Latest Benue News Today, Saturday, February 1, 2025

Benue News Summary

1. Closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the Benue State government’s closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, calling it an assault on press freedom. Eyewitnesses reported that armed policemen, allegedly acting under the directive of Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) Chairman, Sunday Odagba, and Mr. Ikwue Ikwue of the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stormed the station, assaulted staff, and forced a journalist to halt a live broadcast.

Reactions to the Closure of Joy FM

• HURIWA’s Statement: HURIWA described the closure as an attack on democracy and press freedom. The group criticized the use of armed policemen for a tax enforcement action, calling it a violation of constitutional rights.
• Rep. Philip Agbese’s Condemnation: Rep. Agbese expressed disapproval of the closure, emphasizing the need to protect press freedom and highlighting the public outcry against the government’s actions.
• Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro’s Condemnation: Senator Moro condemned the forceful closure, calling it an assault on press freedom and describing the action as unacceptable in a democratic setting. Moro expressed solidarity with the station’s staff and called for an immediate reopening of Joy FM.

2. Political Instability Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Benue State Government has received petitions regarding the proliferation of political pressure groups allegedly seeking to destabilize the state for personal gain ahead of the 2027 general elections. Solomon Semaka, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor, stated that a Special Monitoring Committee has been established to investigate these groups and forward findings to the National Security Adviser. The government has vowed to bring perpetrators to justice.

3. Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition for 2027
A political group, the Movement for the Actualization of Kwande Gubernatorial Ambition (MAKGA), has renewed calls for the Kwande and Ushongo LGAs to produce Benue’s next governor in 2027. The group opposes Governor Hyacinth Alia’s second-term bid, arguing that the governorship slot should be ceded to their area to allow for the completion of the tenure of the late Aper Aku, which was cut short by the 1983 military coup.

4. Infrastructure Development in Benue
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved N78.35 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply project in Benue State. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure in the state. The announcement was made by Minister of Water Resources, Joseph Utsev, following a council meeting led by President Bola Tinubu.