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Jukun vs Benue State Government, Tor Tiv, others: Falana demands Chief Judge to assign suit

Jukun vs Benue State Government, Tor Tiv, others: Falana demands Chief Judge to assign suit
By: Our Reporter
Solicitors to National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA), Falana and Falana’s Chambers have complained to the Chief Judge of Benue State over the non-assigning of a suit involving its client and the Benue State Government and four others.
In a letter of complaint dated 18, April, 2024, the Chambers expressed dismay over a case filed on 2, February, 2024 and yet to be assigned.
In the letter signed by Samuel Ogala Esq for Principal Partner, it informed the Chief Judge that the claimants and all Jukun Wanu indigenes are already agitated by the non-assignment of the case hence the need to act urgently on the letter by exercising its administrative powers by assigning the suit to a court for adjudication.
According to reports reaching this medium, the Benue State Chief Judge has been assigning cases to various courts for adjudication even after February 2, 2024 when NAJUWA suit was filed but left it unattended to without reason.
NAJUWA wants the world to note that the Tiv Traditional Council have been using some sinister and unconstitutional means to scuttle the suit, which is being spearheaded by Tor Tiv using Ter Guma and Tor Lobi who invited some of its members to meetings which were explicitly recorded in which our communities were tasked to withdraw the lawsuit or in the alternative write a letter of disclaimer which can be used to discredit the matter in court.
They have also threatened that their plan to install a Tiv Chief in Abinsi will soon be realised despite NAJUWA’s matter in court.
However, the Jukun Wanu Association (JUWA) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in its April meeting unanimously urged NAJUWA not to relent or withdraw the suit.
NAJUWA sued the office of the Benue State Governor, Benue State Government, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Benue State House of Assembly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State and HRM, Orchivirigh Professor Ortese James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv and President, Benue State Council of Chiefs over decades of discriminatory policies against Benue Jukun.
NAJUWA declared that by virtue of the provision of section 25 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the people of Jukun Wanu are indigenes of Guma Local Government, Makurdi Local Government and Logo Local Government Area of Benue State and citizens of Nigeria and as such are entitled to equal protection under any law made in Nigeria including Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Council Law 2016, that by virtue of the provision of section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the people of Jukun Wanu whom are indigenes of Guma Local Government, Makurdi Local Government and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State are entitled to freedom from discrimination on the basis of the circumstances of their birth and that by virtue of section 25 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the respondents are not competent to make any law or adopt any policy which discriminates against the people of Jukun Wanu whom are indigenes of Benue State in any manner whatsoever and howsoever.
The Claimant declared that the exclusion of Jukun Wanu whom are indigenes of Guma Local Government, Makurdi Local Government and Logo Local Government of Benue State from Schedule 5 and 6 of Section 18 (1) of the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Council Law 2016 is illegal and unconstitutional.
NAJUWA averred that its members are Jukun Wanu (Riverine Jukun) whom are indigenes of Benue State whose ancestral origin can be traced to many communities in the state.
According to it, these communities include but not limited to Abinsi, Agyogo (Makurdi) Akatungu (North Bank), Agyetashi, Azhoko (Ankwa), Abweni, Anmor (Fiidi), Ando Sede (Bajimba), Anuwha, Atenge and Anyishi.
Others are Asugu, Gidin Mangoro, Akatsu, Agbodo, Zhamindo, Ashuku, Kitsani, Aguye and Asokpoga among others.
NAJUWA are requesting for N1billion as damages for prolonged act of discrimination against Benue Jukun.
The Association urges the Tiv Traditional Council to follow the path of honour, decency and justice to grant Jukun their constitutional right or know that the Jukun will never waver or abdicate their right on this matter or any other thus will never withdraw this case, no matter their intimidation or threats.
However, NAJUWA noted that Jukun people will follow the path of peace and as law abiding citizens, continue to wait patiently until justice is achieved in this matter.
Jukun vs Benue State Government, Tor Tiv, others: Falana demands Chief Judge to assign suit
News
Borno State Councillors endorse Tinubu/Kashim for a second term

