The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a groundbreaking initiative: from August 15, 2025, petrol and diesel will be distributed free of logistics charges to marketers and large consumers across Nigeria. The refinery has acquired 4,000 CNG-powered tankers and offers credit facilities to ease fuel access.
Dangote’s Free Fuel Distribution Begins August 2025, Benue Killings: Alia Under Fire, VeryDarkMan
Things Fall Apart in Benue: A Wake-Up Call for Governor Alia
Benue State, once admired for its political unity and resilience to a great extent , is now grappling with deepening internal fractures and administrative missteps that threaten its stability and progress. As events unfold, the signs of institutional decay and growing public discontent are too glaring to ignore for the past two years.
1..The controversial suspension of duly elected Local Government Chairmen on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about two years ago has intensified the already strained relationship between the state government and the opposition. This move, widely perceived as politically motivated, has further polarized the political landscape.
2..The abrupt and controversial suspension of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman Comrade Austin Agada , followed by the inauguration of a caretaker chairman at the Government House, plunged the ruling party into internal turmoil. The action, viewed by many party stakeholders as unconstitutional, has left the party divided and confused . Making it worse is the illegal constitution and recognition of a new caretaker committee despite court injunction and High Court Judgment declearing it illegal .
4..The rift between the Governor and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), along with nearly 80 percent of National Assembly members and federal appointees from Benue State—including all serving Senators—paints a troubling picture of widespread political isolation. This breakdown in relationships at the national level undermines Benue’s voice in federal affairs and development.
4.. The ongoing industrial dispute involving Judiciary workers, coupled with the failed attempt to illegally suspend the Chief Judge of the state, underscores a dangerous encroachment on judicial independence. Such actions weaken the rule of law and set a disturbing precedent for governance.
5..The illegal suspension of 13 members of the Benue State House of Assembly for a period of three months, and the refusal to recall them even after the suspension period elapsed.
6..The people of Benue South Senatorial District have repeatedly cried out over marginalization—not only in the area of appointments and infrastructural development but also in how their security concerns are treated with levity by the state government. This perceived neglect is fast eroding their trust in the current administration.
7.State government appointees and elected Local Government Chairmen continue to lament the lack of welfare support, which has significantly hampered their ability to perform their duties effectively. This neglect undermines grassroots governance and service delivery.
Above all, insecurity across the state continues to worsen. Communities live in fear, with reports of attacks and displacement becoming distressingly common. The government’s response has been largely inadequate, leaving the people feeling abandoned.
It is worth noting that while the regular payment of salaries is commendable, it is no longer a unique achievement—no Governor in Nigeria is currently owing workers. Beyond salaries and a few ongoing projects, one must ask: Is Benue progressing or retrogressing after two years of this administration?
Are we more united as a people or more divided?
Is the Governor, as the leader of the state, truly playing the role of a unifier, peacemaker, and bridge-builder?
Benue stands at a crossroads. The Governor must rise above political vendettas, listen to the voices of the people, and take urgent, decisive steps to restore unity, good governance, and security in the state.
The time to act is now.
GOV. ALIA ORDERS POLICE, THUGS TO DISPERSE PROTESTERS AT WURUKUM OVER FULANI KILLINGS IN BENUE Says arrival of Verydarkman is a ploy by Abuja politicians to provoke a state of emergency
Says arrival of Verydarkman is a ploy by Abuja politicians to provoke a state of emergency
Makurdi, Benue State – June 15, 2025
Governor Hyacinth Alia, has ordered the Commissioner of Police and heads of security agencies in Benue State to, by any means necessary, disperse the ongoing protest at Wurukum in Makurdi, where hundreds of angry residents took to the streets to demand an end to the continuous killings of their people by Fulani herdsmen.
The order was swiftly executed with a joint force of security operatives and armed thugs chanting “No Alia No Benue” led by Terver Gbenda, who was recently appointed State Youth Leader and currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation and Illegal Levies.
The protesters, largely youth and women, were seen carrying placards, chanting, and demanding action from the state government over the unending bloodshed that has gripped Yelewata and communities in Guma, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, Agatu, Buruku and several others.
Eyewitnesses say the protest was peaceful until security personnel arrived and began firing tear gas and shooting live rounds into the air to disperse the crowd, leading to chaos, injuries, and several arrests, but protesters still remain adamant in confrontation with police.
