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Oyo Gov’t, UNICEF Host High-Level Advocacy Meeting With S’west Information Ministries

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  In a landmark effort to advance children-centred advocacy and effective communication for childrens’s right actualization, Oyo State Government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), convened an advocacy dialogue and capacity-building meeting with the Commissioners, Permanent Secretries and top officials from the Ministries of Information across the Southwest states of Nigeria. The event, themed “Scaling Results for Children Through Evidence-Based Social and Behavioural Change,” was held at Orchid Hotel, Ikota-Lekki, Lagos State. It brought together key stakeholders to explore strategic approaches to drive positive social change, promote children’s rights, and advance gender equity through effective communication practices and evidence-based policy alignment. Representing the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, in his keynote address, emphasized that success would be measured not just by policies or meetings, but by real outcomes, well-nourished children, access to clean water and protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. According to Oyelade, “The wellbeing of women and children through three fundamental pillars of public health—Nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Immunization—are interlinked and vital to the survival, growth, and development of our communities.” He stressed the need for strategic communication, advocacy, and community engagement on social and behavioral change. “We must ensure our messages are clear, culturally relevant, and widely disseminated. We must amplify grassroots voices and empower programs that drive behavior change,” he said. “As Commissioner for Information, I am reminded of the power and responsibility that communication holds in the success of any public health intervention. Our communities can only benefit from nutrition programs if they are aware of them. Clean water and sanitation will only be effective when people understand and adopt good hygiene practices. Immunization will only reach its full potential if families trust and accept it.” Oyelade thanked UNICEF for its continued support through technical expertise and resources. He urged participants to be bold in ideas, open to collaboration, and relentless in their commitment to service. “Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all,” he concluded. In his remarks, UNICEF’s Chief of Social and Behaviour Change, Abuja, Kshitiy Joshi, emphasized the urgency of rethinking communication as a tool for transformation “The world is changing everyday,” he declared. He highlighted the importance of data-driven, people-centered communication in shaping public attitudes and behaviors. “We must go beyond awareness to action—addressing deeply rooted norms, influencing behaviors, and ensuring that no child is left behind.” Joshi further noted that sustainable development for children cannot be achieved without the active involvement of Ministries of Information, who play a critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing societal behavior at scale. In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, represented by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Bukola Bakare, reiterated the meeting’s goal to improve the wellbeing of women and children and ensure that every child survives, thrives, and grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. “Essential family practices are simple yet powerful actions that families can take to improve children’s health, nutrition, and development,” he said. “From exclusive breastfeeding and handwashing with soap to proper home care for illnesses and timely immunizations, these practices, when consistently adopted, save lives and lay the foundation for a productive and healthy life.” In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State, Barrister Kolapo Alimi; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Communication, Hon. Kayode Akinmade; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Ekiti State, Prince Olusesan Alabi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Olunde Sogunle; and Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Ondo State, Mr. Olanrewaju Akarakiri, commended UNICEF’s strategic role in promoting inclusive communication and policy engagement that prioritizes the welfare of children and women. They described UNICEF as a trusted partner in progress, whose interventions have significantly impacted communities across the region. The representatives reaffirmed their states’ readiness to partner with UNICEF on future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and vulnerable populations in the Southwest.

Ogburo Boundary Dispute: Ibadan Traditional Stakeholders Commend Oyo Deputy Governor Intervention

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  Ibadan Obas, Mogajis, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Baales, Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiatives (ICPI) and other stakeholders have commended Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, for his maturity and patriotic approach in handling the boundary dispute between Iwo and Ibadan in Ogburo community. Recall that the dispute, which has been ongoing, recently escalated, prompting the Oyo and Osun state governments to jointly call for peace and urge the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to finalize the demarcation process. A statement jointly signed by President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade praised Lawal’s leadership during a high-level meeting in zone 11, Osogbo, where he addressed stakeholders from both states. They appreciated his emphasis on peace and unity, noting that his approach reflects a deep understanding of the historical and cultural ties between the people of Oyo and Osun states. Lawal had urged all parties to avoid inflammatory statements and rumors that could incite violence or breed mistrust. According to the duo, Oyo State Deputy Governor’s efforts to promote peace and cooperation between the two states have been widely praised. Lawal approach has been seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute and strengthening the relationship between Oyo and Osun states. The statement affirmed that all major federal activities like 2006 and or other Censors activities after the creation of Osun state indicate that Ogburo, Papa community were all counted as part of Oyo state “Also, Ogburo is always ward 11 unit 3 of Lagelu local government of Oyo state in federak elections held after the 1991 Osun state creation.”