Borno State Councillors endorse Tinubu/Kashim for a second term
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The forum of Councillors in Borno State have endorsed the enthronement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term
The Councillors all from the All Progressive Congress (APC) gave the endorsement during a news conference in Maiduguri on Friday led by their Chairman of the Forum Kellum Geshehu.
While endorsing the Tinubu-Shettima Ticket for 2027, they said that they were pleased with the developmental projects of President Bola Tinubu and their son Senator Kashim Shetima who they say equally deserves a second term for pleasing the masses with basic dividends.
They maintained that as grassroot politicians who understood the pains of the masses especially when the subsidies were removed, it was clear that the economic policies applied by the party at the National level has given rise to massive production of foodstuffs and the reduction of prices of basic staples which before now were beyond the reach of a lot of people.
“We also express our profound satisfaction with the progress of the Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu. We see the Renewed Hope Initiative gradually yielding fruits for Nigerians.
“We specifically thank Mr. President for the confidence and trust in our son, His Excellency, Vice President Sen. KashimShettima, who has proven to be a dedicated, loyal, and capable partner in development.
“Therefore, the Borno State Supervisory Councillors Forum unanimously endorse the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for the 2027 Presidential election. We strongly support the President to retain Vice President Sen. KashimShettima as mate for the 2027 Presidential ticket, ensuring continuity and socio-economic gains currently being achieved in our great country.”
The councillors gave the endorsement based on the fact that the APC party under Professor Babagana Zulum has been doing well in his second term in Borno state following in the footsteps of the party at the national level.
They named sectors like Agriculture, education and the health sector as major areas of achievement of the academic turned politician Governor Babagana Zulum who has been a trailblazer in developmental projects in the state.
Borno State Councillors endorse Tinubu/Kashim for a second term
News
Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance

Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance
By: Zagazola Makama
In a major development that could reshape the security landscape in the North-East, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) have reconciled with the Bakoura Doro faction after years of bloody rivalry.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the reconciliation, according to credible intelligence marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the insurgency that has ravaged Borno and neighbouring states for over a decade.
Boko Haram, officially known as Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), and ISWAP reportedly reached a truce with the Bakoura Doro group on Thursday, after weeks of internal negotiations aimed at consolidating their fighting strength and realigning their operational commands.
However, ISWAP leaders maintained their position of hostility toward the Abubakar Shekau faction, now under the command of Ali Ngulde, whose loyalists are entrenched in the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
According to field sources, ISWAP commanders used the meeting to warn their fighters against indiscriminate killings of local residents, citing the incident in Kirawa where innocent civilians were executed in error.
The group reiterated that attacks should only target government-backed militias and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), whom they accused of bearing arms against them.
Despite this rhetoric of restraint, both ISWAP and Boko Haram factions vowed to intensify their campaign of violence, with Boko Haram operatives under Bakoura Doro reportedly planning a renewed wave of kidnappings-for-ransom and bloodletting in vulnerable communities across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Security analysts view this reconciliation as a troubling development that could embolden the insurgents to regroup, and coordinate large-scale attacks against both military and civilian targets.
“The reconciliation between ISWAP and Bakoura Doro’s faction effectively closes one of the key internal cracks that previously weakened the insurgency. It allows them to pool resources, fighters, and logistics, which may translate to renewed offensives, particularly in border areas and ungoverned spaces.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military continues to sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves through coordinated land and air operations, with the goal of preventing the insurgents from re-establishing control over liberated territories.
As the insurgents’ alliance solidifies, analysts caution that Nigeria and its regional partners must strengthen intelligence sharing, border control, and community engagement to mitigate the security risks posed by this new wave of jihadist consolidation.
Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance
News
Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle

Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle
By: Zagazola Makama
In yet another demonstration of tactical superiority and resilience, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 15 insurgents and uncovering their mass grave.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, was described by military sources as “one of the most daring but costly misadventures” by ISWAP fighters, who launched simultaneous assaults on troops from three different flanks.
According to reliable sources, the terrorists began the offensive from the Gonori axis around 3 a.m., apparently to divert troops’ attention from their main objective. The diversionary assault was swiftly contained by the gallant troops, forcing the attackers to retreat with casualties.
The second wave of attack, launched along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, involved the use of command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades.
Despite the intensity of the assault, troops advancing from Benisheikh managed to charge through the ambush position, though one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustained damage to its engine and tyres.
The third flank of the attack targeted Alpha Company’s defensive location near the main supply route, but despite minor infiltration into their outer perimeter, the soldiers held their ground firmly and neutralized several of the attackers in close-quarter combat.
The sources said four soldiers paid the supreme price while three were wounded in action during the encounter.
Subsequent intelligence gathered from local sources revealed that ISWAP fighters conducted a mass burial for 15 of their slain members at Bula Wura village near Wasaram, less than 24 hours after the failed operation.
“The attack was well-coordinated but the response was even more professional. The terrorists came in waves, using multiple tactics, but our men held their ground and made them pay heavily,” said one military sources.
The military has also intensified clearance operations along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway after terrorists planted IEDs to delay reinforcements. The road was temporarily closed for demining operations to ensure the safety of commuters.
As the military continues to dominate the theatre of operations, local communities are beginning to express renewed confidence in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, which have seen a steady decline in insurgent activities across major highways and rural settlements in recent months.
Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle
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