In a statement attributed to Governor Alia, he claimed the protest was not a genuine outcry but a sponsored plot by politicians in Abuja to destabilize his government and force a state of emergency in Benue, Alia previously accused members of the National Assembly and Religious Leaders in the state for housing and feeding the attackers.
He further stated that the presence of popular social media activist VeryDarkMan in the state is part of a larger plan to embarrass him before the President, saying, “I am the Governor of Benue State now and so it shall always be.”
However, in a leaked phone conversation, one of his top aides, Fidelis Unongo, who serves as Special Adviser to the Governor, expressed frustration at the decision to suppress the protesters, insisting that people should be allowed to vent their genuine anger.
The protest was triggered by the fresh wave of attacks by Fulani herdsmen, which have left scores dead and entire villages displaced. Residents have accused the Alia-led administration of abandoning its responsibility to protect lives and communities.
One of the protesters, speaking shortly before he was picked up by plain-clothed operatives, said, “Benue people must be protected before they get killed even more by the very man they elected to protect them.”
As of the time of filing this report, Wurukum and surrounding areas remain under heavy security presence. The situation is tense and fast developing.
‘You’ve Shown Inability to Secure Citizens’ — Falz Attacks Tinubu
Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, is a well-known singer and activist who has accused President Bola Tinubu of neglecting his main duty of protecting people and property in the nation.
He chastised the president for not addressing the nation’s growing insecurity.
In response to the latest massacre in Benue State, he made this statement on his X account.
The “This is Nigeria” singer claimed that Tinubu has repeatedly demonstrated his inability to carry out his main duty of protecting people and property.
He emphasized that the issue of insecurity is not addressed in the president’s usual remark.
“You have repeatedly demonstrated that you are unable to fulfill the fundamental responsibility of protecting the lives and property of your citizens,” Falz wrote. This standard statement is insufficient.
Falz bemoaned the lack of attention being paid to the killings in Benue in another post.
“Over 200 people have been senselessly killed and burned alive in Benue, and this is not even receiving nearly enough attention,” he stated. Why do we treat ourselves so badly?
Falz, however, has denied rumors that he was romantically involved with Idris Okunneye, also known as Bobrisky, a controversial crossdresser.
It was remembered that in 2024, Falz’s purported phone conversation with Bobrisky while he was incarcerated was released by social media critic VeryDarkMan, commonly known as VDM.
Falz sued VDM for defamation as the development led to a lot of homosexual rumors about him.
Falz denied having a relationship with Bobrisky in an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, amid the ongoing legal disputes with VDM, saying he merely attempted to assist.
Falz provided a status report on the court case involving VDM, stating that the social media critic has not yet entered the defense.
An update on the court case, which is still very much pending,” he stated. In a serious lawsuit, my father and I are claiming defamation. Following the filing of the case, they have never entered the defense. Rather than stating that the court lacks authority to hear the matter or whatever, they filed a preliminary objection.
Read Also: Breaking: Tinubu Reschedules Kaduna Visit, Rushes to Benue to Tackle Killings
I was in court on the last date. That preliminary objection has been dismissed by the court. They must now file a defense or the court will simply make a decision. That concludes the update. I’ll leave it at that because I can’t really speak anything about the topic of the ongoing lawsuit.
Before that phone conversation, I had never been in a relationship with Bobrisky. “I’m in this case and I want to speak to you about how you can help,” he wrote in an Instagram message to me. Thousands of individuals messaged me about similar things, you know. This is not an extraordinary situation; it is not a rare circumstance.
In many of those situations, I’ll offer them a chance to ask questions like, “What’s the P? How can I help?” with empathy. I had no idea. In any case, as they say, shyness comes after a bite. Ultimately, I may not be able to assist anyone in my lifetime, but I may become much more aware of my actions.
Breaking: Tinubu Reschedules Kaduna Visit, Rushes to Benue to Tackle Killings
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue State as part of his attempts to promote peace and address the ongoing crisis that the state’s residents are facing.
In a statement released on Monday, President Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President has postponed his scheduled official visit to Kaduna State because of the Benue Visit.
It was claimed that during the Benue tour, Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek sustainable solutions to the conflicts.
The President’s visit, Onanuga continued, is intended to provide a personal assessment of the ongoing catastrophe that has resulted in a great deal of destruction and many fatalities.
Despite claims that the most recent round of attacks in Benue killed at least 200 people, State Governor Hyacinth Alia set the death toll at 59.
