News
Gunmen strike again, kill 8 in Benue communities
Suspected herdsmen reportedly attacked several communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives.
The affected communities, including Ogwumogbo, Ikpele, and Ejima, according to reports, witnessed residents fleeing their homes as insecurity continues to plague the region.
Agatu has been a consistent target for armed herders’ attacks over the past two weeks, with both troops and civilians falling victim to the violence.
Gatekeeper reported that on January 18, 2024, five people, including three troops, were ambushed and killed.
Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, confirmed the incident, stating that the troops engaged in a three-hour gun duel, successfully repelling the armed herders.
Another attack, just five days later, was confirmed by former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mike Inalegwu, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The latest attack on Saturday, which is the third within two weeks, reportedly lasted four hours, with armed herders raiding multiple communities.
Residents of Ogwumogbo, Ikpele, and Ejima were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in the forest.
Godwin Edoh, the member representing Agatu state constituency in the Benue State Assembly, expressed frustration at the persistent violence, stating that despite all efforts, the killings have persisted.
“It’s true. These attackers invaded the three communities of Ogwumogbo, Ikpele, and Ejima on Saturday between 12 and 4 pm, and they sacked the people. Eight people were killed in this latest attack, and several more are still missing.
“No one is coming to our aid, and the governor is quiet. I do not understand this,” he stated.
When contacted, Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, said she did not have the specific report.
News
FG declares wed, Thur, Jan 1, 2025 as public holidays
Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday December 26, 2024, and Wednesday January 1, 2025 as public holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.
In a statement, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to
foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.
The minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo, said.
He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.
News
Basketmouth slams filmmakers for failing to showcase Nigeria’s culture in movies
Popular comedian and filmmaker, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has accused some of his colleagues of not showcasing Nigeria’s rich culture in their movies.
The movie star alleged that most of the epic movies released recently do not promote the country’s culture.
In an interview with Hip TV, Basketmouth claimed that the filmmakers wasted opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s culture positively.
He said, “I believe that we still have the opportunity to get it right. But we had a great opportunity to showcase our culture and most of the filmmakers blew it up. They just ruined that great chance because I see epic movies and they look like stage plays.
“When I was seeing most of the epic movies, I was disappointed.
“You guys blew up a great opportunity but let’s hope we still have another chance to strike at it.
“I’m sorry, only very few movies have impressed me so far. I believe that we can do more.”
News
Gov Abiodun commiserates with Makinde, Soludo, Wike over stampede victims
The chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, SGF, and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has sympathised with the governments and people of Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over the tragic loss of lives resulting from recent stampedes at food palliative distribution venues in the affected areas.
The stampedes reportedly claimed the lives of approximately 65 Nigerians, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.
Abiodun expressed his sorrow in sympathy notes to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory, saying that the deaths of the victims were especially tragic because they were pursuing necessities for survival.
The SGF Chairman noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with other levels of government, is still working to improve the living standards of the populace, despite the current economic difficulties they confront.
To prevent further tragedy, Abiodun urged all Nigerians to exercise caution and follow security procedures when attending palliative distribution events.
He said: “Deaths such as these diminish us as a people. These disasters occurred at a time when families around the world are in a festive and joyous mood. It is indeed tragic.
“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun State, commiserate with my brother governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the families of the victims, and all Nigerians on these unfortunate incidents.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
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