The Benue State Police Command has claimed that the group of protesting youths in Makurdi on Sunday allegedly tried to confront the Deputy Governor of the state, Barrister John Ode, during a tense demonstration that followed a deadly massacre. LMSINT MEDIA confirmed that hundreds of concerned young residents flooded the streets of Makurdi to protest the unending wave of killings attributed to armed Fulani herders, which have ravaged many communities across Benue State. The protest was sparked by the horrifying massacre in Yelewata, a community in the Guma Local Government Area, where approximately 250 people reportedly lost their lives in an overnight attack. During the demonstration at Wurukum Roundabout, police officers deployed tear gas in an attempt to disperse the enraged crowd. Scenes from the protest showed a heavy security presence using crowd control tactics to manage the situation. Providing more insight into the events, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, explained that the Deputy Governor had approached the gathering with the intention of speaking to the youth. However, the crowd reportedly rejected any attempt at dialogue. In a press release issued on Monday, the PPRO stated that the demonstration was “taken over by hostile elements who allegedly attempted to physically confront the Deputy Governor.” He further clarified that officers acted promptly, employing non-lethal crowd dispersal techniques—such as water cannons and smoke—to secure the area and ensure the Deputy Governor was escorted away without harm. The police confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded during the intervention.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals linked to a protest that occurred on Sunday in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State. Authorities explained that the demonstration, which initially started at the Wurukum Roundabout, was aimed at raising concerns over the increasing rate of insecurity across the state. However, the protest was reportedly taken over by miscreants who attempted to cause unrest and disrupt public order. According to the Benue State Police Command, tensions escalated when the protesters refused to listen to an appeal from the Deputy Governor, Barr. John Ode, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, who had arrived at the location to address the crowd and plead for calm. A press release from DSP Udeme Edet, the spokesperson of the Command, revealed that officers were compelled to use non-lethal methods to manage the chaos. These included water cannons and smoke dispersal units, which helped neutralize the aggressive faction of the protest while ensuring the safe evacuation of the Deputy Governor. “No injuries or fatalities were reported throughout the police intervention,” the official statement confirmed. Later the same day, a separate act of violence was reported at Apir, a community on the outskirts of Makurdi. Alleged supporters of the earlier protest reportedly blocked a major road, intercepted a truck, and set it ablaze while the driver was still inside. The identity of the truck driver has not been established at the time of this report. Police confirmed that a total of 14 individuals were apprehended in relation to these violent episodes and will be formally charged. Investigations are still ongoing to identify additional perpetrators involved in the arson and disruption. The statement concluded with a firm position from the police: “The Benue State Police Command acknowledges the right to peaceful protest but will not condone any act of violence, property damage, or threat to public safety.”
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A horrifying assault took place on Sunday night in Tse Yange, a Tiv-majority village located in the Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where suspected armed herders carried out a violent raid. According to verified local reports, the community leader was fatally attacked, and multiple residents were taken hostage during the overnight siege. LMSINT MEDIA learned that the assailants invaded the agrarian settlement on motorcycles, launching a surprise ambush under the cover of darkness, causing panic and widespread destruction. Eyewitness accounts disclosed that the incident stretched into the early hours of Monday morning, with several residents sustaining injuries and a number of homes left abandoned as survivors fled. As at the time of compiling this report, the exact figures of the abducted individuals and the injured remain undetermined.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kano State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has declared a decisive crackdown on street violence and criminal gangs, locally known as Daba, as part of intensified efforts to uphold law and order across the state. This firm resolution followed a high-powered security meeting convened on Friday, June 14, 2025. The strategic gathering featured top police brass including Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and both Tactical and Operational Command leaders from various regions of Kano. The latest directive was revealed through an official statement by DSP Abdullahi Hussaini, who issued the communiqué on behalf of the Police Commissioner on Sunday. During the session, CP Bakori made it clear that criminal behavior, particularly thuggery, would no longer be tolerated under any circumstances. He instructed all security units to escalate operations aimed at neutralizing this threat swiftly and effectively. “We will not permit thuggery to thrive in any community in Kano,” he asserted. “Every commander must step up operations to ensure all unlawful acts are cut off from the root.” He reassured the residents of Kano State of their safety and peace of mind, stating, “Kano citizens deserve a peaceful environment where they can sleep soundly without fear.” To actualize this vision, the command has adopted a strategic three-point action plan to combat and eradicate criminal activity. The action plan comprises the following: As operations are stepped up across the state, CP Bakori also appealed to the general public to play their part in strengthening security. He encouraged residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious movements or activities promptly. “We count on community support to win this fight. Report unusual behaviors immediately to the police nearest to you,” the official statement For swift assistance, the Police Command provided the following emergency contacts: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.
