More than 50 individuals allegedly masquerading as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been apprehended at the Makurdi Ultra Modern International Market, which has temporarily been converted into a shelter for victims of the deadly June 13 attack by suspected armed herders on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. This revelation was made public over the weekend by the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, during a press briefing with journalists at the IDP camp. Kunde, who took personal charge of verifying the identities of the supposed IDPs, noted that the action was taken in response to a sudden and suspicious surge in the camp’s population. According to him, he led a discreet inspection operation at around 4:00 a.m. on Saturday and found that numerous residents from the host community had infiltrated the camp and were accessing resources meant solely for genuine IDPs. “Only 219 individuals displaced from Yelewata are officially registered in this camp, but the current population here is far beyond that,” Kunde explained. He added that investigations conducted over a two-day period revealed that individuals from nearby communities and even IDPs from the larger Mega Camp were relocating to the Makurdi camp, which he stressed was highly inappropriate. The commissioner also reported instances of criminal behavior, including theft and acts of intimidation. He narrated a specific case involving a young man who, while wearing an official IDP identification tag, allegedly led a group to steal mattresses after threatening some of the traumatized women residing in the shelter. Kunde also revealed that some women had been borrowing children from the host community in order to receive additional food rations during aid distributions. He further condemned the actions of individuals with ulterior motives who were instigating unrest and triggering protests, thereby putting the safety and mental wellbeing of authentic IDPs at risk. “We know there are elements trying to destabilize the camp. Host community residents and intruders are stirring trouble, but we’re taking decisive actions to restore peace and order,” Kunde concluded.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has strongly denounced the recent suicide bombing executed by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in Konduga Local Government Area. In an official statement released to the press by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, the governor expressed his deep concern over the latest assault targeting innocent civilians. The tragic incident, which unfolded late yesterday around 10 p.m., occurred at a night fish market in Konduga. The attack resulted in the loss of 12 lives, while 18 other individuals sustained injuries. Governor Zulum described the atrocity as a grave violation of humanity. “These savage actions carried out by the insurgents are not only cruel but represent a direct affront to our collective humanity,” he stated. He further emphasized, “This brutal and cowardly attempt to instill fear in the community will not succeed. The spirit of Borno’s people remains unbroken and will never yield to terrorism.” The governor urged citizens across Borno to stay alert and promptly report any unusual behavior or movement to security operatives, noting that collaboration between the community and law enforcement remains essential in curbing insurgency. Governor Zulum also extended heartfelt sympathies to the affected families, asserting that all compassionate citizens in the state share in their grief and loss. He concluded by assuring residents that the state government continues to work hand-in-hand with security agencies to enhance public safety and thwart further attacks.
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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, took to social media on Saturday to express deep affection and admiration for his wife, Hadiza, describing her as the person who gave his life true purpose. El-Rufai reflected that his journey gained true direction and significance when he married Hadiza nearly four decades ago. In his touching birthday tribute, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader praised Hadiza as a remarkable combination of intelligence and elegance. Sharing the heartfelt message via his official Facebook page, El-Rufai reminisced about their university days when he first met Hadiza, noting that she eventually became not just his partner but also his closest confidant. He described her as the ideal wife, a loving mother, and an exceptional grandmother. “Please join me and members of the El-Rufai Family in celebrating my best friend, university classmate, teenage sweetheart, and beloved wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, on her birthday,” he wrote. El-Rufai went on to highlight Hadiza’s intellectual prowess and achievements, calling her a brilliant woman who holds three master’s degrees — in Architecture, Business Administration, and Creative Writing. He also praised her fluency in French and success as a published novelist. “My life began to take shape and meaning when we got married almost 40 years ago,” he added. He described Hadiza as a strong-willed and well-organized woman who diligently manages both their home and family affairs with remarkable discipline. “Happy birthday, Hadiza, and may God continue to bless you eternally,” El-Rufai concluded.
