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Agatu youths block Oweto–Otukpo highway, protest persistent killings in Benue

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2026

Hundreds of young people from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State on Saturday staged a protest along the Oweto–Otukpo highway, blocking the road near the Oweto Bridge to demand decisive action over the continued killing of residents by suspected armed herders.

The demonstrators, operating under the banner of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, began their action on Friday and maintained the blockade for several hours, causing heavy traffic congestion on the busy route and drawing public attention to the worsening security situation in their communities.

Waving placards bearing messages such as “Stop Agatu killings now,” “Save Agatu now,” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu,” the protesters urged both the Federal Government and the Benue State government to intervene swiftly and restore peace in the troubled area.

Addressing the crowd, National Youth President of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Mr. Ebi Lucky, said repeated attacks by suspected Fulani militias had forced many residents to abandon their ancestral homes.

He added that a large number of displaced people have been living in temporary shelters along the banks of the Oweto River for more than two years.

“Our people have been in this trouble for the past two and a half years. Many have left their ancestral homes and are now living here without shelter, food, schools or medical care,” he said.

Lucky stated that the demonstration was organised to draw the attention of the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the hardship faced by displaced residents and the continued attacks in communities across Agatu West.

He also criticised the administration of Hyacinth Alia and the Agatu Local Government chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, accusing them of neglecting the affected communities.

“We have cried to the local government chairman and the state governor, but nobody has come to our aid. All we are demanding is peace in Agatu land and the opportunity to return to our farms,” he said.

The protesters also appealed to the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ojema Ojotu, and the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Patrick Aba Moro, urging them to take concrete steps to address the suffering of their constituents.

They further called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities, particularly areas they described as porous entry points frequently used by attackers.

Agatu, situated in southern Benue and predominantly inhabited by the Idoma people, relies heavily on farming and fishing as the primary sources of livelihood.

One of the victims, Mrs. Mercy Danladi, recounted how her husband, sister and cousin lost their lives during separate attacks on Ochelefu village between 2013 and 2025.

She appealed to the Federal Government to urgently step in and provide adequate security to allow displaced residents return to their homes and farmlands.

Another displaced resident, Ajumi John, disclosed that more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently sheltering in makeshift huts close to the riverbank.

“Our community has been taken over by the militia. We have nowhere to go. When it rains, we cover the roofs of our huts made of sticks and grass with leather,” he said.

The protesters insisted they would continue the demonstration until authorities take concrete measures to halt the killings and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Agatu Division, CSP Dennis Asawa, who monitored security during the protest, praised the demonstrators for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.

“I appreciate the protesters for organising themselves in a peaceful manner. Their message has been conveyed to the authorities, and appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.

Also speaking, National Secretary of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Mr. Dandy Adoba, claimed that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013.

He added that hundreds of residents had been killed in the attacks, noting that security forces stationed nearby had yet to be deployed to the worst-hit communities.

“Our people are dying almost on a daily basis. We are appealing to the Federal Government to deploy security personnel so that our people can return home,” he said.

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Assassination Attempt: Why People Want Me Dead – Trump

Published

2 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

United States President, Donald Trump, has shared his thoughts on why he has faced repeated assassination threats.

It was reports that he spoke while reacting to a shooting incident that disrupted a media event in Washington.

The incident happened on April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton. A gunman caused panic at the gathering, forcing security to act quickly and bringing the event to an abrupt halt.

Speaking after the situation was brought under control, Trump said he believes people who make great changes often become targets.

He linked the attack to his time in office, saying his actions and decisions have affected the country in ways that not everyone supports. He also compared such situations to past events involving well-known leaders who were attacked because of their influence.

The president referred to his past experience, including surviving an earlier assassination attempt at a campaign rally in 2024. He said, despite the risks attached to his position, he continues to live his life without fear and does not see himself as someone shaken by such threats.

He said, “I’ve studied assassinations. I must tell you the most impactful people, the people that do the most… they’re the ones that they go after. I hate to say I’m honoured by that, but I’ve done a lot. We’ve changed this country, and there are a lot of people that are not happy about that. I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life. To be honest, I’m not a basket case. A tremendous amount of love and coming together. I was ready to give the most inappropriate speech ever made.”

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I Won’t Forget What IGP Disu Did To Me When I Was Under House Arrest – Obasanjo

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for the role he played during the period he was placed under house arrest in 1995.

It was reports that the former Nigerian leader made this known in an interview with News Central, where he spoke about the difficult time he faced while being held under restriction during the military era. The development dates back to 1995 when Obasanjo was detained under the regime of Sani Abacha.

Obasanjo explained that during that period, a number of individuals stood by him and helped ensure his safety despite the tense situation. Among those he mentioned was the current police boss, whom he credited as one of the people who played a part in keeping him alive while he was under house arrest.

He said the experience remained one of the toughest moments in his life and added that he has not forgotten those who showed him care and support at the time. According to him, it was necessary to openly appreciate such efforts, as people who stand by others in difficult times should be remembered.

He said, “Current IGP, I have to in a special way acknowledge you because maybe the reason I am alive today is because you are one of those who kept me alive when I was under house arrest.”

Beyond his appreciation, the former president also spoke on the country’s security situation. He called for the creation of state police, saying it could help address the rising security concerns across Nigeria.

Obasanjo explained that policing at the state level would allow officers to better understand their local environment and respond more quickly to threats. He added that such a system would help tackle crimes early before they grow into wider problems.

He maintained that Nigeria needs practical steps to deal with insecurity and insisted that state police remains one of the options that could strengthen law enforcement across the country.

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Post Views: 11

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‘Na Hunger And Greed’ – Reactions As Tinubu’s ‘Supporter’ Struggles To Take Photo With Peter Obi

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Some Nigerians have claimed that hunger and greed are driving many citizens to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

It was reports that this remark follows a video of Tinubu’s supposed supporter struggling to take a photo with former presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.

In the viral video, the man, wearing a cap bearing Tinubu’s insignia, joined other Nigerians as they tried to take a photo with Peter Obi.

The video has sparked mixed reactions from netizens.

@thefoodnetworking wrote: “Politicians dey get shame?”

@chinny005 wrote: “Dear APC supporters, we know you are only supporting because of your pockets, you can still vote for ADC on Election Day and God will bless you!”

@officialblessingnwakwo wrote: “We all know d truth, Peter Obi is loved by many.”

@freshbaba wrote: “Tinubu for mouth, Peter Obi for heart”

@nigerianguy wrote: “Na hunger and greed make most of them Dey wear the cap.”

@democraft wrote: “I never hear of celebrity P0litician before… Na Obi make me know say P0liticians fit be celebrity.”

@misschedel wrote: “An example of I will collect the cap nd still be with who I found fit “

@nochiz wote: “People maybe supporting tinubu for the money they get from it but deep down we all know obi is our best choice. I will vote for him again. And for the picture…. At dome point he has to answer to his children”

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Post Views: 12