Read Also: Okpebholo Pledges Backing for Edo Diaspora, Aims for $7 Billion in Remittances
President Tinubu has already sent the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the heads of intelligence services, and the chairs of the Senate and House Defense Committees to Benue State in advance of the visit.
During the visit, the President is anticipated to host a town hall meeting with all interested parties.
“President Tinubu has already urged all leaders and citizens to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding in response to the continuing violence in Benue State. He sent his sincere condolences to the victims’ families as well as to everyone who has lost something because of the catastrophe.
President Tinubu was supposed to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission a number of state government projects, according to his itinerary that was made public over the weekend. The official visit, however, will now take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025,” Onanuga continued.
Okpebholo Pledges Backing for Edo Diaspora, Aims for $7 Billion in Remittances
Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has stated through the Edo State Diaspora Agency that a revolutionary and creative policy framework will empower and engage Edo State’s worldwide diaspora.
According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor claimed that the program demonstrates his administration’s dedication to fortifying ties with Edo indigenous people around the world by putting their welfare first, maximizing diaspora remittances for planned economic growth, and presenting a positive, cohesive image of Edo State internationally.
He recognized the various issues that diaspora members experience, especially the mental health issues that irregular migrants face after enduring perilous and painful travels.
The government of Governor Okpebholo is committed to offering both financial and humanitarian help, reaffirming the worth of every Edo life, according to the statement. The diaspora is now seen as important stakeholders whose welfare is critical to the state’s overall development, marking a dramatic change from seeing them as merely providers of remittances.
Additionally, as diaspora remittances have long been an essential lifeline for Edo families and the state economy, the administration’s goal is to unleash their enormous economic potential.
Edo State alone contributes an astounding $7 billion a year, according to recent figures, which makes up about one-third of all remittances from Nigeria’s diaspora.
“The government of Governor Okpebholo is dedicated to formalizing these financial flows using creative techniques that promote security, transparency, and investment preparedness in light of this.
Through the implementation of security reforms, responsive governance, and strong infrastructure development, the state hopes to transform informal personal remittances into significant investments that will support long-term economic transformation in a variety of industries.
At the same time, the administration is committed to changing and promoting Edo State’s story internationally. Edo people are still quite successful in a variety of sectors throughout the diaspora, making a substantial contribution to their host communities while being very connected to their historical roots.
In order to empower enthusiastic persons as official liaisons who keep an open line of communication with the government in both directions, the government is utilizing Edo associations and educational alumni networks that are already established across the world.
In addition to these initiatives, a state-of-the-art web portal has been created that allows Edo indigenous people to register and obtain special identification numbers that verify their community membership. By increasing the visibility of diaspora businesses and opening up exclusive benefits like money transfer refunds and possible tax cuts for returning citizens, this platform promotes more economic engagement and a sense of community.
Read Also: Nigerian Care Worker Jailed by UK Court Over Inappropriate Act with Patient
The policy’s emphasis on community-driven development, in which local Edo communities determine their most pressing needs and encourage the diaspora to sponsor specific projects, is one of its key components. By bridging geographical gaps and bringing the Edo people together around a common goal, this strategy will promote a cooperative development paradigm.
Using a thorough, research-based approach, the government also addresses the pressing problem of irregular migration. Under the direction of Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Oko, the organization intends to collaborate with broadcast media outlets to create the “Echoes from the Diaspora” series, acknowledging that migration issues are frequently caused by exploitation and false information.
Nigerian Care Worker Jailed by UK Court Over Inappropriate Act with Patient
Nigerian hospital employee Adewale Kudabo was given a one-year prison sentence by a UK court for sexually abusing a patient he was caring for at York Hospital.
On the first day of his trial in April, Kudabo entered a guilty plea to two charges of sexual assault. He was incarcerated on June 10.
Kudabo had “abused the trust” that was put in him as a medical expert, according to Judge Alex Menary.
Menary informed Kudabo in court that the victim had trusted him during a time of vulnerability, and that “you abused that trust.”
Kudabo was tasked with bathing a patient who was in excruciating discomfort, the prosecution claims. He allegedly kissed her on the lips after helping her, something the victim, in spite of her condition, attempted to avoid.
According to prosecutor Henry Fernandez, the victim felt extremely uneasy and bewildered.
A few days later, Kudabo reportedly went up to the same patient once more, offered her another “bed bath,” and tried to kiss her once more.