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Chef Naira Victor, popularly known for his Guinness World Record attempt titled ‘Cook-a-thon’, was reportedly attacked on Saturday morning by suspected political thugs at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp situated within Makurdi International Market, Benue State. This camp is currently home to displaced residents affected by the Yelewata killings and is operated by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Chef Victor explained that he was invited by the Federal lawmaker representing the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency to cook for the displaced individuals for a full week, a humanitarian effort he had already commenced prior to the assault. According to his account, while he was busy preparing meals for the displaced families, a group of thugs reportedly stormed the site. He claimed these individuals were allegedly acting under the instruction of a serving commissioner in the Benue State Government. The assailants allegedly physically assaulted and harassed Chef Victor, demanding that he immediately stop cooking and exit the premises. Their reason? The state government had already appointed another chef to oversee the feeding of the camp’s residents. In his reaction following the incident, Chef Victor said the attack had clear political undertones, stressing that the core issue was not about his service but about the individual backing him. “I was not attacked because of the meals I was preparing,” he stated, “but because the person who sent me does not have a good relationship with the Governor.”
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The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Federal Government to go beyond mere condolences and take immediate, firm action against those responsible for the horrific mass killings in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Delivering a formal statement in Jalingo on Saturday, Bishop Hammawa decried the ongoing violence and loss of life in Benue State, emphasizing that these tragedies persist despite multiple interventions and high-level visits, including that of President Tinubu himself. “It is deeply troubling that despite repeated pleas and official visits by senior government figures, the bloodshed in Benue has not ceased. The people of Benue and the broader Middle Belt are not just numbers — they are citizens of Nigeria who deserve safety, respect, and peace,” the bishop lamented. He acknowledged President Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue but emphasized that compassion expressed through words alone is insufficient in addressing the crisis. “While we welcome the President’s sympathy, the time for verbal assurances is over. We need tangible action — a defined, robust approach that ensures justice for the victims and long-term peace for the communities involved,” Bishop Hammawa stressed. The bishop condemned the brutal attack on Yelwata and neighboring communities, where reports indicate that over 100 individuals — including women, children, and the elderly — were mercilessly killed. He reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering support for those affected. “At this dark hour, we align ourselves with our grieving brothers and sisters in Benue. We offer sincere prayers for the deceased, healing for the wounded, and comfort for the families torn apart by this violence,” he added. Calling for urgent and courageous action from Nigeria’s security agencies and leadership, Bishop Hammawa insisted that justice must prevail. “The government must not shy away from its duty. The cycle of impunity must be broken. Those behind these acts — regardless of their status or affiliations — must be identified and prosecuted,” he declared firmly. The bishop further appealed to religious figures, traditional rulers, and local leaders to set aside differences and come together in a collective push for justice and sustainable peace across the region.
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Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly denounced the recent suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State, which claimed multiple lives at a local eatery on Friday night. In a statement released on Saturday, Shettima condemned the attack, labelling it a gruesome act of terrorism targeting innocent civilians in the northeastern region. The Vice President urged security and intelligence agencies to deepen investigations into the incident, emphasizing the urgent need to support the victims and the bereaved families affected by the tragedy. Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, extended his heartfelt condolences to both the families of those killed and the broader Borno community. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to apprehending and prosecuting those behind the attack. He stressed that the government would remain steadfast in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice and held accountable. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families mourning the loss of loved ones due to this horrific and senseless act,” Shettima stated. “The government stands firmly by them during this painful period and will extend every necessary support.” He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to securing long-term peace in the Northeast and other regions of Nigeria. Shettima vowed that the Federal Government would not allow hostile forces to reverse the gains already made in counter-terrorism operations. “We will not permit our adversaries to sabotage the progress we’ve made in reducing their capabilities,” he concluded.
