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.”
In a decisive move to maintain order and security, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has imposed a ban on all unauthorized visits to the state, including to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. This announcement was made through an official statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, emphasizing that no political groups or high-profile individuals are currently welcome without prior government approval. Why the Ban Was Issued The governor is currently involved in high-level discussions with stakeholders to address pressing issues facing Benue State, especially regarding the welfare and security of displaced persons. This directive aims to prevent politically motivated gatherings that may compromise peace and order. “No unauthorized visits will be tolerated at this time, especially if they could escalate into political assemblies,” the statement read. Security Concerns Highlighted Governor Alia stressed that any unapproved visit could present a security risk, as the government would not be able to guarantee the safety of visitors acting outside official protocols. For this reason, visits to any part of Benue, especially IDP camps, must now be authorized through a formal request to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA). “Anyone considering such a visit must obtain written permission from BSEMA to ensure both the safety of the visitors and the integrity of the camp environments,” the release added. Call to Action for Security Agencies and the Public The government has urged security agencies and residents to be vigilant and assist in maintaining law and order. Unauthorized political gatherings or visits that have not been sanctioned by the state could face legal consequences. Conclusion Governor Hyacinth Alia’s decision to restrict access to IDP camps and political gatherings is a proactive step toward ensuring safety and order in Benue State. With tensions running high and political interests increasing, the state’s security framework must prioritize stability, especially for vulnerable displaced communities. If you’re planning a visit to any location within Benue or its IDP camps, be sure to obtain written clearance from BSEMA. This will help support the government’s effort to safeguard lives and maintain peace across the region. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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A tragic accident involving a pilot vehicle in Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia’s convoy claimed one life and injured another. Dusty roads in Vandeikya LGA are said to be the cause. A tragic road accident involving a pilot vehicle from Governor Hyacinth Alia’s convoy in Benue State has claimed one life and left another person injured. The incident occurred in the ancient town of Ihugh, located in Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA). According to reports, the Governor, a native of Vandeikya LGA, was traveling home for Christmas celebrations. The accident happened as his convoy was en route to an event in his hometown. One of the vehicles in the convoy reportedly veered off the road due to poor visibility caused by excessive dust, colliding with a motorcycle. An eyewitness explained that the dusty condition of the road, worsened by multiple vehicles traveling simultaneously, likely caused the driver to lose control. “The driver hit a motorbike rider, leading to the death of one passenger and injuries to another,” the source stated. Chief Solomon Iorpev, the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, confirmed that the ill-fated vehicle was part of the Governor’s fleet but clarified that it was not traveling with the main convoy at the time of the crash. He attributed the accident to poor visibility caused by dust and an attempt to avoid an oncoming vehicle. “The vehicle was alone on an assignment when it was involved in the accident. The dusty road, coupled with an oncoming vehicle, caused the driver to swerve and hit the motorcycle,” Chief Iorpev explained. Meanwhile, Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, stated that the Command had not yet received an official report on the incident. This unfortunate accident underscores the dangers posed by Nigeria’s dusty, unpaved roads and the need for improved road infrastructure to prevent such tragedies. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Benue State Police Command has apprehended a native doctor, Veror Orduen, and a driver, Aondoaver Viaga, in connection with the alleged theft of a company truck. According to Commissioner of Police (CP) Steve Yabnet, the arrest followed a report received on December 11 regarding a missing truck belonging to CHEC Construction Company, located at Taraku Camp. The driver, who was assigned to transport stones from Ohimini to Mase in Gwer-East Local Government Area for road construction, failed to deliver the truck to its destination and instead diverted it to an unknown location. “Following investigations, the driver, Aondoaver Viaga, and the native doctor, Veror Orduen, were found in possession of the stolen truck at Ikyurav in Kwande Local Government Area,” Yabnet revealed. “The suspect could not provide a reasonable explanation for taking the truck to the native doctor’s residence for four days, nor why he switched off his phone during that period.” The Commissioner warned criminals to stay away from Benue State, reiterating his commitment to maintaining security during the festive season and beyond. CHEC Construction Company is responsible for the ongoing dualisation of the Makurdi-Enugu-9th Mile Road, LMSINT MEDIA reports. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