Chinese Student Jailed For Life In UK For Drugging, Raping 10 Women

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  A Chinese post-graduate student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China and suspected of having attacked more was on Thursday jailed for life by a London court. Police in London say they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women. Serial rapist Zhenhao Zou, 28 — described in court as “calculated and predatory” — targeted young Chinese women whom he invited to his London flat for drinks or to study before drugging and attacking them. Zou filmed nine of the rapes with hidden or handheld cameras, but only three of the 10 victims have ever been identified. Sentencing him at Inner London Crown Court, Judge Rosina Cottage said there was “no doubt that you planned and executed a campaign of rape” that had caused “devastating and long term effects”. To the world he appeared “well to do, ambitious and charming” but this was a mask hiding a “sexual predator”, she said. He treated his victims “callously” as “sex toys” for his own gratification, and his desire to assert “power and control over women” meant that he would be a “risk for an indefinite period”, she added. Zou, wearing a dark suit and glasses, listened impassively in the dock to the sentence via a translator. He will serve a minimum of 22 years in jail, after accounting for time already spent in custody. The former engineering student at University College London was found guilty by a jury in March of 28 offences including 11 counts of rape — with two of the counts relating to one woman — three counts of voyeurism and one of false imprisonment. He was found guilty of raping three women in London and seven in China between 2019 and 2023. He was also convicted of three counts of possessing butanediol — an industrial solvent — with intent to commit a sexual offence and 10 counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image. – ‘Prolific’ rapist – Victims told the sentencing hearing in impact statements of the psychological damage they suffered including nightmares, self harm and a sense of despair and isolation. One recalled “wandering like a trapped animal trying to find an exit” after she was attacked. “What happened that night is etched into my soul forever,” she said, adding that Zou’s family was “very powerful in China” and she feared he would “seek revenge”. After the sentence, Saira Pike of the Crown Prosecution Service described Zou as a “serial rapist and a danger to women”. “His life sentence reflects the heinous acts and harm he caused to women and the danger he posed to society.” Analysis of footage and web chats showed the former student’s “meticulous planning and the horrifying execution of his crimes”. And Pike paid tribute to the “courageous women” who came forward to report his “horrific crimes” and whose evidence — combined with his own videos — helped secure his conviction and life sentence. Since he was convicted, and following an international appeal by UK police, some 24 women had come forward to say they might have been sexually assaulted by Zou. London’s Met police have said they have evidence to suggest he may have targeted more than 50 other women and urged possible victims to come forward, adding that he had also studied in Belfast in Northern Ireland in 2017. “Our investigation remains open and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou,” said Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police. “Please come forward and speak with our team -– we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect.” AFP