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven… (Hebrews 12:22-23). I remember an old song we sang back in the day, “There’s no night there, there’s no night there, hallelujah! There’s no night there! For Jesus is the Light in the heavenly city bright, hallelujah, there’s no night there!” When we sang that song years ago, we were thinking about heaven, and that’s important because the Bible says, “…every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). You’ve got to think about heaven; otherwise, everything you’re doing in the world is worthless. But we already belong in that city, which the old songwriter referred to as the “heavenly city bright”; it’s called Zion, the city of the great King. We’re citizens of that bright heavenly city. The night refers to the darkness, but we’re children of the day. Being born of God, you were born into the everlasting day; no more night in your life. Glory to God! The Bible says, “…the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). The darkness is gone. The light has come. Darkness refers to everything sinister, evil, depraved, and of Satan. But light refers to God and all that’s good and the divine provisions of Christ in His Gospel. No wonder the Bible says, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Let these thoughts fill your heart as you anticipate the Lord’s soon return. Be excited. Be expectant. And as the Scripture says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). But you know, to be truly heaven-conscious, and to be of heaven’s use and a blessing to the world, you have to preach the Gospel. Therefore, always share Christ’s love with others and tell them about this bright heavenly city into which everyone who confesses and receives Jesus as Lord is born—the city of everlasting light. PRAYERDear Father, thank you for making me a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. My heart is set on things above, and I walk daily in the light of your Word. I live with the consciousness of heaven, radiating your glory and leading many into this everlasting city of light. Thank you for the hope of your return, which keeps me focused on my divine purpose, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDYPhilippians 3:20 NIVBut our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Revelation 21:23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanActs 9:32-43 & Ezra 1-3 2-Year Bible Reading PlanLuke 2:41-52 & Deuteronomy 19 Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: The land is green for me! The wilderness is now a fertile field, and the fertile field has become a forest. New doors of opportunities are opened unto me by the Spirit of God. I’ve been granted spiritual insight and set on the right course for life. The keys of the kingdom have been given unto me; therefore, I am celebrating my riches generously. My progress is unstoppable because I cannot be limited by sickness, disease, or the negativities of the ordinary life. As Jesus is above all things, so am I. The Holy Spirit has beautified my life. He brings colour into my life. I live a wonderful, colourful, beautiful, and productive life. I am daily vitalized, refreshed, renewed, and restored by the Holy Spirit. I declare that I am reigning in life–in my health, finances, job, and every area of my life. I walk in the victory and dominion of Christ today. I manifest life, glory, and excellence in every fiber of my being, and I grow from strength to strength every day. I live above the systems of the world. I’m seated together with Christ, far above principalities, powers, and the elements of this realm. All I have and experience are glory, righteousness, life and immortality, joy, health, peace, prosperity and abundance. I live in God’s perfect will for my life and I am in sync with His plans and purposes for my health. There are no impossibilities with me; therefore, I refuse to be discouraged because greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world! I am shielded and protected from all evil. The life and nature of God in me make me invincible and superhuman. The Word of God grows mightily in me, it prevails in me and produces health in my body. I refuse to be a victim. I continually live above sickness, disease, and infirmity. As the Lord Jesus is, so am I in this world; vibrant, alive, and far above the elements of this world. My words release power to build and program me for success, victory, and divine health. As the power of God dwells in me richly through study and meditation, I daily chart my course, releasing the power of God into action. Through the power of the Word and by the working of the Spirit, I walk in God’s perfect will for my life. There are no accidents or mishaps in my path in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Speak in tongues.
