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Benue Women Protest Over Attacks On Gov

Benue

Benue women protest over ‘attacks on Gov Ortom’ by Nigerian govt

Benue State women under the aegis of Concerned Benue Mothers, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest around the streets of Makurdi, the state capital, in solidarity with the State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who has been at loggerheads with the Federal Government.

The peaceful protest, tagged “5,000 match in support of Governor Samuel Ortom”, was led by a former House of Representatives member, Rebecca Apedzan.

The women all dressed in black, carried leaves and placards with different inscriptions, and declared their unalloyed support to Ortom in his fight to stop the killing of the state residents by armed herdsmen.

Hannatu Ullam, who read a statement on behalf of the women, said the herdsmen have been killing their children, husbands, mothers and sacked the people from their ancenstral homes.

The women called on the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, to tender an apology to the people of the state for calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in the state.

The statement reads in part: “We are all aware how our state Governor, Samuel Ortom has been consistent, raising alarm over the sustained killings of innocent Benue citizens by the Fulani herdsmen.

“These Fulani armed militia not only kill our children, husbands, mothers and sack them from their ancestral homes but also rape our daughters and mothers.

“Governor Ortom who has been in the forefront, seeking that the Federal government takes decisive action and end this grave insecurity challenge has rather come under attack by no other person but Senator George Akume, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

“As mothers, we are shocked that Senator Akume and his group chose the ignominious path to close their eyes against the pains visited on the people of Benue state by Fulani killer herdsmen. They rather preferred to take sides with a President that has not shown any form of concern at the attacks and killings perpetrated by his kinsmen against the law abiding people of our dear state.

“It is too early in the day for any discerning Benue son or daughter to forget President Buhari’s counsel that we should learn to live with our (killer) neighbours.

“It is surprising that Senator Akume who has benefited so much from Benue State will turn around to seek to destroy it for his selfish reasons. This is someone who was elected Governor for eight years and Senator for twelve years. Now he wants to destroy the same democratic structures that brought him into prominence.

“It is sad that Akume and his cohorts seek to trample on the pride of Benue to sing praises of a president and an administration that has failed to secure the lives of Benue people. We make bold to say that Akume’s outing was shameful and smacks of subservience, just to satisfy his masters who have no regards for the lives of the people of our great state.

“We are therefore calling on Senator Akume to make haste to tender an unreserved apology to the peace-loving people of Benue and His Excellency, Governor Ortom in order to avoid the wrath of the gods of the land.

“As a former governor, he should be in the forefront speaking against the mindless shedding of blood by herdsmen and not seen to be promoting hate on our governor for speaking truth to power simply because of political differences.”

In reaction, Ortom said he remains unshaken in ensuring peace in the State.

Ortom said: “I remain committed to Benue people. Whatever you want me to do, I will do. Nobody will intimidate me. The prohibition of open grazing has come to stay. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, you are free to operate here in Benue State as long as you operate in accordance with the law.

“There is no open grazing, RUGA, cattle colonies, no cattle routes, 180 settlement farms in Benue State.”

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EFCC arraigns one for suspected internet fraud in Uyo

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) before Justice Maurine A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for alleged internet fraud to the tune of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars).

He was arraigned on Thursday, March 20, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, possession of fictitious messages and obtaining by false pretence through a fictitious Facebook account: “Kolor Cabiek Ye”.

One of the charges reads, “That you Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) Sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the scime Act”.

Count two reads “That you Chigozie Omereonye Solomon (aka Kolor Cabiek Ye) sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession of the sum of $1500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) while impersonating Kolor Cabiek Ye on Facebook which you reasonably ought to have known forms proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”.

Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand him in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Ikwere Davies did not oppose the prayers.

Justice Onyetenu adjourned the matter to May 22, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Uyo.

Chigozie was arrested in Uyo on October 3, 2024 on credible intelligence regarding his suspicious activities on the internet. Investigations showed that he impersonated foreigners to defraud his victims across the world.

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Catholic priest kidnapped in Imo

A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, has been abducted by unknown gunmen along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri Reverend Father Patrick Mbarah, the priest was kidnapped on Sunday March 23rd, 2025 on his way to the Priests’ Annual retreat.

The Archdiocese called on all Christian faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of the priest.

Meanwhile the Imo State Police Command through its spokesman Henry Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Aboki, has launched an investigation into the incident and has directed an intelligence led operation for the possible rescue and release of the priest unconditionally.

He urged the general public to help the police with any useful information that might aid the work of the police in securing the release of the abducted priest.

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Fubara denies links with militants

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted allegations linking him with militant groups, dismissing recent social media posts and videos as fake and malicious attempts to incite tension in the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the Fubara condemned the circulation of fabricated videos purportedly depicting explosions at oil and gas facilities in the state.

The statement clarified that affected communities have debunked the claims, assuring that all critical infrastructure remains intact and operational.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal elements to undertake actions that threaten peace, security, or the economy,” the statement read.

Fubara restated his commitment to maintaining peace in Rivers State, emphasising that governance and development can only thrive in a stable environment.

He also warned against attempts to exploit the state’s ongoing political crisis for ulterior motives.

Fubara further cautioned bloggers and social media influencers against spreading false information, stating that their actions could escalate tensions and disrupt stability.

He urged security agencies to investigate and take decisive action against those responsible for spreading misinformation.

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