Nigeria 360 Network News (2024)

29/02/2024

STATE GOVT TO REPOSITION BENUE TV CORP - SAM ODE

Benue State Deputy Governor H.E. Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, has expressed state government's determination to reposition Benue Television Corporation to deliver on its mandate.

The Deputy Governor stated this Tuesday when management team of the corporation led by the Director General, Dr. Mrs. Patience Achakpa Ikyo paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency in his office at Government House Makurdi.

He described the media organization as the best platform that can propagate the programmes and projects been undertaken by the Alia administration saying "no organisation can tell the story of the new Benue more than Benue TV because of its audio and visual effects".

Barr Sam Ode was optimistic that most of the problems militating against the smooth running of the corporation will be addressed once he tenders their requests to the Executive Governor, H.E. Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, adding that other avenues including partnership with corporate organizations doing businesses in the state will be explored for enhanced performance.

The Deputy Governor further assured that government will look for ways of addressing the power problem facing the corporation and explained that "due to competing demands for government resources, the requests will be met in order of priorities".

Earlier in her presentation, the Director General, Benue Television Corporation, Dr. Mrs. Patience Achakpa Ikyo said they were in the office of the Deputy Governor to keep him abreast with activities of her organization and to seek government's support to enable them deliver on their mandate.

"We are seeking that the Benue State Government who owns Benue Television use Benue Television, promotes Benue Television and projects Benue Television as a national TV. By the time you begin to call Benue TV first before any other TV station, you are giving us a projection, the endorsement that we are asking for".

While soliciting the cooperation of the state government to encourage its political appointees and heads of MDAs in the state to always watch and advertise on Benue TV, the Director General also appealed for bulk purchase of Benue TV decoders by government through Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for distribution to people at the local government areas either for free or at subsidized prices. According to her, this will encourage viewership of the state owned TV station.

She further disclosed that Benue TV can be watched on StarTimes and other social media platforms while discussion is ongoing with MultiChoice to place the station on DSTV, noting that their only challenge was to meet the 24-hour transmission requirement given by MultiChoice which she said was not feasible at the moment due to lack of steady power supply; this she further explained was also the reason they lost major advertising clients including MTN.

Mrs. Achakpa Ikyo therefore appealed for the provision of solar power alternative for the station as well as operational vehicles to carry out their daily activities.

Highpoint of the occasion was presentation of Benue TV decoder and dish among other souvenirs to the Deputy Governor by the Director General.

Ior Ikyereve
Deputy Chief Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Governor.

Photo credit: Desmond Oogwu

28/02/2024

ALLEGATIONS OF 20BILLION FRAUD IN BENUE, A GROSS FICTION AND BASELESS.

28th February, 2024

We read in a section of the media with utter dismay, venal and mischievous allegations of missing ₦20bn in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in Benue State.

In the news story, "Global Integrity Crusade Network"(GICN) who claimed that their mandate is to checkmate corruption and avail recommendations to Anti-corruption Agencies and the public domain for investigation, tried unsuccessfully to mislead the unsuspecting members of the public with glorious fallacy.

For the records, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, a very disciplined leader whose standpoint is prudent management of resources did not direct the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Denis Akura, to monitor the diversion of over 20billion federal allocation aggregated to the local governments.

Again, as at June 2023 - 2nd October 2023 Dr. Denis Akura was not at the helm of affairs at the Bureau. Therefore, making references to him within the period only exposes GICN's main intention for the petition.

Furthermore, it is on record that on the assumption of duty at the Bureau, Dr Akura made it clear to all staff at the Bureau that he was directed by his boss to strictly adhere to the 'workable administrative framework designed to restructure, revamp cm return the lost glory at the local government administration in Benue State.

It is unfortunate that GICN completely exposed itself once more of the mischievous or stark ignorance or both on the running and management of the Bureau. In Benue State, the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs no longer controls the federal allocation or any funds of the local government areas. A quasi financial autonomy has been granted to the local governments where the aggregated federal allocation of the local government goes directly to each and every local government area's Accounts.

The Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as mandated by Governor Alia, only supervise, monitor and coordinate the affairs of the 23 local government areas through her Directorate of Monitoring and Inspection.

Moreover, for transparency, the designated administrative framework has also directed all the local government area Caretaker Committee Chairmen to as a must, be crediting their IGR into the local government area Accounts before transferring into the expenditures account to spend on the local government policies, Programmes and projects. All these decisions are deliberated and approved in the monthly Local Government Joint Account meetings.

The Same administrative framework has returned normalcy in the regular payment of local government salaries, imprest, pensions and gratuities; upfront payment of fresh retirees entitlements on or before 25th of every month with immediate enrollment on the pension payroll.

Already, proposals of massive infrastructural development are collected by the Bureau across the 23 Local Government areas by the management of the Bureau. And within a short time, the Chairmen will soon be given permission to prepare their local purchase orders to ignite massive infrastructural development ranging from overhaul renovation of the local government Quarters cm installation of street lights, and opening of ruler access roads to better the lives of ruler dwellers in Benue State.

The management of the Bureau does not have the mandate to share palliatives nor Christmas relief materials as alleged in a section of the media.

Finally, hatchet jobs of this nature are to be expected, and we are expecting more to come in the nearest future, especially now that the reforms in various sectors of government by the Alia administration continues to gather steam.

Governor Alia promised and declared that Benue people deserve to know what happens with their money. Therefore, we are not afraid of any petition and we shall not hesitate to reply to any. We have nothing to hide.

Hon. Dr. Akura Dennis
Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Benue State on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

26/02/2024

GUIDELINES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A GREATER BENUE AND POLICY DOCUMENT ON AGRICULTURE 2024-2027 UNDER GOV. ALIA'S ADMINISTRATION.

-Committee Submits Report To Engr. Ninga-

A five man committee set up to draft guidelines for the implementation of the strategic development plan for a greater Benue and policy document on Agriculture 2024-2027 under the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia PhD, chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Climate Change, Prof. Anjembe Bemgba on Monday, 26th February, 2024 submitted its report in hardcopy documents of 35 implementable items segmented into 4 Volumes Viz; 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively to the Director General, Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation (BNARDA & BENTHA), Engr. Terese Ninga at his office in Makurdi.

Prof. Anjembe, the committee chairman while presenting the report thanked Gov. Alia and Engr. Ninga for finding them worthy to serve in the committee, noting that the committee has done a very thorough job and extended his tentacles of appreciation to his fellow committee members, his colleagues at the defunct Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa University Makurdi, Director Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Monica Yaaya for their immense contribution for the success of the work which he noted it is as a result of series of research by the committee members.

The committee in its report recommended for timely procurement and supply of farm inputs to farmers with a call on the Governor to establish analytical laboratory come 2025 for production to commence in 2026, seeks Benue State Government's collaboration with Center For Food Technology and Research ( CEFTER)and Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa University, Makurdi for training and retraining of extension workers, liaise with Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to revoke the sale of strategic silo storage complex in Makurdi hence due process was not followed and agreement breached, reactivate the abandoned silos complex in Otukpo Local Government Area and establish silo storage complex in the North East District of the state.

Other recommendations by the committee members were; establishment of seed multiplication centres in the state, effective land development reform and reversal of the consultancy agreement initiated between Benue State Government and PEDRO Nigeria Limited, reactivation of facilities for irrigation system of farming for the 54,557 hectares of irrigational site in the state and stressed the need to identify and visit the areas with strong security to avoid further encroachment, seeks approval from the state governor to employ 250 extension workers, purchase 1,000 tractors and 500 power tillers which would inturn create job opportunities for the citizens among other recommendations.

Receiving the report on behalf of the state Governor, Director General, Benue State Bureau of Agricultural Dvelopment and Mechanisation (BNARDA & BENTHA), Engr. Terese Ninga thanked members of the committee for the wonderful job done for the state within the stipulated time frame of two weeks.

