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Yelwata Fallout: Tinubu Talks Peace, Benue Stakeholders Disagree on Way Forward

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Benue State has faced a decade-long wave of insecurity, with suspected armed herder attacks dating back to 2013.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

One of the deadliest episodes occurred between late February and March 2016, when suspected herders killed between 300 and 500 people in Agatu Local Government Area, displacing more than 7,000 residents.

On March 4, 2018, another tragedy struck Omusu village in Edumoga, Okpokwu LGA, just a day after then-President Muhammadu Buhari promised to visit Benue. In that attack, 26 people, including children, were killed.

More bloodshed followed on June 7, 2021, when at least 40 people were massacred in Odugbeho, Agatu LGA.

The most recent atrocity occurred on June 14, 2025, in Yelwata, a border community between Nasarawa and Benue States, less than 40 minutes from Makurdi. Armed men invaded the village at midnight, killing over 100 people, burning homes, and leaving survivors traumatised. Reports indicate that some victims were burnt alive, while others were shot while fleeing.

The massacre triggered widespread outrage from civil society organisations, political leaders, entertainers, and community stakeholders.

Diverse Reactions from Leaders and Civil Society

Former APC senatorial candidate Comrade Daniel Onjeh condemned the killings in a statement, insisting the attack was not a farmer-herder clash but a deliberate and coordinated assault by armed militias. He called on President Bola Tinubu to treat the Benue crisis as a national emergency rooted in political sabotage, land-grabbing, and terrorism.

Similarly, the Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA) dismissed the narrative of farmer-herder clashes, describing the violence as terrorism. This contradicts the position of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who identified land disputes and cattle rustling as key causes of the conflict.

Prominent historian and President of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, traced the unrest to historical, political, and economic failures spanning nearly 200 years, blaming long-standing elite mistrust and governance breakdowns.

Tinubu’s Visit and Federal Government Response

In the aftermath of the Yelwata killings, President Tinubu visited Benue and directed the formation of a Benue Elders’ Peace Committee, comprising former governors, traditional rulers, and non-indigenes. He urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to embrace inclusivity and act as a unifying leader.

The president also mandated security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the Yelwata massacre, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to ending the violence.

Traditional and Former Leaders Speak Out

During Tinubu’s visit, the paramount ruler of the Tiv people, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, rejected the farmer-herder conflict narrative, calling the violence a calculated “genocidal invasion” and land-grabbing campaign by armed terrorists.

Former Governor Samuel Ortom, through his aide Terver Akase, expressed grief over the killings, calling for peace while avoiding political grandstanding. Akase said Ortom stands with the victims and believes Tinubu’s visit may trigger concrete action.

Ortom’s Security Legacy

Ortom’s administration, beginning in 2015, enacted the 2017 Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, aimed at preventing farm destruction and promoting ranching. The law established penalties for cattle rustling and open grazing violations and created a special enforcement unit, the Livestock Guards.

Akase said Ortom also provided logistics to security agencies and ensured continuous cooperation in fighting attacks.

Governor Alia’s Technology-Driven Approach

Since taking office in May 2023, Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken a tech-focused approach to insecurity. His administration signed agreements for deploying surveillance systems and launched the Benue Civil Protection Guards, deploying 5,000 personnel—with plans for 5,000 more.

Under Operation Anyam Nyor, Alia mobilised a multi-agency task force, distributed 600 motorcycles and 100 Hilux trucks, and enhanced security coordination.

Is There Hope?

Opinions remain divided on whether Tinubu’s visit will bring lasting change. While some believe the federal government’s renewed attention and directives signify hope, others are skeptical.

Still, with the formation of the Elders’ Peace Committee and increased military pressure on perpetrators, many observers remain cautiously optimistic that peace may finally return to Benue.

 

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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