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Group Condemns Herders Attack on Benue Community

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI), worldwide on Sunday, condemned the attack on Anyiin and Ayilamo communities, both in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state by militia herdsmen, which claimed the lives of about 41 persons in two days.

The group which stated this in a statement signed by the President of AYACASODI, worldwide, Chief Timothy Baaki in Makurdi on Sunday, alleged that the military may be complicit in the matter.

Recall that the militia herdsmen had attacked Anyiin on Thursday last week, killing no fewer than 23 persons, they launched another attack on Ayilamo community the next day, Friday, where they killed another 18 persons.

During last Friday’s attack on Ayilamo, apart from attacking the police station in the area, the herdsmen totally sacked Ayilamo community, displacing the people of the area, who are now taking refuge in nearby communities, while scores were injured during the attack.

When contacted by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, Sewuese Anene said “I don’t have this information please.”

Also efforts to get the 72 battalion, Makurdi, to speak on the allegation raised by the group were futile.

While Daily Independent was speaking with the officer that is supposed to be the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the battalion on Sunday, the phone suddenly went dead. Efforts to reach him proved abortive, even as text messages sent to him were not replied.

However, our sources in the area, who spoke with Daily Independent on phone said, “After they (herdsmen) attacked Anyiin on Thursday, they again attacked Ayilamo on Friday. The militia herdsmen have gradually sacked the town of its people.

Corroborating the report of our sources in the area, the President of AYACASODI, Chief Timothy Baaki also alleged that the military men that were deployed to the area to provide security have always turned a blind eye to the acts of bandits.

For instance, he said when the bandits carried out the act on Anyiin, the military did not intervene in the situation where one Tordoo Suswam, a nephew to Senator Gabriel Suswam, a former governor of state was ‘butchered’ right in front of the ‘military base’ in the area, which is headed by men of the 72 battalion, Makurdi.

He stressed the need to conduct an investigation to unravel the level of involvement of the military who were drafted to the area to keep the peace.

He also observed that after the attack on Anyiin, the herdsmen had regrouped at a nearby village from where they launched the attack on Ayilamo.

According to Baaki, “It was alleged that the attackers were in the nearby village of Ugbur, where they were reportedly regrouping for further violence and terror in the region, unfortunately no actions were taken and they again attacked Ayilamo community, Logo LGA, the following night of 31st October 2024, killing and destroying homes.

“They also destroyed the Nigeria Police Station Ayilamo, documents in the station, and freed the inmates, not just that, many people were injured including the Police officer on duty.

According to Baaki, “The Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI) worldwide strongly condemn the brutal attack on the peaceful border town of Anyiin, Logo Local Government Area, Benue State.

“Reports indicate that on October 30th, 2024, heavily armed militias suspected to be Fulani and Jukun militias launched a midnight collaborated attack on Anyiin community, killing over 20 innocent people, destroying homes and properties worth millions of Naira, and displacing thousands.

“The continued premeditated attacks on the Tiv nation by Fulani and Jukun militias are highly unbearable. The Fulani herdsmen in collaboration with Jukun militias have continuously launched brutal attacks on Gbeji, Ayati, Ayilamo, Iorza, Mchia, and other Tiv communities which demand the state and federal governments’ intervention.

“AYACASODI worldwide categorically condemns these cruel assaults on defenseless civilians, violating human rights, social justice, and dignity. We sincerely commend the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), but condemn in totality, the Nigerian Army’s inhumane and indifferent response to the recent attack on Anyiin.

“As the last line of defense for the common man, it is unacceptable that the military personnel led by a Sergeant from 72 Bn Makurdi (names withheld), allegedly stood by idly while innocent lives were lost, some right before their very eyes at the military base.

“It is reported that Bobo Tordoo Suswam, a nephew to H.E. Sen. Dr. Barr. Gabriel Suswam, the former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Senator representing Benue North East, was butchered by the invaders at the gate of his house, directly opposite Corpers’ lodge which is the military base.

“The alleged failure of the military to intervene in such a critical situation raises serious questions about their effectiveness. We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this gross dereliction of duty and take swift, decisive action to hold those responsible accountable. The people of Anyiin deserve justice, and it is imperative that measures are taken to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.”

Subsequently, Baaki called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and all the heads of security agencies, to take swift and decisive action to forestall future occurrences.

He also urged the Federal and State Governments to “Provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the thousands of displaced individuals in the area in desperate need of food, shelter, medical assistance, and trauma support. We call on the government, humanitarian organizations, and citizens to mobilize relief efforts for these vulnerable populations.

While mourning with families of the victims; Senator Emmanuel Udende, Senator representing Benue North East and Governor Hyacinth Alia, Baaki, encouraged all law-abiding citizens to appeal to the relevant authorities to work towards bringing to an end the fear and sufferings inflicted on innocent lives.

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Group Backs Students With Disabilities, Distributes Learning Materials in Nasarawa

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From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Maikaya Development Foundation (MDF) has distributed thousands of exercise books to indigent students in Nasarawa State and renewed its advocacy for inclusive education, urging stakeholders to prioritize access for students living with disabilities in higher institutions.