Engr. Ninga noted that, since Gov. Alia's administration upholds Agriculture, there is the need to have a road map that would navigate the efforts and policies of the Government adding that the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation under his leadership as its pioneer DG has recorded significant achievements in revamping Agriculture to bring back the lost glory and maintain its status as the food basket of the nation to curb food insecurity in Nigeria.

Engr. Ninga further said he believes the implementation of the recommendations would as Well increase the GDP of the state and pledge to transmit the documents to Gov. Alia without delay.

Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Agriculture, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor Special Adviser to the Governor on LGA Market Coordination and Monitoring, Hon. Akaager Imoter, Chairman All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN),Benue State Chapter, Mr. Aondongu Saaku, Secretary, Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation, Mrs. Dooshima Zaki, heads of departments among others witnessed the event.

Mary Hwakar,
Information Officer,
Benue State Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation (BNARDA & BENTHA)
26th February,2024.

26/02/2024

PRESS RELEASE

POSTPONEMENT OF FUNERAL PROGRAMME FOR WANTAREGH PAUL IYORPUU UNONGO (OFR) TO NOVEMBER 2024

It is with all sense of responsibility that I inform the general public about the postponement of the burial programme of our father, uncle, leader, and Elder Statesman, Wantaregh Paul Iyorpuu Unongo (OFR), earlier scheduled to take place from Sunday, 3rd March, 2024 from Jos, Plateau State to Saturday, 9th March, 2024 at Unongo Village, Turan, Kwande LGA of Benue State, Nigeria.

The burial has now been rescheduled to hold from Sunday, 24th November, 2024, from Jos, Plateau State, to Saturday, 30th November, 2024, at Unongo Village, Turan, Kwande LGA of Benue State.

The family took this hard decision after due consultations with friends of Wantaregh Paul Iyorpuu Unongo (OFR), and major stakeholders.

The family highly regrets any inconvenience this postponement might cause for those who had earlier made arrangements to attend the burial of Wantaregh Paul Iyorpuu Unongo (OFR), as earlier scheduled for March 2024. The family craves your indulgence to maintain and even improve upon your earlier arrangements so that, together, we shall give our beloved father, brother, uncle friend, leader, associate, and Elder Statesman, a befitting burial, deserving of a true patriot.

The new burial dates are from Sunday, 24th November, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State, to the final interment on Saturday, 30th November, 2024, in Unongo Village, Turan, Kwande LGA, Benue State, Nigeria.

Please pray for the Unongo Family and other families who are waiting to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Thank you for your understanding.

Ambassador Professor Steve Davies Ugbah
(For the Unongo Family)

14/02/2024

BENUE, OTHER 5 STATES GET 150M EUROS FOR RURAL ROADS, MARKETS--HON. NUMBEVE.

Benue and other five states in Nigeria have signed an agreement with the European Investment Bank for a 150 million euros facility to assist them open up rural roads and build markets for farm produce.

The six states which included Benue, Borno, Taraba, Cross River, Edo and Anambra would get the facility under the Rural Access and Agricultural Markets Projects (RAAMP).

Benue State Coordinator of RAAMP, Hon. Numbeve Stephen said once the funds are disbursed and implementation starts in March, Benue’s rural people, who are mostly farmers, would be relieved as they will have access roads to transport their produce and the markets to sell.

He said the project would cut drastically post-harvest losses that farmers incurred due to bad roads and viable markets.

He explained that the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, signed the agreement with the bank on behalf of the six states in December and they would share the 150 euros among them.

He further explained that rural access roads will be constructed while three modern warehouses, one in each senatorial zone, will be built; adding that emphasis will be laid on areas where a lot of agricultural produce comes from.

He also said bridges will be constructed in some communities for easy access.

07/02/2024

MISSING PERSON

Name: Mnena Yôôm Aernyi
Age: 40YRS
Colour: Fair
Height: Average
Hair: Not Plaited, Untidy
Tribe: Tiv
Place: Aernyi Village, Kundav council Ward, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Language spoken: TIV.

She was seen last on Wednesday, 10th January , 2024.

She tied wrapper with black sweater on top.

