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Tension in Benue: Youths Protest, Block Abuja–Makurdi Highway Over Renewed Killings

Widespread tension gripped Benue State on Sunday as enraged youths took to the streets and blocked the Abuja–Makurdi expressway, voicing their frustration over the recurring killings plaguing the region. Clad in black garments, the protesters wielded palm fronds and displayed placards with strong messages as they obstructed the major highway, halting the free flow of vehicles. Their action caused heavy traffic congestion and widespread concern among travelers caught in the chaos. According to reports from LMSINT MEDIA, demonstrators refused to let any vehicles pass through, intensifying gridlock and raising fears among road users. This protest erupted just a day after a suspected armed herdsmen attack devastated Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, resulting in the reported deaths of over 200 individuals. The scale of the violence has sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent government intervention. Despite recent warnings issued by the Benue State Government discouraging illegal gatherings and public unrest—especially by young people—following rising communal tensions, the protesting youths insisted that they felt neglected by the authorities. They demanded clear and effective security measures, along with justice for those killed. Their message was clear: Benue communities need protection, accountability, and a lasting solution to ongoing violence.

PSA to Benue Governor Suspends Aides Over Protest Against Killings

The Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has relieved his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, of their duties for allegedly participating in a public demonstration condemning ongoing mass killings in the state. The announcement came in the form of an official letter from Terver on Sunday night. In the letter, the PSA accused the two officials of undermining the state government’s stance by joining a protest that contradicted official directives. According to the PSA’s letter: “This serves as your formal notification of immediate and indefinite suspension from your positions as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, starting from June 14, 2025. “Your actions have been identified as directly opposing the outlined directives of your Principal. Such behavior represents a grave violation of the responsibilities and confidence entrusted to your office. “During this suspension, you are to abstain from all government functions and you are strictly forbidden from acting as a representative of this office or myself in any form.” LMSINT MEDIA gathered that hundreds of youths in Benue State took to the streets of Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday in a large-scale protest aimed at spotlighting the escalating wave of fatal assaults by suspected Fulani herdsmen. This wave of public outrage followed a particularly horrific incident in the Yelewata community, situated in Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 civilians lost their lives in a recent attack.

Benue Police Commissioner: We Engaged Yelewata Attackers in Six-Hour Gun Battle

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent, has disclosed that police officers were locked in an intense six-hour shootout with armed assailants responsible for the recent Yelewata massacre in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 residents tragically lost their lives last Saturday. While addressing a large crowd of angry and grieving youths during a protest on Sunday, the Commissioner assured the gathering that law enforcement agencies were fully present and actively working to restore calm throughout the state. “During the Yelewata crisis, we exchanged gunfire with the attackers for over six hours. I was monitoring every moment live,” Emenari stated, emphasizing the police’s swift response to the brutal assault. He described the troubling wave of attacks as a temporary situation, likening it to a beheaded snake that continues to twitch for a while but eventually dies out. Emenari encouraged the community to remain composed and cooperative with ongoing security efforts. “If you observe closely, you’ll see a massive increase in security operations over the past month. This phase is temporary. We’ve dealt a major blow to the criminals. What you’re seeing now is the aftermath. But peace will return — soon.” The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s unwavering dedication to eradicating insecurity and restoring sustainable peace in Benue State, pledging that the police would continue operations until calm is fully reestablished.

Over 100 Cattle Perish Mysteriously While Crossing River Benue

In a shocking incident, over 100 cattle linked to suspected armed Fulani herders reportedly died under mysterious circumstances while attempting to cross the River Benue. The tragic event took place on Saturday, with reports indicating that many of the animals died due to erosion-induced sand collapse, while others drowned midstream as they swam across the river into Nasarawa State. According to an eyewitness, Mr. Olikita Ekani, who was returning from his farm that day, the scene was distressing. “On Saturday, June 14, 2025, I was heading home from the farm and spotted several cow carcasses drifting along River Benue, directly across from Achepe village in Nasarawa State,” he said. Ekani further recounted seeing a large group of Fulani herdsmen urgently moving their cattle across the river. “When I approached some fishermen helping with the river crossing, they explained that for the past week, Fulani herders have been moving rapidly back into Nasarawa State. This usually signals an impending attack, a pattern we’ve witnessed repeatedly in this region.” He added that the community has recorded the loss of over 100 cows during this crossing from Benue into Nasarawa. A local fisherman, who asked to remain unnamed, confirmed that 64 cattle died on Saturday alone. “Many of the cattle were killed by collapsing soil as they neared the riverbank, while others drowned during the swim. This is unprecedented — we’ve never seen cattle die in such large numbers in one day.” He also identified key crossing points used by the herdsmen as: As of the time of this report, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had not been reached for an official statement regarding the incident.