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I didn’t arrive at Makurdi International Market Camp as a journalist hunting a headline or as a lecturer with a title. I wasn’t there as an observer or even a witness. I went because I could no longer ignore the pain. I went as a native, a neighbor. My home sits just beside the camp. Each morning on my way to school, I pass through one of the IDP camps at North Bank. The people now see me as family, not a visitor. Some of the mothers even visit my home every Saturday. We sit together, we speak, we share tears. What began as a small act of concern has now become an unbreakable bond born from shared struggle and humanity. What amazes me is how these women wear their pain like a garment of dignity. Despite their suffering, they exude resilience that forces you to reflect on your own complaints. Their laughter and courage are profound reminders of strength. They are no longer just numbers in a tragedy. They are my people. In the rubble of what was, we’ve created something unforgettable. A sisterhood forged in survival, which will endure even after they return to their rightful homes. Hope lingers thinly in the camp air, fainter than the smoke from the cooking shacks. Children follow quietly, not to beg, but curious to see someone not handing out rations or preaching hope. The first woman I met couldn’t even say her name. “I’ve lost too many people,” she said, “I don’t know who I am anymore.” Her eyes were red from staring endlessly at the ground. “I lost four that night,” she whispered. “We had just returned from the farm, hadn’t even made luam yet.” Dooshima, a 15-year-old girl, held a crying baby—her little sister. “She won’t stop crying,” she said. Their mother was killed in the attack. “She told us to run and left the baby with me. I looked back for her, but never saw her again.” They later found her near a burned barn. Terver, an eight-year-old boy, told me he comes from “running,” not from a place. Both his parents were burnt in the Yelewata attack. “I couldn’t tell which was my mom or dad,” he said, like describing the weather. A woman gave birth to twins inside a pit latrine shack because the camp’s clinic was overcrowded. “I didn’t scream,” she said. “I bit my hand so they wouldn’t hear me.” The twins survived—but for how long? This wasn’t just an attack. It was designed to terrorize completely. Around 10pm, armed men corralled families inside their homes and set them ablaze. In one house, 45 people died; in another, 28. A mother and her five children were burned with her elderly mother. At the hospital, I met a man holding his six-month-old—rescued alive from rubble three days after the massacre. His wife and other four kids were found in pieces. “Only this one lived,” he said. “Maybe God still remembers me.” Every family in Yelewata lost someone. Some compounds had no survivors at all. Bodies are still being discovered—some headless, some limbless, some reduced to bones and ash. These aren’t displaced citizens; they are people being wiped away. Names of Victims Released The following names are not just records—they are human stories, extinguished while the world remains quiet: Fanen Chii. Doom Chii. Terzungwe Chii. Edeember Uke. Aondodoo Uke. Adohi Dooga. Mbanyiar Dooga. Ikyoche Dooga. Awanboi Dooga. Regina Dooga. Adoo Dooga. Aondofa Dooga. Mathew Iormba. Apam Iormba. Philomena Iormba. Akama Iormba. Ngodoo Iormba. Kumawues Iormba. Nensha Iormba. Victoria Tsegba. Ngodoo Tsegba. Mimidoo Tsegba. Dorathy Tsegba. Msendoo Tsegba. Iorgyer Kyule. Ute Dooga. Shaadye Koornam. Sewuese Iorember. Dooshima Aondoana. Agbogo Aondoana. Erdoo Aondoana. Orsoja Ikpakyaa. Injinia Ikpakyaa. Chia Orshio. Uyina Orshio. Katie Orshio. Myuega Orshio. Usha Orshio. Philomena Orshio. Alia Orshio. Lydia Ajah. Terdoo Ajah. Iwuese Ajah. Orbuter Anya. Terzungwe Akpen. Aondohemba Akpen. Ushana Akpen. Shater Akpen. Mercy Akpen. Isaac Akpen. Doowuese Ugbah. Ngodoo Ugba. Manta Simon. Manta Laadi. Manta Iwuese. Doose Asoo. Aondosoo Asoo. Terlumun Fidelis. Yakov Shagwa. Margaret Shagwa. Erdoo Shagwa. Dooauur