The Benue State Police Command said it has arrested two ring leaders in connection with the violent protest and destruction of properties in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area LGA of Benue state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP. Steve Yabanet, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Catherine Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.

The Commissioner said they are being charged for culpable homicide, destruction of property in Naka.

The statement said that “On 11/03/2025 at about 0900hrs information was received from Naka Police Division that some youths were protesting at Naka, the headquarter of Gwer-west Local Government Area.

“In response to this information, the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve Yabanet swiftly moved to the area in company of other heads of security agencies and Security Adviser to the Governor of Benue state, Col. Alexander Ashungyu (rtd) to assess the situation and take necessary actions.

“Upon arrival at the scene, It was gathered that some suspected herders had attacked and killed three youths in the area.

“Consequently, the youths mobilized themselves for a protest that eventually became violent and led to the destruction of the local government secretariat, Ter Nagi’s palace and properties of other prominent sons of Gwer-west.”

According to him, the increased presence of police teams assisted the division to put the situation under control while two ring leaders of the youth were arrested and investigation is on going.

While commiserating with family members and friends of the youths that lost their lives, the CP condemned the killing and promised to bring perpetuators to book.

The CP also condemned the destruction of property by the youth and assured victims of the mischief that justice will be served.

CP Yabanet advised citizens to go about their lawful businesses as increased security presence in the area is meant to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, was on Wednesday prevented from accessing the Rivers house of assembly quarters in Port Harcourt to present the 2025 budget.

When Fubara and his entourage arrived at the entrance of the building, the gates were locked.

The assembly quarters serve as the chamber for the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers assembly, which is loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Fubara and Wike have been locked in a supremacy battle over control of the political structure of the state.

The rift led to the polarisation of the Rivers assembly.

In December 2024, the governor presented a 2025 budget proposal of N1.1 trillion to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led state house of assembly which is loyal to him.

Speaking to journalists at the entrance of the locked assembly quarters, Fubara said he had come to the quarters in compliance with the supreme court judgment on the Rivers political crisis.

“I am here this morning with a few members of the state executive council to comply with the supreme court judgment,” the governor said.

“Before my arrival, I had made several attempts by phone calls to reach the speaker (Martin Amaewhule) and other members.

“I also wrote a letter personally, which was transmitted to the honourable speaker for this particular invitation.

“It is unfortunate that by the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today. The reason why we are doing this is the interest of our people — which is the most important thing.

“There is nothing to worry about. Maybe they are working on their letter. I expect to hear from them maybe after now.”

Former presidential aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe is reportedly dead.

The prominent Nigerian politician passed away at the age of 72.

It was gathered that Dr. Okupe died on Friday morning after battling a protracted illness suspected to be cancer.

Okupe was in 2022 appointed as the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.

He was, however, forced to step down following a court conviction over alleged money laundering.

According to sources close to the family, Okupe was critically ill in the weeks leading up to his demise.

DAILYPOST