News & Politics
HERDSMEN: 26 killed as herdsmen sack Benue village in fresh attack

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MAKURDI — It was a sad and sorrowful day for Benue State again, yesterday, as no fewer than 26 persons were confirmed killed Monday evening in a bloody attack on Omusu village, at Ojigo Ward, Edumoga in Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state by suspected herdsmen, just a day President Muhammadu Buhari through his media aide, promised to visit the state.
It will be recalled that the New Year day attack on two local government areas of the state left over 73 persons dead and attacks and killings have become a recurring development in the state since then.
Last Monday’s night attackers also left several persons injured and many others missing, while the entire community has been deserted. Several houses, huts and food barns were set ablaze by the marauding herdsmen.
A source in the community disclosed that the well armed herdsmen stormed the village about 4p.m., shooting sporadically at anything they sighted and burning down houses in the community. His words: “It was a bloody evening in Okpokwu. Armed herdsmen stormed Omusu village and opened sporadic fire on the locals, killing and butchering anyone and anything they came across.”
Ortom visits, fights tears
Among the first callers to the deserted community was Governor Samuel Ortom, who led members of the state security council for an on-the-spot assessment of the area.
Addressing the people present at the Omusu village square, Governor Ortom who fought back tears as he spoke, said killer herdsmen have continued to rain terror on the people of the state despite efforts by his government to stem the tide.
“Heads of security agencies said people doing this are from other countries. These killings are not acceptable. We will not fold our arms and wait for people to come from other countries and invade our land, kill, maim, rape our women and children and go free. This cannot be allowed to continue.
“That is why we have decided at the state security council level to come here for on-the-spot assessment. Already, as recorded by the local government chairman, 24 people were killed just in one day. This is not right and it is unacceptable.
“I know that the security men are doing their best, but they are overstretched; from the Police, Civil Defence and the Army. The fact is that they are not also spared. Even the security agencies have become victims of these mercenaries. I think that something has to be done and very fast too.
“As leaders, we are here to assess the situation and as we go back, we will re-strategize and ensure that this does not occur again.
“But let me repeat this, for us in Benue State, we have a law prohibiting open grazing. Anyone who wants to live with us here must obey the law. The law is not targeted at any herdsman or woman or any ethnic group.
“The law is meant to protect the lives of the people of the state and herdsmen alike. No one is discriminated against and everyone must obey the law because it is what is obtainable everywhere. I am aware that when Sharia law was introduced in Zamfara State and several other states in the country, nobody rose up to challenge that law. Why are these people challenging us?
Arrest the leadership of Miyetti Allah
“I still call on security agencies to arrest the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, who had threatened to do what they are doing today since last June. They have gone scot-free and live and move about freely in Abuja and are directing their mercenaries that they brought from other countries to come and kill our people. This is not acceptable.
“All that we seek is justice and justice must be given to our people; that is why we were elected to lead. Anything outside that is not acceptable. We will ensure that security personnel do the needful and ensure that the herdsmen responsible for this are arrested.
“I am happy that we have gotten some of the equipment that we will use in tracking them. We will assist security agencies to do the needful to get the masterminds arrested.
“As a government, we will continue to do our best because we cannot surrender our state to criminals; that will not happen. It is not acceptable. Storming a community and killing 26 people in one fell swoop is certainly unacceptable. We must all rise up and stop this evil that is posing a great danger to all Nigerians.
“If we allow this people to continue to kill and go scot-free, tomorrow they will attack our security personnel and also attack us, the leaders of this country. We must do something and it has to be now, there is no better time.
“I believe that two wrongs can never make a right. If you were attacked by whosoever and your cattle and people are missing, the best thing to do is to report to law enforcement agencies. This was done and efforts are being made by the local government council chairman to arrest whoever was responsible.
“So what was the basis to attack and kill innocent people who know nothing about your problem? How can the herdsmen justify the killing of an 11-year old girl, other children and the elderly over allegation that cattle was rustled?