LASTMA Accused Of Covering Up N70m Excavator Theft At Lagos Yard

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  The management of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has come under fire over an alleged attempt to cover up the theft of an impounded excavator worth about N70m by two members of staff. PUNCH Metro gathered from insiders on Thursday that the incident, which occurred on June 10, has thrown the agency into confusion, with several staff members accusing top management of shielding one of the suspects involved. According to insiders, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case, the missing excavator had been parked at LASTMA’s headquarters for over a decade after it was reportedly impounded. However, the incident came to light after workers resumed work following the Sallah holiday and noticed the equipment was gone. “That excavator was impounded over 10 years ago,” a source familiar with the matter told PUNCH Metro on the condition of anonymity. The source added, “Such vehicles are only removed after proper documentation and approval. But when we returned from the Sallah break, we noticed it was no longer there.” The source explained that preliminary findings indicated that a PSP (Private Sector Participant) operator, who owns a tow truck, presented a signed document at the agency’s gate and was granted access to remove the excavator from the premises. “We found out that a PSP operator (name withheld) who owns a tow vehicle presented a paper at the gate that was signed by the second suspect.” “On seeing the paper, the PSP operator was allowed to take the equipment out of the LASTMA yard,” the source added. Further investigation allegedly revealed that the excavator, estimated to be worth at least N70m, was dismantled and sold off as scrap. While one of the suspects, who reportedly operates towing vehicles on behalf of LASTMA, was interrogated and detained, the second suspect, said to be the one who signed the release document, was neither arrested nor questioned. “It would be wrong to put all the blame on one person when the suspect who approved the theft was not arrested and detained. “We believe he’s being protected by powerful interests within the agency,” the source stated. When PUNCH Metro sought the reaction of the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Adebayo, on Thursday, he introduced an Assistant General Manager of LASTMA to our correspondent, but both officials declined to comment further on the incident and alleged cover-up. “What I will say is this: The (LASTMA) management will respond at the appropriate time. In my capacity, I cannot give you any information,” the unnamed AGM told our correspondent on Thursday. Pressed further on the agency’s silence, he simply responded, “We will get back to you,” before ending the call. He did not get back to our correspondent as of the time of filing this report. Although calls to the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki-Olalekan, went unanswered on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Bolanle Ogunlola, told our correspondent that the agency was in the best position to address the allegation. “I think you should try to speak with the GM of LASTMA. He may have information about it,” Ogunlola advised.

Court Admits DSS Report Linking Kanu To #EndSARS Violence

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  A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has admitted into evidence a report by the Department of State Services allegedly linking the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to the killing of 186 police officers and the destruction of 164 police stations during the #EndSARS protests. Justice James Omotoso admitted the report during the resumed hearing in Kanu’s terrorism trial on Thursday. The report was tendered by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), through the fifth prosecution witness (PW5) codenamed Mr EEE for security reasons. Led in evidence by Awomolo, the witness, a DSS operative, told the court that he was part of a team deployed to the South-East and other parts of the country to gather information and compile reports on the violence that erupted during the #EndSARS movement. “I know the defendant through the media. I have never met him face-to-face,” the witness said. EEE also said that his mandate was to collect records of the destruction of public property and the deaths of security personnel, allegedly incited by Kanu’s statements. The court admitted as exhibits a damage assessment report, death certificates of some security officers, and a certificate of compliance tendered through the witness by Awomolo. Although the defence lawyer objected to the admissibility of these documents, arguments were reserved for a later date. According to the witness, the violence led to the deaths of 186 police officers, 37 military personnel, and 10 DSS operatives. The witness further stated that 164 police stations and nine facilities belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission were destroyed across 17 states, including Lagos, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, and Rivers, as a result of Kanu’s inciting messages. During cross-examination, counsel for the defence, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), challenged the credibility of the report and the basis for linking Kanu to the unrest. “You were not part of the investigation into the defendant himself, correct?” Ikpeazu asked. “I was tasked to investigate the destruction of public property based on the statements of the defendant. He gave instructions to IPOB members to kill officers,” EEE responded. Ikpeazu pressed further, questioning whether Kanu’s statements were directly tied to the #EndSARS protests or IPOB activities. He also inquired whether notable activist Aisha Yesufu, known for her role in the protests, was similarly investigated. “My assignment was not to investigate Biafra or individuals like Aisha Yesufu but to assess damage from the #EndSARS protest,” the witness replied. He added that while the protests were driven by “organic issues like police brutality,” they were “hijacked by subversive elements” who incited violence against the state. When pressed for details, the witness admitted he could not identify any specific page in the report directly attributing the deaths to IPOB members. “It is a voluminous document. There is no single caption that links deaths directly to IPOB on any page,” he said. Ikpeazu highlighted several deficiencies in the report, including a lack of dates on photographs, the absence of the witness’s signature, and missing details such as the names or towns of the deceased and the medical examiners. The witness admitted the report was certified in his capacity as secretary but was not personally signed by him. “You did not sign this report. In fact, none of the photographs show the dates they were taken,” Ikpeazu observed, suggesting the report was compiled after the commencement of the trial—a claim the witness denied. Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Chief Awomolo (SAN), stated that the prosecution had succeeded in presenting evidence relating to the case and urged the court to grant his prayers. The defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), entered a no-case submission, indicating they would proceed to address the court. The court granted each party 14 days to submit their arguments on the no-case submission and an additional two days for replies on points of law. Justice Omotoso adjourned the case to July 18 for the adoption of the no-case submission. Punch

