From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sworn in a total of 1,760 Corps members for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream two orientation exercise and mandatory one-year service in Bayelsa.

The swearing-in ceremony was held over the weekend at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

DAILY ASSET reports that the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayimieye, represented by Justice Inikade Eradiri, administered the Oath of allegiance on the corps members.

In his address, the state’s NYSC Coordinator, Samuel Pepple, said that 1,760 corps members registered for the mandatory orientation.

He noted that the corps members for the past two days, had started acclimatizing to their environment, in preparation to serve their fatherland. “I congratulate you today, as you people are responding to the parade amongst other things,” he said.

According to him, the orientation is to run for three weeks, after which corps members will be posted to their places of primary assignments.

He consequently, urged corps members to be of good behavior in all they do in the cause of their service to the state, and the nation at large.

The coordinator commended Gov. Douye Diri, for all the support he has been rendering to the Bayelsa NYSC, and also thanked invited guest and camp officials.

In his remarks, Gov. Diri who was represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Matter, Wisdom Poyeri, noted that the orientation was necessary and important to national service.

Diri commended camp officials and urged corps members to be tolerant with one another, and exhibit unity during the exercise and beyond their service year.

He noted that the state government remained committed to their welfare and safety, and urged corp members to contribute positively to their places of primary assignments and beyond.

The governor urged them to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for one another, and shun any act of indiscipline amongst them but to embrace things that will make them a better people in the future.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Members of Efeyi community in Ugboju district in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Saturday conducted a mass burial for 16 persons killed in a suspected armed herdsmen attack, as sorrows and tears gripped the community.

The victims were laid to rest in a solemn ceremony attended by family members, community leaders, traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, many of whom struggled to hold back tears as they paid their last respects.

Suspected armed herdsmen had invaded and launched an unprovoked attack on Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of the State and killed 16 people.

The attackers were said to have stormed the community at about 5 a.m., shooting sporadically.

That incident is the second heavy attack in the area in recent months.

A resident of the community who identified himself as Ogboji Aboje, who attended the funeral, said the event was one of the saddest moments in the history of the community.

“The funeral was so touching. The atmosphere was full of sorrow. Tears were gushing. It was the saddest day for the people of the Efeyi community. May their souls rest in peace. Amen,” he said.

Prayers were offered by a Catholic priest before the eight victims, laid in white caskets, were lowered into graves dug side by side

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has donated 100 vials of Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom (ASV), valued at over N25 million to the Benue State government to support the treatment of snakebite victims across the state.

The intervention comes against the backdrop of concerns over snakebite cases in Benue and the high cost of Anti-Snake Venom, which often places a significant financial burden on affected families.

The donation equally formed part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s broader efforts to reduce illness and deaths associated with snakebite across the country.

The consignment was formally presented on Friday at the headquarters of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche who had earlier received the items, officially presented them to the State ministry of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Ogwuche, while presenting the items, noted that the intervention reflects the proactive leadership of the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the commitment of the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to leveraging strategic partnerships to address critical health challenges.

He however commended Governor Alia for his sustained commitment to improving healthcare delivery and protecting the lives and wellbeing of the people of Benue State.

The commissioner further expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Aliu Pate, and the Federal Ministry for responding positively to the state’s request for support.

According to him, the Federal Government’s intervention will complement the efforts of the Alia administration to make essential healthcare services more accessible, particularly to vulnerable residents.

He noted that the availability of the Anti-Snake Venom would reduce the financial burden on affected families and improve access to prompt treatment for victims of snakebite.

Dr. Ogwuche assured that the Ministry would ensure proper documentation, storage, distribution and rational utilisation of the consignment to guarantee that the lifesaving medicine reaches patients who genuinely require it.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Cephas Hough, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the timely intervention.

He said the donation would strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to snakebite cases while easing the treatment burden on affected residents.

Dr. Hough particularly commended the Commissioner for his proactive engagement with the Federal Ministry, which facilitated the attraction of the donation to Benue State.

He noted that the intervention underscores the value of sustained collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in addressing critical public health challenges.

The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharmacist Regina Chi-Chi Agir, for documentation, storage and warehousing in accordance with established pharmaceutical management procedures.

The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Directors and other senior officials of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services.

The intervention marks another important step in strengthening access to lifesaving medicines in Benue State and reflects the commitment of the Alia administration and the State Ministry of Health to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent residents from accessing essential treatment.