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Defence Chief Visits Benue After Deadly Attacks

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Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Monday arrived in Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which recently witnessed a deadly attack that left dozens dead.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the visit by the CDS follows a wave of coordinated assaults by suspected armed herders and bandits across several Benue communities.

During his trip, General Musa is expected to meet with Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, at the Government House before departing the state.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, is also slated to arrive in Benue for a separate working visit aimed at addressing the region’s escalating security crisis.

DAILY GAZETTE earlier reported that the recent attacks led to the deaths of no fewer than 100 people.

In the wake of the violence, enraged youths from Yelwata mounted roadblocks along the Lafia-Makurdi highway in protest.

The demonstrations extended into Sunday morning in Makurdi, the state capital, where security forces reportedly used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Reacting to the bloodshed, President Bola Tinubu took to his official X handle on Sunday night to condemn the violence and urge immediate action from state leaders.

“I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State. Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them,” the president said.

In the same statement, Tinubu instructed Governor Alia to take the lead in fostering peace and reconciliation.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue,” he urged.

The president also appealed to political and community leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements, warning that inciting comments could aggravate an already volatile situation.

“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings,” Tinubu stated.

Emphasizing the need for unity, he added: “Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”

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Armed Herders Behind Renewed Violence In Benue – Governor Alia

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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has attributed the latest round of violent attacks in the state to armed herders, whom he claims now enter without cattle but fully armed.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, the governor provided insight into the security situation in the wake of a deadly assault on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.

The attack reportedly left over 100 people dead.

Following the massacre, enraged youths from the Yelwata area blocked the Lafia-Makurdi highway in protest.

Demonstrations continued into Sunday morning in Makurdi, the state capital, where police resorted to firing teargas to disperse the crowds.

When asked about those responsible for the violence, Governor Alia emphasized the changing nature of the threat now facing the state.

“The phase of the new attacks comes this way. Before now, we were talking about the farmers/herders crisis, now it has graduated from there, it has become the question of herders coming in and the armed men were among them,” he said.

He described the attackers as carrying high-powered rifles, entering without livestock, and targeting communities.

“We tagged them the armed herdsmen. What we experience, generally, is that the herd are not being brought in but those who are in the frontline fighting out here are only carrying AK-47 and AK-49,” he said.

Governor Alia pointed out a disturbing pattern in the aftermath of the attacks.

“They attack, kill, and after one week, a number of people now come back to occupy,” he noted, suggesting a systematic effort to seize land.

Reflecting on the changes from previous years, the governor recalled that 2024 saw relative peace in some areas.

“Last year, people had gone back home and engaged in farming activities with bountiful produce,” he said. “But this farming season again, we started experiencing the phase of the new attacks.”

He went on to highlight the suspicion that internal actors may be aiding external attackers.

“What we understand on the ground is a simple equation. A thief will not just come to a community unless there is someone within the community who leads the thief to your house or the community,” Alia stated.

He concluded by expressing concern over how what began as a farmer-herder conflict has evolved into something far more dangerous.

“What we have now is that, strangely, it is the fact that the herders had a crisis, the armed herders hijacked it and now the bandits, and terrorists have come in completely. That is the situation on the ground,” he said.

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10-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots, Kills Police Inspector Father In Anambra

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The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of Inspector Okolie Amechi, who was accidentally shot by his 10-year-old son on Sunday evening.

According to the police, the child unknowingly fired the AK-47 rifle assigned to his father, striking him fatally in the back.

The inspector’s second child was also injured in the incident, sustaining a gunshot wound to the hand.

“The Anambra State Police Command expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident that resulted in the death of Police Inspector Okolie Amechi in Awka.”

“The son unaware of the state, of the AK 47 rifle assigned to the inspector, pulled the trigger and struck the inspector in the back and his second child in the hand,” read a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

The statement added that Inspector Amechi was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.

His injured child is currently receiving medical treatment and is responding positively.

“Regrettably, Inspector Amechi was taken to the hospital and was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty while the second victim is responding to treatment.”

Police also confirmed that the weapon involved in the incident has since been recovered.

“Also, the rifle has been recovered and the remains of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue.”

The Command expressed condolences to the bereaved family and offered well wishes to the injured child.

“The Command while wishing the second victim a quick recovery, condoles the family and friends of the late inspector.”

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2027: Group Urges Obi, Amaechi To Return, Endorses Bala Mohammed For President

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A pro-PDP advocacy group, Bala Agents’ Mandate, has urged former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rally behind Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State to build a stronger, more unified opposition.

Speaking during a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Monday, the State Coordinator of the group, Amadi Chijioke, warned against the formation of a new opposition coalition.

