News

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

Published

1 year ago

August 17, 2025

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.

News

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Published

16 hours ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Published

17 hours ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Published

17 hours ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.