Benue News Update: Latest News from Benue Today, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

1. Benue State Tuberculosis Cases Top National Charts

Benue State is ranked the highest in tuberculosis cases in the North Central zone and sixth across the country, according to the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese. The announcement was made during a press conference in Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday to commemorate this year’s World Health Day.

2. N10 Million Bounty Announced for Attack on Lawmaker’s Residence

Benue State Governor, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, has declared a N10 million bounty for anyone with valuable information leading to the arrest of suspects involved in the recent attack on the Makurdi residence of the Member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Hon. Solomon Wombo. Hoodlums assaulted the federal lawmaker’s residence on Saturday, demanding to know his whereabouts.

3. Devastation in Moon Council Ward: Over 5,000 Lives Lost

Over 5,000 individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, have lost their lives in Moon council ward in Kwande local government area of Benue State from 2013 to the present due to attacks by marauding herdsmen. Isaac Sor, the fleeing president-general of Moon Development Association, revealed in an interview with LEADERSHIP that more than 10 primary and secondary schools, along with all community health clinics, have been destroyed, leaving the entire council ward deserted.

4. Lassa Fever Mortality Rises, Benue State’s Troubling Statistics

Benue State has witnessed an uptick in the mortality rate of Lassa fever, with at least 16 fatalities reported. The state also maintains its unenviable status as the highest in tuberculosis cases within the North Central Zone and sixth across Nigeria.

5. Chief Patrick Ogbu Declares Candidacy for PDP State Chairmanship

Former Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Chief Patrick Ogbu, has officially announced his intention to contest for the State chairmanship position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State. Chief Ogbu, making his declaration in Makurdi over the weekend, emphasized his qualifications, drawing from experiences with PDP’s founding fathers and notable leaders since joining the party in 1998.

6. Makurdi Court Remands Fishermen on Murder Charges

A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded two fishermen, Austin Asebegye and Oliver Adikwu, over charges related to armed robbery and murder. The defendants, both residents of Awe Street in Makurdi, Benue, face prosecution for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.