Benue juice factory, ready for commercial production

The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) on Wednesday test-ran its juice factory known as Benfruits Juice Industry and is ready for commercial fruit juice. The sweet, fresh and additive-free juice was produced during the test run. Those who tasted the juice described it as natural and one of the best that they have taken. BIPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr Raymond Asemakaha, told newsmen shortly after the test run that the juice was produced purely from Benue oranges. Asemakaha stated that when the factory becomes fully operational, no Benue oranges would leave the state in large quantities. GMD pointed out that orange farmers would not only get a market for their products but full value as well. He said that the factory would also create many jobs for Benue people. “This is the juice produced from our Benue oranges. From these same oranges we will produce oil, and the chaffs will be used for organic fertiliser. There is no waste here. “After this test running, we will check the whole process again and make sure that everywhere is set for takeoff. “We are going to do something that has not been done before in this state. Just give Gov. Hyacinth Alia six more years, and our yams, mangoes and oranges will never waste again. Our farmers will have full value for their products,” he said. He recalled that BIPC took over the management of the state-owned juice processing factory in July. According to him, the company was dormant for over 20 years, and BIPC, upon takeover, engaged Sono Company, experts in juice production in the world, to revive the industry. The factory’s Plant Engineer, Mr Henry Boager, said the factory has the capacity to produce four metric tonnes of juice per hour. Boager boasted that they have a competent technical team to handle the factory machines for optimal results. He assured the people that post-harvest losses would be minimised and farmers would get real value for their produce.

Police arrest 176 suspects for various crimes in Benue

The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the arrest of 176 suspects for allegedly committing various crimes in July. Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, Commissioner of Police (CP), Benue Command, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Makurdi. Emenari said that the suspects were arrested for cult activities, armed robbery, banditry, theft and culpable homicide, among others. The CP said that out of the 176, 22 were arrested for alleged cultism, 26 for alleged armed robbery, while others were for other various offences. He also stated that the command within the said period recovered 30 different types of arms, 4000 different types of ammunition, 8 motorcycles, one tricycle and two vehicles from the criminals. Emenari explained further that some of the arms recovered included four rocket launchers, 12 AK-47s, 11 locally made pistols, and four locally fabricated rifles, among others. The CP added that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has successfully destroyed all the bandits camps in Benue. He pointed out that with the destruction of the bandits camps, many locals have returned to their ancestral homes and farms in most parts of the state. Emenari said that criminals committing all kinds of atrocities and hiding under cover of bandits would be arrested and prosecuted. The CP announced that he has relocated the area commander overseeing Otukpo axis to Agatu with strict orders to apprehend all criminals terrorising the area. According to him, the command is conducting series of operations and raids in Sankara axis to ensure that all the bandits and other criminal elements terrorising the area are apprehended. “A large number of bandits have been repelled from these areas, while some were neutralised in the course of these operations. “It is important at this point to mention that some police officers lost their lives during these operations. “While we commiserate with their friends and families, we remain committed to this course, as our dear state cannot be left in the hands of criminals. “Our desire is to provide security to all Benue residents, and the command under my watch in the month of July has been able to reduce crime to the barest minimum and will continue to ensure that the state is crime-free. “Measures put in place during the period under review include planned operations in the hinterlands to raid communities of bandits, patrols within the metropolis, intelligence gathering for proactive policing, raids of black spots and stop and search operations,” he said. 

