National
Herdsmen Killings: APC colluding to unleash mayhem on the people
Herdsmen Killings: APC colluding to unleash mayhem on the people
The Benue state government has alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state is colluding with armed herdsmen to unleash mayhem on the people.
The allegation came on the heels of Tuesday’s media outing by the state leadership of the APC which alleged among others that Governor Samuel Ortom was colluding with the Benue State Livestock Guards and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards to rustle cows of herders leading to reprisal attacks on Benue communities by the herders.
The APC Chairman, Austin Agada, who was flanked by the leaders and stakeholders of the party had alleged among others that “with the 2023 general elections around the corner, the Community Volunteer Guards have systematically embarked on cow rustling in Gwer-west, Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas, LGAs, under the instruction of Governor Ortom with the attendant consequences of spontaneous Fulani militia killing of one person in Mbapa ward of Gwer-west LGA, eight persons in Makurdi on January 19, 2023, and eight persons in Guma LGA on January 20, 2023, all within the Ihyarev dominated communities.
“The prevailing atmosphere of politically induced insecurity in most parts of Benue State calls for the urgent concern of all Benue patriots. Available information indicates that on Wednesday 18″ January 2023 over 600 herds of cattle were rustled in the Sengev ward of Gwer-west LGA and kept at the Local Government Guest House at Naka, the objective was to trigger reprisal attacks against Gwer-West people by the herders. We roundly condemn this development and urge Governor Ortom to desist from spilling more blood.”
But reacting to the allegation Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Terver Akase noted that “by their outing, the APC in Benue State has left no one in doubt that they are working closely with those who invade communities of the state and attack innocent people.
RELATED STORY: Uneasy Calm In APC, PDP As Osun Tribunal Delivers Judgment Today
This is not the first time that leaders of the party have come out to take sides with killer herders. The APC in Benue State has often accused Benue people of attacking and killing themselves. Not too long ago, the sacked governorship candidate of the party re-echoed the accusation which the party’s leader first made four years ago absolving herdsmen of any responsibility in the series of attacks on Benue people.”
He alleged that the leader of the party in the state, Senator George Akume was behind the accusation against Governor Ortom saying “it was a tactical way of diverting attention from the removal of his puppet governorship candidate by the Court of Appeal.
“As far as the APC in Benue State is concerned, the lives of cows are more valuable than human lives. This is why in the said press statement, their emphasis was on cattle rustling as they frantically tried to justify why the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law should be reviewed to grant easy passage and access to Fulani herders with their animals to lands across the state. The APC’s line of reasoning resonates with the thinking of Fulani pastoralists such as Miyetti Allah who insist that until the law is repealed, they will not stop sponsoring attacks on the state.
“The APC in Benue State has again proven that it has no value for human lives, and as long as they get power, Benue can go up in flames. A political party that turns to accuse the people of the state it hopes to govern lacks humanity and the conscience to lead.
“APC has never condemned the genocide Fulani herders have visited Benue State in nearly a decade. Leaders of the party are often quick to jump to the defence of the killer herders whenever people are attacked in parts of the state with the armed herders operating like a militia wing of the party.
“The opposition party has never shown empathy towards victims of the humanitarian crisis in the state. There is no evidence that they have taken relief materials to any of the IDP camps even once in the last five years. The only time a delegation of the party visited the camp located in Daudu was before the 2019 elections with the sole purpose of campaigning for votes.
“The timing of the APC press conference coming barely 24 hours after the Appeal Court judgment which nullified their phoney governorship primary election was calculated to divert attention from the devastating situation that the party does not have a gubernatorial candidate at the moment. But we expected the APC to direct their frustration to the appropriate quarters, not on Governor Ortom. The Governor did not advise them to conduct what their appeal panel described as a yahoo primary election and he was neither a member of the panel of justices that nullified the fraud called nomination.
“Though we cannot stop the APC in Benue from further conspiracy with enemies of the state, we must reiterate that their plans will always fail.