33 Northerners Apprehended in Makurdi Over Alleged Threat in Benue

The Benue State Government has officially confirmed the detention of 33 individuals originating from Northern Nigeria, who were transported to Makurdi in two separate buses and attempted to settle at a private residence in Gyado Villa. Their abrupt arrival caused significant concern among locals, prompting immediate alerts from residents and youth representatives. A distress notification was also relayed to the state government by Barns Dzege and employees of Villa Suites. In a prompt intervention, a government delegation—comprising the Commissioners for Works and Housing, Humanitarian Affairs, the Makurdi Local Government Chairman, ALGON Chairman, and security personnel—rushed to the location for inspection and control measures. Suspicious Arrival Raises Security Concerns According to Asortar James Asortar, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Social Media, the individuals were reportedly brought in by a company recently incorporated on May 8, claiming affiliation with a non-governmental organization (NGO). “All 33 individuals arrived on the same day from various northern states,” Asortar explained.“Most of them were unable to communicate in English, and their intent for residing in a private compound remains suspicious. They are currently under investigation by law enforcement to uncover their exact motive in Benue.” He further credited the alertness of Gyado Villa youths and Villa Suites staff for averting a potentially dangerous situation. Governor Commends Community Watchfulness Reacting to the event, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, expressed his appreciation for the quick response by the community. “We commend the proactive actions of the Gyado Villa youths and Villa Suites team. Your vigilance is invaluable,” the Governor stated.“This incident reinforces the necessity for constant awareness and timely reporting of any unusual activities.” As of now, no physical harm or violence has been recorded, and investigations remain ongoing.

Benue Youths Force Police Commissioner to Leave Protest Over Yelewata Massacre

Tensions escalated on Sunday at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi as enraged youths forced Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, to exit a protest scene. According to LMSINT MEDIA, a large crowd had assembled to express their grief and fury over the mass killing of more than 200 residents in Yelewata, located in Guma Local Government Area. Dressed in black and holding various protest signs, the demonstrators took to the streets demanding swift intervention from both state and federal authorities. Their chants, fueled by sorrow and rage, highlighted their demand for justice and called for an end to continuous assaults by alleged armed herders in the region. Upon arriving with a squad of heavily armed officers, the Commissioner of Police attempted to address the crowd but was met with harsh rejection. Furious voices drowned out his remarks, urging him to “go to Yelewata”—the site of the gruesome killings—instead of speaking in Makurdi, the state capital. Not long after the police boss exited the location, his men reportedly deployed teargas canisters, causing chaos and leaving several protesters injured.

Benue Violence: Army Vows to Hunt Down Perpetrators of Deadly Attacks

Amid a wave of deadly attacks ravaging parts of Benue State, the Nigerian military has pledged swift action against those behind the recent killings. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Major General Moses Gara, Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), arrived in the affected areas to address the unfolding crisis. General Gara visited Yelwata Village, Tse-Mtwenem, Daudu, and Iye Village—all recently hit by violent raids. According to a release by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for the OPWS Headquarters, the visit formed part of a strategic military initiative aimed at quelling rising tension in the region. While addressing local monarchs, village elders, and residents, General Gara condemned the brutal attacks as “inhuman and intolerable,” assuring locals that the military will relentlessly pursue those responsible. “I’m not here only as a military leader, but as a fellow citizen who understands the gravity of your loss,” he said. “The Nigerian security forces are firmly behind you. We are not here for show—we are here to take action. These criminals will be hunted down and brought to justice.” He also offered heartfelt condolences to grieving families and applauded the unwavering commitment of troops enduring tough terrains to safeguard communities. Gara emphasized that OPWS has intensified its intelligence-gathering efforts and deployed additional personnel to vulnerable zones to forestall further violence. However, he highlighted that military force alone won’t resolve the conflict and called for active collaboration from the locals. He urged residents to provide accurate and timely intelligence to help security forces preempt further attacks and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended. In a community response, Mr. Iorkyaa Emmanuel expressed appreciation for the military’s intervention and described General Gara’s presence as a ray of hope for villagers living in constant dread. He affirmed the community’s readiness to cooperate fully with security forces and appealed for a sustained military presence, particularly in isolated areas that often bear the brunt of such attacks.

