By David Torough, Abuja

Leaders of the Tiv ethnic nationality from Nasarawa State, led by Prof. Dugeri Terzungwe, paid a thank you and solidarity visit to Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, in his Abuja residence.

Speaker after speaker, each of them praised Prof.

Hon’s enormous contributions to their welfare in Nasarawa State. They singled out the various cases he is handling free of charge for them concerning confiscation of their ancestral lands by the Nasarawa State Government and several other interventions, including lifting their children in their chosen careers. They further appreciated Prof. Hon for always standing up for justice, including the defence of Prof. Zacharys Gundu, in the defamation suit filed by Governor Sule of Nasarawa State.

According to them, Governor Sule wants to silence Tiv Nasarawa and further oppress them by filing that suit. They expressed their strong support for Prof. Hon’s governorship ambition in Benue State, saying that Benue needs such a purposeful leader.

They pledged to encourage their kith and kin in Ihyarev axis of Benue State and all their loved ones in the State to support Prof. Hon’s candidature.

Responding, Prof. Hon thanked the visitors for their show of love, promising to continue to do his best in all areas of human endeavour.

Other members of the delegation included T.J. Aondo, SAN, Emmanuel Iotim Agyoh, Sir Francis Akie (KSM), Kumaiin Ikya fnivs), Alphonsus Audu, Matthias Ikyav, Tivlumun Aondo, Ehud Agera, Sarah Zakari, Shimachimin Moses and Ukoyor Thomas.

…Calls for Closer Civil, Military Cooperation

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The Centre for Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO) has condemned the recent Boko Haram attack in Kaiama, Kwara State, describing it as reprehensible and anachronistic.

Reacting to the incident on Thursday in Abuja, the Coordinator of the CIMICO Center, Dr.

Adams Otakwu mni, called on civil society organizations and citizens to volunteer credible information and intelligence to assist security agencies in tracking down those responsible.

“This is a moment that requires active civil–military cooperation. Citizens must see themselves as partners in security by providing useful information that can help identify and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.

The attack also prompted a response from the Federal Government, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordering the deployment of an Army battalion to the area.

Dr. Otakwu noted that the development places a serious responsibility on the Armed Forces to demonstrate their operational capacity in containing the threat.

“This incident is a test of national security preparedness. The ability to fish out the culprits swiftly will send a strong signal that insurgency has no space in the North-Central region,” he stated.

He further maintained that bringing the attackers to justice would have implications beyond the immediate security situation.

According to Dr. Otakwu, “successfully tracking and prosecuting those behind this attack will go a long way in reshaping international commentary and perception of Nigeria’s security environment.”

He stressed on the need for the greater Civil-Military Cooperation in Nigeria, as sustained vigilance, community participation, and intelligence sharing remain critical to counterterrorism efforts.

By David Torough, Abuja

As Benue State marks its 50th anniversary, Ambassador Dr. Mark Ogbodo has called on the Benue State Government to honour and immortalise a medical doctor of Benue origin who recently died after contracting Lassa fever from a patient.

In a statement commemorating the state’s golden jubilee, Ogbodo described the late doctor’s death as a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by healthcare workers, especially those on the frontlines of infectious disease management.

He appealed to the Benue State House of Assembly to enact legislation that would formally recognise and honour medical doctors from the state who lose their lives in the line of duty due to illnesses contracted from patients or while providing medical care.

According to him, such a law would not only preserve the memory of fallen health professionals but also affirm the value the state places on sacrifice, service, and humanity.

Ogbodo also extended his appeal to the Federal Government and the state where the deceased doctor was employed, urging them to play their part in recognising the doctor’s service and ensuring that health workers who pay the ultimate price are not forgotten.

“He who cares for the sick should also be cared for and honoured,” he said, stressing that meaningful commemoration would send a strong message of support and encouragement to medical professionals across the country.

The call comes amid growing concern over the safety and welfare of healthcare workers in Nigeria, particularly those exposed to infectious diseases such as Lassa fever.