By Solomon Tor Wombo

I did not in the first instance intend to comment on the recommendations of this probe panel, principally because there is the right place to address issues like this which is the Court of Law. However I have come under severe pressure from Benue people to make a statement to clarify issues in the report as it concerns the local government. Accordingly, I have no choice than to briefly speak on that report while details will be produced at a later time at the appropriate quarters to prove my case.

I consider that report laughable. It is completely unprofessional, and highly political.

The report is not based on any known Accounting principle or established financial management authorities in the civil service. It does not cite any aspect of the accounting procedures that were violated or breached. The report did not adopt any accounting procedures or financial regulations to arrive at figures they recommended should be paid back.
Their recommendations clearly show that they are not conversant with accounting procedures and the workings of government as contained in the books and extant circulars.

The presentation of the report was rather emotional than professional. The commission allowed their emotions of hatred, envy and wickedness to becloud their sense of judgment. The choice of language was also very personal, abusive, unofficial and vindictive. I know that reports of such panels are professionally presented devoid of what the members feel and think of the people they are probing. The facts should be presented undiluted. The section of the law and financial memorandum and or procedures violated should be clearly shown and referenced, punishment should be recommended based on known provision of the law and not a preconceived intention to destroy peoples reputations.

The report is full of falsified figures forged to mislead the users and also the people of Benue state. The commission did not base their recommendations on financial documents submitted to support various transactions, or testimonies given by those invited. Rather, their recommendations are based on premeditated conclusions they were working towards. Consequently they had to set aside genuine pieces of evidence provided and made recommendations to suit their preconceived thoughts, arrangements and falsehood.

I am also concerned about the ambiguous recommendations of the Commission. I know Audit and Probe should be very specific. If they knew their job, and they were meticulous, they could have established the specific violation each person committed and the specific amount each person is to refund. Regrettably, they were in haste to deliver on their predetermined conclusions, so they hurriedly lumped names together and assigned some amount of money to them not based on any known accounting process or law, and recommended that such funds be paid back. If I may ask, in what proportion. This does not conform with Accounting best practices.

I wish to state without fear of contradiction that transactions in the Bureau of local government were done in line with the provisions of the Financial Memorandum and due process was followed in all aspect. It should be noted also that our accounts were audited by the Auditor General and end of year Financial Accounts published up to 2014. We shall depend on this and other documents to prove our case.

Again, the political aspect of this report presents the entire work as unserious and total waste of time. For example, how can you investigate Local governments in Benue state between 2007 and 2015 and not mention Mr. Sam Ode? He served for 3 years as the Advicer on LG&CA, Mr. Augustine Avaan served as chairman of ALGON for 4 years out of the 8years under review, and he is not mentioned in the recommendations, while the Permanent Secretary Mr. Emmanuel Atini that worked with them is recommended to refund money. Were the two people above so excellent on the job that the commission did not see any thing wrong with their work? Or is it because they have decamped to APC? Does decamping to APC confer the saint status on people now? Similarly, the commission is said to have investigated local government pension and did not mention Akange Audu that served for more than 3 years in that office. There are so many of such examples also at the state tier. This report is a political tool to witch hunt those perceived to be enemies of the government, and a propaganda weapon against the government of Rt. Hon Gabriel Suswam and his team. There is no sincerity in any aspect of the report.

In conclusion, I see this report as a fraud. The report should not be taken serious. However you will not blame the members of this probe panel as well meaning Benue people did not expect any serious thing to come out of what they were doing. It is a disaster that was expected from the day the names of the members of this probe panel were announced. There were no professional accountants and Auditors, no seasoned civil servants, no reputable Administrators. Rather we heard names of politicians who have failed in all aspects of their lives. People that have been sacked from their places of work due to stealing and fraud, people that have been indicted by properly constituted probe panels, people that have in the past forged and changed court judgment to deceive judges and above all, people who are not independent minded. There were also allegations of requesting for bribe to influence recommendations. What else will you expect from this category of people?
This clearly is a futile exercise and a failed attempt to kill, to steal and to destroy. However in God we trust to prove our innocence at the appropriate time.