Bayern Munich Thrash Auckland City 10-0 in Club World Cup Opener

Bayern Munich kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant 10-0 victory over New Zealand side Auckland City at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on June 15, 2025. The overwhelming Group C fixture showcased Germany’s footballing powerhouses as they dismantled their amateur opponents with precision and flair. Germany international Jamal Musiala, wearing the number 42 jersey, was the standout performer of the match, netting a sensational hat-trick after coming off the bench. His impact was immediate and devastating, sealing his status as one of the tournament’s early stars. The Bavarian giants didn’t slow down throughout the encounter. Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise, and Thomas Müller each recorded a brace, contributing to Bayern’s massive goal haul. Defender Sacha Boey also found the back of the net, rounding out the German side’s scoring spree. This Group C match also serves as a prelude to more intense clashes, with heavyweights Boca Juniors and Benfica also placed in the same group. Bayern’s massive win has already set a commanding tone in the group stage and highlighted the gap in quality between professional European clubs and semi-professional teams from other continents.

Dangote Launches Nationwide Fuel Delivery with Free Transport Starting August 15, 2025

In a strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has confirmed it will begin distributing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel across the country beginning August 15, 2025. As a central feature of this national rollout, the company is deploying 4,000 newly acquired tankers powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) — offering free delivery services to customers nationwide. The nationwide distribution scheme is designed to serve a broad range of clients, including petrol stations, fuel marketers, manufacturing companies, telecom firms, aviation operators, and other major fuel consumers throughout Nigeria. To ensure smooth and efficient delivery, the refinery has made significant investments in CNG booster stations and deployed more than 100 specialized CNG tankers to support the network’s reliability and sustainability. In addition, Dangote is offering a credit purchase option for large-scale buyers. Clients purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres will qualify for an extra 500,000 litres on credit, valid for 14 days, and secured through a bank guarantee. This ambitious distribution programme is set to reduce transportation costs, drive down fuel prices, revive inactive petrol outlets, generate employment, and enhance energy availability in underserved and rural areas. Dangote Petroleum Refinery described the move as a critical advancement in fuel stabilization, aligned with the Federal Government’s Naira-for-Crude exchange policy and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. “This initiative focuses on affordability and inclusive access,” the company emphasized. “Our mission is to ensure that every Nigerian community can benefit from cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.”

Diamond Platnumz Marries Zuchu: Ex-Girlfriend Zari Hasan Reacts [VIDEO]

Zari Hasan, a well-known Ugandan socialite and former partner of Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, has shared her reaction following the singer’s recent wedding. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Diamond Platnumz officially married Zuchu, a female artist signed to his music label, in a quiet ceremony on June 1, 2025. In a trending video circulating across various social media platforms, Zari Hasan addressed the wedding. She disclosed that her departure from the relationship was caused by the singer’s continuous acts of infidelity, but applauded Zuchu’s resilience in staying with him. During her interview with AyoTV, Zari stated: “Zuchu deserves the girlfriend of the year award. She’s really strong. We couldn’t cope. I hope Diamond treats her better now that she’s his wife. He really needs to change—it would be a great thing. The guy has been up to a lot of nonsense.” It is worth noting that Zari had previously ended her relationship with Diamond Platnumz over cheating allegations. Watch the video here:Diamond Platnumz’s Wedding Reaction Video – Zari Hasan

Davido Backs Out of Tottenham Hotspur Show with 50 Cent and Mary J Blige, Cites Disrespect Towards African Artists

