NATIONAL NEWS
Benue attacks: Alia rejects calls for self-defence, backs community policing
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has rejected calls for self-defense by residents following the latest wave of brutal attacks in the state, instead urging communities to support the establishment of a more robust community policing system.
Speaking on AIT News on Tuesday after renewed violence in parts of Benue—where over 100 people were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks across several local government areas—Alia appealed for calm and warned against emotionally driven responses that could escalate insecurity.
“I should carry, and I think that would make some very good common sense,” he said, referring to the idea of arming oneself. “But where you have people who just decide to work up because of sentiments and emotions that are attached to what is happening with us and within us, I think we’re rendering ourselves a bit more vulnerable. So, I wouldn’t advocate for self-defense.”
Instead, Alia reaffirmed his belief in community policing as the most effective response to the state’s security challenges.
“I would encourage us all to keep calling for community policing because it’s the only way. It’s only people from within the state and the local government who would understand what is going on with them,” he said. His remarks follow the reported massacre of more than 100 people in a two-day rampage by suspected armed herders, with local leaders estimating the true death toll could be higher.
The attacks affected Guma Local Government Area and several surrounding communities, prompting national outrage and calls for a state of emergency.
Alia emphasised that external security forces may lack the local understanding necessary to respond swiftly to such attacks.
His comments come amid growing frustration among Benue residents and calls from civil society groups, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for urgent government action and justice for victims.
NATIONAL NEWS
Erondu Hails Tinubu Over Appointment to 2027 Campaign Organisation, Commends Benjamin Kalu for Transforming Abia APC
Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr., Esq., Member representing Obingwa West (Uhie) State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him as a member of his 2027 campaign organisation, describing the appointment as a call to greater service and an opportunity to contribute to the President’s re-election bid.
Erondu, who is also the House Chairman committee on Public Service matters, Abia State House of Assembly expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in him, pledging his commitment to mobilising support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and working towards the APC’s success in the 2027 general elections.
The lawmaker commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, HE Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for what he described as his “immense and immeasurable contributions to the development of the APC in Abia State.”
Erondu noted that Kalu’s leadership, dedication to party building and commitment to reconciliation have contributed significantly to strengthening the APC’s structure, fostering unity among stakeholders and driving visible progress within the party across the state.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate HE Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for his immense and immeasurable contributions to the development of our great party, the APC, in Abia State. His efforts have helped to promote unity, strengthen our party structure and ensure visible progress. His commitment to bringing party leaders and members together remains commendable, and I urge all stakeholders to sustain this spirit of cooperation for the overall success of our party.”
Erondu further extended special greetings and appreciation to HE Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for his continued support for the APC, acknowledging his contributions to the party and the broader efforts to strengthen its political presence.
He also commended H E, Comrade Chris Akomas, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Hon Chijioke Chukwu, the Abia State Chairman, APC for their steadfastness and dedication to the party, while recognising the contributions of former Minister of Labour, Hon. Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, and other leaders and stakeholders working to advance the party’s interests.
According to the lawmaker, the progress recorded by the APC in Abia reflects the importance of collective leadership, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to the party’s growth beyond individual interests.
He called on party leaders, stakeholders and members to sustain the prevailing spirit of unity and cooperation as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, stressing that a united and well-organised APC would be better positioned to expand its grassroots support and secure victory at the polls.
Erondu reaffirmed his readiness to work with President Tinubu’s campaign organisation, party leaders and stakeholders across Abia State and beyond to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects.
He expressed optimism that with purposeful leadership, sustained mobilisation and the collective commitment of party faithful, the APC would consolidate its gains and emerge stronger in the 2027 general elections.
NATIONAL NEWS
Streams Of Joy International Reverses Erroneous Transaction Following Viral Video
SOJ has confirmed the successful reversal of an erroneous transaction involving a woman whose complaint was recently shared in a viral video.
In a statement, the Streams of Joy International said its direct-message channels and official contact lines remain open to members of the public for reporting transaction-related concerns.
SOJ explained that it routinely receives, investigates and resolves reports of erroneous transactions through an established verification process.
According to the statement, no call, email, direct message or formal complaint had been received from the woman before the video was published.
However, upon becoming aware of the video, streams of Joy international said it immediately attempted to contact her using the phone number provided and through direct message.
The woman has since responded, and following the necessary investigation and confirmation, the transaction was successfully reversed.
SOJ reaffirmed its commitment to addressing genuine complaints promptly, transparently and responsibly through its official communication channels.
NATIONAL NEWS
Controlling Roaming Cows in Abuja Not Our Responsibility – Police
The Nigeria Police Force has said it is not responsible for controlling roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, stating that its intervention would only become necessary when the animals are linked to an offence.
The police spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, made this known on Tuesday during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing while responding to concerns over the increasing presence of cows on Abuja roads and other public spaces.
According to Iniedu, the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, lies with the relevant environmental authorities.
“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property.
“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” he said.
He added that the police would investigate any formal complaint involving offences allegedly committed by roaming cattle.
“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” Iniedu stated.
The clarification followed growing concerns over cattle roaming freely on major roads and in other parts of Abuja, with residents raising fears about traffic disruptions, public safety and possible damage to property.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had earlier declined to comment extensively on the issue, saying it was connected to national security.
Wike said, “I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security. Go to the NSA and the DSS DG. You know why I can’t touch it.”
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