Benue News Update: Latest News from Benue Today, Friday, April 19, 2024

Terrorist Attacks Claim 26 Lives in Gwer West

1. Suspected terrorists have reportedly claimed the lives of 26 individuals in renewed attacks on three communities within the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. The attacks occurred between Saturday and Monday, targeting Mbakunwande, Jaora communities, and the Naka-Adoka Road.

Deadly Assaults in Gyaruwa Claim 28 Lives

2. Armed invaders have allegedly taken the lives of at least 28 people, including six personnel of Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVG), in the Gyaruwa axis of Gwer West Local Government Area, Benue State. The attack spanned from Saturday to Monday, during which villagers were also displaced from their homes in Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver communities.

Benue’s Venture into Renewable Energy

3. Plans are underway by the Benue State government to initiate the production of hybrid solar panels and lithium batteries utilizing silicon and lithium mineral resources available within the state. Alex Addingi, the special adviser to the governor on international investments, revealed this development in Makurdi, the state capital. The state government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sinoki System Limited, a China-based solar-producing company, which is set to commence operations, enabling the state to generate its own power.

Investigation Launched into School Irregularities

4. A team comprising Dr. Terna Francis, Director General of the Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency (BEQA); Mr. Tsea Ahule, Executive Secretary of the Teaching Services Board (TSB); and Mrs. Dorcas Igbahenah, Director of Quality Assurance (BEQA), has launched an investigation into a reported case of SS3 candidate replacement at Government Model Secondary School, Makurdi. Allegations include the removal of a genuine SS3 student and her subsequent replacement with an external candidate who purportedly compromised individuals involved to benefit from free WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB services provided by Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. It is alleged that the school invited non-students to benefit from the palliative, provided they paid an “understanding fee.”

Boosting Healthcare in Benue

5. The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has received a generous donation of medical equipment from the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), a move aimed at enhancing healthcare services in Benue State. Dr. Stephen Hwande, Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, accepted the donation from Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr. Yanmar Ortese. The donation includes various medical essentials such as walking frames, commode chairs, guide canes, hearing aids, blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitoring systems, crutches, and wheelchairs.

Party Leaders Suspended Amid Allegations

6. Mbaya Council Ward in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State has passed a vote of no confidence and consequently suspended the APC Party Chairman, Hon. Mkaa Pepe, and the Ward Chairman, Hon. Michael Dzeremo Orakpe. The decision follows allegations of misappropriation of party funds, use of vulgar language against party members, failure to pay dues, and engagement in anti-party activities.

Governor Calls for Diaspora Investment

7. The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in Benue to enhance the state’s development and Nigeria at large. Governor Alia made the call on April 17, 2024, during a speech at the Nigerian Professionals Event in Washington, DC. He emphasized the significance of mobilizing Nigerian diaspora resources for impactful investments, particularly in Benue State.