Adekunle Gold Launches Free Health Insurance For 1,000 Sickle Cell Warriors In Lagos

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  In celebration of World Sickle Cell Day 2025, Nigerian Afropop star Adekunle Gold has unveiled a life-changing initiative through his charity, the Adekunle Gold Foundation. The project, named “5 STAR CARE,” offers free health insurance coverage to 1,000 individuals living with sickle cell disorder in Lagos State. The 5 STAR CARE program was officially announced by the music icon and sickle cell advocate, Adekunle Gold, on Wednesday, June 19, 2025. He described the initiative as a deeply personal mission inspired by his own journey with sickle cell disease. “Today is World Sickle Cell Day. This year, through the Adekunle Gold Foundation, we are launching a programme called 5 STAR CARE – a free health insurance scheme for 1,000 people living with sickle cell in Lagos, Nigeria,” Adekunle Gold shared via social media. The program is being implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) – two key stakeholders in healthcare and sickle cell awareness in Nigeria. “Our goal is simple,” he continued. “To ease the financial burden of managing sickle cell and help more people get the quality care they deserve without stress.” Adekunle Gold, born Adekunle Kosoko, has been an outspoken advocate for sickle cell awareness, often sharing his personal story of resilience and survival as someone living with the disorder. “As somebody who has walked this path, I know how powerful it is to have the right support,” he said. “This is just the beginning.” The 5 STAR CARE health insurance package aims to cover essential medical needs for beneficiaries, including consultations, medications, and crisis management services, ensuring access to consistent and affordable care for sickle cell patients who often face huge financial and emotional burdens. To apply for the free health insurance program, eligible individuals are encouraged to visit www.adekunlegoldfoundation.com/5starcare The launch of the initiative has sparked praise from fans, health advocates, and members of the sickle cell community nationwide, many of whom see it as a rare show of commitment from a celebrity to a cause that directly affects them. World Sickle Cell Day is observed annually on June 19 to raise awareness about the disease, promote early diagnosis, and support individuals and families affected by the inherited blood disorder. In Nigeria, which has the highest burden of sickle cell in the world, such initiatives are especially vital.

Trump Extends Deadline For TikTok Sale By 90 Days

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  President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had given social media platform, TikTok another 90 days to find a non-Chinese buyer or be banned in the United States. “I’ve just signed the Executive Order extending the deadline for the TikTok closing for 90 days (September 17, 2025),” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, putting off the ban for the third time. A federal law requiring TikTok’s sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump’s January inauguration. The Republican, whose 2024 election campaign relied heavily on social media, has previously said he is fond of the video-sharing app. “I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump said in an NBC News interview in early May. “If it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension.” TikTok on Thursday welcomed Trump’s decision. “We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and support in ensuring that TikTok continues to be available for more than 170 million American users,” said a statement issued by the platform. – Digital Cold War? – Trump said in May that a group of purchasers was ready to pay TikTok owner ByteDance “a lot of money” for the video-clip-sharing sensation’s US operations. Trump has repeatedly downplayed risks that TikTok is in danger, saying he remains confident of finding a buyer for the app’s US business. The White House had announced Monday that Trump would throw the wildly popular video-sharing app, which has almost two billion global users, another lifeline. During this new grace period the administration will work “to ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure,” the administration said in a statement. The president is “just not motivated to do anything about TikTok,” said independent analyst Rob Enderle. “Unless they get on his bad side, TikTok is probably going to be in pretty good shape.” Trump had long supported a ban or divestment, but reversed his position and vowed to defend the platform after coming to believe it helped him win young voters’ support in the November election. Motivated by national security fears and a belief in Washington that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese government, the ban took effect on January 19, one day before Trump’s inauguration, with ByteDance having made no attempt to find a suitor. TikTok “has become a symbol of the US-China tech rivalry; a flashpoint in the new Cold War for digital control,” said Shweta Singh, an assistant professor of information systems at Warwick Business School in Britain. The president announced an initial 75-day delay of the ban upon taking office. A second extension pushed the deadline to June 19. Now the deadline is September 17. – Tariff turmoil – Trump said in April that China would have agreed to a deal on the sale of TikTok if it were not for a dispute over his tariffs on Beijing. ByteDance has confirmed talks with the US government, saying key matters needed to be resolved and that any deal would be “subject to approval under Chinese law.” Possible solutions reportedly include seeing existing US investors in ByteDance roll over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company. Additional US investors, including Oracle and private equity firm Blackstone, would be brought on to reduce ByteDance’s share in the new TikTok. Much of TikTok’s US activity is already housed on Oracle servers, and the company’s chairman, Larry Ellison, is a longtime Trump ally. Uncertainty remains, particularly over what would happen to TikTok’s valuable algorithm. “TikTok without its algorithm is like Harry Potter without his wand — it’s simply not as powerful,” said Forrester Principal Analyst Kelsey Chickering. Despite the turmoil, TikTok has continued with business as usual. The platform on Monday introduced a new “Symphony” suite of generative artificial intelligence tools for advertisers to turn words or photos into video snippets for the platform. AFP

