The Benue State Government has taken a significant step to bolster security in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state, by deploying over 5,000 Civil Protection Guards to work alongside Nigerian security agencies.

Governor Hyacinth Alia made this announcement on Thursday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi during a meeting with the Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Paola Pace; the Head of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation (ECHO), Alexander Castello; and their delegation.

The governor highlighted the alarming scale of displacement in the state, revealing that since 2018, over 1.5 million people have been forced to flee their ancestral homes due to communal crises. This, he said, has made Benue State home to the largest number of IDPs in North-Central Nigeria.

Governor Alia explained that more than 500,000 displaced persons currently reside in 26 camps spread across 185 host communities in the state. He lamented the harsh living conditions they endure, which include inadequate shelter, limited access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare services, and a lack of robust protection mechanisms. These challenges, he said, demand collective and innovative solutions.

To address these issues, Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling the root causes of displacement and fostering sustainable solutions. He disclosed several interventions, including: enrolling over 6,000 vulnerable individuals from 15 IDP camps into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure access to healthcare; allocating 70 hectares of land for the construction of dignified homes for IDPs, which would accommodate over 5,000 displaced households through the support of development partners; and empowering host communities with resources and social services to promote harmony and alleviate tensions resulting from the influx of IDPs.

Despite these efforts, the governor expressed concern over continued attacks on communities, citing a recent assault that affected over 1,000 households.

The IOM Chief of Mission, Pace reiterated her organisation’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of IDPs in Benue. She emphasised the importance of building a nation where no one is oppressed. Similarly, ECHO Head Alexander Castellano commended Nigerians for their resilience and pledged support for the welfare of IDPs through funding initiatives.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested one Destiny Ekhorutomuen, a 38-year-old suspect, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.

Police said the suspect allegedly created and operated multiple social media accounts to disseminate false and inciting content aimed at provoking the public against the Nigeria Police.

A statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action to curb the spread of fake news, disinformation, and incitement capable of widening the trust gap between the Police and members of the public who are critical stakeholders in national peace and security. On December 8, 2024, operatives of the Force apprehended.

“The Nigeria Police reiterates its zero tolerance for acts aimed at threatening the nation’s stability or tarnishing the reputation of the police and other government institutions. This deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines social cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security.

“In this regard, the Nigeria Police Force strongly warns against the misuse of social media and other communication platforms to propagate fake news or incite disorder. Such acts are criminal and punishable under the law. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of information, as the collective peace and unity of the nation depend on it.

“The NPF reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to upholding law and order. It will continue to identify and prosecute individuals or groups engaging in activities that threaten Nigeria’s peace and security.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state with the inauguration of seven new road networks.

The governor said the newly completed infrastructure, spanning 4.7 kilometers across Somolu, Lagos Mainland, and Kosofe local government areas, will enhance commuting, boost real estate value, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu declared: “Joy is coming to every part of Lagos as we fulfill our commitment to equitable development,”

The roads are St. Finbarr’s College Road, Asani, Tijani Ashogbon, Jagunmolu, Shogbamu, and Diya Streets, which connect iconic landmarks such as the University of Lagos, St. Finbarr’s College, CMS Grammar School, and the Deeper Life Headquarters.

He emphasised that the project aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, which prioritises transformative development across all sectors.

The governor highlighted the strategic importance of the new infrastructure, noting how they support education, commerce, and residential communities.

“These roads are equipped with walkways, service ducts, and solar-powered streetlights, showcasing our unwavering focus on quality and delivering impact-driven initiatives across Lagos,” he said.

He urged residents to maintain the infrastructure, saying: “With proper maintenance, we can channel resources to new projects, scaling up our infrastructure focus.”

The governor also affirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver a “Greater Lagos” through sustained infrastructural investment.

He expressed optimism that ongoing and future projects would bring more transformational progress to the state.