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.

By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

A non-governmental organisation, Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation, in conjunction with the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education Initiative, is set to empower residents of Kabusa District, Abuja, through a three-week skills acquisition and intervention programme at Gbuduwyi.

The empowerment programme, which will run from August 11 to 28, will focus on skills acquisition, vocational training, literacy development, psychological support and other interventions aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of residents.

Speaking with Daily Asset correspondent, the national coordinator of the NGO, Regina Duru, said Kabusa District was selected for the programme because of its growing population and the need to provide residents, particularly vulnerable members of the community, with opportunities to become economically self-reliant.

She said the organisation had been involved in empowerment programmes across various districts and communities in Abuja and would continue to expand its interventions to areas where there was a need for such support.

 “We have been empowering districts and communities in Abuja for some time, and we shall continue to do our best to support people and improve their livelihoods,” Dr. Duru said.

According to her, the programme is designed not only to provide participants with practical vocational skills but also to promote literacy, confidence, mental well-being and personal development.

She explained that beneficiaries would be exposed to different areas of training that could enable them to establish small businesses, secure employment or improve their existing sources of livelihood.

Duru further disclosed that the foundation’s partners include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Mental Health Initiative, among others.

She noted that the involvement of the various partners would strengthen the programme by addressing not only economic empowerment but also issues relating to drug abuse, human trafficking, mental health and other social challenges affecting communities.

The founder also called on government agencies, private organisations, development partners, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to support the initiative, stressing that more partnerships would enable the foundation to reach a greater number of people.

She said the organisation’s doors remained open to additional partners who were willing to contribute resources, expertise or other forms of support towards the success of the programme.

The initiative is expected to provide participants with practical knowledge and skills that can translate into sustainable sources of income, while also encouraging adult literacy and greater community participation.

Residents of Kabusa District have therefore been encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity by participating actively throughout the three-week programme.

Organisers expressed optimism that the intervention would have a lasting impact on beneficiaries and contribute to reducing unemployment, poverty and social vulnerability within the community.