Shagwa. Sewuese Shagwa. Logo Ukô. Eunice Tyokuwa. Jude Aza. Kwaghhar Ordue. Doosuur Ordue. Terngu Nongotse. Msugh Nongotse. Dooshima Nongotse. Orlogbo Lamaaondo. Laadi Lamaaondo. Awan Shiôr. Aondohemba Ucha. Bonashe Uzer. Amaki Dende. Angbiandoo Dende. Festus Amaki. Mbaufe Ubi. Matthew Uto. Doopinen Uto. Kumater Uto. Terhile Uto. Versuwe Zerkohol. Mbakeren Aondovihi. Monday Aondovihi. Erdoo Aondovihi. Joe Aondovihi. Mwarga Aondovihi. Felicia Gwabo. Mary Gwabo. Terhemba Gwabo. Jirgema Gwabo. Mercy Dende. Lubem Dende. Uwundu Iorhemen. Gabriel Fide. Aondoana Fide. Ukese Fide. Averter Fide. Mwaraorga Fide. Terkimbir Solomon. Amina Kongo. Terkula Kongo. Aboi Asoo. Shater Amaki. Lumunga Gbem. Doose Ayom. Mama Mfanyi. Samson Uke. Aboi Korna. Aondoawase Lamaaondo. Ormbagba Utim. Mermber Lamaaondo. Doose Ordue. Torsaar Adam. Doose Adam. Nguyilan Adam. Terver Ucha. Agon Ucha. Aondohemba Ucha. Atuur Asom. Uvershigh Asom. Nongo Ulam. Aondoaver Ulam. Ayangealumun Azahan. Nguzugwen Torgeri. Washima Nyiyongu. Tarnum Zerhemba. More names are yet to come from villages like Tse-Ikyoon, Tse-Viambe, Tse-Hwar, Tse-Iortyer, Tse-Aguun, Mbagbanger, Tse-Ikyegh, Tse-Chule—places where nothing remains. Tinubu’s Visit: As Benue IDPs Climb to 900,000 Benue State now shelters nearly 900,000 displaced individuals. Children grow up with no proper food, education, or healthcare. The federal response? Delayed. Passive. Empty. Only after another 200 people were slaughtered in Yelewata did the President visit. Even then, he delivered empty words: committee suggestions, ranching discussions, blood donation appeals. But by then, the blood had already dried into the soil. He called for peace and asked why no arrests were made. He offered poetic statements like “we will turn this tragedy into prosperity.” But Mr. President, have you stood beside a grieving mother who buried five children in one grave? Have you seen a man cradle his only surviving infant, burned but alive? Sir, we needed your presence, not poetry. Action, not analysis. What Benue Expected from the President We expected the President to name the violence for what it is: terrorism, genocide, ethnic cleansing. We needed to hear: “This is war against Nigerian farmers, and I
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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has attributed the rise in insecurity within the state to criminal elements escaping military offensives in Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest regions. Governor Ododo made this known in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He highlighted that Kogi’s geographical location—bordering as many as ten states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—makes it susceptible to infiltration by fleeing criminals. “Kogi State is not a safe zone or sanctuary for criminal activities. We are tackling them head-on. We don’t make unnecessary noise—they know this,” he said. “They come in large numbers, but they leave defeated. They arrive with functioning phones, but once they enter Kogi, those numbers vanish. We are actively confronting them,” Ododo asserted. Governor Ododo noted that ongoing military operations in other regions have forced some armed groups to seek refuge in Kogi’s forests. According to him, the sudden influx of such elements into the state is a direct result of intensified security campaigns in the Northeast and Northwest zones. He emphasized that only those with criminal intentions would choose to reside and hide in forest areas, implying that such movements are deliberate attempts to escape justice. In addition, the governor addressed the economic underdevelopment of Kogi’s mineral and agricultural sectors as a contributing factor to insecurity. “Kogi State holds over 32 mineral resources in significant commercial quantities, yet they have never benefited the state. Our fertile land can grow any crop, but it’s still underutilized,” Ododo lamented. He urged all Nigerians to partner with the government in addressing the country’s broader security concerns and fostering sustainable development.
