Miyetti Allah accuses Benue community of poisoning 20 cows

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over the alleged poisoning of their cattle in Agatu Local Government Area, attributing the act to criminal elements operating in the region.

State Chairman of MACBAN, Risku Muhammed, claimed that individuals in the area were deliberately targeting their livestock, resulting in the recent deaths of 20 cows.

Speaking on Sunday, Muhammed recounted the latest incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday in Ucha village.

According to him, a farmer allegedly laced rice chaff with poison before inviting a herder to graze his cattle on it.

“I got a report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal who had laced rice chaff with poison invited one of our members to come and graze his cows.

“Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly while seven are being treated by a veterinary doctor,” Muhammed lamented.

He further alleged that in addition to the poisoning, rustlers had stolen 200 cows just days earlier. However, he noted that security operatives managed to intervene, leading to the arrest of one suspect while others fled.

READ ALSO:

• Wike’s aide slams Atiku, says it’s too late to buy integrity
• Reps Committee recovers N21.4bn from four oil companies
• West African juntas impose levy on imported goods ECOWAS nations

Expressing growing concerns over continued attacks on herders in Agatu, Muhammed highlighted several affected communities, including Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, and Okwtanobe. Despite these challenges, he commended Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, for his prompt intervention.

“The local government chairman, along with some Non-Governmental Organizations working in the area, has several times paid for cows killed by these criminals,” Muhammed stated.

Confirming the incident, Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin James acknowledged the complaints filed by MACBAN and assured that investigations were already underway.

“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is ongoing. Agatu has been enjoying peace, and this is due to the peace committee set up.

“On a daily basis, we review the peace process,” James said.

While noting the progress in fostering harmony, he warned that certain elements were attempting to stir up violence.

“It’s unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process, but the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen,” he added.

James urged the state government to deploy additional security forces to Agatu to reinforce existing peace efforts.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the poisoning incident, revealing that a suspect had been taken into custody.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, a Chief Superintendent of Police, stated: “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned.

“Investigation is going on, and a suspect has been arrested.”

She further assured that a peace committee was actively working to sustain calm in Agatu, an area previously marked by frequent conflicts between herders and farmers.

Miyetti Allah accuses Benue community of poisoning 20 cows

(PUNCH)

Reps Committee recovers N21.4bn from four oil companies

The House of Representatives claimed it has recovered an additional $14.2 million (N21.4 billion) from four oil and gas companies as part of its ongoing investigation into financial discrepancies in the sector being conducted by its Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr, the spokesperson for the House announced this in a statement on Sunday.

The Reps’ spokesperson recalled that the Committee had earlier announced recovery of ₦28.7 billion ($19.24 million) on March 16, 2025.

He said with the latest recovery, the total amount recovered so far by the Committee is now $33.44 million (₦50.1 billion).

Giving breakdown of the latest recoveries, Rotimi said Platform Petroleum Ltd paid $1.9 million (N2.9 billion) while Midwestern Oil and Gas Ltd doled out $1.578 million (N2.3 billion).

He added that $523,845 (N785.7 million) and $10.3 million (N15.5 billion) were recovered from Universal Energy and Aradel Energy Ltd respectively.

READ ALSO:

• West African juntas impose levy on imported goods ECOWAS nations
• Man City secure comeback win at Bournemouth to reach FA Cup semi-finals
• Petrol price rises to N935 in Lagos

Rotimi quoted the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam as crediting the successes recorded in the recovery of the funds to the unwavering support and leadership of the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.

He noted that the Speaker’s firm commitment to legislative oversight and accountability has ensured that committees operate effectively, free from undue interference, and with a clear mandate to safeguard public resources.

“Under the leadership of Speaker Abbas, the House of Representatives has reinforced its commitment to fiscal transparency and good governance. The independence granted to committees like ours has enabled us to carry out our mandate diligently, ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for. This approach has been instrumental in our ability to recover these substantial sums, and we remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen financial accountability in Nigeria,” Rep. Salam stated.

In addition to the recovered funds, the Committee has issued a 20-day ultimatum for four companies to remit a total of $23.2 million (N34.8 billion). Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in the enforcement of appropriate sanctions, including the public naming of defaulters in national newspapers.

The companies and their required payments are as follows:

– Total Energies: $2 million within 7 days

– Seplat Energies (SPDC): $6.036 million and N1.5 billion within 7 days

– Aradel Energy Ltd: $12.1 million within 7 days

– Network Exploration: $3.1 million within 7 days

Rep. Salam emphasised the Committee’s commitment to enforcing compliance, warning that companies that fail to meet their financial obligations will face the full weight of legislative oversight.

The Committee also expressed concern over several companies that have disregarded invitations to appear before it. The following firms are now under heightened scrutiny and may face further actions if they continue to evade accountability:

– Frontier Oil and Gas

– Conoil Producing

– Walter Smith Petrochemical

– Bilton

– Energia Ltd

– Aiteo Petroleum Ltd

– Pillar Oil Ltdp

Reps Committee recovers N21.4bn from four oil companies

UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9

The United Kingdom Home Office has announced an upward revision of visa application fees across various categories, with the cost of study visas for main applicants and their dependents rising from £490 to £524.

According to an update published on the Home Office website on March 19, the new fees will apply from April 9. The cost of a six-month visit visa will increase from £115 to £127, while a two-year visa will now be issued at £475, up from £432. Additionally, the fee for a 10-year visa has been raised from £963 to £1,059.

Transit visas have also been affected by the changes, with the direct airside transit visa fee increasing from £35 to £39, and the direct landside visit visa rising from £64 to £70.

READ ALSO:

• Ex-Rivers HoS wife cries for help over husband’s safety
• Fubara reacts as Ex-HOS, Nwaeke accuses him of bombing oil pipelines, Rivers Assembly
• Natasha: Emmanuel Uduaghan threatens to sue Senator Nwaebonyi

The UK has long been a preferred destination for Nigerian students looking to further their education, often as a way to escape economic challenges at home. However, the number of Nigerian students applying to study in the UK has dropped significantly in 2024 following a government policy barring most international students from bringing their family members.

The rule, which does not apply to postgraduate research students, has led to a decline in study visa applications from countries such as Nigeria and India. A March 2024 report by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service highlighted the shift, noting that many prospective students are now seeking admission in alternative destinations.

UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9