Gov Alia accuses Abuja politicians of sponsoring banditry, killings in Benue - Newstrends
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Gov Alia accuses Abuja politicians of sponsoring banditry, killings in Benue

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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia

Gov Alia accuses Abuja politicians of sponsoring banditry, killings in Benue

Makurdi: Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused those he described as Abuja politicians of being behind the armed banditry and killings in the Sankera axis of the state comprising Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Area, LGAs, of the state.

The Governor, who made the allegation Sunday after attending a thanksgiving service organised at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi, lamented that the bandits were homegrown and had taken up arms to kill their own.

The Governor was reacting to recent attacks in Sankera which initially claimed six lives in Ukum LGA and triggered a violent protest and another cold-blooded murder of 18 in Katsina-Ala LGA as well as the viral video of bandits threatening to kill more in that axis and the move by his government to end the bloodletting.

He likened the security situation in Sankera to an octopus saying, “I used that in the sense that we are talking about the composition of every frame and form of insecurity that has come up on the people of Ukum LGA.”

According to him, “during my campaign, I told every faceless person in the three Senatorial zones who were creating instability in the state to sheathe their swords and that the new government was coming in to liberate them, to get them out of the bushes and stop them from killing their siblings. And that is what we have been trying to do.

“Unfortunately when the political wing of it comes into the fray it kind of complicates what had been there. For many years there had been skirmishes of instability in the Ukum area.

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“And what pains me most is that the instability is never created by the invaders, it is not from the outsiders. It is the homegrown bandits who come out there to kill their fathers and mothers and their brothers and sisters, stopping them from going to the farm.

“In other climes, if you are talking of insecurity you are fighting those who have come from outside trying to grab land and to destabilize the lives of the people in those areas. But in Ukum LGA and Sankera axis, this is a different and strange story.

“But we cannot stop talking to them. I extended numerous olive branches to them to come out. I offered that for those who would want to go to school, the state is willing to sponsor them to recreate their lives and for those of them who are trade-inclined, we will help them acquire better skills to earn them good living.

“So that we will help them fund the businesses they seek after acquiring the skills. By so doing, it will encourage them to come out of the bushes and stop destabilising the Local Governments and killing their own people.

“Unfortunately, even those who were like inclined to come out were being attacked in the fight for superiority right there in the bushes. My anxiety and the deeper wounds I feel about this is that the so-called Abuja politicians are the ones sponsoring and supporting these young men.”

The Governor noted that after the Ukum violent protest, “the very first thing we did was to set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry. And it is already at work. So, there is no need to pre-empt anything yet. Once they comb and bring out all the facts, then we move from there. But as for the people, they have been watertight secured as I am speaking.“

Gov Alia accuses Abuja politicians of sponsoring banditry, killings in Benue

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Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

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Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa

Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa, has announced a free 3kg cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents of the council area.

Obasa made the announcement via a post on X on Friday, stating that the initiative is aimed at reducing household energy costs and providing immediate relief at the grassroots amid rising prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

According to the council chairman, beneficiaries will be selected from the seven wards in Agege, with equal allocation across all wards to ensure fairness, accessibility, and inclusiveness.

“As part of our continued commitment to easing the daily burdens faced by our people, I am pleased to announce a free cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents across the seven wards in Agege,” Obasa said.

He explained that designated gas refill stations have been assigned to each ward, adding that the distribution would run on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are required to bring their personal gas cylinders, as only refill services will be provided.

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Obasa warned that once the allocated slots for any ward are exhausted, the exercise would be concluded in that location.

The council boss said the intervention is part of measures to cushion the impact of rising gas prices, support vulnerable households, and promote the use of cleaner and safer cooking energy.

“This is one of several people-focused programmes we are implementing to improve quality of life, encourage clean energy adoption, and demonstrate that governance must be felt where it matters most — in our homes and communities,” he stated.

Obasa is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, though the council stressed that the initiative is part of its local social intervention programmes.

The announcement has attracted mixed reactions on social media, with many residents welcoming the scheme as timely relief amid economic pressure.

However, some critics questioned the sustainability of the intervention, arguing that job creation, empowerment programmes, and small business support would provide more long-term economic solutions.

As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by Obasa to the criticisms, though council officials said further details on distribution dates and locations would be communicated through official channels.

Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

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UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

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Sadiya Usman

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has confirmed that 100-level student Sadiya Usman has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week. The university expressed relief and gratitude to the public and security agencies for their assistance in locating the student.

Sadiya Usman, who is enrolled in the Department of Accounting, was last seen leaving her residence at Kontagora Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, 18 February 2026, at around 8:00 a.m. She was on her way to the university’s Main Campus to sit for her Computer-Based Test (GST 111) but did not arrive for the exam.

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After her disappearance, her guardian reported her missing when all attempts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful. The university promptly activated internal safety protocols and collaborated with security agencies, campus authorities, and the public to ensure her safe recovery.

The student was eventually located late on Thursday, 20 February 2026, around 11:49 p.m., and is reported to be safe, unhurt, and in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that coordinated efforts between the university, law enforcement, and concerned members of the public were instrumental in her recovery.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and welfare, promising continuous updates as necessary. It also thanked those who responded to the public appeal for information and urged students and parents to remain vigilant about safety.

This incident highlights the importance of campus security measures, timely reporting of missing persons, and the role of community involvement in safeguarding students.

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

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Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

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TikToker and aesthetic vendor, Mirabel

Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed plans to arrest and prosecute TikTok user Mirabel after she admitted that her viral rape allegation was false, authorities and investigative reports indicate.

Mirabel, a social media influencer, first sparked national attention after posting videos alleging she had been sexually assaulted in her home in Ogijo, Ogun State. The posts quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage, calls for justice, and prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation.

An audio recording of a phone conversation, shared online by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), reportedly captures Mirabel acknowledging that parts of her story were fabricated. In the recording, she apologises and admits creating a threatening TikTok account to support her narrative, claiming she had been taking drugs at the time and “was not thinking clearly” when posting the videos.

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A police source said senior officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving medical care. Once she is discharged, she will be taken into custody and formally charged under provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code relating to false reporting of sexual offenses. “The essence is to serve as a deterrent to others,” the source added.

The Ogun State Police had earlier ensured that Mirabel received medical treatment and support, following procedures to protect her health while the investigation continued. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that the incident fell outside its jurisdiction and forwarded all relevant information to the Ogun authorities.

This development has sparked public debate about the responsible use of social media, the impact of false allegations, and the importance of evidence-based reporting. Legal experts warn that fabricating sexual assault claims can carry serious criminal penalties and may undermine the credibility of genuine victims.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to cooperate with law enforcement in ongoing investigations. Updates on the case will be issued by the Ogun State Police Command as formal legal proceedings begin.

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