From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue North East (Zone A), has strongly condemned what it described as “the gruesome and barbaric attack” launched on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area of the state by armed herdsmen which claimed no fewer than 17 lives.

The party noted that credible reports indicated that no fewer than 17 persons were brutally killed, with several others injured and properties destroyed during the unprovoked attack, calling for immediate and decisive government action.

In a press statement signed by the PDP State Vice Chairman (Zone A), Abraham Waroh, on Wednesday, the Zone A PDP extended deepest condolences to the people of Kwande Local Government Area, particularly the families of the victims, and sympathized with those injured and displaced as a result of the heinous attack.

“We are deeply saddened by the continued loss of innocent lives and call on the relevant security agencies to act decisively by identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators of these atrocities.

“Regrettably, the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has consistently failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property in Benue State.

“Worse still, speaking out against insecurity has seemingly become forbidden, as the Alia administration has entrenched a culture of denial by downplaying the attacks, disputing casualty figures, and refusing to confront the grim reality facing the people”, Waroh said.

The party reminded Governor Alia that the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property, maintaining that any administration that fails in this fundamental duty has failed entirely.

“Sadly, the failure of the Alia government in the area of security is glaring, undeniable, and evident even to the least informed observer.

“In view of this monumental failure, the PDP believes that the honourable course of action for Governor Alia is to resign, so that a competent and courageous governor who is capable of defending the people of Benue State can take charge.

“This call has become necessary as the administration persistently ignores warnings and intelligence reports of impending attacks, only to respond after scores of innocent people have been murdered, often followed by attempts to deny or diminish the scale of the tragedy”.

The PDP noted with deep concern that beyond Kwande, several other local government areas, including Ukum, Logo, Guma, Gwer West, Agatu, Apa, and Otukpo, are bleeding daily under the wave of insecurity. Yet, the Alia administration has largely remained silent, offering neither firm condemnation nor words of reassurance to traumatized communities.

“We will therefore not be surprised if, in keeping with its established pattern, the Alia administration fails to officially condole with the people of Kwande or unequivocally condemn the tragic attack on Abande community”, Waroh stated.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has uncovered another transnational human trafficking scheme, rescued a 25-year-old female victim trafficked to Mali for prostitution, and arrested a 69-year-old male suspect, one Eze Boniface.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe, said that the suspect was arrested on 21st January 2026 by operatives of the Command serving in Igbo-Eze North Police Division, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s parents.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and his cohorts, now at large, in May 2023 allegedly deceived the victim (names withheld) and her parents with the promise of securing her employment in a textile company in a foreign country, where she would earn $100 daily.

However, the victim later found herself in Mali, where she was allegedly trafficked and forced into prostitution, and the syndicate reportedly made about 500,000 CFA francs from her exploitation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure the dismantling of the trafficking network, uncover other criminal activities of the syndicate, and arrest all those connected with the crime.

He further urges parents, guardians, and young people to be wary of false promises of lucrative jobs and a better life abroad, and to avoid falling victim to the criminal schemes of human traffickers.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) wish to commend the courageous and patriotic traders of Onitsha Main Market for their patriotic decision to reopen their businesses after years of succumbing to empty threats of enemies of the Nation.

In a statement by the acting deputy director army public relations 82 division Nigeria, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said that for years, criminal elements masquerading as freedom fighters have been instilling fear and undermining the livelihoods of hardworking citizens.

Their action, which was designed to instill fear, cripple commerce, destabilize communities, and erode confidence in government institutions has long been defused, but the courage of these patriotic traders has authenticated the giant strides by the security agencies. By rejecting intimidation and resuming business, they have demonstrated resilience and a firm commitment to peace and progress.

On this note, 82 Division NA assures all stakeholders that the Onitsha Main Market, and indeed all economic centers in the region, will be protected with every necessary measure. Security forces remain fully deployed, on alert while intelligence-led kinetic operations are ongoing to dismantle the remnants of IPOB and ESN from their hideouts. The safety of lives and property of the traders and all law abiding citizens in general remain our highest priority.

We urge all residents to continue their lawful activities without fear, shun intimidation and embrace courage in the face of empty threats. The NA stands ready to defend the people against those who are bent on ruining the economic prosperity of the South-East.

All criminal elements are hereby warned to lay down their arms, renounce violence, and embrace peace. Unrepentant criminals will face the full weight of the law and the decisive force of the security agencies, as no hiding place will shield them from justice.

The Division reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of all citizens, the security of life and property, and the defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty. We further call on the public to disregard false threats intended to undermine the peace support efforts of the security agencies.

The Division will continue to work closely with civil authorities, traditional institutions, and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the state. Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible information on any security threat for prompt action.  Together we shall defeat all acts of terrorism.

The General Officer Commanding 82 Division NA and Commander Joint Task Force South East OPERATION UDO KA, Maj Gen Oluremi Fadairo appreciates the political will of the government of Anambra state. The support of the state government has been instrumental in the ongoing efforts to end terrorism and restore normalcy in the region. The government collaboration with security agencies has strengthened confidence and provided the enabling environment for commerce to thrive.