-Wombo is former Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy AffairsRead more

…Calls For Arrest, Prosecution Of Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi

The chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bro Felix Obuah has described as proper and timely the recent and current visits to Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni over the security situation in the areas.
The State PDP boss said the governor’s visits will not only help douse tension in the areas but also reassure the people of government’s good intentions and concern for the protection of lives and peoples’ property.
According to Bro Obuah in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, the visits, particularly that of Ogoni will acquaint His Excellency with the true activities of the military personnel and other security operatives in the area.
Bro Obuah however regrets the military intervention that ought to be civil but unfortunately turned bloody, resulting in avoidable loss of lives of innocent people, calling for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of those behind the Ogoni carnage.
The State PDP boss also warned against losing faith by the Ogoni people, stressing that the State government is not unaware of the antics of the opposition in the State led by desperate political office seekers, Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi and other All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders in the area to incite the crisis in order to create room for a declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
Bro Obuah re-emphasized that the Party is ever ready and willing to provide the government with all necessary information and support in fishing out and prosecuting those responsible for the misery and sorry situation in the erstwhile peaceful Ogoni Communities, wondering why the military promptly swung into action without recourse to the Chief Security Officer of the State, Gov Nyesom Wike.
He described the intent as callous, wicked and reckless and unfair to the people in the pursuit of personal ambitions.
While acknowledging the role of the military in peace keeping and sustenance of security in and outside Nigerian territories, the Party calls on the military authorities, men and officers to strive to conduct their operations professionally and according to the rules of engagement especially when confronting the civilian publics.
The Party strongly condemns the massive killing of Ogoni natives and other Nigerian residents whose lives were cut short by bullets of men of the Nigerian Army in Bori and other Ogoni communities on Monday, February 22, 2016 and Tuesday, February 23, 2016, respectively.
For us, this sad development was avoidable and should not be allowed to go on, especially in a democratic setting. We reiterate that human life is sacred and should not be wasted on anybody’s ambition, whether political or otherwise.
We call on the military authorities and the government at the centre to demonstrably discourage actions as those conducted in Bori and Omoku recently by condemning them and dissociating itself from them.
We have continued to warn and have not failed to alert the public and all security agencies of the plots by the All Progressives Congress, (APC) leaders to use some security outfits, especially the military, to ensure they win the forthcoming re-run elections and to cause unrest in the State.
The PDP feels the pains of our Ogoni people, assuring that those who masterminded such killer-operations will be brought to justice, urging the people to remain wise and peaceful as they have always been, saying the party will not let them down in this trying moment.
The Party chairman also commiserates with the highly respected leaders, men and women of Ogoni, and particularly those who lost their loved ones in that unwarranted and condemnable devilish attack and promised that government will promptly look into the matter passionately and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed ones.

Signed:

Jerry Needam
Special Adviser On Media And Publicity
To The PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah

Friday, February 26, 2016Read more

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has assured those living in the riverine area of the state that his administration will develop marine transport to enhance the economy of the riverine area.

The governor also announced the immediate commencement of the reconstruction of the Bille Jetty in Borikiri area of Port Harcourt for the conveyance of goods by ferries to the riverine communities.

Addressing traders at the Creek Road Market in Borikiri where the Bille Jetty is located, Governor Wike directed the total upgrade of the Jetty, reconstruction of the facilities and the enhancement of the safety standards of the Jetty.

He also directed the immediate reconstruction of the road to the Jetty to ensure that trucks bringing goods to the Jetty have access to the transport facility.

The governor said: “I am not happy with the condition of this important Jetty. That is why we will reconstruct the Jetty and uplift the standards to enhance safe marine transport.

“We will also reconstruct the road leading to the Jetty so that trucks and passengers can have access to the facility “.

Also on Friday, Governor Wike inspected ongoing road projects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

He particularly urged the contractor handling the NLNG-NKPOGU Bridge to ensure that the laying of asphalt on the road and bridge is completed on schedule.

Simeon Nwakaudu,

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor,

Electronic Media.

26th February, 2016.

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The humane nature and generosity of our Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, which knows no bounds, played out again yesterday when he responded to the social media campaign by sending Dr. Mike Eninnaya (Medical Consultant) and Ubani Newman Ubani his SSA on New Media to visit Paul Arisa who has been hospitalized over a serious disease for sometime now.

Paul Arisa, who is an orphan with no direct blood brother or sister was diagnosed as having a kind cancer with other abdominal anomalies.

Abia State Governor, ably represented by Dr. Mike Eninnaya (Medical Consultant) and Ubani Newman Ubani his SSA on New Media, requested for every information about his sickness in order to figure out how to arrange for his treatment and upkeep until he recuperates fully.

