Author: John Charles

Benue State is currently facing a concerning outbreak of monkeypox, with four confirmed cases and 20 unconfirmed cases reported. The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, revealed these numbers during a recent discussion with journalists. Three out of the four confirmed cases have been successfully treated and discharged, while the fourth patient is still receiving treatment in isolation. Some suspected cases are also being monitored and treated in the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. The confirmed cases are primarily from Makurdi and Gwer West Local Government Areas, with suspected cases reported in Ushongo, Kastina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, and Gwer West. The state…

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has expressed concern over the challenges faced by Benue children and has called for a united effort to bring about positive change. During the inauguration of the State Steering Committee for the ‘Save the Benue Child’ project, Governor Alia highlighted issues such as lack of quality education and healthcare that have plagued Benue children for years. The project aims to work with various stakeholders through community engagement, outreach programs, and the provision of support services to address these challenges. Governor Alia emphasized the need for a comprehensive support system to holistically address the…

A group of 20 medical students was abducted along the notorious Otukpo-Otukpa-Enugu Road, sparking a deployment of security operatives to rescue them. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, with the students on their way to Enugu for a medical convention. The Benue State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilized forces to ensure the safe return of the abducted students. The area where the abduction took place, Ojano village along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road, is known for criminal activities despite the presence of security personnel. Former local government officials, priests, and even the Rector of Benue State Polytechnic…

The All Progressives Congress in Benue State is currently embroiled in internal turmoil as Governor Hyacinth Alia reportedly sealed the faction loyal to SGF George Akume’s secretariat. In a move to assert control, Alia halted a scheduled State Executive Committee meeting convened by the Akume faction, led by Austin Agada. With Alia and Akume at odds over party leadership, the power struggle has escalated, leading to two parallel State Executive Council meetings being planned for Thursday. Alia’s faction, led by Benjamin Omakolo, clashed with Agada’s faction over the legitimacy of the scheduled meetings. Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary issued a…

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, is calling for an end to the internal strife within the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party has been embroiled in factionalism and suspension of key leaders, including Ortom himself, following the ward congress. Ortom’s supporters reacted by summoning ex-governor Gabriel Suswam for alleged anti-party activities. The National Working Committee intervened by dissolving the State Working Committee and appointing a caretaker committee. In a statement, Ortom emphasized the importance of peace and unity within the party, highlighting the need for amicable solutions to political disagreements. He urged stakeholders to focus…

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, visited the family of the late humanitarian worker, Chris Terfa-Ikpu, who was tragically assassinated by gunmen at his office complex in Makurdi. Governor Alia called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and expressed deep sorrow at the loss. The Governor praised the efforts of the Divisional Police Officer and his team in the ongoing investigation, which has already led to the cooperation of a suspect in custody. He has directed all security agencies to ensure that justice is served swiftly and that those responsible are apprehended. Chris Terfa-Ikpu was a prominent figure…

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, revealed that local bandits in the Sankera axis have rejected rehabilitation efforts, exacerbating the already existing security challenges in the area. The killing of their kingpin in 2020 led to the formation of rival groups among the bandits. Despite the government’s attempts to hold peace talks, the bandits feel betrayed due to unfulfilled promises of amnesty. Governor Alia emphasized his commitment to helping these bandits reintegrate into society through education and skill training, offering them a chance to leave behind their life of crime. However, violence persists within the bandit groups, with some accepting the…

Gunmen Abduct Acting Rector and Staff Members of Benue State Polytechnic Gunmen have abducted three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki. The incident occurred on their way back to Ugbokolo after an official assignment in Makurdi, the state capital. One victim was released due to ill health, while the rest were kidnapped along the Otukpo/Otukpa Road. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N70 million from the family of the victims. The former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Augustine Leva, visited the family and prayed for their…

Being displaced from your home and forced to live in an internally displaced persons camp is a nightmare that many in Benue State are unfortunately experiencing. The harsh reality of life in these camps is unimaginable, with inadequate shelter, food scarcity, and limited access to basic necessities. Arewa PUNCH’s investigation has shed light on the agonizing living conditions faced by women and children, who make up the majority of inmates in the 14 official camps across the state. Despite the challenges, the resilient spirit of the inmates is evident as they continue to cope and even bring new life into…

The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress recently held a prayer session for President Bola Tinubu, the nation, and other important issues. The prayer session, led by men of God, lasted from noon until evening and was attended by state party leadership and members. The prayer points included praying for Nigeria’s peace, wisdom for President Tinubu, a turnaround in the nation’s economy and security challenges, and God’s intervention in the ongoing nationwide strike. Other prayers were made regarding the security situation in the state and a reconciliation between the state governor and party stakeholders. The state party chairman,…