“Our people do not rustle cattle, it is herdsmen that rustle cattle, not our people. I can assure you that we will get justice over this matter,” Ortom stated.
Burial
The governor also directed the Okpokwu council chairman, Olofu Ogwuche to make arrangements to bury the recovered corpses.
Addressing persons displaced as a result of the crisis at Ojapo, the governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency to avail the displaced persons both food and non-food materials to ameliorate their condition.
Earlier, a stakeholder in the community, Mr. Itodo Ojobo, who said he lost his elder brother in the crisis assured that the people will not seek revenge by taking the laws into their hands.
“So far, we have recorded 26 deaths but 24 bodies were recovered from our community and we are still searching and just now we recovered the body of an 11-year old girl.
“We will need assistance to be able to bury the corpses because the situation at the mortuary is that there is no space to accommodate the corpses, so we will have to bury the corpses without delay before they start decomposing.”
On his part, former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, a major stakeholder from the area, commended the prompt response of the state government to the crisis.
“All hands must be on deck to support the state government find a lasting solution to these crises that have bedeviled our state and communities,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of council, Mr. Ogwuche intimated the state government delegation on what led to the crisis, adding that two of the surviving victims had died at the hospital while seven more bodies had been recovered from the village, bringing the figure of the dead to 26.
Ogwuche said several persons were in critical conditions at the General Hospital and Saint Mary Hospital, Okpoga.
He said: “We had earlier on Monday held a peace meeting between the herdsmen and the locals over an issue of missing cows. It was shortly after the meeting that I got a distress call around 4p.m., that well-armed herdsmen had sacked the village, killing several persons and injuring many.
“When I returned to the village with security personnel, I discovered that the entire village was on fire, dead bodies littered everywhere and the people were fleeing to neighbouring villages, but the situation was brought under control by the team of security personnel.”
Meanwhile the Benue State Police Command in a statement earlier, yesterday, stated that the command received information about 7p.m., on Monday, from “the Security Adviser, Okpokwu LGA that some irate youths from Omusu engaged some herdsmen in a fight, maiming some cows, while two herdsmen were found missing.
“A peace meeting was immediately initiated with the chairman of the LGA and the Head of the Fulani Community in the area, while a Police Search Party went in search of the two missing herdsmen, one of whom was found killed.
“Unfortunately, as the search and peace meeting were ongoing, some herdsmen surreptitiously went on rampage, resulting in matcheting to death of 15 persons, mainly women and children, while some houses were set ablaze.
“Four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder. An extensive patrol of the community is ongoing which will be reinforced with the Special Forces.”
Global Affairs
Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights
The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Latest Developments
- Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
- Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).
Current Casualties & Damage
- Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
- Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).
Official Statements
President Donald Trump
- Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
- Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).
Israeli Government (PM & IDF)
- PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
- The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).
Iranian Response
- Supreme Leader Khamenei denounced strikes as “crimes” and promised a “bitter fate” for Israel (en.wikipedia.org).
- IRGC’s spokesperson declared readiness to retaliate further; Foreign Ministry blamed U.S. for dangerous consequences (en.wikipedia.org).
- Read Also: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes
Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus
- Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
- Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).
🔮 What’s Next?
- Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
- Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
- Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
- Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).
Biblical Perspective
- Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
- Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
- Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.
Key Takeaways
- The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
- Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
- Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
- Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.
Global Affairs
Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes
This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Historical Background
Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, tensions with Israel have grown over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for proxy militias like Hezbollah. Israel has consistently opposed any perceived existential threat. This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. These conflicts are mostly orchestrated from the shadows. This rivalry has rarely escalated into full-scale war.
Most Recent Updates & Casualties
🛑 Israeli “Operation Rising Lion” (Started June 13)
- Targets hit: Over 100 Iranian sites—including Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, IRGC bases, missile production plants, Tehran’s Ministry of Defense HQ, and oil/fuel depots near Tehran (english.mathrubhumi.com, theguardian.com, en.wikipedia.org, wsj.com).