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on Miss Nigeria 2015, Miss Pamela Peter-Vigboro to serve as a worthy Ambassador of the state in the international arena.

Speaking when he received the Miss Nigeria 2015 at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike urged her to live as role model to youths in the promotion of peace.

He said that the state government will support her in carrying out her duties as a beauty queen.

The governor said the Rivers State Government will formerly host the Miss Nigeria 2015 Winner, Miss Pamela Peter-Vigboro, calling on her to emulate another indigene of the state, former Miss World, Agbani Darego.

He directed the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support Miss Pamela Peter-Vigboro in actualising the her pet project during her reign.

Earlier, Miss Nigeria 2015, Miss Pamela Peter-Vigboro said she was in the state to present herself to the governor as an indigene who has won a coveted crown.

She congratulated the governor on his victory at the polls and urged him to support her pet project targeted at the youths.

Simeon Nwakaudu,

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor,

26th February, 20

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Embattled Rivers South-east Senatorial District Re-run election candidate of the APC, Senator Margnus Abe has explained that the ill-fated military operation in Ogoni Land which claimed over 20 innocent lives was aimed at arresting Chief Solomon Ndigbara, ex-Niger Delta agitator.

It will be recalled that Solomon Ndigbara implicated Senator Magnus Abe and Barry Mpigi for allegedly sponsoring violence in Ogoni Land by leading the military to embark on the invasion.

Senator Abe made the confession in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The APC chieftain said: “It is important that I make this statement with regard to the crisis arising from the military’s attempt to effect the arrest of Solomon Ndigbara (aka Osama bin Laden, an ex-militant leader), at Yeghe-Ogoni in Gokana Local Government Area.

“The person who stands to be blamed squarely for the crisis is Solomon Ndigbara and his group, who chose to engage the military in a shootout.

Abe, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), who hails from Bera-Ogoni in Gokana LGA, also pleaded with Ogoni people to eschew violence, lawlessness and ensure that they maintain peace.

He admonished Rivers people not to play politics with the military operations in Ogoni, since the victims of the crisis could have been people from any of the political parties and religion.

The soldiers who invaded Ogoni Land on the alleged direction of Senator Abe killed several Ogoni people including Igbo traders in the area.

It will be recalled that Governor Wike visited Bori and Yeghe on Thursday were he condemned the killing of innocent persons by the soldiers.

The governor also assured the Ogoni people that those involved in the shedding of innocent blood will be brought to justice.

Scan News

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In continuation of the empowerment programmes of Senator Buruji Kashamu and the Omoilu Foundation, there will be empowerment for some people tomorrow, Sunday, the 28th of February, 2016, at the Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State headquarters of the Foundation.

Among the items to be distributed are vehicles, motorcycles, generators, sewing machines and wheel chairs.

A statement by the State Coordinator, Comrade Niyi Osoba directed all the coordinators in the local government areas to liaise with their respective LG Grand Patrons and LG chairmen of Elders Councils for proper planning towards making the event a success.

Three buses are to come from each local government area, he added.

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The Imo State Government has commenced the first phase of the 2016 immunization programme against polio across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

Flagging off the campaign at Njaba Local Government Area in Imo State on Saturday, the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, said that the immunization campaign programme against polio is to once again, dramatize his administration’s zeal in delivering quality health care system for children in the state.

Governor Okorocha said that the programme would deliver children in the state from the hands of the deadly polio disease that had taken the lives of many innocent children over the years.

The Governor noted that the immunization would complement the news that Nigeria is now a polio free country.

He, however, enjoined all parents to take advantage of the immunization programme by the State Government, to immunize their children against polio and other form of diseases.

The Imo State Commissioner for Health, Ngozi Njoku, said that the campaign would go across the 27 local government areas of the state with the flag off in Njaba Local Government Area.

She said that the immunization programme against polio is part of the determination of the Okorocha led administration to affirm the good news that Nigeria is a polio free country.

As the Imo State Government takes the campaign to all the 27 Local Government Areas of the state, it would go a long way to put an end to any issue of polio among children in the state.