Anyone with useful information on her whereabout should PLEASE call any of these numbers or report to the nearest Police station;

09048358952,
09027869517,
08028245517.

Thank you in anticipation.

Mr. Terver Yôôm
(Elder Brother).

01/02/2024

HON. GABO, OTHER BENUE ASSEMBLY MEMBERS COMPLETES TRAINING IN TURKEY, SOUTHEAST EUROPE, RECEIVES CERTIFICATES.

Distinguished Hon. Simon Gabo Member representing Mata Constituency at the Benue state house of assembly among other Members and staff of the 10th Assembly on Wednesday, 31st January 2024 completed their training with the theme "The Legislature's Roles, Financial Control Mechanism, Budget Monitoring and Implementation, Mechanised Agriculture and Husbandry" offered by Wocopa Academy.

The training was held at Vespia Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey, South East Europe.

Certificates was given to him and other members of the Assembly who participated in the training exercise.

27/01/2024

REMITTING P.A.Y.E WILL NOT IMPEDE COMPANIES GROWTH SAYS BIRS CHAIRMAN.

Inorder to address the erroneous notions that PAYE tax is imposed on companies to thwart their progress in the state, the Acting Executive Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service, Mr.Emmanuel Agema FCTI stated that remitting Pay As You Earn Tax will not and is not meant to impede the growth and success of companies in the state.

He made this statement during a meeting with the Management, Zonal Tax Officers and Area Tax Officers of the service at the revenue house recently to educate on the necessity to ensure collection of the tax.

The Chairman noted that P. A. Y.E “Pay As You Earn” is a method of collecting personal income tax from employee`s salaries and wages through deduction at source by an employer as provided by the relevant sections of Personal Income Tax Act (PITA).(S.81of Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8 LFN 2004).

When salaries are paid, the employer deducts a certain amount of money and pays to the government which serve a revenue to the state.It is now the duty of the employers to remit to the relevant tax authorities where the employee is resident.

He therefore emphasized that the money deducted from employees is not company's money. Companies do not pay "Personal Income Tax" and as such remitting such funds collected from workers cannot re**rd or interfer with the company's growth and success.

The Tax Boss further reiterated his resolve that though he is poised with the power of generating revenue for the state, he is willing and ready to support growing companies in the state to enable them thrive without inconveniences through improved revenue policies and strategies.

Jacintha Bernard
Media Assistant to the Ag. Executive Chairman,BIRS.
27th January,2024.

24/01/2024

HON. GABO COMMENDS GOV. ALIA OVER INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.

24th January,2024.

Member representing Mata Constituency at the Benue State house of assembly, Hon. Simon Gabo has commended Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, PhD, for his commitment to road infrastructure, transport sector, regular payment of workers entitlement among others saying the massive turnaround in few months is testament to the determination of the present Government to fulfill its 7 points agenda for the benefit of its citizenry.

Hon. Gabo made this commendable in Makurdi on Wednesday

Hon. Gabo who's the chairman, Benue State house of assembly standing Committee on Culture and Tourism as well as the Ministry of Communication & digital economy Stated that Benue in no distance time would become a tourists attraction state in Nigeria and called on the masses to continue to support Gov. Alia's adminstration as it's determined to continue to initiate and provide basic infrastructure that will have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of the people.

He further commended Gov. Alia for the procurement of new buses to Benue Links company; the only state owned transport company which until its rescued by the Gov. was in a sorry state.

24/01/2024

TRANSPARENCY, ACCURACY, JUSTICE, FAIRNESS AND NON PARTISAN ARE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

Just meet up the criteria and get your 20k.

Sannix Global services Nigeria Limited Scholarship's portal will be accessible tomorrow by 7:30 pm.

Sort out your documents and get ready for your application. Where applicants CGPA's tally, first applicant will be considered.

By CEO/MD Sannix Global Services Nigeria Limited.
distinguished comrade Mlumun Mvendaga Nicholas

24/01/2024

KIDNAPPED UKUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL CARETAKER COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, HON. REV. HAANONGON GIDEON, REMAINS IN CAPTIVITY

Ukum Peace Advocates

On January 14, 2024, the UKUM Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Rev. Gideon Haanongon, and three others were abducted along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. The incident occurred around 6:30 am as they were on their way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Fezaanga Wombo.

