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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
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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