Again, Unidentified Gunmen Claim Five Lives In Ayilamo, Benue

In a tragic incident, five individuals fell victim to a violent attack carried out by unidentified gunmen in Ayilamo, a village situated in Logo Local Government, Benue. The assault, as reported by Mr. Sewuese Anene, spokesperson for the Benue Police Command, took place on Tuesday night. Regrettably, a few others sustained injuries as a result of the attack. Additionally, another unsettling incident occurred in Mbachohon community within Gwer-West Local Government, although specific details about this event remain unavailable. Unverified reports suggest that the Mbachohon attack resulted in the loss of six lives. The escalation of such attacks is a matter of deep concern. In response, authorities have initiated the deployment of more security personnel to these affected areas with the primary aim of restoring peace and ensuring the safety of the local populace. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address and resolve the security challenges prevalent in the region.

Again, Rampaging Armed Bandits Kill 3, Abduct Others In Benue

Once again, a group of armed assailants, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, has carried out a violent attack in Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives and the abduction of several others. The incident occurred as innocent victims were en route from Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to Otukpo, the headquarters of Benue Zone C senatorial district. The attack took place in Tyolaha, a village situated within the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. According to Agbo Daniel Adakole, a youth leader who provided insight into the incident to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, the attackers were heavily armed and indiscriminately fired their weapons, resulting in the loss of three lives and numerous injuries. Additionally, there are reports of individuals still missing. Adakole further disclosed that the perpetrators of this heinous act were armed Fulani herders. The victims primarily consisted of local residents who were traveling on the Benue Links Bus service along the Makurdi-Naka-Otukpo route. At the time of filing this report, it remains unconfirmed whether the incident has been reported to the Benue State command of the Nigerian Police or if any law enforcement agencies have been alerted for assistance. These armed bandits have been a persistent threat, targeting and harming both farmers and travelers in the border areas between the Idoma and Tiv-speaking regions of Benue State. Notably, just two weeks ago, on October 2nd, a gruesome armed attack occurred in the village of Agagbe, close to Tse-Awuna in Gwer LGA, resulting in the loss of three lives.

Benue: Tribunal Dismisses PDP’s Suit, Upholds Gov Alia’s Victory

The Benue State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Makurdi, on Saturday upheld the victory of Governor Hyacinth Alia of the APC in the March 18 Governorship Election. In an unanimous decision, the tribunal dismissed the petition brought forward by Titus Uba and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Chairman of the Panel, Justice Ibrahim Karaye, ruled that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to address pre-election issues raised by the petitioners, Titus Uba and the PDP. He clarified that only the Federal High Court had exclusive jurisdiction to handle matters concerning pre-election issues. Furthermore, he deemed the petitioners’ case as an abuse of court processes, noting that the same case had been filed by them before the Federal High Court Abuja Division, and its judgment had not been challenged. Justice Karaye also pointed out that the petitioners lacked the legal standing to challenge the nomination of the 2nd and 3rd respondents by the 4th respondent, as they were not members of the 4th respondent. Additionally, he stated that the petitioners had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their allegations of forgery against the 3rd respondent. Concluding the judgment, Justice Karaye affirmed that the 2nd and 3rd respondents were qualified to contest the March 18 Governorship Election, ultimately dismissing the case brought by the petitioners. The petitioners, Titus Uba and the PDP, had initially taken their grievances to the tribunal, challenging the declaration of the respondents—INEC, Hyacinth Alia, Dr. Sam Ode, and the APC—by INEC. Their primary arguments centred on the eligibility of the 2nd and 3rd respondents, Governor Alia and Dr. Ode, to participate in the election. They also alleged irregularities in the nomination of the governorship and deputy governorship candidates by the 4th respondent, the APC. Furthermore, they accused the 3rd respondent of presenting a forged certificate to INEC. In their plea, the petitioners requested the nullification of the election results and the declaration of themselves as winners, having obtained the second-highest number of lawful votes. They also called for the invalidation of their votes and the withdrawal of certificates issued to them by INEC due to their purported disqualification. It’s important to note that the petitioners did not contest the election results but rather the qualifications of the candidates. However, the respondents argued that the suit should be entirely dismissed as it constituted an abuse of court processes. They emphasized that the Federal High Court Abuja Division had previously ruled on the same matter before the election, and the petitioners had not appealed that judgment. The respondents further maintained that all the issues raised were pre-election matters, falling under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. They contended that the petitioners lacked the legal right to challenge the nominations of candidates from other political parties as they were outsiders in those party affairs.

EFCC cracks down on cyber fraud hideout, arrests 14 suspects in Benue

In a significant stride against cybercriminal activities, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 14 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud in the city of Makurdi, located in Benue State. The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, released a statement in Abuja detailing the operation. Among the detainees are Solomon Oloche, Innocent Ochola, Aselo Wisdom, Simon Jeff, Innocent Raphael, Akula Kelvin, Emmanuel Okanche, Francis Chikodirie, Atoo Michael, Ochayi Nelson, Ngutor Paul, Michael Tyobe, Samuel Okanche, and Patience Tseaa. The arrests were conducted following an extensive period of surveillance and intelligence gathering, aimed at uncovering the alleged criminal activities of the suspects. The confiscated items from the operation encompass a Toyota Camry Car, 14 iPhones, 11 Android phones, 6 laptop computers, various ATM cards, a flash drive, MTN Router, a Tus bike, and an assortment of potentially incriminating documents. Uwujaren noted, “The suspects have cooperated during the preliminary interrogations and will be subject to legal proceedings once the investigative phase concludes.” This breakthrough signifies a determined effort by the EFCC to tackle cyber-based offenses and ensure that justice is served.