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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the world’s oldest leader, hosts lavish celebrations to mark his 92nd birthday on Saturday at a time of severe drought and increasing friction over his succession. Tens of thousands of party loyalists, officials and members of the public are expected to attend a day of concerts, street parades and parties in Masvingo in the south-east of the country. “Organisers have been working flat-out to ensure the celebrations are a success,” Simon Khaya-Moyo, spokesman for the ruling ZANU-PF party told AFP. “Everything is in place and we are looking forward to tremendous events.” Mugabe, who turned 92 last Sunday, has ruled for 36 years during an era marked by vote-rigging, mass emigration, accusations of human rights abuses and economic decline. On his actual birthday, state media poured praise on his leadership since independence from Britain. In its 16-page special supplement, the Sunday Mail said on its front cover: “Thank You Bob, We now have a voice, since 1980”. The main party on Saturday will be held in a large tent at the Great Zimbabwe ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site that was built in the 13th Century as the headquarters of the Munhumutapa empire.

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Today, troops of 7 Division Garrison, 112 Battalion and Army Headquarters Strike Group, recorded tremendous success in a clearance operations against Boko Haram terrorists at Kotokuma, Dikwa Local Government Area.

The troops cleared the terrorists camp which was equipped with medical facility, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) factory, fuel dump, mechanical workshop, generators and several water points.

The gallant troops also destroyed 3 vehicles laden with IEDs meant for suicide bombings somewhere and killed 37 Boko Haram terrorists.

The troops also recovered 12 vehicles, 27 motorcycles, 9 AK-47 rifles, 2 Fabrique Nationale rifles, fabricated rocket bomb and a Sniper rifle. Other items recovered include 4 Dane Guns, solar panels and other household items. In addition to that, they also rescued 20 persons held hostage by the terrorists.

Unfortunately, 2 of our soldiers sustained gun shot wounds. The wounded soldiers have been evacuated to 7 Division Hospital where they are receiving medical care.

We wish to state here that buoyed with this unprecedented success, the troops morale is very high.

We would like to assure the public that the troops would continue to do their best to clear all the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be to successfully bring to an end the menace of the terrorists.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman

Acting Director Army Public Relations

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Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has announced that eligible citizens of the state with no permanent voter cards (PVC) might not enjoy certain government patronages.

Governor Fayose stated this while addressing the people of Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state after opening public water supply at some fetching points in the town, after the community has been without public water supply which they said had been so for nearly a decade.

He contended that not having PVC meant that such citizens offered no civic responsibility to government and would therefore be deemed as also not qualified to enjoy government patronage.

While also addressing the people of Awo in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local

Government Area during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of 14.5 kilometre Awo-Ara-Ijero road, Fayose also announced that “if you don’t have your PVC, you may no longer enjoy benefits from government because very soon about 10,000 people will benefit N10,000 monthly in our social security scheme.”

He said: “From now henceforth, PVC is a must. It will be your ticket to enjoy

patronage. If you are a contractor resident in Ekiti and you don’t have

PVC, no contract for you because all of us has one role or the other to play for each other.

“This road was constructed when I was in government in 2003 and since then nothing has been done on it. I promised during my electioneering

campaign that I will do this road and what we are doing today is promise kept.”

Fayose charged the people to “always cast your votes for candidates who can remember you,” saying “in most cases in Nigeria, people will decide to vote for someone because of money and that is why we haven’t got a messiah to turn around this country.

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Benue farmers have decried the latest attacks carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Agatu Local Government Area of the state, while seeking a long lasting solution to the senseless killings.

At least 145 persons in 25 villages have been reportedly killed in the last 72hours from those attacks which began on Wednesday night though to the early hours of Thursday.

In a press statement, the Benue All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) President, Engr. Iornenge K. Adamu said the attacks had become unbearable and called for an end to the carnage which according to him, could spell dare consequences for the state and nation if allowed to continue.

” Benue state is the food basket of the nation. The victims of these attacks are predominantly farmers who more or less, are responsible for this appellation as they produce yams, cassava, soyabeans, beniseed and other crops in large quantities to feed the state and its environs.

” If these attacks continue unabated, we stand the risk of losing our status with the consequence of a potential famine due to depletion of our work force and even outright destruction of crops by the encroaching cattle. This will be a disaster for Benue State and Nigeria at large.”

Inspite of the efforts by Benue and Nasarawa State governments in ensuring peace in the region, he called for increased military presence and surveillance in volatile areas in the state where these attacks are frequent.

Engineer Adamu also expressed worry over the Federal Government’s proposal to create grazing reserves, to cater for the pastoral needs of Fulani herdsmen across the country, saying such a project would only amount to forcefully taking land from indigenous owners.