Groups decry HIV, TB high prevalence in Benue

The Media Health and Rights (MHR) Initiative of Nigeria and the Lawyers Alert have decried high Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) prevalence in Benue. The groups expressed the concern at a virtual news briefing monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Makurdi. President of Lawyers Alert, Mr Rommy Mom, said Benue was still struggling with 4.5 per cent HIV prevalence and a significant TB burden. Mom stated that the situation was exacerbated by HIV-TB co-infection rates exceeding 25 per cent. The president emphasised that 10 per cent of reported TB cases in Nigeria were from the state, adding that malaria remained endemic, particularly affecting children under five years and pregnant women. He said that there was an urgent need to address gender disparities in TB, HIV, and malaria responses for women. Mom added that a comprehensive situational analysis conducted under the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) project, the groups uncovered gender-related barriers hindering women’s access to healthcare services for TB, HIV and malaria in the state. READ ALSO: Senate refers Senator Natasha Akpoti to ethics committee over seat dispute The president said that the report underscored systemic inequalities, cultural norms, economic constraints, and policy gaps that continued to obstruct women’s right to equitable healthcare. “Benue has consistently recorded one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Nigeria, with co-infection of TB further complicating the situation. “Additionally, malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among pregnant women and children under five. “Despite ongoing interventions, barriers such as stigma, gender inequality, and limited healthcare infrastructure continue to hinder progress. “This analysis identifies critical policy gaps, gender disparities in healthcare access, and the urgent need for community-driven advocacy to address these challenges,” he said. According to him, the findings emphasise the necessity of strengthening healthcare systems and enhancing community engagement to tackle stigma and discrimination. Mom said women in Benue faced significant challenges in accessing healthcare due to patriarchal norms, economic dependency, and cultural beliefs. He pointed out that stigma and discrimination associated with TB and HIV discouraged women from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment. “Lawyers Alert and the Media Health and Rights Initiative call on the Benue State Government, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, and international partners to prioritise gender-transformative approaches in healthcare delivery. “By addressing the systemic and cultural barriers identified in this report, we can create a more equitable and resilient healthcare system that ensures no one is left behind, he said. Mrs Alu Azege, Executive Director, The Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria, said their aim was to collaborate with civil society groups, NGOs, and government agencies to amplify voices for social change. Azege said MHR uses media platforms to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and promote gender equality and human rights. “As a media partner in the GEF project, MHR plays a crucial role in disseminating information, engaging communities, and driving advocacy efforts to address gender-related barriers in healthcare access. “Through its innovative communication strategies, MHR ensures that the voices of women and vulnerable populations are heard, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society,” she said.

