hear their concerns and co-develop solutions.
This visit follows a brutal massacre in Yelewata, near the capital Makurdi, where at least 147 people lost their lives — sparking outrage and protests by local youth.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reassured traditional leaders and citizens of the military’s commitment: “It’s painful. We’ve restored peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Why not in our own country?”
He condemned the ongoing carnage as unacceptable, emphasizing that the military is working tirelessly to prevent further bloodshed.
Reacting to accusations of internal sabotage in the Yelewata incident, the Defence Headquarters firmly rejected the claims. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau stated there is no credible evidence linking the Armed Forces to the violence, stressing that investigations by independent groups have confirmed this.
The military reiterated that the crisis in Yelewata is rooted in long-standing farmer-herder tensions that plague Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Meanwhile, Operation Whirl Stroke Commander Major General Moses Gara vowed that no criminal would go unpunished. He directed his troops to remain alert, professional, and resilient while combining force and dialogue to restore order.
To facilitate the President’s engagement with citizens, the Benue Government declared today a public holiday, exempting only essential service workers.
The Benue House of Assembly, disturbed by the scale of violence, warned that the situation mirrors the genocidal conditions seen in Rwanda in 1994. Lawmakers urged Tinubu to reinforce the state’s anti-open grazing law with federal security backing.
On the global front, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killings, calling for justice. His spokesperson, Farhan Haq, emphasized the need for accountability.
Senators will accompany Tinubu during the visit. Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu revealed that a national security summit is also being planned to develop sustainable solutions.
The National Human Rights Commission joined the calls for urgent federal action. Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu (SAN) warned that the crisis threatens Nigeria’s food security and urged immediate protection for the displaced, justice for the victims, and compensation for affected families.
In a humanitarian response, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sent food, mattresses, and other relief materials following a rapid assessment mission. The agency also promised further support, coordinated by its North Central Zonal Office under Aliyu Waziri.
NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized that the federal government remains committed to alleviating the suffering of displaced persons and restoring normalcy.
Senegal’s parliament has passed a bill that doubles prison sentences for homosexual acts, making the West African nation the latest in Africa to impose harsher penalties on the LGBTQ+ community.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The legislation, introduced last month by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, labels homosexual acts as “against nature” and increases punishments from one–five years to five–10 years in prison.
Reports indicate that nearly all lawmakers voted in favour during Wednesday’s plenary session, with no opposition and only three abstentions. The bill now awaits presidential approval to become law.
According to Naija News, the proposed law also targets the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality, aiming to crack down on organisations supporting sexual and gender minorities. Fines for the offence have been raised to a maximum of 10 million CFA francs ($17,609), though it remains classified as a misdemeanour rather than a crime. Lawmakers argued that the previous 1966 legislation was too lenient.
The bill categorises homosexuality alongside necrophilia and bestiality under “acts against nature” offences but also criminalises false accusations of homosexual acts without proof.
Currently, over 30 of Africa’s 54 countries criminalise same-sex sexual acts. Senegal now joins nations such as Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, where penalties can reach 10 or more years in prison. In Somalia, Uganda, and Mauritania, the offence can carry the death penalty.
Religious groups promoting Islamic values have supported the measure, organising rallies in recent weeks. Police have reportedly arrested at least a dozen individuals suspected of homosexual activity.
The bill fulfils a campaign promise made by Sonko while in opposition and represents a major shift in Senegal’s approach to homosexuality, reflecting conservative social attitudes in the predominantly Muslim nation.
Rights advocates have expressed concern about the law’s potential impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and supporting organisations. The legislation now awaits signature from the President before it can take effect.
A wave of defections hit Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Thursday, as 12 lawmakers formally announced their exit from their respective political parties.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The development was disclosed by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, during plenary. Six lawmakers moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another six left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kalu explained that several lawmakers had submitted letters notifying the House of their political realignment.
“Honourable James, yes please. We have seen the reason you are due is the basic reason that most of the people who have left PDP have our dues, and you like what the president is doing with APC, so you are welcome on board,” Kalu said.
He added that lawmakers who had defected would later be formally recognised with photographs alongside the presiding officer.
Kalu welcomed the first batch of PDP lawmakers into the APC, including Bamisele Komolafe Beatrice Lowery, whose defection letter was read during the session. Others included Muktar Aliyu Betara and Zakari Dauda Nyampa.
Several lawmakers also announced their departure from opposition parties to join the ADC. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe moved from YPP to ADC, while Bright Iyamu Jesse Oke Onakpasa and Shuaib Abiola Sowunmi resigned from the Labour Party to join the ADC. Kalu noted that ceremonial announcements would be made when all defecting lawmakers are physically present in the chamber.
Other lawmakers recognised during the session included Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, Jafaru Yakubu, Prince Sadiq Abbas Tafida, Victor Afam Ogene, Kafilat Ogbara, Peter Udo Udofia, Professor Obi Lilian Orogbu, Barrister Mohammed Bello Shehu, Dankawu Idris, Hassan Shehu Hussaini, Muhammad Ghali Tijjani, and Jimbo Ibrahim.
Concluding the announcement, Kalu described the defections as part of ongoing political realignments in the National Assembly:
“This is a clear demonstration of political realignment, and we welcome all lawmakers into their new parties. It reflects the will of the people and the ongoing changes in our political system.”
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has dismissed claims that he endorsed candidates for the 2027 general elections, describing them as false, misleading, and fabricated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A statement issued by the Ahmed Maiyaki, Commissioner for Information, clarified that Governor Sani has not given preferential support to any individual seeking elective office.
Maiyaki emphasized that Sani remains committed to democratic principles and supports a transparent, fair, and inclusive process, allowing party members and stakeholders to select candidates through constitutionally established mechanisms.
The statement added that the governor is currently focused on governance and implementing policies and programmes to improve the welfare of Kaduna State residents, rather than engaging in premature political endorsements.
The Commissioner urged the public to disregard the report and warned individuals and groups against spreading fake news or politically motivated misinformation, noting that such actions could create unnecessary tension and mislead the public.
“The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to a misleading message circulating on social media alleging that Governor Uba Sani has endorsed certain aspirants for elective positions. This claim is entirely false and should be disregarded,” the statement concluded.
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