Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Alhaji Ardo Risku, the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate. Describing the attack as a deliberate attempt to sabotage his administration’s efforts to restore peace and stability, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Governor Alia has ordered security agencies to conduct an immediate and exhaustive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence. In a message delivered by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor urged the public and MACBAN members to remain calm, emphasizing that the state will not allow such acts to derail its commitment to long-term reconciliation and peace.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has voiced his profound shock regarding the tragic killing of MACBAN state chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku, alongside his friend. Addressing the incident through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor characterized the act as a grave threat to the state’s emerging peace. Governor Alia noted that the killing, which occurred shortly after a security meeting, serves as an affront to the ongoing dialogue among stakeholders. Consequently, the Governor has issued a directive for security forces to launch a swift, transparent investigation to ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of the law. While mourning the victims, Governor Alia cautioned against reactionary violence and reiterated his administration’s firm resolve to maintain stability and prevent the disruption of the state’s progress.

Option 3: Human-Centric and Empathetic (Ideal for Social Media or Feature Stories) “Benue is a home for peace,” declared Governor Hyacinth Alia following the tragic assassination of MACBAN Chairman Alhaji Ardo Risku and his friend. Deeply saddened by the attack, the Governor highlighted that this senseless violence targets the reconciliation efforts he has worked tirelessly to build. In an official statement, he urged citizens to stay calm and not fall prey to those who benefit from chaos. Governor Alia has prioritized justice in this matter, tasking security agencies with a rigorous investigation to bring the killers to account. Extending his condolences to the bereaved family and the MACBAN community, the Governor vowed that his administration would not allow this setback to dim the future of peace being built across the state.

Key Points Summarized:

• The Incident: The murder of MACBAN State Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his friend.

• The Governor’s Stance: Deep condemnation; viewed as an attack on state peace and stability.

• The Directive: Immediate, thorough investigation by security agencies to find and prosecute the perpetrators.

• The Call to Action: An appeal for public calm and a refusal to let the state revert to past cycles of violence.

Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the delayed submission of the state’s 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). According to a statement released by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the document was delivered well past the legal deadline.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Legal Compliance: Speaker Amaewhule noted that Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2010 mandates that the MTEF be presented to the House by September—four months before the upcoming fiscal year.

• Timeline Failure: The Speaker asserted that the Governor failed to meet this statutory timeline, leading to significant delays in the state’s budget planning process.

• Legislative Action: Despite the delay, the House of Assembly opted to approve the MTEF during Friday’s plenary session—just 24 hours after it was presented—to prevent further setbacks for the state.

• Prioritizing the State: Amaewhule explained that while the submission was late and the year is already halfway through, the Assembly chose to expedite the review of the document as it serves as a necessary foundation for the 2026 Budget Estimate.

To bolster operational success and national security, the Nigerian Army has implemented a significant restructuring of its senior leadership. This overhaul includes new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commandants, and principal staff officers, as confirmed in a Saturday statement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele. These appointments, sanctioned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, impact critical areas of command, operations, and training.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Regional Command: Major General WM Dangana succeeds Major General EF Oyinlola as GOC 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE. Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

• Administrative and Specialized Roles: Major General JR Lar is now Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison. Brigadier General OM Oyekola has been named Acting Military Secretary (Army), while Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff to the COAS. Major General SA Emmanuel will lead the Nigerian Army Space Command, and Major General O Adegbe assumes the role of Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

• Operational Commands: Brigadier General IB Buhari is the new commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, and Brigadier General K Rabiu takes charge of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

• Training and Education: Major General KE Chigbu is the new Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College. Major General SD Makolo takes over the Nigerian Army Armour School, while Major General SO Adejimi will lead the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim is the new Chief of Training at TRADOC, and Brigadier General U Ahmad has been appointed Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria.

• Corporate Appointments: Major General KO Ukandu has been named Managing Director and CEO of Post Housing Development Limited, and Major General AI Allison will serve as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

In his directive, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged these officers to embody professionalism and innovation in their new capacities. The Army emphasized that these changes are vital to its broader goal of cultivating a highly skilled, combat-ready, and responsive force prepared to meet Nigeria’s dynamic security needs.