Ochaigede and the lost vision: a community relations revelation

Ochaigede is a hamlet under the Agadagba clan of old Onyagede district in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue state. Ochaigede was previously known as Agadagbaemichi until the community decided to have a name change. Ochaigede, like Agadagba or the entire Ohimini LGA is famed as one of the leading farming communities in Idoma land. The rich loamy soil is reputed for favouring the cultivation of root crops like yam, cassava, legumes and cereals like beans, sesame seed, guinea corn, maize, millet and rice. The people of Agadagba, like most of Idoma, also have a well established culture and traditions that guide various aspects of social, political and economic activities. The Idoma believe in the efficacy of an omnipresent ancestral spirit that protects the people and punishes evil doers in the community. The people of Ochaigede are not exempt. They have a shrine where the spiritual leader goes to invoke the spirit of the departed ancestors to mediate in the affairs of the village, either for good or bad. I travelled to Ochaigede last weekend on a community relations voyage. The object of my mission was to placate an allegedly aggrieved community over a land acquisition process. READ ALSO: Kuwait commits to empower 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna state My journey to Ochaigede commenced on a hot Friday morning in Abuja as I bid farewell to my family and set forth to Ohimini Local Government of Benue state. Determined to enjoy the best of both worlds I routed the journey through Makurdi, the Benue state capital, just to enable me to enjoy the newly completed and tolled Abuja-Makurdi highway. It was great fun, filled with nostalgia as I sped through the windy and undulating Mada hills that remains the nightmare of articulated vehicles. The road, now being a dual carriage way is safer for truckers and lighter vehicles. The Makurdi-Otukpo portion of the road was a real nightmare. It has been completely marooned by long period of high usage without commensurate attention paid to its maintenance. The recent onslaught of trailers owned by mining and cement production companies does not help matters. The obvious truth is that the Otukpo-Makurdi road is now derelict. A journey between the two towns, which used to take about an honour or less took me almost three hours to Otukpo. The good news however, is that the road is now being completely revamped and dualised. At the current pace of work, it is hoped that the stretch would be completed before year ending. What is even more exhilarating is that the reconstruction extends all the way to Enugu in the South Eastern part of the country. READ ALSO: Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.84% in Q4, 2024 I arrived Otukpo late on Saturday and decided to touch base with friends and some critical stakeholders who shall be playing vital roles in the resolution of the emerging conflict. The consultations continued even at Ochaigede where we held court with a prominent son of the soil, as we say. He is a highly regarded patriot who recently retired from the aviation industry after an unblemished career that was most adjudged as outstanding. The pitch An indigenous corporate entity with foreign partnership had sought the permission of the villagers to establish a farm project at Ochaigede. With help from the Clan head of Agadagba, after negotiations, the villagers were convinced to part with some of their landholdings in exchange for a cash payment. On its part, the community shall be entitled to a Corprorate Social Responsibility (CSR) project. Also, youths of the village shall be entitled to employment opportunities. Indeed, they shall be accorded the first option of rejection in all job openings where they possess the required competence and skills. This option was chosen in relation to alternative proposals, one of which entailed that the community would grant permission to the company to access as much land as it requires for the project. In return, the company shall commit to donating some CSR projects, either in power supply, school or health infrastructure to be donated to the community. Upon the ratification of an elders’ consent, following payment of cash to the willing land donors, the company proceeded to process the land for title and commencement of work. Then trouble started. A prominent member of the village community mobilised some village youth to prevent ad hoc staff of the company from work. First, the individual complained that their community does not sell land. Second, it was complained that neither the ownership nor the purpose for which the land was being acquired was disclosed to them. In fact, a conspiracy theorist when to the bizarre length of spreading a rumour that the land was being acquired for an undisclosed Fulani beneficiary. Community engagement To resolve the impasse, elders, youth leaders and other stakeholders across the clan gathered at the village shrine for a conclave at Ochaigede. To be exact, attendance at the meeting was comprised of delegates from all the villages that make up Agagdagba.These are Ohugbane, Akwunu, Ochaigede,Ebu and Akpewo.Their distant ‘cousin’ Ikikla, was not invited to the meet. Further, leaders of organised groups from the city (town unions), prominent among whom was the President General of Agadagba Town Unions, was present at the meeting. Very revered elders of the village commenced proceedings by invoking the spirits of the ancestors to provide guidance. A curse was also placed on anyone that would make contributions, knowing fully well that such was a liar, but told with intent to mislead the gathering or sabotage the exercise. READ ALSO: FCCPC summons Multichoice over planned price hike Deliberations were frank, passionate and laden with anecdotes, proverbs and wisecracks. Indeed, it was an interesting spectacle, resembling a perfect parliamentary session as both the old and young were accorded ample time to state their cases. It was democracy in action as it looked like all was going to end well until a rabble rousing elder created the bedlam by inciting the youth through a very misleading assertion that the project was not appropriate

Maurice Ikpambese remains Benue Chief Judge

The National Judicial Council has stated that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue. This declaration is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Kemi Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information, NJC on Tuesday in Abuja. “The attention of the NJC has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a Resolution recommending the removal of Justice Ikpambese as chief judge of Benue from office. “Unfortunate as this development is, the council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case. READ ALSO: NAPTIP rescues 13 tracking victims, seals Abuja hotel “Although, the council had this morning received a petition against Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with the council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing,” the council declared. The NJC added that as far as the council is concerned, until the complaint is investigated and deliberated upon by it, Justice Ikpambese remains the chief judge of Benue . 

Humanitarian Worker Killed In Benue

Gov Alia Wasn’t Stoned By Youths, Benue Govt Debunks Reports

Gunmen have killed a certain Chris Terfa, a humanitarian worker and Executive Director of Concerned Youth Development Initiative in Makurdi.

