Benue

By Anwar Usman

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian Army will bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country.

Oluyede made this statement on Saturday in Akure during a second quarter 2025 media chat organised by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters.

The media chat was themed “Military – Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development.”The COAS, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., Nigerian Army, Ibadan, said the military is ready to ending the spate of violence, particularly in North-Central Nigeria.Oluyede, who said that the president had given very clear orders, explained that they would remain engaged in Plateau, Benue, Kwara and quite a number of states that were experiencing insecurity.

“We are out, fully deployed and tackling the menace head-on.“In Benue particularly, you will see in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops.

He further stated that, “The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country but we are not as large in number as many people believe.

“We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.

“In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not very helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together,” he said.

NAN reports that, the COAS called on media personnel to verify facts before publication, and help in building national security and development to combat misinformation and sensational reporting.

According to him, the social media space, especially, is flooded with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.“So, we are appealing to the media practitioners to reach out to us before putting out unverified stories.

“We are satisfied with the support we’ve received from the media so far and we hope to deepen that synergy to ensure national security is not undermined by sensational reporting,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hours ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Benue State, the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja highway was shut down after a devastating flood rendered the road unusable.

Reports show that rising floodwaters submerged the key access route into Makurdi, causing major disruption to motorists and passengers who found themselves stranded.

Many were forced to either delay their travel plans or seek safety in nearby areas.

The timing of the incident has sparked concern, especially as it occurred during increased security and logistical activity in anticipation of the President’s one-day visit to sympathize with the people of Benue following the recent massacre in Yelewata.

The affected road is one of the major corridors linking the state capital to the Federal Capital Territory, and its closure has raised fresh questions about the state of infrastructure and emergency response in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season.

Details about the impact on the President’s itinerary remain unclear at the time of filing this report.

By Uzair Adam

The Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of over 200 people in a brutal attack on Friday night in Yelawa, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Daily Reality reports that the development was disclosed in a statement by the National Executive Council of MCAN on Tuesday.

MCAN, in the statement signed by its National PRO, Hadi-Almu Umar Faruk, condemned the attack in strong terms and called on government authorities to ensure justice is served.

It described the massacre as a “heinously inhumane act of violence” and emphasized that the sanctity of human life is a divine trust that must be protected.

“No cause can ever justify such wanton bloodshed. A society where life can be taken with impunity is a society in crisis,” the statement said.

MCAN also urged media organizations across Nigeria to give balanced attention to cases of insecurity in other parts of the country, especially the Southeast, Northwest, and Northeastern zones, where lives continue to be lost regularly.

“Balanced and comprehensive reportage is not only a journalistic duty but a powerful tool in awakening national conscience and mobilizing the collective will to act against injustice,” it stated.

In addition, the association advised all Muslim corps members serving in volatile states like Benue, Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Imo, and Zamfara to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and stay connected with local MCAN units for safety.

MCAN, in the statement, offered prayers for peace and protection across Nigeria.

By Anas Abbas

The Joint Task Force for Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF-OPWS) has committed to reinstating peace in the troubled communities of Benue State.

This assurance was given by Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Commander of JTF-OPWS, in a statement released on Tuesday by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the acting Media Operation Officer at the headquarters.

Maj. Gen. Gara made this promise during an operational tour of key areas affected by the ongoing military campaign in the state.

He urged the troops to uphold their confidence, remain vigilant, and adhere to high professional standards in their operations.

The commander highlighted that the task force is employing a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies aimed at dismantling criminal elements that threaten peace in the region.

He underscored the importance of unwavering commitment, resilience, and discipline as essential components of their counter-terrorism and counter-banditry efforts.

Reassuring the public, Gara stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not waver in their mission until peace and normalcy are fully restored.

He vowed that all individuals involved in violence and insecurity would be identified and brought to justice according to existing laws and military protocols.

“The era of impunity is over. We are here to reassure our people that the military remains dedicated to protecting lives and property, and that no criminal will escape punishment,” he declared.

During his tour, Maj. Gen. Gara assessed troop morale, operational readiness, and logistical support for the units.

He also engaged with field commanders to review real-time intelligence and ongoing operations aimed at eliminating armed militias, bandits, and other non-state actors.

The commander visited several locations during his tour, including Naka, Gwer West, Otukpo, Agatu, and APA Local Government Area.

This commitment from the JTF-OPWS aims to foster a safer environment for all residents of Benue State as they work towards restoring peace and stability.

By Anwar Usman

The Federal Government has deployed additional troops to Benue State in response to the latest deadly attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of many of residents.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated this on Monday in a statement.

Akume condemned the deadly attack and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to end the violence.

He said President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered a full-scale military operation to flush out the perpetrators and restore peace in the area, following the “mindless and disheartening” killings in the state.

He said, “I express profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift directive for a full security operation to rid Benue of these killers and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is to be noted also, that the federal government has rendered assistance through NEMA, while more troops have been deployed to Benue state to handle the explosive situation.

“Expressing grief over the merciless killing of many of innocent men, women, and children in the state, Akume described the incident as a wound to the country.

He said, “The continued bloodletting and mindless killings across Benue State are both disheartening and utterly condemnable.

“This latest reprehensible act, one among too many, is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation.

“These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara states also suffer the same fate. These killings are economically deterministic, not religiously driven.”

Akume called on leaders and stakeholders in Benue to set aside all differences and urgently unite to chart a sustainable path to peace.

He further stated that “We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future”.

The SGF urged all Nigerians, regardless of faith or belief, to uphold peace and brotherhood.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled his scheduled visit to Kaduna State, redirecting his trip to Benue following a renewed wave of violent attacks that have claimed multiple lives and displaced several communities.

This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, on Monday, as obtained by The Daily Reality.

According to the statement, President Tinubu will be in Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, where he is expected to meet with traditional leaders, religious figures, political stakeholders, youth groups, and community members in a town hall session aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding long-term solutions.

Ahead of the visit, the President has already deployed top government officials to the state, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the National Assembly Committees on Defence.

President Tinubu, while condemning the latest violence, urged citizens to embrace peace, unity, and mutual respect.

He also extended his condolences to the families of those killed and affected by the unrest.

Meanwhile, his postponed visit to Kaduna will now take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, where he is expected to commission key state projects.