The official distribution ceremony, which took place at the Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, brought together student union leaders, academic representatives, and other stakeholders from the education sector.
Speaking at the event yesterday, the CEO of of the foundation Dr. Muhammed Maikaya represented by the Operation Manager, Hon. Shuaibu Sani said the gesture was aimed at easing the financial burden on students and encouraging them to remain focused on their academic goals.
“This distribution is not just about writing materials, it is a reaffirmation of our belief that every student, regardless of status, deserves the tools and support needed to succeed,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to ensuring no student is left behind.”Student leaders who spoke during the event expressed deep appreciation to the foundation for its consistent support and investment in the academic wellbeing of students.Comrade Ovey Abimiku, President of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), “Maikaya Development Foundation continues to show us what it means to be a true partner in education. This is a welcome intervention that will help many students who can’t afford basic learning materials.”Also speaking, Comrade Tabitha Jatau, State Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Female Students (ANFS), praised the foundation’s longstanding dedication to youth empowerment.“MDF has not only provided these writing materials but has also supported students with scholarship and tuition funds for many years. We are grateful for this rare consistency,” she noted.Recall that weeks earlier, the foundation had supported over 500 students across the state with Education Support Funds to assist with the payment of tuition fees and levies—an annual intervention that has benefitted thousands over the past decade.In addition to its material support, the foundation has continued to advocate for inclusive education policies in the state. During a recent stakeholders’ engagement themed “Breaking Barriers and Promoting People with Special Needs’ Inclusion in Higher Institutions”,Maikaya had called on government and educational institutions to prioritize the rights and needs of students living with disabilities.“The truth is, barriers—both seen and unseen—still prevent many of our brothers and sisters with special needs from accessing quality education,” Maikaya said at the event. “These are not just inconveniences. They are injustices. And they must be corrected.”He recommended several critical steps to advance inclusive education, including accessible infrastructure, adapted learning materials, disability awareness training for academic staff, and policy implementation at all levels.“Inclusive education is not optional, it is essential for real development,” He added. “We have seen the power of what can happen when potential meets opportunity. Now we must ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to those opportunities.”He urged stakeholders, government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and civil society groups, to collaborate in making inclusive education a reality in Nasarawa and beyond.“This is not a matter of charity. It is about equity, dignity, and human rights,” the speaker emphasized. Items that were distributed including learning materials, 20, 50kg bags of rice, 20 cartons of Noddles and cash support of 200,000 thousand Naira to students living with disabilities while advocating for inclusion gain tract, educational reform and youth empowerment in Nasarawa State.End

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Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

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By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper, as a monumental loss to the Newspaper, journalism profession and to the entire nation.The Minister said with the death of Usigbe, Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike.

In condolence message on Saturday, Idris said he received news of the death of Tribune Newspaper Bureau Chief with profound shock and deep sadness.”Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape.
His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.”I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” Idris said.On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and himself , the Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates. He prayed the God Almighty to comfort those the late Bureau Chief left behind and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

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Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

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By David Torough, Abuja

Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make significant strides in academic excellence and community impact.

In a bold move to increase accessibility and reward excellence, the school has unveiled a new examination centre in Oju Local Government Area, launched a scholarship scheme for families with multiple children in the school, and honoured a distinguished alumnus, Dr.

Mark Ogbodo, by naming a recreational facility after him.

The newly inaugurated Dr. Mark Ogbodo Park was officially commissioned on July 24, during a colourful ceremony held at the school’s New GRA campus in Makurdi.

The event drew an impressive turnout of students, staff, parents, alumni, and dignitaries.

Chairman of Unique Schools and co-founder of USSM, Engr. Felix Atume led the commissioning, describing it as a tribute to dedication and impact.

Dr. Ogbodo, an author and founder of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, was visibly moved by the honour.

In a social media post after the event, he wrote: “Who am I to deserve this great honour? What impact have I made on USSM? These thoughts flooded my mind as I stood speechless in awe.”

He praised the school leadership, particularly Principal Mr. Samuel Ortsega, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the recognition.

Also unveiled at the event was a scholarship programme aimed at easing the financial burden on families with more than one child enrolled at USSM.

The initiative was met with excitement and gratitude from parents in attendance. Furthermore, the newly established Oju exam centre was widely applauded for eliminating the long travel often required for external examinations, especially for students living in remote areas.

Founded on September 1, 1998, by Engr. Atume and Mrs. Juliana Atume, a noted philanthropist, USSM has built a strong reputation for nurturing students through academic rigor and character development.

Originally a day school, it added a boarding facility in 2007 to cater to growing demand. Situated in a serene environment, the school provides a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning.

USSM is part of the larger Unique Schools family, which began with Unique Nursery and Primary School in 1995.

The secondary arm offers a comprehensive curriculum infused with entrepreneurial and vocational training in areas such as catering, fashion, cosmetology, and design—preparing students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.

The school boasts modern infrastructure, including science laboratories, an ICT centre, a digital library, spacious classrooms, quality boarding facilities, a healthcare unit, and the expansive Engr. Felix Atume Hall. Recreational amenities include courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a football pitch, and indoor games like chess and scrabble.

In keeping with global trends, USSM has embraced digital innovations such as an online result-checking system and is planning an enhanced presence on social media.

The school runs a three-term calendar and prepares students for key national examinations including BECE, WAEC, and NECO.

Ambitious plans are underway to launch Unique Technical College, which will focus on technical and vocational education.

As the evening of July 24 transitioned into a celebratory dinner in honour of the 2025 graduating class, guests—including PTA members, parents, alumni, and staff—shared heartfelt goodwill messages. The PTA Chairman described the event as “unparalleled in the school’s history.”

Through initiatives like the Oju centre, new scholarships, and the celebration of alumni impact, Unique Secondary School Makurdi continues to set the benchmark for holistic and community-rooted education in Benue State.

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