He therefore called for the establishment of modern ranches as a permanent panacea to the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state and other parts of the country.

” Any planned grazing routes and reserves are hardly practicable in the state as lands are not sufficiently available for such projects. This will mean coercive confiscation of lands belonging to peasant farmers, most of whom because of their low level of literacy, are not even aware of such a project. Evidently, the frequency, intensity, scope and unacceptable levels of carnage visited on the Benue communities by the Fulani herdsmen cannot augur well for accepting any proposed grazing routes and reserves in our suffered State”.

“The Federal government should rather encourage and facilitate the option of feed lots, making hays and establishment of mega ranches in the state and other parts of the country to solve this lingering problem once and for all.” the statement read in part.

Engineer Adamu also urged the Federal Government to show more tangible concern about the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in terms of provision of shelter, food, clothing and resettlement assistance

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The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has demanded for full payment of modulated salaries of the workers on level eight and above from the State Government.

The leadership of the NLC made the demand at an emergency meeting between Labour and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State on Saturday.

‎Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Osun State chapter of the NLC, Jacob Adekomi, said that the Labour leaders at no time, signed any agreement with the government on a 50 per cent take home pay for workers on level eight and above.

Mr Adekomi said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into by Labour with the government on July 13, 2015, ‎was based on the prevailing circumstance bothering on paucity of funds at that time.

He noted that ‎the Osun State workforce has shown much understanding to the financial challenges of the government, but queried government’s commitment to the said agreement.

The Labour Leader maintained that since government is able to pay workers on grade level 1-7 full salaries,workers on grade level 8-17 would no longer be disposed to ‎collecting half salaries.

He called on the government to put its house in order and commence full implementation of various accumulated allowances of workers in Osun State to avert another round of industrial upheaval in the state.

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that only those in support of political armed robbery will kick against his declaration that those who plan to rig election in the state will be resisted.

Governor Wike also stated that desperation for power was behind the killing of Ogoni people via an ill-fated military operation last Monday and Tuesday. He said his administration will stand firm to protect the Ogoni people.

Speaking on Saturday during an interdenominational Thanksgiving and Victory Celebration of the historic Supreme Court verdict that validated his election, Governor Wike said he stands for free and fair rerun elections in Rivers State, declaring that nobody will be allowed to subvert the mandate of the people with the use of the military.

The governor noted that it is the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct credible rerun elections.

He, however, said: “Let me reiterate. If any INEC officer is bent on rigging the rerun elections, let him first tell his wife and children where his will is located because he will be treated as a political armed robber.

“Popularity is tested on the ground. It is not by carrying Army around to intimidate voters. As your governor, I don’t carry army around. How can a politician be campaigning with soldiers? ”

The governor said no matter the number of soldiers introduced in Rivers State, the people will protect their votes and PDP will emerge victorious in all the rerun elections.

“I will continue to threaten political armed robbers. I will stand firm against those who use guns to steal votes”.

Governor Wike who led the congregation to observe a minute silence for those killed by the army during an ill-fated operation in Ogoni Land on Monday and Tuesday, announced that the Rivers State Government will cater for the needs of the widows, their children and all the loved ones of those who lost their lives.

He urged the people to vote for the PDP in all the forthcoming re-run elections in the state.

“When I went to Luuwa for the 50th Birthday Celebration of Senator Lee Maeba, I told our people not to vote Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and the APC. There is no way I will play anti-party. Magnus Abe is my friend, but the people of Rivers South-east Senatorial District should vote Senator Olaka Nwogu. We have a duty to make sure that the APC does not win a single seat during the March 19 rerun elections “.

He said that though he supports the security agencies to fight against criminals and criminality, he will never support the killing of innocent Ogoni people as was the case during the ill-fated operation.

The governor said that the state will never be tired of thanksgiving, because it was delivered from the evil machinations of the enemies of Rivers People.

In his address, Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose said the Supreme Court verdict cleared the mess of the process and planted the rule of law.

He described Governor Wike as a man destiny who liberated Rivers State from the shackles of political bandage.

Also speaking, PDP National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff said that the Supreme Court Justices simply confirmed the will of Rivers People by the verdict.

Preaching at the PDP interdenominational Thanksgiving Service, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of the Salvation Ministries said thanksgiving opens the way for more blessing.

The PDP Thanksgiving and Victory Celebration for the Supreme Court verdict attracted thousands of Rivers People from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Simeon Nwakaudu,

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor,

Electronic Media.

