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Benue Monarch Condemns Attack on Okpomaju Village By Suspected Fulani Herders
The traditional ruler of the Otukpo-Abaku Kingdom, Ochotukpo Odu, Chief Dr John Eimonye OON JP, has strongly condemned the unprovoked attack on Okpomaju village, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herders on Wednesday night.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, the monarch expressed deep concern over the continued violence in the region, despite efforts to foster peaceful coexistence.
“Despite all positive and non-kinetic approaches by the peace-loving people of Otukpo Kingdom to ensure that peace reigns in the land, the Fulani herders have chosen the path of war over a land that is neither theirs nor a common patrimony,” the statement read.
Chief Eimonye vowed that under his leadership, the Otukpo-Abaku Kingdom would defend its land and people against any form of intimidation, describing the attack as a grievous affront to the community.
While extending his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the assault, he said the tragedy was a personal loss to him and the entire Otukpo people.
The monarch called on security agencies and all levels of government to take urgent action to prevent further attacks, stressing that such violence should not become a recurring phenomenon.
According to the statement, the Ochotukpo Odu also addressed allegations that certain individuals had received money from herders in exchange for ceding portions of Otukpo land. He assured the people that a serious investigation was underway to verify such claims.
He further invoked the deities of the land to punish anyone—regardless of their position or status—who might have had prior knowledge of the attacks or participated in any land deals with the herders.
“No means will be spared in defending our people and their God-given land,” he declared, urging unity and patriotism among the people to confront the ongoing security challenge.
The attack on Okpomaju is the latest in a series of violent clashes between farming communities and suspected armed herders in Benue State, a region that has experienced recurring conflicts over land and grazing rights.
Local leaders have repeatedly called for stronger government intervention to curb the violence, which has led to the displacement of thousands and significant loss of lives.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a decisive deadline for the submission of the state’s 2025 budget.
His directive follows delays in re-presenting the budget, raising concerns over efficiency and governance. The governor has urged all responsible authorities to act promptly, warning that any further setbacks will not be tolerated.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State House of Assembly has granted the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) one last opportunity to appear before lawmakers. The decision comes after his repeated failure to honour previous summons, creating frustration among legislators.
During a tense parliamentary session, a prominent lawmaker called for patience while setting a strict deadline. “Let us give him one more chance, Mr Speaker,” the lawmaker urged. “I echo my colleagues’ sentiments—this is the final time we should debate this issue. He has 72 hours, just 72 hours. If he fails to appear by Monday, then we cannot blame anyone but him.”
However, their warning is clear: further delays will not be tolerated. Should the RSIEC Chairman fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, serious repercussions could follow, including potential damage to public trust in the electoral body and the state’s governance system.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the RSIEC Chairman to see whether he will finally heed the Assembly’s call or face the consequences of continued non-compliance.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Gov. Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State has paid glowing tributes to Mr James Garba, a late former director of the Department of State Services, who was laid to rest in Kyari, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of godliness, modesty and charity.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone, and such fittingly describes late James Garba.
“He was always rendering assistance and showing concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return,” he stated.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Hadiza Garba, said her late husband was a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
According to her, she will remember her husband for his moral standards, integrity and intelligence which he stood him out a rare gem.
On her part, his eldest daughter, Dr Deborah Usman, instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of tolerance, honesty and the love of Christ.
Usman pledged to honour her late father’s memory by sustaining his legacy of peace, faith and love for community.
For Rev. John Hayab and Dr Bagat Job, Northern CAN chairman and ECWA president respectively, Garba would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the sustenance of peace in Ham land.
Also speaking, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, was a remarkable patriot who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
Represented by Bello Shamaki, the district head of Daddu, the traditional ruler noted that Garba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Garba died on February 20 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
He was a pioneer staff of the Department of State Services who worked as part of the security detail of two past presidents before retiring in 1994.
In a pivotal development in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has extended a formal invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other legislators for a strategic meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, signifies the first time Governor Fubara has officially addressed Amaewhule as the Assembly’s Speaker.
The letter, dated 7th March, acknowledges an earlier correspondence from the governor on 5th March, in which he confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
According to the invitation, Governor Fubara has directed that Speaker Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers attend this meeting to discuss key legislative and administrative matters that affect the state’s governance.
These include:
Providing a Functional Legislative Space: Ensuring that the State House of Assembly has a suitable venue for its sittings remains a priority, as legislative proceedings are fundamental to governance.
Resolving Unpaid Allowances and Remuneration: The issue of outstanding salaries and allowances for lawmakers is expected to be addressed, which could ease tensions and foster cooperation.
Presentation of the State Budget: Budgetary discussions will be central to the meeting, as the approval of financial plans is essential for the execution of government projects.
Other Vital Governance Matters: Additional topics concerning the state’s development and administrative efficiency will also be on the agenda.
The lawmakers have been requested to meet with Governor Fubara at his office on Monday, 10th March, at 10:00 a.m.
As the state watches closely, this engagement could determine whether cooperation will be restored within Rivers State’s political framework or if further discord lies ahead.