Spokesman for the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Muhammad Umar, in a statement disclosed that the operation led to the arrest of Fidelis Gayama, a” high-value” suspect who security agencies had long sought.

Umar said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network that has terrorised travellers and communities along the Kente -Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and Taraba States.

Further validation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state

“The suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for comprehensive investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws,” according to the statement.

Read Also: Notorious bandit leader, Na’ballo, eight others killed

The Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating within the area.

He reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The Commander further called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing security efforts.

Source Channels

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This piece of information was disclosed in a memo signed by the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, and made available to journalists in Makurdi. The memo stated that the decision followed the rising level of political activities and ambitions within the state.

“In light of the recent increase in political activities within the state, and having observed with keen interest the diverse aspirations for leadership roles aimed at promoting good governance and advancing the laudable achievements of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia’s administration.

“Political appointees interested in contesting for elective positions are kindly requested to indicate their interest and submit a formal resignation letter accordingly,” the memo read in part.

Read Also: Aiyedatiwa Urges APC Unity for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid

The memo also urged the concerned persons to forward all letters or expressions of interest for the office of their choice to the office of the Deputy Governor of Benue, not later than Thursday, December 18, 2025, for further consideration and processing.”

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In their address, the leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area, which was once known as a major food-producing hub for the state. They said the persistent violence had left Tombo in a state of despair.

“Since the start of this year, more than 50 people have been killed, and many others injured. Countless properties have been destroyed, and what was once a thriving agricultural community is now in ruins,” they said. “We call on the government and security agencies to intervene urgently and bring an end to these attacks and senseless killings.”

Read Also: Five Children Dies In Benue Boat Accident

Despite the ongoing hardships, the leaders thanked Senator Udende for his previous efforts to provide relief materials to the community following earlier attacks. They expressed hope that he would continue to advocate for more support to help the community recover.

Senator Udende expressed solidarity with the grieving families and reaffirmed his commitment to improving security in the region. He shared that he had recently met with the Minister of Budget and National Planning to discuss the completion of the Police Barracks at Ayilamo, a project he believes will enhance the security presence in the area.

“Once the police barracks is completed, it will significantly strengthen security and help curb these senseless killings,” Udende said. “I urge you all to remain patient as we work together to restore peace to this community.”

Udende, accompanied by political associates Abancha Tsenongo, Martins Agir, and Asawa Moses, reassured the people of Tombo that their safety was a priority and that efforts to bring an end to the violence were ongoing.

Source: Vanguard

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The campaign office was opened just a week ago in a ceremony attended by supporters from across Benue and neighboring North-Central states.

The event was led by Dr. Mathias Byuan, the Executive Director of Housing, Finance, and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the support group.

Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group, Dr. Tarnongo Simon, condemned the demolition, calling it “uncalled for.” He stressed that the secretariat had a valid Certificate of Occupancy and an approved building plan issued by the Benue State Urban Development Board. Simon said they were caught by surprise when officials arrived to demolish the structure without prior warning.

“We came into the office this morning to work, and before we knew it, they began demolishing the building. There was no communication,” Simon said. “This action is completely uncalled for, and while we condemn it, it will not deter our commitment to President Bola Tinubu and our vision for a stronger North-Central.”

The Benue State Government has denied any political motive behind the demolition. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kula Tersoo, the state clarified that Governor Hyacinth Alia was not involved in the action. Tersoo also accused the Tinubu Support Group of misrepresenting the demolition as a politically motivated attack.

Source: Punch

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According to sources in the local government, six of the children, alongside their father, were returning from the farm when the canoe conveying them capsized

It was gathered that the family of seven had gone to the farm to harvest cassava, and on their way back, the canoe sank, but one of the children was said to have survived.

A source who simply identified himself as  Ameh told journalists in a telephone chat, that rescue efforts were immediately launched by local divers and community members.

The Chairman of the local government, Melvin James, who confirmed the incident, said that the seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized, and five children died in the boat mishap.

He said, “The man and six of his children had gone to the farm to harvest crops, but on their way back home, the canoe conveying them capsized and they drowned.

Read Also: 10 Dead in Boat Mishap in Sokoto

“Though the canoe was overloaded, which might have caused the mishap, the father and one of the children survived.

The council chairman said that the wife was not in the canoe when the incident happened.

While describing the incident as unfortunate, James extended his condolences to the family.

Source: Punch

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The operation comes barely a week after suspected armed herders and local bandits, numbering about a thousand, ambushed and killed 11 security personnel drawn from the police and the Civil Protection Guards, known by the code name Anyam Nyom, within Katsina-Ala LGA.

In a statement issued in Makurdi, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops, thwarted the bandits’ plans to attack Agurugu and Igyudu villages.

According to Zubairu, troops deployed at Abaji received credible intelligence on the movement of a group of bandits around Agurugu village. The troops mobilised to the area and made contact with the criminals at Sheekan village, engaging them in a gun duel that forced the bandits to flee.