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Ado Aleru, a notorious figure linked with banditry in Northern Nigeria, has warned that violent actions carried out by his faction will continue unless the government and society stop labeling them as terrorists. The statement was brought to public attention by Zagazola Makama, a prominent counter-insurgency analyst, who detailed Aleru’s remarks during a recent peace negotiation held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Representing his armed group, Aleru emphasized that the ongoing violence stems from years of neglect, discrimination, and socio-political injustice endured by pastoralist populations across the region. “As long as we are still being referred to as terrorists, don’t expect us to act differently,” Aleru stated during the session. He further explained that such stigmatizing language has become a barrier to any genuine dialogue or reconciliation process aimed at restoring peace. According to him, many of the youths drawn into violent banditry did not set out to be criminals, but were forced into it due to unfavorable economic and societal conditions. “Our elders are not pleased with our actions, and honestly, most of us don’t desire this path either. We long for a time when herders and farmers coexisted respectfully, and the security agencies treated everyone fairly,” he added. The dialogue in Danmusa is part of a broader peace-building initiative led by local government leaders and national security forces to find lasting solutions to the prolonged violence plaguing Nigeria’s North-West region.
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Following prolonged rainfall on Saturday, June 14, another wave of severe flooding has affected Kpautagi in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, resulting in widespread displacement within the community. According to local residents, the torrential rain began late Friday night and persisted into the early hours of Saturday, triggering flash floods that forced multiple households to evacuate immediately. Currently, the total number of lives lost and the full scale of the destruction remain unconfirmed. Attempts to obtain a formal reaction from the Niger State Government were unsuccessful as of the time this report was compiled. This most recent flood disaster closely follows a similar tragedy that struck the Mokwa region just days ago, where reports indicated that over 200 individuals lost their lives, and thousands were rendered homeless. Eyewitness accounts from that incident painted a grim picture, describing bodies being recovered across various sections of the town, while many families are still searching for their missing relatives. With the recurring nature of these tragic events, community members are now pleading for immediate government action to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of lives and properties across flood-prone areas.