Read Also: ‘Benue People, Defend Yourselves’ — Apostle Suleman Reacts to Killings
The victim experienced severe emotional anguish, including anxiety and flashbacks, as a result of the assault, the court heard.
His lawyer, Jerry Sodipe, portrayed Kudabo, who had no past convictions, as sorry.
Sodipe informed the court, “He has raised his hands to indicate that he is guilty and that he should not have done that.”
Kudabo had relocated to the UK from Nigeria with his family for work, but he lost his job as a result of the incident, Sodipe continued.
York Hospital’s parent organization, the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, acknowledged in a statement that Kudabo resigned from his job soon after the attack and offered the victim “sincere apologies.”
Before being eligible for release, Kudabo must complete half of the 12-month term, according to Judge Menary’s decision.
‘Benue People, Defend Yourselves’ — Apostle Suleman Reacts to Killings
Johnson Suleman, the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, has urged the Federal Government to officially acknowledge the country’s security architecture failures and allow Nigerians to defend themselves against relentless attacks, particularly in Benue State.
Suleman posted on his 𝕏 (previously Twitter) account on Sunday that the government’s incapacity to safeguard lives and property has forced residents to turn to self-defense, which he argues is a constitutional right.
“If the federal government knows it’s overwhelmed or that its security architecture has failed, they should be humble enough to tell the citizens,” Suleman wrote in response to Friday’s massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed in yet another brutal herdsmen attack.
“Defend yourself, people of Benue. He referred to the situation in Benue State as “evil, barbaric, and mayhem.”
He stated that during prior visits to Jos and Benue, he had urged Nigerians to be cautious and prepared to safeguard their towns.
Read Also: Police IG Visits Benue, Orders Deployment of Extra Tactical Units
The clergyman added, “Self-defense is guaranteed by the constitution. I mentioned it when I visited Jos and Benue. We can’t watch this go on.”
The furious preacher also lashed out at politicians who are already planning for the 2027 general elections while failing to confront the current surge of instability in the country.
“It’s ludicrous that individuals are worrying about 2027 when mayhem is unleashed on the populace they are meant to rule in 2025. “What happened to your humanity,” he inquired.
In his closing remarks, Apostle Suleman expressed sadness about the current situation of the nation, noting, “There was a country…”
Police IG Visits Benue, Orders Deployment of Extra Tactical Units
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, arrived in Benue State on Monday, following the recent attack by suspected herders on the Yelewata community in Guma local government.
According to Naija News, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) announced this via a post on 𝕏.
The IGP directed the deployment of additional tactical teams to the North-Central state.
Meanwhile, more security leaders have arrived in Benue State, following President Bola Tinubu’s command to stop the state’s insecurity.
Read Also: Alia Blames Border Infiltration from Nasarawa, Cameroon for Benue Killings
Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced the development in a statement on Sunday.
Onanuga stated that the President urged the security chiefs to carry out his earlier directive to bring enduring peace and security to Benue State.
President Tinubu reiterated his order following recent retaliation attacks that resulted in the deaths of around 200 individuals.
Alia Blames Border Infiltration from Nasarawa, Cameroon for Benue Killings
Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, blamed infiltrators from neighboring areas and across international boundaries for the ongoing violence in some areas of the state, attributing it to the territory’s geographic susceptibility.
The governor claimed that the state is a prime target for roving attackers because of its closeness to Cameroon, Nasarawa, and Taraba in an interview with Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday.
He claimed that individuals who often assault the state enter from the frontiers, saying, “We share borders with Cameroon, with Taraba, and with Nasarawa.”
“They were not necessarily Nigerians speaking the Hausa we know or the Fulanis,” the governor of Benue State added.
“When to arrive at the Nasarawa axis.” We have a lot of difficulties here. Numerous events take place in Nasarawa State, and these individuals enter through certain methods whenever they are relocated from Benue. We wouldn’t object if someone described what we’re seeing now as retaliation.
Read Also: Bashir Ahmad Warns: APC Can’t Ignore Shettima on Joint Ticket with Tinubu
According to Alia, he spoke with Abdullahi Sule, his colleague from Nasarawa, who informed him that “the terrorists were coming into his state through Benue.”
“They probably came and made a touchdown in Yelewata in Benue and were going back because he said one person was macheted in Nasarawa State,” he added when I informed him that the chaos had already been wreaked at Yelewata in Benue.