Popular Nigerian Afrobeats icon, Davido, officially known as David Adeleke, has withdrawn from the upcoming joint concert scheduled alongside American music legends 50 Cent and Mary J Blige at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The award-winning singer took to his Instagram Story on Saturday to reveal that he will no longer be performing at the event set for July 3, 2025, in London, England. According to Davido, his decision stems from unresolved issues by the event organizers, Iconic Presents, who failed to meet key performance requirements necessary to maintain the expected standard and authenticity of his stage appearance. In his statement, he subtly highlighted the recurring issue of creative bias, making it clear that African talent deserves equal recognition and respect on global platforms. Despite stepping back from the event, the ‘Timeless’ crooner assured his UK supporters that they won’t be left behind. He disclosed plans to return to London during the summer as part of his 5Alive European Tour, promising a full show dedicated to his fans. Davido further clarified that the concert would still take place, albeit without his presence. It’s important to note that fellow Nigerian stars like Wizkid and Burna Boy have made history by selling out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium independently, highlighting the global rise and influence of African music.

Jarvis in Tears as Relationship with Peller Reaches Breaking Point

Nigerian digital content creator Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, widely known by her fans as Jarvis, was recently seen in a highly emotional state during a live-stream, where she opened up about the escalating issues in her relationship with fellow influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller. This emotional revelation occurred during a joint live session that featured well-known TikTok influencers Sandra Benede and Seun Pizzle. Jarvis, visibly distressed, voiced her concerns about Peller allegedly breaching her trust by disclosing sensitive details of their relationship during his public broadcasts. She explained that each time she confides in him about personal matters, he tends to discuss them live without restraint, often in inappropriate ways. “He has no filter when he goes live,” she lamented, revealing this as the major reason she no longer feels comfortable opening up to him. When pressed about the exact cause of their current fallout, Jarvis hinted that the issue runs much deeper than a single event. “Peller has several reasons for being upset, but instead of resolving them privately, he’s bringing it all online,” she explained, adding that the same concerns had already been addressed in private conversations. Meanwhile, in his own separate live session, Peller fired back, accusing Jarvis of being secretive and not keeping him informed about her plans. He emphasized that he is always open and honest about his own life and doesn’t hide anything from her. Expressing his frustration, Peller said: “How am I supposed to claim a woman like this? Do you know what she has done? I don’t even like Jarvis anymore. She hurt me. I’m just trying to help her find her footing again. I’m trying to forgive, but the damage is already done.” This recent outburst isn’t the first public fallout between the couple. Back in April 2025, Jarvis publicly criticized Peller and even threatened to call off their engagement following another heated dispute. Since publicly announcing their relationship in 2024, the couple has remained a major topic of public interest, particularly among social media followers. LMSINT MEDIA recalls how the relationship became a trending subject again in December 2025, when Peller’s public proposal to Jarvis went viral and sparked widespread discussion online.

Umahi Laments Delay in Enugu-Onitsha Expressway Construction Progress

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has voiced deep concern over the delays in the ongoing reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. During a site inspection over the weekend, the Minister criticized the unsatisfactory pace of progress observed on the project. While addressing the contractors on site, Umahi urged them to take full responsibility and expedite their work to ensure the timely delivery of the project, which remains critical for regional connectivity and economic development. In addition to the Enugu-Onitsha project, the Minister continued his inspection tour of infrastructure projects across the South-East and South-South regions, aiming to keep timelines on track. While in Delta State, Umahi shared his disappointment regarding the construction on the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road, particularly highlighting the CCECC’s performance. He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow advancement on the Efurun-Sapele axis, calling on the contractors to accelerate their work pace to meet the agreed deadlines. “Timely completion is vital. Every contractor must work with dedication to deliver these road projects as scheduled,” Umahi stressed. He also applauded the partnership between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government, commending the state’s proactive decision to handle compensation payments to those affected by the construction. This, he noted, was instrumental in clearing administrative bottlenecks that usually delay such large-scale public projects. “This collaboration will certainly yield great results. The Federal Ministry of Works stands by its word and will fulfill all agreements,” Umahi affirmed. Furthermore, the former Ebonyi State Governor inspected the Eke-Obinagu flyover currently under construction in Enugu State. Unlike other sites, he expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the flyover project, praising the contractors for their efficiency.