Pastor Enenche Rejects N30m Donation From Kebbi Governor

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  The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has rejected a N30 million donation offered by the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, during a crusade organised by the church in the state. The gesture occurred at the Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade, where a representative of the governor, Kebbi’s Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, announced the cash gift on behalf of the governor. Aliero told the gathering that the N30m was approved as a donation to the crusade’s organising committee and was available in cash. Aliero said, “Our Governor, His Excellency Dr Nasir Idris, a faithful Governor and also a Comrade Governor, who you all know is the only Comrade Governor in this country. He has therefore graciously approved the donation of the sum of 30 million naira to this gathering. “That is to the organising committee. His Excellency has approved the donation of a sum of 30 million naira to the organising committee, which you know that whenever His Excellency makes a donation, he doesn’t leave without bringing that donation in cash. So before I leave this stage, I want to present that sum of 30 million naira in cash.” However, Enenche declined the offer, taking to the stage to urge that the money be redirected to charitable causes. “If there is anything like orphanage, if there is anything like that, at your discretion, please apply this amount of money to it. No. It will not be received,” the senior pastor said. Speaking later, Enenche explained the church’s stance, emphasising that public funds should be used solely for public causes. “We are one of those who believe that government money should be used for government projects and government things should be used for government things; and church money should be used for church things, not mixed together. “That is what we did that is what we do. As small as the Glory Dome is right there, government money is not in it. From land to the building to everything,” he said. He added that the body of Christ should “trust God for supernatural supplies.” He suggested that the donation be handed over to a government-approved religious body instead, such as the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board or the Christian Association of Nigeria. “This is so that we can retain our dignity as a body of Christ; retain our dignity as a church, and say what we need to say when we need to say it. And be able to say what we need to say when we need to say it,” he said. Aliero, speaking after the rejection, acknowledged Enenche’s position. “They don’t accept it because whatever he is doing, he is doing it for the sake of God. We really appreciate and we really thank him for what he is doing in our state,” he said. Punch

Emirate Strips Ex-Kano SSG Of Waziri Title

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  The Gaya Emirate Council in Kano State has withdrawn the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya from a former Secretary to the Kano State Government and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Usman Alhaji. Usman Alhaji served as SSG under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration. Although the Emirate did not give a specific reason for the decision, the move comes days after the former SSG, under the banner of the “APC Patriotic Volunteers,” accused Governor Abba Yusuf’s New Nigeria People’s Party-led administration of lacking direction, competence, and clear policy initiatives. The withdrawal was conveyed in a letter dated Wednesday and issued by the Secretary of the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu. According to a statement signed by the Gaya Zonal Information Officer, Munzali Muhammad Hausawa, the decision takes immediate effect and was based on “certain unavoidable circumstances.” The Emirate Council, however, expressed appreciation for Alhaji Usman Alhaji’s contributions to the traditional institution and his support in promoting the cultural values of the emirate during his time as Wazirin Gaya. “This action underscores the Emirate’s commitment to preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of traditional titles in line with established customs and values. “The general public is hereby informed and urged to take note of this development,” the statement read. As of the time of filing this report, the former SSG had yet to react to the decision. Punch

