News
30 feared dead, many missing as armed militia attack Benue community
At least 30 persons have been reportedly killed in a bloody attack on Okpobula, Ezza, community in the Apa Ward of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed militia from Uffiom in neighbouring Ebonyi state.
A local in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that the attack which started Tuesday morning and lasted till Wednesday left many severely injured and several others still missing while houses in the community were also not spared.
According to him, “the militia are suspected to be from Uffiom in the boundary between Ebonyi and Benue states. They invaded Okpobula at about 11am on Tuesday shooting and killing anything or anyone they saw. They also burnt houses and killed the domestic animals of their victims.
“The unprovoked attack continued till Wednesday because security agencies could not access the community on time. And as at last count over 30 corpses have been discovered in compounds and bushes.
“The search for more bodies and possible survivors is ongoing because many are still missing but the level of attack is unimaginable.”
Reacting to the development in a statement, the Chairman of Ado LGA, Chief James Oche described it as dastardly and inhuman.
Part of the statement read, “it is in the strongest terms that I condemn the attack on Okpobula Community of Apa Ward, Ado LGA which has led to killing of persons and destruction of properties. This is one attack too many.
“While we urge our people to remain calm and maintain law and order and be ready to defend themselves where need be, we call on security agencies to do the needful and bring the perpetrators to book.”
Condemning the attack, the Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Dr. Francis Agbo in a statement by his Media Adviser, Andrew Agbese, sympathized with the victims of the attack and called on security agencies to move swiftly to bring to book, those behind the coordinated attack.
Part of the statement read, “I condemn this wanton act of violence and needless bloodletting as it does not represent our beliefs in the sanctity of human lives. I share in the grief of the families of the victims and call on the security agencies to move swiftly to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure restoration of law and order.”
Also, the lawmaker representing Benue South Senatorial District, Senator Abba Moro who described the attack as one attack too many said the murder was carried out in the most beastial manner.
Senator Moro who decried the incessant attacks on the community wondered what the unrepentant aggressors stood to gain from the repeated mindless attacks and Killings of innocent people in the community.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on New Media, Eche-Ofun John, Senator Moro charged security agents to go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to book.
He also appealed to the people to remain calm and corporate with the security agencied to deal with the situation, and not embarking on reprisals.
Confirming the attack, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wale Abass who said security personnel have been deployed to the area stated that the crisis was more among Ebonyi people which spread to border communities on the Benue side.
He debunked the figure of casualties saying that no one except security men could access the troubled area, adding, “on the Benue side three people have been killed.”
Gunmen on Thursday night ambushed and beheaded a 30-year-old man, Elisha Abbas Saku, at Riwhie-Chwo in Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 10 pm when the gunmen stormed the community, throwing residents into panic and confusion.
A statement issued on Friday by the Irigwe Youth Movement described the killing as a brutal ambush.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yonkpa, who signed the statement, prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul while calling for divine comfort for the entire Irigwe Nation.
“Yesterday night, 16th April 2026, gunmen ambushed and beheaded Mr. Elisha Abbas Saku, 30 years old, at Riwhie-Chwo, Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa LGA, Plateau State,” the report stated. “May his soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the entire Irigwe Nation.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), held on Thursday.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, on Friday.
According to the Board, candidates can now access their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to either 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number registered during the examination process.
At this stage, only result viewing is available, as printing of result slips has not yet been enabled.
JAMB emphasised that the UTME exercise is still ongoing, adding that additional batches of results will be released progressively as marking and processing continue.
The Board also issued a stern warning against any attempts to manipulate or falsify results.
It cautioned candidates against altering SMS messages received from its official platforms to misrepresent their scores to others, including parents and guardians.
JAMB Releases Results of 632,788 Candidates from Day One of the 2026 UTME
The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing.
To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019…
— Fabian Benjamin (@FabianB58246501) April 17, 2026
Describing such actions as a serious criminal offence, JAMB disclosed that it has already taken action against offenders. “Two candidates and one parent are currently in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement revealed.
The Board reiterated that anyone found guilty of such misconduct would face the full weight of the law.
JAMB urged candidates to adhere strictly to official channels and maintain integrity throughout the examination process, as it continues efforts to ensure a credible and transparent admissions system in Nigeria.
The Arewa APC Forum, Kano State chapter, has announced the withdrawal of its support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing concerns over governance and leadership direction.
In a statement dated April 17, 2026, the forum said its decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on the state of affairs at the federal level.
The group stated that it could no longer, “in good conscience,” continue to support the current administration, which it criticised over alleged issues including nepotism, incompetence, and corruption.
“We believe that leadership must inspire confidence, uphold fairness, and demonstrate a sincere commitment to national unity, institutional integrity, and responsible governance,” the statement read.
It added that where such values are persistently undermined, “silence becomes complicity.”
The forum further declared that its confidence in the current political direction has been withdrawn, urging its members to align with this position in future political engagements.
The statement was signed by Sallah Hakilu Kibiya, chairman of the forum in Kano State.
The development signals potential cracks within support structures linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the northern region, as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the next electoral cycle.
-
News2 days agoJAMB: Gunmen abduct UTME candidates, others
-
News2 days ago
Billionaire trader Habby Forex hospitalized in Canada, undergoes surgery
-
News12 hours ago
BREAKING: JAMB releases first batch of 2026 UTME results, warns against score manipulation
-
News1 day ago
JAMB to release Thursday’s UTME 2026 results today
-
News12 hours ago
Arewa APC Forum withdraws support for Tinubu citing nepotism, incompetence
-
News2 days ago
Pastor sentenced to life imprisonment for raping church member’s daughter
-
Politics3 days ago
Atiku says 2027 presidential election will be his last outing
-
News3 days ago
Gov Mbah, French Ambassador Flag off 14.5km High-Capacity Water Pipeline