He further explained that troops deployed to Gbise encountered bandits during a fighting patrol towards Igyudu village.

He added that the bandits abandoned their positions and fled during the confrontation.

Items recovered during the two operations include one automatic pistol, three 9mm rounds, thirty-three (33) 7.62mm special ammunition, fifteen (15) 5.56 x 45mm rounds, two (2) AK-47 magazines, and twenty-nine (29) mobile phones abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

Other recovered items include a single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one hand grenade, one tear gas canister, assorted medical kits, and an Itel phone.

Read Also: Benue, Plateau Killings: DSS Arraigns Nine Prime Suspects

Zubairu quoted the OPWS Force Commander, Major General Gara, as commending the troops for their bravery, swift response, and professionalism.

He added that Gara assured the people of Katsina-Ala and adjoining communities of their safety, urging them to continue to provide credible and timely information to aid ongoing military operations.

“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” the force commander was quoted as saying.

Source: Punch

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Recall that Deborah was allegedly murdered by her jilted lover, Lintex Ogale, in Lagos on September 3, 2025. Ogale reportedly stabbed her multiple times before fleeing.

She was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The suspect was later arrested and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings.

The moment the casket arrived in her hometown, Deborah’s mother moved mourners to tears with a poignant tribute: “Since you did not wait to dance at my burial, I’ll dance for you instead.”

She was seen dancing around the casket, expressing her grief and love for her daughter in an emotional display.

Family, friends, and community members gathered to honor Deborah’s life.

Source: TVC

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Iorfa said he never embezzled money while managing the Makurdi-based outfit, contrary to the claims contained in the state’s forensic audit report.

“They owe me over N400 million. I have documentation for it,” he said firmly on the programme ECN Hard Truth. I never embezzled money. I was wrongly accused.”

The former Nigeria international, who returned to Lobi in 2022 under former governor Samuel Ortom, explained that the system of funding under Ortom was transparent, with direct access to the Accountant General for match expenses and salaries.

According to him, the real difficulties began when Governor Hyacinth Alia assumed office and changed the financial process.

“When Governor Alia came, his style was different. For money to be released, the account had to be unlocked. Sometimes, salaries or match funds would take a month to come. If he didn’t sign, you had to look for money elsewhere to play matches,” Iorfa said.

He stressed that during Alia’s tenure, he only received funds for 14 matches out of the 57 the club played, including 10 FA Cup fixtures that cost about N6 million each.

The Benue government had earlier set up a forensic audit committee to probe the finances of Lobi Stars between 2020 and 2024. The committee’s white paper report, released in January, indicted three former vice chairmen, including Iorfa, directing them to refund about N2.4bn to the state coffers. Iorfa’s tenure was cited as responsible for nearly N1.8bn of the alleged unaccounted funds.

But the ex-administrator described the findings as an attempt to tarnish his image, insisting that all records show how the money was spent on the team.

Iorfa pointed to the club’s collapse last season as proof that he had managed it better than his successors.

Read Also: 2026 WCQ: “We Gave Everything To Win”- Eric Chelle

Despite his grievances, Iorfa maintained he is not bitter and is willing to assist the club if approached. “I even called the chairman and said if they needed my help, I am from Benue State, and I will always be ready. But they claimed they knew everything. If they truly knew, they would still be in the Premier League,” he said.

Recall Governor Alia sacked Iorfa and returned Lobi Stars to the direct supervision of the Benue Sports Council, appointing a six-man interim board headed by Dr Philip Nongu.

The fallout has now been compounded by the club’s relegation, which marks a dramatic fall for the 1999 league champions and one of Nigeria’s most prominent teams on the continental stage.

Source: Punch

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Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu delivered the message at the annual Igede Agba Festival in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.

The festival, a major cultural event among the Igede people, the third-largest ethnic group in Benue marks the yam harvest season and celebrates their agricultural heritage.

Akume praised traditional rulers for their role in maintaining stability and addressing local challenges, calling the institution “a veritable tool for solving developmental and sundry issues.”

He commended the Igede Traditional Council for preserving cultural values that promote unity and social cohesion. He also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s efforts in Benue, including federal appointments and the award of the Oju–Ogoja road construction contract.

Read Also: Osun Festival: Ataoja Osogbo debunks encroachment on Osun groove

Responding, the Adiharu of Igede, Oga Ero, thanked the president for recognising the community and approving long-awaited infrastructure projects. He said the road, which had posed challenges for years, would now bring relief to the people.

The Igede Agba Festival served as both a cultural celebration and a platform for reinforcing the relevance of traditional institutions in grassroots governance, particularly in regions affected by insecurity.

By engaging traditional leaders, the federal government aims to strengthen local structures that contribute to peace-building, cultural preservation, and inclusive development.

Source: Punch

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