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A Community in Crisis: Catholics in Benue State Seek Divine Intervention Amidst Rising Insecurit

Phinadon Mag

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The Saint Joseph Orokam Catholic Community in Ogbadibo local government area of Benue State is grappling with a severe security crisis. The recent killing of a woman and her son in Orokam has intensified the community’s fears, prompting a call for urgent divine intervention.

According to Leadership News, the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night when kidnappers attacked a native of the village who had returned from Lagos to relocate his mother due to the growing insecurity. Both he and his mother were killed, while his younger brother sustained life-threatening injuries.

The Catholic community, during its second quarterly national delegates meeting held in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, addressed the escalating security situation in Orokam. Frequent kidnappings and armed robberies have become commonplace, with people being abducted from roads and their homes, often without any security response. Areas such as Adupi, Ukporo Igwu, and Orokam GRA are particularly affected.

The roads connecting Ade-Igwu to Adupi, Orokam to Owukpa, Ukporo to Adupi, and Orokam to Ijadoga Otukpa (Ewu-agada) have become perilous, posing a threat not only to the local population but also to travelers using the busy Makurdi to Enugu federal highway.

In response to the crisis, the national chaplain of St. Joseph Orokam Catholic Community, Rev. Fr. Francis Oche Atama, has declared August 27th to August 29th as days of fasting and prayer for all Orokam natives worldwide, seeking God’s intervention. Masses are to be booked in parishes across the globe, and branches are encouraged to hold joint prayer sessions on August 29th. St. Joseph’s Parish Orokam and Regina Caeli Mission in Igwu Akor will observe communal masses and a rosary procession on August 29th.

The national president of the Catholic community, Comrade Elaigwu Godwin Abakpa, has urged all Orokam Catholics and non-Catholics to participate in the prayer program. He also emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including traditional rulers, presidents of Orokam Development Association branches, and chairmen of the five clans, to develop a lasting security framework.

Comrade Abakpa acknowledged the swift response of Hon. Samuel Ismaila Awuchi Agada, the member representing Ogbadibo State Constituency, who engaged with the state commissioner of police. The commissioner has temporarily recalled the DPO in the area and deployed Anti-Cultism Special Squad members and other tactical teams to enhance security in Orokam.

During the meeting, Comrade Abakpa appealed to all branches to contribute financially to support the community’s projects and programs. He also requested that branches remit 20% of their 2025 St Joseph de Worker Feast celebration proceeds to the national body.

The community’s call for fasting and prayer highlights the severity of the security situation and their reliance on faith to overcome the challenges. The collaborative efforts of community leaders, government officials, and religious figures demonstrate a united front in seeking a lasting solution to the crisis in Orokam.

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Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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