Despite the passage of time, Rev. Haanongon remains in captivity, as the government of Benue State and securities have not been able to rescue him. This situation has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the council chairman in the hands of his abductors.

The abduction of the council Chairman has also raised concerns about the competence of security personnel, and the need for collaborative efforts with the locals for improved intelligence gathering.

Others have asked that if the chief security officer of the local government could be abducted so easily, what then becomes the fate of the locals ?

Ukum Peace Advocates as a concerned group is deeply troubled by the lack of official response from the government of Benue State, under the leadership of Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia, following the abduction of Rev. Haanongon Gideon.

We fear that the vulnerability resulting from the chairman’s captivity without significant efforts from Fr. Alia's government could further escalate insecurity in the entire Sankera and other parts of the State. There is therefore, a need to act now, and release Rev. Haanongon.

Furthermore, Our group is greatly dismayed by the recent decision of the deputy council caretaker committee chairman, Mrs. Yangeve Priscilla, and the secretary, Jonathan Modi, to abruptly dissolve all the appointments made by the abducted Chairman and appoint new officials while the Chairman remains in captivity. This action has further heightens the already charged atmosphere resulting from the Chairman's abduction.

We, therefore, call upon the State Governor, Rev. Alia, to take greater concern and urgency in resolving this matter. The good people of Ukum deserve to have their council caretaker chairman returned to them safely and promptly.

Ukum Peace Advocates.
24-01-2024

23/01/2024

DG BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND MECHANIZATION, ENGR. NINGA COMMENDS GOV. ALIA OVER INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.

23rd January, 2024

The Pioneer Director General, Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization (BNARDA & BENTHA), Engr. Terese Ninga has commended Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, PhD, for his commitment to road infrastructure and transport sector, regular payment of workers entitlement among others saying the massive turnaround in few months is testament to the determination of the present Government to fulfill its 7 points agenda for the benefit of its citizenry.

Engr. Ninga made this commendable in Makurdi on Tuesday

Engr. Ninga Stated that Benue in no distance time would become a tourists attraction state in Nigeria and called on the masses to continue to support Gov. Alia's adminstration as it's determined to continue to initiate and provide basic infrastructure that will have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of the people.

He further commended Gov. Alia for the procurement of new buses to Benue Links company; the only state owned transport company which until its rescued by the Gov. was in a sorry state.

23/01/2024

BREAKING: Yul Edochie Quits Acting To Answer 'God's Call', Opens His Own Church 'True Salvation Ministry'

23/01/2024

AGEMA'S REMARKABLE IMPACTS, HISTORY IN MAKING.

The Acting Executive Chairman Benue State Internal Revenue Service, BIRS), Mr. Emmanuel Agema, FCTI, has made a remarkable impact since his assumption of office as the Acting Executive Chairman of Benue state Internal Revenue Service.

Mr. Agema’s dedication to work and determination to bring about real change has made him a rising star in Nigerian leadership, as demonstrated in his achievements in just six months in office as BIRS Chairman.

Noticeably, one of his major achievements is in the area of clamping down on illegal check point operators and dismantling of illegal roadblock. On assumption of office, the chairman stated his stand on zero tolerance to illegal checkpoint operators and their activities and swiftly declared them Persona Non Grata and enemies of the state.

In this light, Agema constituted and inaugurated a taskforce comprising of BIRS Staff and Security agents. The Taskforce swiftly began operation and has successfully arrested a lot of suspects; Ten at Igbor in Gwer East local government, Six at Wuese, Konshisha Local Government, while other suspects were arrested in Otukpa and Howe in Northbank respectively, as illegal Checkpoints has also been dismantled in Akeior, Utange, Ushongo LGA, Tor Mar in Konshisha, Amaafu and Gungul. While three notorious suspects who issue fake receipts were also arrested in Zaki Biam. All the arrested culprits has been detained and arraigned in court.