He argued that such moves could derail efforts to restore democratic governance in Nigeria.

“I strongly believe in the leadership of Bala Mohammed to lead the PDP to glory. I don’t think there is any need to bring Atiku Abubakar and others together to form a new coalition. I believe they should come back home, PDP is home.

“The likes of Peter Obi, the likes of Chibuike Amaechi, I am expecting these men to return and join Bala Mohammed in rebuilding the PDP, because right now, he is appearing alone in the system,” Chijioke said.

The National Coordinator of the group, Habib Musa, also lent his voice to the appeal, praising the Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors’ Forum for its resilience and cohesion in the face of rising political instability.

According to him, the Forum has become the most dependable pillar keeping the PDP intact and remains a symbol of “unity and accountability.”

Reacting to the recent defections of the Delta and Akwa Ibom State governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Musa criticized the move, describing it as politically opportunistic rather than principled.

“The defection of two governors from our party has been touted as a significant blow. But let us be clear: these defections were not driven by ideology or principle, but by fear and opportunism,” he stated.

“We assure the good people of those states that the PDP remains a formidable force, and we will soon reclaim the governments of those states through the ballot box.”

He also condemned what he described as the suppression of democratic institutions in Rivers State and attempts to shut down the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, blaming the federal government for allegedly using state machinery to silence opposition voices.

In a pointed message to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Musa urged him to reconcile with Governor Bala Mohammed and contribute to the unity and rebuilding of the PDP, despite his current affiliation with the APC-led federal government.

As the nation marked 26 years of democratic rule, a member of the group, identified as Ibrahim, stressed the urgent need for a renewed commitment to democratic values and governance based on accountability.

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Casualties Reported As Israeli Airstrike Hits Iranian State Tv

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Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply on Monday as Israeli airstrikes hit the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster, causing multiple casualties and briefly knocking the channel off air.

The attack, which follows days of mutual threats and military posturing, has drawn strong international concern, including divided responses from G7 leaders.

According to Iranian state TV, “a number” of staff members were killed in the strike on the sprawling Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) complex in Tehran’s District 3, a location that had earlier been highlighted on Israeli-issued evacuation maps.

A state broadcaster journalist reported that employees were “working until the very last moment before the attack.”

In a live broadcast shortly after the strike, IRIB chief Peyman Jebeli appeared on camera holding a blood-stained piece of paper, declaring, “State TV and its employees are standing until the end.”

Video footage shared on social media showed debris crashing into a news studio during a live broadcast, with the visibly shocked anchor stepping off camera.

The network resumed broadcasting minutes later, with on-screen messages condemning the strike and accusing Israel of trying to “silence the voice of truth.”

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the attack, stating that it came after a “large-scale evacuation of local residents.”

He described the IRIB as the “Iranian propaganda and incitement megaphone” and claimed the operation aimed to eliminate it.

Katz said Israel would “strike the Iranian dictator wherever he is.”

His statement was preceded by an evacuation warning issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), urging residents of Tehran’s District 3 to leave the area immediately.

The IDF warned that “presence in this area endangers your life.”

Multiple explosions were reported in western Tehran around the time of the strike, with Iranian social media sharing videos showing smoke rising from hillsides.

According to Iranian media, the country’s air defense systems were activated, and military bases in the capital were targeted.

As the conflict unfolds, US President Donald Trump, speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, claimed that Iran wants to talk about de-escalating the conflict.

“They should talk immediately before it’s too late,” he said, calling the situation “painful for both parties.”

When pressed on possible US military involvement, Trump declined to elaborate, saying he didn’t want to talk about that.

Meanwhile, CBS reported that Trump has no intention of signing a G7 joint statement on the Israel-Iran crisis.

Other world leaders at the G7 showed less unity.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged that while there was consensus on de-escalation as an end goal, leaders still had to “be clear about how it is to be brought about.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized support for Israel’s right to defend itself and called for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though he did not explicitly back calls for de-escalation.

On the ground in Iran, civilians voiced fear and exhaustion.

One resident told the BBC, “All the nightmares from my childhood have come back… I’m exhausted. I have nothing left to lose.” Another said the situation had left people emotionally numb due to decades of hardship.

The Ghanaian government has already begun evacuating its citizens from Iran and shut its embassy, citing security concerns.

Meanwhile, in Israel’s Haifa, where Iranian strikes landed over the weekend, three people were confirmed killed.

Residents were seen combing through rubble in residential neighborhoods, collecting belongings amid scenes of devastation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an air base Monday, praising his forces and stating, “We are on the way to achieving our two goals: elimination of the nuclear threat and elimination of the missile threat.”

