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Benue Governor Rev Fr Alia reacts to Genocide killings allegations, gunmen attack in his State

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has pushed back against international claims alleging religious genocide in the state, stressing that although Benue is grappling with significant security challenges, its situation does not amount to genocide.

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Alia made the remarks at a consultative forum on protecting the rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs), organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja.

“In my state of Benue, we don’t have any religious, ethnic, racial, national or state genocide. We don’t have that.
“Do we have insecurity in the state? Yes, we do. But it is not genocide. Someone would need to check the United Nations’ definitions to understand this,” he said.

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The governor, a Catholic priest before his election, also dismissed claims that any form of jihad is unfolding in Benue or anywhere in the country.

“We do not have any jihad in Nigeria. I’m speaking to you as a reverend father and as a governor. If anything like that were happening in Benue or any part of Nigeria, I would be the first to raise the alarm,” he stated.

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His comments come amid renewed global debate over religious freedom in Nigeria, following repeated attempts by U.S. officials to list Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians. Nigeria received the CPC designation during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term, but it was later removed under President Joe Biden.

The federal government, alongside several religious leaders, has consistently rejected genocide claims, saying Nigeria’s diverse and overlapping security crises cut across religious and ethnic lines. A BBC investigation cited by U.S. officials also found that parts of the data used to allege Christian genocide in Nigeria could not be independently verified.

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Alia noted that he recently visited the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to brief diplomats on the realities in Benue, stressing that the state’s security situation does not fit any UN definition of genocide.

“It’s on the record that I had an interface with the American ambassador. I made it clear that, particularly in Benue State, the situation does not meet the parameters of genocide,” he said.

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Benue has endured recurring violence since 2009, with rural communities frequently targeted. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that over the last two years, more than 800 people have been killed and nearly 400 abducted in the state.

The deadliest recent attack occurred on 14 June, when coordinated assaults on Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area left more than 100 people dead.

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BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

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BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

The Son of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

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Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.

Party leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.

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Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Abba said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

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The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

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“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

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The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

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The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

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“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

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The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

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Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

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Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

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In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

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The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

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