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Magaji Mike Alidu, a leading voice among Benue youths and President of Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide, has condemned the escalating killings and the suffering of displaced persons in Benue State. In an exclusive conversation with LMSINT MEDIA, he shared grim insights into the mass murder of over 200 civilians by suspected herders, the government’s neglect of displaced persons, and his thoughts on leadership responses to the ongoing crisis. What do you believe is driving the surge in killings across Benue? From our understanding, the repeated attacks in various communities across Benue State appear to be a well-orchestrated land occupation plot. This could be described as ethnic cleansing or an intentional effort to seize land. These aggressors aim to instill fear by perpetrating mass violence and pushing indigenous people out of their communities. Fulani herders believe Benue offers ideal grazing land for their cattle due to its fertility and resources, making it a target for forceful takeover. Nigeria’s Army Chief visited Benue recently. Has this made any difference? There was no meaningful outcome from the Chief of Army Staff’s visit. He arrived and left within a day. Instead of bringing relief, his presence seemed to embolden the attackers. Following his visit, there was a surge in violence, especially in Yelewata, Guma LGA, where over 200 lives were lost. This turned out to be one of the deadliest massacres in Benue’s recent history, with women, children, and the elderly brutally murdered. His visit had a negative effect and didn’t result in any improved security response. President Tinubu visited Benue recently. Has that led to any changes? Yes, the president’s visit has had some visible effects. His presence prompted inquiries into why no arrests had been made. Subsequently, arrests linked to the Benue killings were confirmed in Nasarawa State, with official statements by the state’s governor and police commissioner. So far, this suggests President Tinubu’s intervention may be leading to positive steps toward justice. Governor Alia claims the attackers are foreign mercenaries, not local herders. Do you agree? That’s misleading. The truth is that Fulani herdsmen terrorists are behind these coordinated attacks. These aren’t just isolated criminals—they are armed militant groups working collectively with Fulani elements from across West Africa. These groups are responsible for murder, rape, arson, and kidnapping. Referring to them vaguely as “foreigners” downplays the reality. These are Fulani militant herders, and they have a clear agenda. Traditional rulers recently gave herders an ultimatum to vacate Benue. Could this have triggered the latest attacks? No, the recent bloodshed was not directly caused by the royal ultimatum. These attacks occurred before, during, and after the statements made by the Tor-Tiv and Och’Idoma. What’s worsening the situation is the weak enforcement of the anti-open grazing law. Had the law been properly upheld, many of these attacks could have been averted. Now that Benue people, including traditional leaders and youth, are speaking with one voice demanding the herders to leave, the resistance has intensified—particularly because this is farming season and locals are eager to return to their farmlands. What is the situation like for those displaced by these attacks? Has the government intervened? Frankly, both federal and state support are lacking. Displaced persons, especially from the Benue South Senatorial District, which includes Idoma-speaking communities, are receiving minimal assistance. In Agatu, my own community, there is no IDP camp, despite repeated attacks. Houses remain destroyed, people suffer from untreated trauma, and there’s no psychological or infrastructural rehabilitation. Survivors are left to fend for themselves in hardship. Even when SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency) distributed food and relief materials to camps in Makurdi, Guma, and other parts of Benue, nothing was sent to Agatu, Apa, or Otukpo. I am deeply involved and can confirm this firsthand. The relief support appears to be politically motivated, and unfortunately, the distribution is unfair and unequal. Conclusion The ongoing violence in Benue is not just a humanitarian crisis—it is an existential threat. The lack of effective state and federal intervention continues to deepen the wounds of affected communities. From poorly enforced laws to lopsided relief efforts, the path to healing remains uncertain for thousands of displaced families, especially in areas like Agatu, that are repeatedly neglected.
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State. However, it emphasized that the gesture must translate into meaningful and urgent action to address the ongoing violence. In a statement released on Friday in Jalingo, the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Williams Awoshiri, decried the persistent bloodshed affecting innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. He described the continuous loss of lives as a grave moral failure and a reflection of the government’s inability to fulfill its fundamental duty of protecting its citizens. The statement underscored that the president’s visit should not merely be symbolic but should lead to substantial outcomes. “This cannot remain a public show of sympathy,” the statement stressed. “What Nigerians need right now is deliberate, determined, and consistent measures to end the reign of terror.” CAN implored President Tinubu, military leadership, and relevant government agencies to move swiftly with strategic interventions to halt the killings. “These criminals causing chaos in our communities are not beyond the strength, intelligence, and capability of the Nigerian government,” the group stated. CAN warned that inaction or mere verbal condemnations would no longer be tolerated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Silence and delays are unacceptable. The cries of the innocent are rising, and history will remember how each of us responded in this critical moment,” CAN asserted. The organization extended heartfelt support to the people and government of Benue State, offering prayers for the affected families and those nursing injuries. “We pray for divine strength for those who have lost loved ones and for quick healing for the injured. Enough is enough,” said Rev. Awoshiri.