He claimed that Israel “controls the skies of Tehran” and contrasted Israel’s targeted strikes with what he called Iran’s attacks on civilians.

As of the latest reports, Iran’s Health Ministry says over 224 people have died since the conflict intensified last Friday.

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FCCPC Summons Air Peace Over Mounting Customer Complaints

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a summons to Air Peace Limited in response to a growing number of customer complaints.

These range from failure to refund ticket fares to frequent flight cancellations, among other grievances.

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the FCCPC directed the airline to submit relevant documentation.

This includes a comprehensive list of refund complaints received over the past year, a full record of processed refunds to date, details of all cancelled flights across its network, and steps taken to reduce the hardship faced by affected passengers.

According to the Commission, these issues run afoul of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), specifically Sections 130(1)(a)(b) and 130(2).

These provisions guarantee “consumers the right to timely refunds where advance bookings, reservations, or orders are unfulfilled due to service-provider’s failure,” the FCCPC noted.

The Commission formally summoned Air Peace in a letter dated June 13, 2025, citing its powers under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA (2018).

The airline is expected to appear before the FCCPC at its Abuja headquarters on Monday, June 23, 2025.

This development follows the Commission’s earlier investigation, launched in December 2024, into allegations that Air Peace had been engaging in exploitative pricing practices.

The airline was accused of imposing sharp fare increases on advance bookings along specific domestic routes.

Air Peace, in response to the inquiry, has since filed a legal case to stop the Commission from continuing the investigation.

Despite this legal challenge, the FCCPC reaffirmed its stance, stating it “is committed to enforcing the provisions of the FCCPA (2018) and holding service providers accountable and ensuring that consumers, including airline passengers, are protected from exploitative or unfair market practices.”

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JUST IN: Court Grants Former CBN Governor Emefiele N2 Billion Bail

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A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted ₦2 billion bail to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in connection with a fresh eight-count charge.

Emefiele is facing allegations that include the theft and illegal seizure of billions of naira from proxy accounts, as well as the unlawful acquisition of a 753-unit housing estate.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Halilu Yusuf noted that the former CBN chief had previously been granted bail in three other pending criminal cases and had not violated any of the bail conditions.

“There was no evidence that he had jumped bail,” the judge stated.

On that basis, the court agreed to grant bail but imposed strict conditions.

Emefiele is required to produce two sureties who must each own property located in Asokoro, Maitama, or Wuse 2, all within the court’s jurisdiction, with a minimum value of ₦2 billion.

In addition, the court ordered Emefiele to surrender all his travel documents, warning that failure to meet the bail conditions by Wednesday would result in him being remanded in custody.

The bail application was filed by Emefiele’s legal counsel, Matthew Burkaa, and subsequently granted by the court.

Although prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, did not oppose the bail request, he urged the court to “impose special requirements that were different from what the other courts had previously granted.”

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‘A Man Of Unwavering Resolve’ – Enugu Rep Member Prof. Nnamchi Celebrates Science And Tech Minister Chief Uche Nnaji At 62

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Prof. Nnamchi (on suit), Chief Nnaji (on white)

As Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, marks another year, tributes have continued to pour in, the most notable coming from the Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi.

In a heartfelt birthday message on Sunday, Prof. Nnamchi hailed Nnaji as “a man of rare vision, noble bearing, and unwavering resolve,” describing the minister’s leadership as a quiet but powerful force in Nigeria’s march towards technological advancement.

“Birthdays may mark the passage of time,” the lawmaker noted, “but the lives of men like you are measured by the impact they leave on their nation’s path.”

According to the federal lawmaker, Nnaji has brought “clarity, conviction, and purpose” to a ministry he described as central to Nigeria’s future.

In an era often characterised by noise and political spectacle, Nnamchi praised the Minister’s preference for “quiet substance over show, legacy over convenience.”

“While others see office as entitlement, you have embraced it as duty; transforming space, not just occupying it,” the message read.

“With each policy and principled silence, you have shown that real leadership speaks not in volume, but in value.”

Nnamchi, a professor and seasoned public servant saluted the Minister’s contributions to national development.

He expressed hopes for divine guidance and enduring impact in the years ahead, adding that the people of his constituency recognise and honour the Minister’s service.

“May history remember your name among the builders of Nigeria’s renaissance. Happy Birthday, Honourable Minister. May your journey ahead be rich in wisdom, honour, and impact. We are doing it better for the people, with the people.” he added.

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What Is Governor Alia Doing With Benue Security Vote? – APC Chieftain Queries

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An influential chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, has attributed the persistent killings in Benue State to the alleged failure of Governor Hyacinth Alia to properly utilize the state’s ₦3 billion monthly security vote.

