Four police officers injured in patrol vehicle crash on Yelwata–Makurdi road

By: Zagazola Makama

Four personnel of the 18 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron were injured on Friday when their patrol vehicle was involved in a lone accident along the Yelwata–Makurdi road in Benue State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 9:10 a.m. when the officers, on routine patrol of the axis, were travelling in an official Toyota Hilux driven by Cpl. Augustine Garba. The vehicle reportedly lost control and somersaulted into the bush.

Sources said that the DPO Yelwata mobilised tactical teams to the scene. The injured officers were evacuated and rushed to the Police Clinic in Makurdi for urgent medical attention,” the source said.

Three of the injured personnel were treated and discharged, while one officer remains hospitalised.

Police authorities confirmed that the remaining officer is in stable condition.

The sources said that the Benue Police Command has commenced internal review procedures to determine the cause of the crash and ensure adherence to patrol safety protocols.

Four police officers injured in patrol vehicle crash on Yelwata–Makurdi road

Police arrest notorious bandit linked to killings of officers in Benue, Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Police operatives in Benue have arrested a suspected notorious armed bandit believed to be responsible for multiple attacks on security personnel in the state.

Zagazola gathered that the suspect, identified as Yongu Justine Makwagh of Kadarko in Nasarawa State, was arrested on Friday at about 8:00 p.m. at Balcony Park in Makurdi following months of sustained surveillance.

It was gathered that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Daudu led the operation after acting on credible intelligence, with reinforcement from operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on special duty.

Sources said Makwagh has been on the command’s wanted list due to his alleged involvement in several deadly attacks in the Sankera axis.

“The suspect was earlier linked to the killing of two Safer Highway Police personnel at Yelwata and two operatives of the Department of Operations (DOPS) in Daudu, during which firearms were carted away,” the source said.

The arrest is considered a major breakthrough for the command, which has intensified efforts to dismantle bandit networks operating across Benue and neighbouring states.

Police authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, while further investigations are ongoing to recover additional arms and track his accomplices.

Police arrest notorious bandit linked to killings of officers in Benue, Nasarawa

VP Shettima Launches ₦1bn Family Business Grant Initiative In Akwa Ibom

** Says governance must deliver grassroots prosperity for all Nigerian households

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday launched a one billion naira family-based business grant initiative in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, describing the programme as a model for translating democratic promises into tangible economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to interventions that directly uplift households and stimulate inclusive growth.

Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope/ARISE Agenda grant programme, VP Shettima noted that sustainable national development requires empowering citizens to become active participants in economic reconstruction.

“There is greater honour in empowering a man to create than in offering him a fleeting gift. True empowerment endures because it teaches the mind to search for its own doors, its own pathways, and its own opportunities,” the Vice President said.

The initiative, conceived by the member representing Unyime Idem of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, provides seed capital directly to families to establish or expand small enterprises.

The Vice President said the programme exemplifies President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda priorities, which include economic empowerment, job creation, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, poverty reduction, and expanded social protection.

He stated: “This gathering aligns with the principle that democracy works when the dividends promised by us reach families at the grassroots, uplift our communities, and expand opportunities for all.

“Democracy finds its true essence not in speeches but in interventions that touch the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary ways.”

The Vice President praised the collaboration between federal and state governments, specifically acknowledging Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on agricultural expansion, rural development, SME support, and social inclusion.

“This is what governance should look like: a seamless convergence of federal and state agendas at the exact point where citizens feel the impact.When leadership aligns in purpose, the people inherit progress,” he said.

The Vice President said the family-based approach would strengthen local enterprises, increase household incomes, expand the local economy, empower women and youth, reduce dependency, and enhance productivity and self-reliance.

“When a family is empowered, a community is empowered; when a community is empowered, a nation is strengthened,” he explained.

VP Shettima urged beneficiaries to invest the seed capital wisely, noting its potential to become the foundation for generational progress.

He assured constituents not included in the initial distribution that subsequent batches would accommodate everyone, adding that no one will be left out in the initiative.

The Vice President positioned the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam programme as a template for public office holders nationwide.

“You have demonstrated that politics is most noble when it delivers hope, opportunity, and dignity. So, I extend to you the gratitude of the nation, and I congratulate Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem for recognising the danger of a nation left idle, and for choosing instead to invest in the industrious spirit of his people,” he added.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, thanked the Vice President for always honouring the state’s invitation, saying he is seen in the state “not only as a distinguished leader but as a brother who has been warmly embraced,” by the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

“Your frequent visits to Akwa Ibom State have demonstrated a commitment to our people and our development. I am confident that our governor has graciously extended his hospitality to you, reflecting the strong bonds we share as sons of this great state,” Senator Eyakenyi said.

The Deputy Governor urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely, invest in their businesses, and ultimately contribute to the local economy.

On his part, the member representing Unyime Idem of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Unyime Idem, thanked the Vice President for gracing the launch, noting that the process of distributing the grant was quite transparent and open, with 3,000 families benefiting.

“What it, therefore, means is that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government and the ARISE Agenda of the state were fully captured,” the lawmaker explained, just as he assured that President Tinubu’s second term bid is secured, as the benefiting were ready to vote and return the President come 2027.

VP Shettima Launches ₦1bn Family Business Grant Initiative In Akwa Ibom