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As reconstruction works on various roads in Ijebu-Ode and nearby communities intensify, residents have expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for its ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and other basic social amenities in the area. According to several residents who spoke with journalists, the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode had long suffered from poor infrastructure, especially in the area of motorable roads. However, many now agree that the current administration has changed that narrative significantly. One of the residents, Mr. Oduwole Lawrence, who resides along Tam-Balogun Road—one of the routes under rehabilitation—recalled the severe challenges they previously faced, particularly during rainy seasons. He noted that the new construction would help restore normal life to residents in the neighborhood. “This government is truly making a difference. I’m impressed by how they’re addressing road issues, which are crucial for community development,” he said. “In just about one or two years, the road conditions in Ijebu-Ode have improved dramatically compared to what they used to be.” Echoing this sentiment, Miss Dayo Oluwaremilekun, another resident, appreciated the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for alleviating the flooding issues that had plagued their neighborhood during rains. “To be honest, this road construction has brought great relief to us. In the past, it was nearly impossible to move around during the rainy season. But now, thankfully, we can walk around freely without fear. We’re very grateful to the state government,” she stated. On the reconstruction of the 12.5-kilometer Obalende-Abeokuta road, Alhaji Kehinde Moshood Sanni expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun, saying the road had been in terrible condition for years. He urged the administration to keep up its commendable efforts. Similarly, Mr. Ojoye Ademolu, another local resident along the same route, shared his excitement, noting that once completed, the road would significantly uplift the standard of living in the area. “We are genuinely happy. Before now, we endured so much hardship because of the poor road condition. With this development, we hope the contractor can speed up the job so we can fully enjoy the benefits,” he remarked. Commenting on the project’s progress, Michael Umeh, the site engineer representing Fort Hermon—the construction firm handling the job—confirmed that serious work has been done on the 0.85-kilometer Tam-Balogun Road, 1.1-kilometer Osinubi Road, and the 12.5-kilometer Obalende-Abeokuta Road. He revealed that site clearing, excavation, stone base layering, and drainage construction have already been completed, with asphalting as the next phase. He also cited the rainy season as a significant challenge slowing down the pace of work.
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The Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) has made a compelling demand for the establishment of a national centralized database aimed at tracking and prosecuting sexual violence offenders, particularly in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria. Speaking at a special gathering in Jos, Plateau State, held to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts, CWEENS’ National Coordinator, Professor Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam, underscored that sexual violence in conflict zones has escalated into a national humanitarian emergency needing immediate intervention. According to Prof. Para-Mallam, sexual violence is now being used systematically as a weapon of war, targeting internally displaced women, young girls, and persons living with disabilities. “This crisis has surpassed rape and now includes emotional, physical, and economic abuse, all of which are compounded by entrenched patriarchy and increasing levels of insecurity in Nigeria,” she noted. Prof. Para-Mallam, a long-standing gender rights advocate, emphasized that survivors of sexual abuse often endure deep psychological trauma, including depression, social rejection, and even suicidal ideation. She noted the devastating ripple effects, stating that some women face double jeopardy — first being assaulted, then abandoned by their families, or divorced by their husbands after being raped during captivity. This leaves survivors traumatized and without the needed emotional or social support. Citing current research statistics, she revealed that 95% of victims are female, with disabled women being particularly vulnerable. Alarmingly, 82.3% of sexual predators are people familiar to the victims, including family members, teachers, and neighbors, indicating that abuse often occurs in supposedly safe environments like homes and schools. To address this growing crisis, CWEENS proposed several urgent solutions:
