News
NAJUWA Calls for Creation of Separate Local Government for Jukun People of Benue
NAJUWA Calls for Creation of Separate Local Government for Jukun People of Benue
By: Michael Mike
Jukun ethnic group in Benue State have demanded for the creation of a separate local government, claiming that they are currently being marginalized in the affairs of the state and are not well represented in the country.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, the National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA)—the umbrella organisation representing all Jukun Wanu people across Nigeria and the diaspora, claimed that it was unfortunate that they are presently referred to as settlers in Benue State because at least a local government is yet to be designated for them.
The President of the association, Engr. Moses Amankye and Secretary General, Musa Atase, who took time to speak, lamented that their “overlords”, the
Tiv, who are immigrants and settlers in Benue state as the areas in which they are presently settled in the state belonged to the Jukun.
They added that: “The Tiv never owe any land in Nigeria, because they never legitimately established any Kingdom, empire, and neither have any military, let alone conquer an inch of Land or people.
“That the land in the 14 Local Government area in Benue state, that is: Makurdi, Guma, Kwande, Vandekya, Ukum, Konshisha, Katsina Ala, Gboko, Logo, Gwer West, Gwer East, Ushongo, Tarka, and Buruku belong to the Jukun. These LGAs were only created in 1976 and thereafter but before the creation, it was under the control of the Riverine Jukun since 1600 till the 1929 when the British criminally imposed Tiv in contrast to the conquest colonial policy.”
While stating that this matter will definitely be challenged in court, they said: “NAJUWA is however not saying that Tiv should pack and live this land but we are saying that the customary right of this Local Government areas rightly belonged to the Jukun, so is the customary right. By the grace of God Almighty, this will be challenged.”
Addressing the press conference themed: “Defending Our Heritage, Seeking Justice, and Upholding Truth Against Falsehood and Fabrications by the TIV, Who Are Mere Settlers in Benue State”, We, the Jukun Wanu, are the descendants of the great Kwararafa Empire, a people with a rich, documented history and a preserved cultural heritage. Our peaceful and accommodating nature is evident in our longstanding relations with neighbouring communities.
“The Jukun Wanu, also known as the Riverine Jukun, are present in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa states. In Benue State, Jukun Wanu are in about 21 communities across Makurdi, Guma, and Logo Local Government Areas. Despite being the original inhabitants and rightful owners of the land now comprising 14 Local Government Areas—currently claimed as Tiv land—we have faced suppression, dehumanization, and inhumane treatment.
“Today, we address the world on these issues. This press conference has become necessary due to persistent intimidation, falsehoods, and land dispossession by the Tiv people. Despite our hospitality in welcoming them centuries ago, the Tiv—now advantaged by numbers, resources, and political power—have systematically seized our lands, renamed our towns and villages, and replaced our traditional institutions with theirs. They have instigated conflicts to erase our existence, yet we have consistently chosen peace over retaliation or any other unlawful means. This press conference is a formal declaration: We will no longer remain silent in the face of oppression.”
They said: “We call on the Federal Government, that it the Office of the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The Senate, the Federal House of Representative; our kith and Kins in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Nassarawa, and the good people of Nigeria to collectively come to our aid by assisting us by creating a Local government for the Jukun in Benue state. We believe this can be achieved if there is will to assist us in our delicate situation.
“Finally, in line with our desire for a creation of Local Government for the Jukun in Benue state, we have already set up a machinery that will pursue that plan by visiting all the stakeholders in the country. This same bodies will be meeting with our stakeholders soon to chat a way forward with all our stakeholders and kins.”
NAJUWA Calls for Creation of Separate Local Government for Jukun People of Benue
Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a serving officer over alleged fraud involving N915,000 in a failed rice supply deal.
Sources said the case was reported on Sept. 11 at about 2:34 p.m.
According to sources, it was alleged that a Complainant (name witheld) in January 2024, gave a Police Inspector attached to Lagos State Command, the sum of N915,000 to supply 20 bags of rice.
“Ever since she received the money, she went into hiding until she was traced to her residence at Olusosun area of Ojota and brought to the station,” said the sources.
The sources added that on interrogation, the officer admitted to the crime and had been detained for appropriate disciplinary action.
The sources said investigation into the case was ongoing.
Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud
Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings
By: Lazarus Balami
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has recently faced concerns regarding the allegedly restricted access of patients’ relatives to hospital wards due to security issues.
Earlier reports, including one by Zagazola Makama, have suggested that the gates at the hospital have been closed to limit entry.
NEWSng, however, reports that this summary of the situation does not fully represent the complexities involved that informed the measures taken.
The primary reason for these measures relates to rising security incidents within the hospital. It has been reported that thieves, posing as patients’ relatives, have managed to gain unauthorized access to the wards and steal phones and other valuables of patients and their relatives.
These individuals have exploited the vulnerabilities in the hospital’s entry protocols to commit theft and other illegal activities.
Such incidents have understandably raised alarm among hospital management and staff, prompting them to take action to ensure the safety of all patients and visitors.
Another source from the hospital confirmed that it was in response to these security breaches that the hospital security team took a proactive measure.
They have implemented stricter security measures, including monitoring the entrances more closely and conducting regular patrols within the hospital premises.
The situation has improved after security personnel apprehended several suspects involved in these criminal activities.
These individuals were handed over to the Gwange Police Station for further investigation and legal action.” The source said.
NEWSng reports that the actions taken by the security team demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to not only providing medical care but also ensuring a safe environment for its patients and their families.
It is, therefore, crucial to clarify that access to wards has not been entirely closed off. The hospital continues to prioritize patient care and recognizes the importance of having family members present to support their loved ones.
Security measures are designed not to alienate relatives but to protect them and the hospital community. Procedures may be more stringent, but they aim to safeguard both patients and visitors from potential harm.
Communication is vital in these situations. The media should seek clarity of information before reaching out to the public.
The hospital administration is also doing the necessary to ensure that information reaches the public effectively, alleviating concerns about restricted access.
Transparent communication can help foster understanding among relatives, patients, and hospital staff, thereby reinforcing trust.
Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings
Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have intercepted nine suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State.
Sources who confirmed the developments to Zagazola said the interception took place on Sept. 11 at about 6:00 a.m. when Op-MESA Team 9, led by ASP Vincent Ohilebo, was on duty at the Laderin pin-down point near the Immigration office.
“The nine intercepted persons, all male, confessed to being illegal immigrants.
“They were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service through its officer, Prince Omotola Adefemi, for necessary action,” said the sources.
The sources added that security agencies remained on alert to check the influx of irregular migrants into the state.
Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun
Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud
Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings
Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
News5 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