Bye-Election: Governor Alia Suspends Party’s Primary In Benue

Controversy has surrounded the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Benue State. Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the event, which was meant to select a candidate for the February 4 by-election for the State House of Assembly. The need for the by-election arose after Dr. Yamar Ortese, representing the Guma 1 state constituency, was appointed as Commissioner for Health and Human Services. During a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, Governor Alia claimed the primary was disrupted by threats and hijacked by individuals who were not from the Guma Local Government Area and should not have participated in the election. The APC’s state spokesperson, Morgan Ihomun, countered that the governor cannot suspend a process that the party already conducted in an orderly manner. Governor Alia, accompanied by state security chiefs, also mentioned that the primary was planned for Saturday but was overshadowed by threats from irate youths. The governor said, “Security of state remains paramount to us. Today (Saturday), the APC is to conduct primary but it was marred by misconduct and this posed insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the irate youth. “Party stakeholders felt disenchanted. I would not want any semblance of insecurity in the state. I suspend the delegate primary. Sad enough the party faithful came out but were stopped at the gate by people who do not belong to the local government; all stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry. Party faithful must help keep the peace in the state. “I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no break down of law and order. I know that the national working committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.” Meanwhile, Morgan insisted that the primary election had been held and a candidate emerged to fly the party ticket during the forthcoming by-election. He said, “The question we should be asking is that, does the governor have the power to suspend the primary election?”

Retired Benue Judge’s Murder: Nephew, Driver, Two Others Paraded As Suspects

Retired Benue Judge's Murder: Nephew, Driver, Two Others Paraded As Suspects

The police have apprehended four suspects linked to the brutal murder of retired President of the Benue State Customary Court, Justice Margaret Igbetar, 72, who was tragically killed in her residence on Wantor Kwange Street in Makurdi metropolis on August 24, 2023. At a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Makurdi on Tuesday, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka, revealed that one of the suspects, Aondohemba Joseph, who is the deceased’s nephew, had confessed to colluding with three other individuals to carry out the murder. CP Onyeka stated, “You will recall that on 24th August 2023, a case of Culpable Homicide involving the late Justice Margaret Mary Igbetar (RTD) was reported, and I had promised to ensure that justice is served. One Aondohemba Joseph, a nephew of the deceased, was arrested immediately.” He further elaborated, “A more detailed and advanced investigation started when the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and handed over to the Operation Zenda investigative team to continue.” The investigation led to the apprehension of additional suspects. Igbazenda Gbidye, aged 63, and Dzungwenen Ukor, aged 40, were arrested in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area. These suspects confessed to being recruited by Aondohemba Joseph, who had claimed that his deceased father had left substantial property in the hands of his aunt (the deceased), and she had allegedly refused to transfer the said property to him. The group conspired to eliminate her so that Aondohemba could gain control of the property. Furthermore, Akuhwa Barnabas, aged 32, who worked as a driver for the deceased, was arrested and corroborated the suspects’ statements. He admitted to facilitating the gang’s access to the house and providing assistance during the commission of the crime. CP Onyeka expressed his gratitude to the people of Benue state for their patience and cooperation on the matter, whilst reassuring the community that the police would continue their efforts to combat crime in the state.

Independence Day: Benue Govt Purchases 100 Buses to Mitigate Subsidy Removal Effects

Independence Day: Benue Govt Purchases 100 Buses to Mitigate Subsidy Removal Effects

The Benue Government says it has procured 100 buses to be handed over to the Benue Links, the state-owned transport company to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on petrol. Governor Hyacinth Alia stated this in a radio and television broadcast as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary in Makurdi. Alia said he was aware of the sufferings of the people following the removal of fuel subsidy and other harsh economic realities in the country. “Our good people of Benue, I share the pains most of you are going through; and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition, as well as strengthen our institutions for good governance. I want to assure you that succour is on the way. “In the meantime, we have purchased 100 buses to be handed over soon to Benue Links, the state-owned transport company, to provide affordable transportation to the public. “In addition, plans are underway to distribute N50,000 each, to market women across the state, to enhance their petty trade businesses. “Our lofty visions, policies and strategies for good governance cannot be achieved in a society bereft of security of lives and property,” he said.Alia added: “No society thrives in the face of wanton killings, kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts, and so forth.“The independent anniversary is a moment for us to salute our heroes past. It took valour, sacrifice and cohesive nationalistic onslaught for them to actualise our country’s political freedom. “It is important to thank the Almighty God for preserving us amidst several storms, some of which at some point within the last 63 years, threatened our very own existence as a country.“While we reflect in retrospect, it is equally pertinent for us to examine where we are, and look to the brighter future that lies ahead of us, especially in a State like ours that possesses allthe potentials of peaking us in the comity of states.”