27th February, 2016.

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*says Ogoni people were killed because they resisted Soldiers

Embattled Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has explained that the soldiers killed Ogoni people because they were resisted at Yeghe community as they retreated after demolishing the home of ex-Niger Delta agitator, Solomon Ndigbara.

In an interview on Rhythm FM Port Harcourt on Saturday, Senator Abe took time to narrate the modus operandi of the killer soldiers who murdered 28 Ogoni people and Igbo traders in Yeghe and Bori.

Abe described all Niger Delta agitators as criminals, pointing out that he was the person that included Solomon Ndigbara’s name on the Amnesty list, after Ijaw agitators wanted to exclude their Ogoni counterparts.

He said that the operation of soldiers in Ogoni Land was personally approved by President Muhammadu Buhari who directed that soldiers retrieve arms.

Abe maintained that the soldiers were detailed to fish out Chief Solomon Ndigbara for allegedly killing two of his (Abe’s) friends a few years ago.

He said that Ndigbara must be arrested to explain his involvement in the alleged murder. According to him, if the soldiers were not resisted by the Yeghe people who love Ndigbara, nobody would have been killed.

It will be recalled that Chief Solomon Ndigbara has maintained that Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and Barry Mpigi sponsored the killing of dozens of Ogoni people By soldiers.

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Despite the efforts by successive governments in Benue State to find solution to the clashes between farmers and suspected Fulani herdsmen, the bloody crisis have continued unabated. In fact, less than a week to the exit of the last government, over 100 persons, mostly women, children and the elderly, were slaughtered in villages and refugee camps located at Ukura, Gafa, Per and Tse-Gusa at Ukemgbiraghia Twarev Ward, in Logo local government area of the state, in one of the bloodiest attacks on Benue communities by the suspected herdsmen.

The attacked community, until that onslaught, hosted most refugees from previous offensives by the herdsmen. The incident was like a panorama, bidding the former administration farewell and welcoming the new governor, Samuel Ortom.

Meanwhile, the crisis has continued unabated since the coming of the present administration with over 40 persons killed, about 2,000 displaced and not less than 100 seriously injured. Houses and huts, farmland and food barns, economic trees and farmland and several valuables were also not spared by the rampaging herdsmen who were bent on occupying the ‘conquered communities’. Some of the communities that came under the Fulani include Adeke village at the outskirts of Makurdi the state capital, when suspected herdsmen, last July, besieged the community, shooting sporadically for over two hours. “The development forced many residents to flee through bush paths,” an eyewitness said. The then state Police Commissioner, Hyacinth Dagala, attributed the crisis to a squabble between some Tiv locals and Fulani herders in the community. Efforts to stem the protracted crisis claimed the life of Assistant Superintendent of Police , ASP, Baba Ibrahim,who, until his death, was a member of the Task Force on Cattle Rustling and Kidnapping at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. Ibrahim was killed by armed men in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue while on a special assignment. The dastardly killing was followed by last December’s slaughter of six persons, at Idele village, in a clash between suspected Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Oju local government area of the state. Sunday Vanguard learnt that the crisis, the first of it kind in the area, created a mass movement of persons who fled the area for fear of being killed. According to a source, crisis erupted in the community after the locals mobilized and besieged a Fulani settlement in the area to stop a large herd of cattle and herdsmen from gaining access into their village. “The herdsmen and the cattle were moving into the village in large numbers to seek better pasture, but, feeling threatened by the presence of the herdsmen, the villagers put up a blockade and asked their visitors to return to where they were coming from” , the source said. “There was resistance and a crisis ensued that snowballed into a clash that left three villagers killed and several person injured with some others unaccounted for. “It was when the villagers discovered that two of their youths had been killed and another that was earlier declared missing was also found to have been killed by the intruders, that they launched a reprisal attack on the herdsmen, beheading three of them.” The Oju attack was followed by another in January in Makurdi where no fewer than 60 persons were reportedly injured in a clash at Ucha Nyiev village between herders and the host community of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, FUAM.

An eyewitness said crisis broke out in the area when unknown youths allegedly killed and made away with six cows belonging to some herdsmen in the area. He said, “When the herdsmen noticed that their cows had rustled, they went in search of the culprits which was resisted by the locals and this led to a bloody clash between the villagers and the herdsmen who were bent on apprehending the youths.

Vanguard

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