Recently, the chairman led a patrol of security operatives comprising of Nigeria Police Force, the Civil Defense Corps and arrested five culprits at three locations in Ushongo and Vandeikya Local Government Areas. He has also collaborated with the Taskforce team on illegal roadblock, logging and Mining inaugurated by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr.Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The Support granted by the chairman to the team enabled them embark on an operation which led to the arrest of nine illegal roadblock operators in North bank, Benue State.

The transformative leadership of Emmanuel Agema has taken the Benue political and leadership landscape by storm in just six short months as a tax boss. Hailing from a humble background, Agema journey to the corridors of power is nothing short of inspiring.

His remarkable impact in few months has been nothing short of extraordinary. This great improvement has enabled the Governor to take up administrative tenure without obtaining loan from any financial institution; local or international.

This present the personality of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia to be one who creates out of nothing despite the flated state of the nations economy.

In addition to to the Tax boss accomplishments, Agema is also known for his accessibility and transparency. He actively engages with his constituents, listening to their concerns, and addressing them with empathy and compassion, and this level of genuine connection has fostered a strong bond between Agema and the tax payers, further solidifying his position as a beloved and respected leader.

Tarkighir is a member of BIRS Media Team, from Makurdi.
23rd January,2023.

16/01/2024

SUPPORT GROUPS LEADERS DECORATES GOV. ALIA'S SSA, HON. NGUTSWEN, SUED FOR INCLUSIVENESS IN GROUPS AFFAIRS.

Leaders of support groups in Zone C paid a solidarity visit to the office of the Senior Special Advisor to Gov. Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State on special groups mobilisation to appreciate his sound take off and reaffirmed the unalloyed support of the zone to his office. They were appreciative for the governor's gesture for giving palliative to support groups, first of its kind in the history of the state.

Responding the SSA, Hon. Francis Ngutswen appreciate them for the sacrifices endured during the campaigns emphasizing that the office is open to work with support groups down to the grass roots. He also emphasized that the coming of HE Rev. Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia represent a new era, a shift from misappropriation to bringing direct benefits to the masses. He sued for support as the office of special groups mobilisation has never existed before so many things are learned on the job even as he strives to carry everyone along.

He explained that going forward and given enough time, groups leaders will be engaged to ensure a seamless process and a hitch free exercise for the overall success of groups' welfare.

The SSA further informed them of the new data form for compiling of support groups detail that contains specific information that will be useful positively in affecting the people base on government policies, those whose age bracket falls within employable age, business etc.

He appreciates them so much for the honour done him by decorating him with a traditional attire, saying it was first of its kind since he assume office.

Information available from the desk of Mr. Anôngu Matthew; Makurdi local government coordinator of the groups said event concluded with breaking of cola nut which signifiesof love and solidarity.

16/01/2024

ABDUCTORS OF BENUE LG CHAIRMAN DEMAND N50MILLION RANSOM

Indications have emerged that the abductors of the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, Rev. Gideon Haanongon, are demanding a ransom of N50 million for his release.

Recall that the chairman was ambushed and abducted on Saturday morning, along with his personal assistant, driver, and police orderly, by unknown armed men at Anyagba, Tongov, along the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam road in Katsina-Ala LGA.

A family source who spoke on condition of anonymity told newsmen Tuesday that the chairman’s abductors had opened negotiations with his family members to secure his release.

According to him, “From what we have seen so far, his abductors are members of a local bandit. They have started discussing this with his family, and they are demanding a million ransom for his release.

“The information I have is that the discussion is still ongoing, and we are praying and hoping that it will end well and they will be released in no time.

“We also heard that the state government is working hard to have him released, but we do not know if the government will pay the ransom or not.”

Contacted, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo, confirmed the development, saying, “I heard that the kidnappers are demanding a certain amount of money, though I cannot authenticate the veracity of the rumour.

“I cannot also state categorically, but the state government has mobilised security operatives who are working hard to rescue the chairman.”

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, could not be reached for her reaction.

Nigeria 360 Network News

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