NEWS
Benue Govt Wades Into Communities Crisis over Ownership of River
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Government has stepped into the lingering crisis between Unyande and Kwenev communities in Uvir council ward of Guma LGA of the State.
The lingering crisis which has lasted for more than thirty years(30), is as result of ownership of a river located around the area, has claimed many lives and also affected farming and other economic activities in the axis.
The State Government in a bid to find a lasting solution to the crisis and restore peace to the affected areas, directed the two communities to refrain from the disputed axis of River Antse.
Addressing journalists at the end of a peace meeting with stakeholders from the affected area, held at government house Makurdi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (Internal Affairs), Chief Joseph Har, said an intelligence report indicated that the crisis has the potential of escalating into a full blown communal crisis.
He maintained that the decision for the people of the two communities to stay off the river was to prevent possible escalation.
“The State Government has ordered the people of Unyande and Kwenev communities to stay clear of the embattled river Antse following an intelligence report received from the area.
“The Unyande people who are Iyharev by dialect while Kwenev are Ngongov are fighting over ownership of River Antse. The ownership fight had claimed many lives over the years.
“Therefore, we have decided to invite the Traditional Rulers in the area, council Chairman, the State Assembly Member and other critical stakeholders from the area to this meeting.
“Government has ordered that nobody from Unyande and Kwenev should go close to the River Antse until they hear from appropriate authorities. We will reconvene again.
“This administration has zero tolerance for communal crises. So we want to stop it before it begins. If anyone go ahead to do anything that may lead to the breakdown of law and order we will go after the person”, Har stated
On his part, the Ter Guma, HRH Dennis Shemberga commended the Government for its prompt intervention in the lingering crisis, saying this would prevent the crisis into full blown communal war between Iyharev and Ngongov.
Chief Shemberga stressed that the communities are fighting over the ownership of the river because of the large quantity of fishes in it, the fertile land around its banks which is usually used for dry season farming amongst others.
He further said that the two communities had approached the court but the traditional rulers withdrew the case to settle them as brothers who would forever share boundary with each other, revealing that the dispute started over 30 years ago and has claimed many lives.
Also speaking , the Caretaker Chairman for Guma LGA, Mr Simon Unongo noted that despite the lingering crisis between the two communities over the ownership of the river, the Council was enjoying relative peace.
Mr Unongo said many IDPs from Udei, Tse Torkula, Yongbo amongst others have since returned to their farms following the intervention of the State Government.
On his part, Member representing Guma 1 State Constituency, Mr Terwase Uche, said that the assembly was not considering enacting legislation over such issues because each community has its own peculiarity.
Mr Uche said it was better for the communities to find ways of resolving issues themselves without necessarily using the laws on them as they would continue to live together after the crisis.
NEWS
Fire Guts Shop Destroys Goods, Monies in Ilorin
From Samuel James, Ilorin
Goods worth millions of Naira with huge cash from sales have been burnt into ashes during a midnight inferno that occurred at Akerebiata area of Ilorin metropolis in state capital.
It was gathered that an unfortunate incident happened around 12am during the weekend at a shop where engine oil, brake fluid motor and other associated products are sold.
Ahmad Toyib, the owner of the affected shop who shares the same building with his wife who is also into tailoring materials business lost all the tailoring equipment in the severely burnt.
In addition, all the cash sales made a day before the incident and POS machine were also completely razed down.
NEWS
CNS Says Forensic, Investigative Operations Key to National Devt
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to uphold professionalism by continuously improving their skills and aligning with global standards in forensic and investigative practices.
CNS Ogalla assured that the Nigerian Navy is committed towards adopting global best practices in forensic and investigative operations to support national development.
He stated this during the combined graduation ceremony for three courses for the Advanced Provost Officers Course, the Advanced Detective Investigation Course, and the Outriders Course—held at the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School in Makurdi, Benue State,
Ogalla, who spoke through Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, highlighted the importance of the training, explaining that the courses were designed to enhance the competencies of the officers and ratings graduating from the Provost and Regulating Department.
CNS however commended the graduates, particularly those from the newly introduced specialist programs, as pioneers in advanced forensics and investigative fields.
“As pioneers, the Nigerian Navy is proud of the milestone you have achieved as custodians of forensics and specialist investigators within the Service.
“Our hope is that you will build on the knowledge gained here through dedication and professionalism in your assignments, striving for greater excellence” he maintained
Earlier, Navy Captain Henry Ejeh, Commandant of the School, detailed the rigorous 10-week training program, emphasizing its focus on instilling best practices in law enforcement within and beyond the military. He noted that the program employed diverse methods, including classroom lectures, practical demonstrations, and training attachments, to ensure the students were well-prepared for their roles.
The ceremony underscored the Navy’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its role in advancing national security through cutting-edge forensic and investigative training.
NEWS
Kwara NSCDC Organises Medical Outreach, Award Night
From Samuel James, Ilorin
The Kwara state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has organized a Medical Outreach, Security Summit and Award Night to mark its end-of-year activities in the state.
The event which was organized by the Tanke Division highlighted the Corp’s commitment to community service, security enhancement and the recognition of excellence.
The event started with a Medical Outreach that aimed at improving health and well-being of elderly residents in the Tanke community, as free medical tests were conducted to demonstrate the Corps’ dedication to social responsibility and care for the welfare of citizens.
The Security Summit, which followed, focused on strategies to enlighten neighborhood safety and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders. It also centered its discussions on proactive measures to tackle security challenges and to enhance collective efforts toward ensuring a safe society.
The event also culminated in an Award Night to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have shown outstanding dedication, professionalism, and contributions to public safety.
While addressing the gathering, the State Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, who was represented by the Area K Commander, ACC Kehinde Adebayo, extolled the officers for their unwavering commitment to duty, and explained that recognizing hard work and dedication is not only to motivate personnel but also to inspire excellence and strengthen service delivery.
In his remarks, the Tanke Divisional Officer, SC Oyinloye Yinka, explained the importance of the event, describing it as a platform to appreciate officers for their resilience and to encourage stakeholders’ involvement while reinforcing the Corps’ mandate of safeguarding lives and property.
Oyinloye further appreciated the stakeholders for their unwavering support, acknowledging that the division’s achievements were made possible through the collaborative efforts and partnerships.
The State Command however reassured of its readiness to sustain these initiatives and to deepen community engagement, and enhance operational efficiency in the years to come.