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Stakeholders, activists, and environmental experts in the Niger Delta have made a strong call for the investigation of all past and current Joint Task Force (JTF) commanders and operatives, from the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo up to the current administration, over alleged complicity in crude oil theft within the region. The JTF is a coalition of Nigeria’s security agencies including the military, police, and DSS, tasked with addressing issues such as militancy and oil-related crimes in the oil-rich Niger Delta. However, insiders assert that despite its mission, oil theft continues unabated because senior security personnel are reportedly safeguarding major oil criminals while only arresting petty offenders. Stakeholders who spoke to Saturday Vanguard claimed that these high-level criminals operate using large containers and ships, smuggling crude directly from export terminals, while the low-level “bunkerers” use jerrycans in the creeks. They further alleged that corrupt security personnel leak operational information to these syndicates. Bunkerers Now Use Women, Children to Evade Arrest Security reports have revealed an alarming strategy adopted by bunkerers — using women and children as human shields in their illegal refining camps. This tactic is employed to discourage security operatives from engaging due to fear of harming innocent lives. An anonymous source disclosed that this approach has become a standard practice. The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, confirmed receiving such a report during a meeting with traditional leaders and local government officials. Governor Diri expressed concern, noting that soldiers often withdraw when they encounter children and women during raids. He urged community leaders to report these incidents to help combat the escalating menace. Advocate Demands Holistic Probe of JTF Roles Saviour Akpan, Executive Director of the COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peace Building, highlighted that the fight against oil theft lacks effectiveness. He emphasized the need for a covert and impartial investigation of every JTF commander since Obasanjo’s administration. Akpan referenced public allegations made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, both of whom openly accused law enforcement officers of colluding with oil criminals. According to Akpan, unless these accusations are properly addressed, oil theft will persist indefinitely. Conspiracy Between Security Agencies and Oil Cartels — NDPC Zik Gbemre, Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC), lamented that small-time oil thieves are often prosecuted while the masterminds remain untouched. He noted that large vessels involved in oil theft are rarely traced back to their financiers, and those arrested are usually foot soldiers who get lenient sentences or fines, allowing the real perpetrators to escape justice. He further exposed how local diesel producers — often called “kpofire” operators — flood the market with unregulated diesel, undercutting prices and attracting patronage from legitimate marketers. Gbemre alleged that even billion-naira security surveillance contracts have failed to stop this fraud because too many parties benefit from it — including compromised oil company workers, security forces, and surveillance firms. Gbemre accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of lacking the political will to hold military officers accountable, noting that many personnel even lobby to be posted to the South-South region due to the lucrative nature of illegal oil deals. Small-time Criminals Punished, Big Players Shielded In Akwa Ibom, enforcement against artisanal refineries has led to some arrests. Yet, the trend shows that the more authorities clamp down, the more emboldened the perpetrators become. For instance, on February 23, 2024, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Forward Operating Base Ibaka intercepted eight suspected oil thieves aboard the MV Jasmine. The vessel reportedly carried 30,000 liters of suspected crude in Geepee tanks. The suspects lacked the necessary permits and were handed to the EFCC. Likewise, on April 3, 2024, the commanding officer of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubakar Umar, paraded nine suspects caught at a remote offshore wellhead. Convictions are rare; however, on January 13, 2025, the Federal High Court in Calabar sentenced MT New Angel and Edi Eurolink Distribution to fines of ₦10 million for unauthorized petroleum trading. Leaked Intelligence and Intimidation Undermine Anti-Theft Efforts Environmental activist Morris Alagoa, Deputy Director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), pointed out that security operatives often leak information to oil criminals. He recounted how a traditional ruler’s attempt to report criminal activity was compromised, leading to threats on his life. Alagoa referenced the role of Tompolo, the head of Tantita Security Services, who has been working to prevent illegal refining. However, he stated that military personnel who initially act upright often get corrupted over time. Until security agencies are held to account and transparency becomes a standard in enforcement, Alagoa warned, the cycle of oil theft will continue unabated. Exposing Military Complicity at Oil Terminals Continuing his remarks, Alagoa recalled an eye-opening revelation from the 2013/2014 Bayelsa Security Summit on Illegal Bunkering and the Nigerian Economy. During the event, where he and Alabo Nengi James served as panelists, a high-ranking naval officer disclosed that senior officials in the military, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and oil companies were complicit in under-reporting crude volumes at export