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Shutdown Benue ethanol company appeals for reopening

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Shutdown Benue ethanol company appeals for reopening

By: Michael

Shut ethanol- producing company, Pure Biotech Company Limited has appealed to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to reopen its premise for operation after it installed a state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), to prevent the reoccurrence of wastewater contamination, which was the reason for its shutdown.

The NESREA and the Nigeria Police Force had sealed off the company on 17th April, 2023 for contravening environmental law by discharging pollutants into public water system.

In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Relations of the company, Mr Stephen Numbeve,, said his organisation has taken the necessary step to get reopened and thereby appealing to NESREA to give the go ahead to resume operations.

He admitted the accidental discharge of untreated effluent (wastewater) into the Benue River in Bezu Village where the factory is located, has led to severe pollution, and could not blame the environmental right groups and other stakeholders call for the shut down of the Chinese factory.

Numbeve said the organisation have learnt a big lesson, which made it to take the decision to optimise its Environmental Management System (EMS) by completing its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

This, he said has been approved and awaiting EIS certification by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

He said: “It is important to make it clear that the said discharge was not a continuous one as being widely reported. It occurred just that moment while the facility’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) then was under a test run. We erred, we were sanctioned according to the environmental laws, our facility was sealed off by NESREA on 17th April for almost two (2) weeks, but most importantly, we have learnt our lessons!

“After complying with stipulated conditions for unsealing in line NESREA’s enforcement procedures, including conducting independent physicochemical analysis, ascertaining the functionality of ETP, payment of fines, our company was unsealed on 29th April, 2023, we have resumed operations”.

Numbeve said the company had equipped its laboratory to ensure that product, effluent and air quality analysis were carried out to ensure that all parameters meet standards and regulations of relevant bodies.

“We are adopting circular economy approach to waste management. Now, all solid and liquid wastes are converted into bio-gas, fertiliser, and even the treated wastewater now being recycled.

“Nothing is to be discharged into the environment or river, anymore! We encourage the general public to take a tour to the company and see things for yourselves,” he said.

He said Pure Biotech Company Limited was law abiding and would continually improve on its systems and programs toward protecting the environment and human health.

“Pure Biotech Company Limited has invested a fortune to optimize her waste management mechanisms. Our vision is to become a leading environmental friendly company in Benue State and the North Central Nigeria.

“Pure Biotech Company Limited, beside the incident, is not discharging any effluent into the environment, river or any water body whatsoever.

The PR manager said the company was embarking on several Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, such as the provision of clean water, education, healthcare, farm support, employment opportunities for the indigenes.

Shutdown Benue ethanol company appeals for reopening

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Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina

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Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade have foiled an attempt by a mob to lynch a suspected terrorist and burn down a police station in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on April 5, 2026, when troops deployed at Combat Team 1 in Danali village responded to a distress call from a Nigerian Police outpost in the area.

The police had reported that a large crowd attempted to set the station ablaze and attack personnel after a suspected terrorist was brought into custody.

Troops were immediately mobilised to the scene and successfully prevented further escalation of the situation, restoring order in the area.

During the intervention, police personnel reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the irate crowd, which led to injuries sustained by one civilian.

The injured victim was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Security sources said calm had since returned to the area, while troops continued to maintain presence to prevent a resurgence of violence and ensure stability.

Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina

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Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA

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Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers who attacked three civilians along the Jebbu–Miango–Rewienko road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:55 p.m. on April 5, 2026, when the victims were reportedly ambushed by armed men who dispossessed them of their motorcycles before fleeing the scene.

Troops of Sector 3 Operation Enduring Peace were immediately mobilised following the distress call but arrived after the attackers had escaped.

Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further criminal activity.

Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA

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GOC 1 Division visits Ariko community in Kaduna after church attack, urges stronger local vigilance

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GOC 1 Division visits Ariko community in Kaduna after church attack, urges stronger local vigilance

By: Zagazola Makama

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Fansan Yamma has visited Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State following an attack on an ECWA Church in the area.

Security sources said the visit on April 5 was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and engaging with community stakeholders on measures to strengthen security.

During the visit, the GOC toured the affected church, surrounding areas, and access routes into and out of the village to assess operational challenges faced during response efforts.

He also met with the traditional ruler of Kachia, youth leaders, and other residents, where he commiserated with them over the attack and assured them of continued security support.

The GOC commended troops for their swift response, which led to the rescue of some hostages during the incident.

He further urged residents to strengthen local vigilance structures, including the formation of community vigilante groups to serve as first responders in emergencies.

He also advised that communities consider closer coordination among nearby churches with security coverage, while additional security measures are being implemented to enhance protection of lives and property.

GOC 1 Division visits Ariko community in Kaduna after church attack, urges stronger local vigilance

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