Benue News update: Latest news from Benue Today, Sunday, March 31, 2024

Benue State Governor Declares State as Least Developed in Northern Nigeria

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has stated that the state is currently the least developed among the 19 states in the northern region of Nigeria. Governor Alia made this declaration on Friday during a Ramadan fast-breaking event with Muslim faithful in Makurdi. He emphasized that his administration is determined to initiate and execute developmental projects aimed at placing Benue in a position of pride among other states in the country.

APC Faction in Benue Inaugurates New Executive

A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated a new executive to lead the party. The APC in Benue has been grappling with internal crises, with factions purportedly led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia. This discord has resulted in separate party offices being established in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

Senate Minority Leader Condemns Sacking of Benue State Polytechnic Rector

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has strongly condemned the reported dismissal of Dr. Nath Oche, the Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, along with other heads of tertiary institutions in the state by Governor Hyacinth Alia. In a statement signed by Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, media adviser to Senator Moro, who also represents Benue South, the action was described as an alleged act of vendetta. Dr. Oche, appointed Rector in 2023, was among those relieved of their duties by the governor.

Governor Alia Swears in Members of Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC)

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has inaugurated seven members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC). Dr. John Chen was sworn in as the Chairman of the Commission during the ceremony held on Thursday in Makurdi. The governor charged the Commission to immediately commence preparations for the conduct of free, credible, and inclusive council elections in the state.

Governor Alia Pledges Action Against Banditry and Insecurity in Benue

Governor Hyacinth Alia has pledged that his administration will not stand idly by while bandits continue to wreak havoc, destroy lives, and take over communities in Benue State. In a statement by Bridget Ikyado, Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor on Media, Governor Alia made this commitment during a visit to communities in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of the state affected by attacks from armed herdsmen. He disclosed plans to establish a military post in Abaji town to prevent further attacks on communities in that region of the state.