The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law and the Livestock Guards which the APC and their herder allies desperately want to see scrapped have come to stay. Anyone who wants to rear cattle in Benue State must do so within the confines of ranches and be prepared to face the long arm of the law in the event of any breaches.
“We reassure the people of the state that Governor Samuel Ortom remains committed to the security of his people and no amount of blackmail or smear campaign from the opposition can make him compromise.”
Herdsmen Killings: APC colluding to unleash mayhem on the people
National
Federal Government Declares October 1st Public Holiday for Independence Day
…Minister of Interior Calls for Unity and Reflection on Nation’s Journey
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a public holiday in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who conveyed the government’s message to Nigerians both at home and abroad, congratulating them on this significant occasion.
Tunji-Ojo praised the resilience and hard work of Nigerian citizens, emphasizing that their sacrifices would not be in vain. In line with the theme for the anniversary, he urged Nigerians to reflect on the contributions of the nation’s past heroes and to be inspired for the challenges ahead, emphasizing that a united effort is crucial in building the Nigeria of our dreams.
The Minister extended his best wishes to all citizens for a Happy Independence Day and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their efforts toward nation-building.
National
APC Chairman Ganduje Condoles Families of 5 Fallen Police Officers, Offers Financial Support
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has extended his condolences to the families of five police officers who tragically lost their lives in a motor accident while returning from Edo State.
Speaking at the Bichi Central Mosque, where prayers were offered for the deceased officers, Ganduje described the incident as a significant loss for the Nigeria Police Force, himself, and the nation as a whole.
To support the bereaved families, Ganduje announced a donation of N2 million to each of the five families of the deceased officers and N1 million to ten officers who were injured in the accident.
“I decided to personally come down to Bichi because of the gravity of the situation, and because these officers died in active service,” Ganduje stated, emphasizing the officers’ dedication to their duty.
In addition, Rep. Kabir Abubakar, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, also expressed his condolences to the families, offering prayers and support during this difficult time.
National
Kano, India Strengthen Ties for Socio-Economic Development
The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its long-standing relationship with India to enhance the socio-economic development of the state.
In a statement released by the spokesperson for Governor Abba Yusuf, Alhaji Sanusi Tofa, on Friday, the governor emphasized the importance of the partnership during a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shri Balasubramanian, who paid a courtesy visit to Kano.
Governor Yusuf highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Kano State and India in areas such as education, health, agriculture, technology, and trade, underscoring the need to further solidify these connections for mutual benefit.
“We are impressed by India’s rapid development in the education and healthcare sectors, which has made it a preferred destination for hundreds of Kano indigenes seeking quality education and medical treatment,” Yusuf said.
He assured that the Kano State Government would continue collaborating with India to advance its two major power projects at Tiga and Challawa, aimed at reviving dormant industries and boosting the state’s socio-economic growth.
In response, High Commissioner Balasubramanian expressed his intention to work closely with the Kano State Government across various sectors. He also commended Governor Yusuf for implementing impactful projects and initiatives that have improved the living conditions of Kano residents.
-
Business1 year ago
New Rates: ‘I borrowed money to finance this business…’ – Petroleum Marketer cries out over Non-supply of products by the NNPCL
-
Health5 months ago
Only 58,000 doctors renewed licence out of 130,000 registered doctors – MDCN
-
Entertainment2 months ago
BBNaija Season 9: TAMI Duo Evicted After Low Vote Count
-
Defence & Security2 months ago
Organisers Demand IGP’s Dismissal Over Fatal Protest Crackdown
-
Defence & Security2 months ago
“Defence Chief Praises Strong Inter-Service Cooperation for Operational Successes”
-
Business2 years ago
New Naira Notes: We Have No Information On The Supreme Court Ruling – CBN
-
Opinion2 years ago
Addressing Nigeria’s food security challenge through eco-friendly agriculture
-
Entertainment1 month ago
BBNaija S9: ‘Radicals’ duo evicted from reality show