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Benue NASS Caucus slams Gov Alia’s blame game amidst heavy security challenges
By Emma Agaji
The Benue State National Assembly Caucus has strongly criticized Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, accusing him of prioritizing blame-shifting over addressing the pressing security challenges facing Benue residents.
The caucus condemned the ridiculous activity of the Governor, who spoke in vernacular that “It has been discovered that some members of the National Assembly wrote a letter in the name of the State Government and took the letter to the border between Nigeria and Niger and invited Fulanis to come to Benue State as there is no longer any problem.
These are the bucket people (empty, hollow people) that we are dealing with. This is why you have seen the influx of herdsmen with cattle into the state everywhere now. The people who have done these are indigenes of this state. You wonder what they are even thinking. Their target is to discredit my administration. But no one can discredit my government.”
The caucus, led by the Minority leader of the Senate, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, vehemently refuted these allegations, labeling them as baseless, malicious, wicked and a deliberate attempt by the governor to evade his constitutional responsibilities, divert attention from the governor’s ineptitude and incite the good and suffering people of Benue State against their lawmakers who are only speaking on their behalf as their representatives.
The caucus further states unequivocally that they are NOT authors of any such letters) let alone take same to borders between Nigeria and Niger to invite Fulanis to come to invade their beloved State.
The caucus notes with dismay that the outing of the governor in the said video show that he has completely run out of ideas on what to do to secure the state.
Addressing journalists after a caucus meeting, Senator Moro emphasized that the accusations were not only malicious but also aimed at diverting attention from the governor’s lack of effective governance.
Furthermore, the caucus expressed disappointment in Governor Alia’s use of derogatory language towards members of the National Assembly, highlighting their educational qualifications and commitment to serving the people of Benue.
The caucus asserted that their advocacy for improved security measures in the state is devoid of political motives and solely driven by the desire to protect the lives and property of Benue residents.
They called upon the relevant security agencies to investigate the governor’s allegations thoroughly, dismissing them as unfounded and ludicrous.
Reacting further, the caucus urged Benue residents to disregard the governor’s attempts to shift blame and emphasized the importance of prioritizing security and governance over political gamesmanship.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.
Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.
He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.
His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.
“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.
According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.
The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.
The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.
IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.
The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:
Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
SAD! Abductors k!ll soldier over delayed ransom payment
Canada gives new guidelines For Asylum Seekers Insists Evidence Of insecurity must be proven
OSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement
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