An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun, on Monday, remanded a 19-year-old man, Taiwo Lateef,  who allegedly stabbed another man with a broken bottle.

Lateef, whose address was not provided, is facing a count charge of assault.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Insp E.

He alleged that the defendant assaulted the complainant, Mr Akorede Sanni, by stabbing him on the rib; thus, causing him a permanent injury.

Adaraloye said that the complainant was still receiving treatment in a hospital.

He said that the offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Fadairo, ordered that the defendant should be kept in prison custody pending the time the complainant would recover.

Fadairo adjourned the case until June 2 for trial. (NAN)

 A 38-year-old man, Yusuf Olasunkanmi, was  brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun on Monday, for allegedly assaulting another man with a blow.

Olasunkanmi, whose address was not provided, is facing three-count charges of assault, conspiracy and breach of peace.

The Prosecutor, Insp E.

Adaraloye alleged that the defendant and his accomplices conspired to conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by assaulting the complainant, Oke Solomon, with a fist of blow.

He added that the assault caused the complainant, a permanent injury.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 351, 355 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Fadairo, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to Ogun Government.

The case was adjourned to June 10, for further hearing. (NAN)

Claims 300 Lives Lost in Recent Coordinated Attacks across Five LGAs

Agatu Council Boss Confirms Killing of District Head by Armed Herdsmen

By David Torough, Abuja,

Attah Ede, Makurdi

A non-partisan group under the aegis of the OnTiv Professionals Association (OPA), Abuja has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, raising the alarm over the persistent attacks and killings of innocent citizens in Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

In the petition submitted to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the group condemned what it described as systematic and orchestrated acts of terror, asserting that the attacks have devastated communities, displaced millions, and crippled the economy of the state.

The petition, jointly signed by the OPA President, Abraham Aku and the General Secretary, Akaanan Jacob Gwaza lamented that the unrelenting violence has turned Benue—once known for its rich agricultural productivity into a “Theatre of horror.”

“Over 300 lives have been lost in recent coordinated attacks across local government areas including Kwande, Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala. Homes have been reduced to ashes, and farmlands destroyed,” the petition reads in part.

Particularly tragic was a recent attack in Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area, where no fewer than 11 bodies were recovered. The incident was confirmed by Hon. Agbo Kennedy, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency, during a live appearance on Channels Television on April 15, 2025.

The association warned that the attacks are no longer mere clashes between herders and farmers but a full-blown insurgency allegedly perpetrated by a militia group with a suspected agenda against the Benue Valley. They pointed to the use of military-grade weapons such as AK-47s, RPGs, GPMGs, and even drones in the assaults.

In a strongly worded call for action, the group demanded that the Federal Government deploy Special Forces and surveillance technology to flush out the attackers.

They also called for the declaration of Fulani herdsmen as a terrorist organization and urged the prosecution of those behind the violence.

“Where is the President, the National Assembly and our state governor while our people are butchered like animals?” the petition questioned.

The group also urged Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to break his silence and enforce the existing anti-open grazing law which, they claimed, had previously offered protection to communities before his tenure.

They concluded by stressing the need for urgent intervention to prevent a descent into anarchy and a situation where residents may be forced to resort to self-help in the absence of security.

OPA reaffirmed its commitment to peace and rule of law but warned that the patience of the people is wearing thin amid growing frustration and continued bloodshed.

Agatu Council Boss Confirms Killing of District Head by Armed Herdsmen in Benue

The chairman of Agatu local government council, Melvin James Ejeh yesterday confirmed the killing of the District Head of Odugbeho, Chief Tony Adejo from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders.

Ejeh, who confirmed the development when spoke with newsmen on phone in Makurdi, said Chief Adejo was gruesomely killed in his farm at Akpa-Otobi by the suspected herders who invaded the area at about 10 am of Wednesday.

He described late chief Adejo as a peace builder, an astute community builder and a community leader who would be greatly missed by all.

Ejeh explained that the late chief was working on his farm in Otobi-Akpa, Otukpo local government area before some mindless criminals went and killed him.

“I can confirm to you that the district head of Odugbeho chief Tony Adejo has been killed. He was killed by some armed men while working on his farm at Otobi in Otukpo local government area of the State.

“Despite hearing this ugly news, Odugbeho community is calm, our people is calm because we will not take law into our hands. We are just mourning the death of a community leader.

“Nobody is taking law into his hand, there is no need for reprisal attack because the incident did not happen on ground. Therefore, Agatu is calm and peaceful as usual”, Ejeh stated.

The Agatu council boss however enjoined all Agatu indigenes, who are in and outside Agatu communities to be security cautious and be closer to security agents to avoid being fall victims of herder’s attacks.

He further urged them to relate closely with the chairman of any local government areas they are and also work with other local authorities and community leaders and be ready to report any suspicious criminals to the appropriate authorities.

“Agatu people residing and farming in other local government areas should be careful and watchful with their movement. They should liaise with local authorities and know the areas that are safe to work for now since the government is trying to curb the issue of insecurity in the whole of zone c”, he explained.

The Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, could not be reached for comment as she could not respond to text or calls.