terminals. Despite the presence of Joint Task Force (JTF) commanders and top military personnel at the summit, the naval officer openly criticized their roles, drawing attention to systemic corruption in the oil sector’s oversight and operations. “Spoons in the Creeks, Drums at the Terminals” Using a vivid metaphor, the officer compared the scale of theft: local bunkerers in the creeks were likened to “stealing with spoons,” while massive operations at export terminals equated to “stealing with drums.” This stark contrast illustrated how small-scale local theft pales in comparison to the industrial-level fraud at official terminals. Until Nigeria adopts a comprehensive strategy to confront oil theft holistically—both at the grassroots and institutional levels—the crisis will continue unchecked. Alagoa stressed that issues like fuel scarcity also contribute to the persistence of bunkering. He noted that kerosene, a vital resource for low-income Nigerians, remains largely inaccessible, and even urban dwellers struggle to refill cooking gas. According to economists, supply-demand imbalances fuel the illegal trade. In the Niger Delta, this harsh reality often
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A significant fire outbreak was successfully averted in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, thanks to the prompt intervention of the Kwara State Fire Service on Thursday night. The fire incident was reported at Alfa Olorunkemi compound, situated behind the Kwara State House of Assembly, within the Asa Dam area. A critical transmission line carrying 33kVA current collapsed and came in contact with a plastic overhead water tank, triggering a fire within a compound housing three units of 3-bedroom apartments. According to Hassan Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, the emergency occurred around 9:12 PM. In a statement released on Friday in Ilorin, he explained that the fire crew quickly responded to the scene. “Upon arrival, the team found the fire had originated from a residential building consisting of multiple three-bedroom apartments. The cause was identified as a fallen 33kVA transmission line that landed on a plastic water tank, leading to a sudden fire outbreak,” he stated. The firefighting team commenced operations immediately, attempting to control the blaze and minimize property damage. However, their efforts were initially hampered by the active electrical supply from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), which posed a serious hazard. Recognizing the danger, Hassan Adekunle promptly contacted the IBEDC control room, requesting a shutdown of the affected power feeder. Once power was disconnected, the firefighters managed to fully extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading to other areas of the compound. The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, praised the quick and coordinated response by the firefighting crew. He emphasized the importance of safety awareness, advising residents and builders to avoid constructing buildings too close to high-voltage power lines, due to the risk it poses to both lives and infrastructure.
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Violence broke out once again in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, Nigeria, as rival cult groups clashed, resulting in the death of three people, serious injuries to others, and widespread property destruction. What Sparked the Cult Clash in Makurdi? According to local sources, the chain of violence began during the wake-keep of a retired military officer, Odoba Edoh, in Wadata. During the event, suspected cultists opened fire, killing three individuals believed to be affiliated with a rival group. One additional person was critically injured and is currently receiving medical treatment at a Makurdi hospital. This shocking incident triggered a wave of reprisal attacks across the area. Tuesday Night Attack in Iniongun: Innocent Residents Affected At approximately 9:00 PM on Tuesday, a heavily armed cult faction stormed the Iniongun area, targeting properties believed to harbor members of a rival cult group. The assailants set fire to several buildings in what eyewitnesses described as a coordinated and premeditated attack. Unfortunately, many of the homes set ablaze belonged to innocent landlords and tenants. These individuals were reportedly unaware that their properties were being rented out to suspected cult members, making them unintended victims of the ongoing turf war. “They just attacked homes blindly. The real targets were not even in those houses,” a resident told local reporters. Wadata Rice Mill Incident: More Violence Unfolds The aftermath of the wake-keep shooting led to further bloodshed. On Tuesday morning, two men believed to be associated with the cult group responsible for the wake-keep violence were attacked with machetes near the Rice Mill area of Wadata. While both men sustained life-threatening injuries, they managed to escape the scene alive. Community Reactions: Fear and Insecurity Grow There is a growing sense of fear in both Wadata and Iniongun. Local residents are calling on security agencies to step up efforts to curb the rising tide of cult-related violence and ensure the safety of innocent civilians. Internal Security Concerns Authorities have yet to release an official statement. However, this is not the first time cult clashes have rocked Makurdi. The recurring nature of these violent confrontations raises serious questions about the effectiveness of local policing and intelligence operations. Call to Action Makurdi residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security agencies. If you live in a high-risk area, consider reading our guide on Community Policing Strategies for Safer Nigerian Cities to stay informed and safe.