In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Kuraun, who contested for the Benue governorship in the 2023 elections, decried the repeated attacks as “tragic” and “deeply alarming,” especially in light of the state’s substantial security funding.

Kuraun argued that the situation demands decisive action, not just condolences or symbolic gestures.

“Benue cannot continue to suffer avoidable bloodshed while receiving the largest monthly allocation for security among all Nigerian states,” he said.

“The security votes must translate to security impact. Security votes are public funds meant to be used for operational intelligence, local law enforcement support, community policing, and proactive threat neutralisation.”

The APC stalwart questioned the effectiveness of the current administration’s handling of the funds, stressing that results on the ground do not reflect the resources allocated.

“If Benue receives over ₦3 billion monthly and yet communities remain exposed to attacks, then the effectiveness of fund utilisation is in question,” he asserted.

Rejecting the common tendency to shift blame, Kuraun insisted that the primary duty of security begins with state leadership.

“There should be No Room For Blame Games; It is easy to point fingers at federal agencies, neighboring states, or even past administrations. However, the first responsibility lies with the current custodians of power in Benue.”

In his policy brief titled “Accountability Over Excuses, Benue Must Lead the Security Response,” Kuraun emphasized the importance of local ownership of the security strategy.

“Leadership means taking the initiative and not waiting for Abuja or external actors. Excuses and blame cannot replace action,” he said.

He urged the state to invest in building a robust community-led security architecture, involving traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders.

“Community policing units must be trained and equipped,” he said, adding that “traditional rulers, local leaders, and vigilante networks must be formally engaged.”

To regain public trust, Kuraun called for full transparency regarding the disbursement and impact of security funds.

“There should be a public audit of security spending to rebuild public trust and ensure the votes are not misappropriated,” he noted.

“Transparency is non-negotiable; the veil of secrecy over how security votes are spent must be lifted. The good people of Benue State have a right to ask: What exactly is ₦3 billion achieving monthly?”

He emphasized that the partnership with federal security agencies must be based on mutual accountability, not rivalry, and insisted that lives and safety must be prioritized above political calculations.

“Benue is not just a line item on a budget, as it is home to millions of Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods are at stake,” he said.

“With the highest security vote in the country, the state government must lead the security intervention with courage, clarity, and full accountability.”

Kuraun concluded by issuing a firm warning to state authorities:

“Lives must matter more than politics. Inaction would no longer be acceptable.”

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Killings: I Will Adjust My Schedule To Visit Benue On Wednesday – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has announced his intention to visit Benue State on Wednesday to sympathize with residents affected by the recent wave of deadly attacks.

The announcement comes amid growing criticism over the President’s silence and absence following the killing of scores of people in the state by suspected marauders.

“I will adjust my programme and go see Benue people on Wednesday,” Tinubu said on Monday during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network in the Federal Capital Territory.

The President expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks and called on residents of Benue to remain united in the face of adversity.

He encouraged them to rise above division and embrace harmony.

He said, “He urged the people of the state to manage their diversity, anger, and frustration and live as one united people.”

Benue State, often described as Nigeria’s food basket, has faced persistent attacks believed to be carried out by suspected herdsmen.

While the violence has lasted for years, the past few weeks have seen a dramatic spike in killings, with over 160 residents reportedly murdered across several communities.

Tinubu’s planned visit follows widespread condemnation, including from prominent opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

They criticized the President for not visiting the state earlier and for what they described as the government’s inadequate response to the crisis.

Public outrage has intensified over the government’s handling of the situation.

Pope Leo XIV condemned the recent attacks, describing them as “extreme cruelty.” His statement added to the growing global concern surrounding the crisis.

Meanwhile, Nigerian youths have taken to the streets in protest, demanding an end to the bloodshed and urging the government to act decisively.

Opposition figures have not relented in their criticism.

Peter Obi accused the administration of “ignoring Benue” and said it reflected “no value for human lives.”

Atiku Abubakar also blamed the government for failing to protect citizens, saying, “We must hold leaders accountable.”

On Sunday, Tinubu directed Nigeria’s security chiefs to enforce his earlier instructions to restore peace in Benue.

Responding swiftly, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, arrived in the state on Monday with senior police officials and ordered the deployment of more tactical units to affected areas.

The IGP is expected to meet with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and other key stakeholders before returning to Abuja.

Governor Alia, while addressing the situation, extended sympathy to all those affected, including families of the dead, the displaced, and farmers who lost their land.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaboration with the Federal Government, stating that he would work “to end the orgy of violence.”

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