Benue: Tinubu Charge Security Agencies On Arrest, Flushing Out Perpetrators•••As Alia Advocates Establishment Of A Special Intervention Fund For Communities Affected By Attacks

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  MAKURDI: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has charged security agencies to work towards gathering information that would ensure that that armed herdsmen terrorizing Benue State, were flushed out of Benue State. The President who was in Benue, on Wednesday, to commiserate with the people of the state over the killing of over a hundred persons in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, also urged security agencies ensure that the killings comes to an end. Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has called for the establishment of a Special Intervention Fund for communities affected by herdsmen attacks, pointing out that such a fund would be used to support and rehabilitate displaced persons, among other interventions. But charging the police to arrest the perpetrators of the act, to serve as a deterrent, President Tinubu, told the military to put its ears on the ground and work on getting the desired information that would stop a reoccurrence of such incidences. President Tinubu, who was speaking during a town hall meeting at Government House, Makurdi, also directed that a Committee of Elders, comprising past governors and traditional rulers be established, to fashion out modalities for ending the killings and tackling other teething problems confronting the state. The President noted that as soon as the Committee was set up, he would convene a meeting that would be held in Abuja, where they would come up with ideas that would bring about lasting peace, adding that he would personally invest in the project. He further proposed the setting up of another Committee comprising the people of the state as well as non indigene, that would identify issues that would move the state forward. President Tinubu further advised Governor Hyacinth Alia, not to be deterred or distracted by comments from his critics, but should use such criticism as a stepping stone towards achieving his desired results. Equally, the President appealed to the people of Benue, to support Governor Alia, to succeed and to encourage him, in order to achieve his set goals, even as he assured Alia that he would eventually get the desired peace and a second term. While consoling families of the bereaved and the people of the state over the loss, the president said he was saddened that he was coming to the state to condole the people, instead of commissioning projects. In his address at the occasion, the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, said “The attacks on the peace-loving and good people of Benue state have persisted for well over decade. This, we have cause to feel is a calculated attempt targeted at annihilating us and taking over our ancestral homes. “Your Excellency, this visit of yours marks the very first time, we will have the president of the nation visit us on the account of insecurity. We believe this will bring an end to the security challenges that have persisted against our people in Benue State. “Even though our eyes of full of tears and emotional grief due to the loss of our loved ones, our properties, farmlands and ancestral homes, our hopes are ignited by your visit. “Before the visit, the service chiefs and different security formations have come and we are hopeful that, this visit will bring the lasting peace the people of Benue State have long yearned for. Your presence is a form of unimaginable reassurance and we are confident that, never again will our people be subjected to this degree of underserved and barbaric inhumanity. “Your Excellency, while we continue to mourn our losses and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue state. “Such a fund would go a long way in supporting the rehabilitation of displaced persons, rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure, and restoring the livelihoods of our farmers and families whose lives have been upended. Our administration will keep working to ensure that our people are not only safe but can thrive again on their own land. “My inestimable debt of gratitude goes to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his love and concern for the people of Benue State, eminently demonstrated by his prompt visit to the state in the wake of the attack on Yelwata community. “The President’s decision to cancel other engagements of state concern to personally pay us a visit is an unquestionable demonstration of true leadership. We commend the efforts of all security agencies and formations in Benue State. We sincerely wish to solicit that, these efforts be improved and more drastic security measures be taken to confront these challenges better. Earlier, the Tor Tiv, HRM, Prof James Ayatse, had informed President Tinubu, that what was happening in the state was not farmers/herders clashes, but genocidal attacks that have been ongoing for over a decade. He also noted that he was confident of the capability of the president to end the killings in the state. The Tor Tiv, condemned the politicization of the killing by Benue sons, that would lead to a declaration of a state of emergency, he appreciated the president for finding the sons of the state, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) worthy of appointments into his cabinet.

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