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17 confirmed dead as suspected herders attack Benue communities

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Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 17 individuals in the Logo and Ukum local government areas of the state.

According to a statement by the Benue Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, an armed group of herdsmen stormed the Sankera axis on Thursday evening, unleashing violence on the Gbagir area of Ukum and Katsina-Ala in Logo.

“On 17/4/2025 at about 2100hrs, information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State with the intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area,” the statement read in part.

The police also noted that, following an order by the Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet, tactical teams were deployed to collaborate with others already on the ground.

“Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them,” she explained.

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“Unfortunately, an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo, where twelve (12) persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of seventeen persons,” the statement read, adding that the 17 includes another five persons from Gbagir who were confirmed dead at the hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, has warned social media users to desist from reporting unconfirmed information that is capable of inciting the general public and creating unnecessary tension in the state,” Anene said.

“The CP is committed to fighting the attackers and encouraged the people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing,” the statement further read.

Benue State has been at the centre of persistent killings, with residents continuously calling for government intervention to end the unrelenting violence, often blamed on armed herdsmen.

SBM Intelligence had noted that 300,000 persons had been displaced due to conflicts in Benue State.

A native, Tulumn, who spoke to newsmen on Friday via a telephone call, said several people were killed on Thursday and many others injured during the invasion by the suspected armed herders.

Tulumn said, “Some communities in Ukum LGA have been taken over by armed herders, with a lot of cows and sheep grazing freely.

“They attacked some villages in Tuluv Council Ward on Thursday, where they killed many people. Many are still missing as of this morning (Friday).”

The State Commissioner for Information, Mathew Abo, who confirmed the attack, said five bodies were recovered and three people were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Zaki Biam.

He said there is an influx of armed herders and their livestock in Ukum and added that there is apprehension in neighbouring Katsina-Ala and Logo LGAs due to the influx.

Abo said, “It’s true that there is an influx of armed herders, and they came with a lot of cows and sheep grazing freely in Ukum. Yesterday, they killed five people and injured three others who are now receiving treatment in the hospital.

“The attack, which started yesterday (Thursday), lasted till Friday and has spread to Logo LGA, but Katsina-Ala LGA is relatively calm for now.”

The Katsina-Ala Local Government Chairman, Justine Shaku, told journalists by phone on Friday that although the council is calm, border communities are being threatened by the attack on Ukum.

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AFRAA welcomes Enugu Air, strengthens Nigeria’s Domestic Aviation growth

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The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.

This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.

Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.

“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.

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“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”

Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.

“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.

“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.

Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.

The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.

As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.

Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.

The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.

AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.

The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.

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Aiyedatiwa appoints 1,004 aides, picks commissioner, three advisers

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Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa
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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.

The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.

Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.

The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.

Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).

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Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.

Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.

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40 feared dead as boat capsizes in Sokoto

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41 feared dead in Zamfara boat accident
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About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.

Most of those on board were reportedly children aged between 10 and 15 years.

An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.

The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.

“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.

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According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.

“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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