- Casualties in Iran: At least 78–224 killed (including 20+ senior commanders such as Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Gen Hossein Salami, Gen Gholam Ali Rashid, Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh); 6–14 nuclear scientists killed; hundreds wounded; many civilians among victims (theguardian.com).
- Notable death: Brigadier Gen Mehdi Rabbani and his family were killed in one strike (en.wikipedia.org).
🇮🇷 Iranian Retaliation
- Missile & drone attacks: Waves launched at Tel Aviv and Haifa; 65 ballistic missiles and scores of drones fired (theguardian.com).
- Casualties in Israel: At least 14–24 killed and ~390 injured; critical infrastructure—including a power plant and U.S. Embassy wing—was damaged (theguardian.com).
Official Statements
Iran – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei
“Israel opened its wicked and blood‑stained hand… will receive a bitter and painful fate… severe punishment awaits.” (thedailyguardian.com)
Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
“We acted pre‑emptively to prevent Iran’s nuclear bomb… we’ll do what we need to do. Regime change is possible.” (ft.com)
USA – President Donald Trump
“We were aware of the impending Israeli operation… working behind the scenes on a deal… vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader… unprecedented retaliation if Iran targets the U.S.” (theguardian.com)
🌍 Regional & Global Impacts
Middle East
- New proxy wars erupt across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
- Oil markets surged, then stabilized—global energy remains vulnerable .
- Gulf and NATO countries deploy military to deter escalation amid high tensions (theguardian.com).
USA
- Supports Israel’s missile defenses and may deploy naval vessels.
- Oil price fluctuations could worsen inflation.
- Diplomatic pressure mounts with vetoes and summit-level interventions .
Africa
- Rising oil prices strain developing economies.
- Cargo and shipping risks impact African trade.
- Diaspora populations in Africa may intensify local debates or protests via spiritual and cultural channels.
📖 Historical & Biblical Lens
- Biblical parallels: Books like Ezekiel (chapters 38–39) discuss invasions from the North targeting Israel. Some interpret modern Iranian threats through this prophetic narrative.
- Spiritual implications: Maxwell Nnawuihe’s teachings on justice, fearlessness, and faith echo strongly amid this crisis.
- Economic ties: Faith & Fortune Finance’s messages on biblical stewardship and fiscal resilience are directly relevant as nations and individuals face uncertainty.
🕊️ Pathways to Peace
- U.N.-mediated ceasefire with verified arms monitoring to halt further strikes.
- Inclusive regional security framework involving Gulf states, Iraq, and Syria to reduce proxy aggression.
- Faith-driven diplomacy: Interfaith councils (Christian-Muslim-Jewish) promoting reconciliation, trust-building, and shared economic ventures.
- Economic resilience programs: Channel resources into reconstruction and economic stability—aligning with themes from Faith & Fortune Finance’s “Kingdom Wealth” strategy.
- Faith & Fortune Finance’s content tied to economic resilience:
- “Biblical Wealth Under Crisis”
- “Kingdom Finances When Markets Shake”
Maxwell Nnawuihe’s video on prophetic motivation and fearless leadership:
“Courageous Voices Precede Peace”
Conclusion
This Israel–Iran conflict marks a historic escalation, with devastating strikes, high-profile casualties, and global political impact. Blending historical, biblical, and economic insight provides deeper understanding—and grounds your YouTube channels in relevance.
Biafra
Tinubu Refused To Honour Our Agreement To Release Nnamdi Kanu After Election– Kanu’s Brother
Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.

Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has said they had an agreement with President Bola Tinubu for the release of his elder brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Emmanuel disclosed that he had the pact with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, in Abuja before the 2023 presidential election.
Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to him, it was agreed that IPOB would not bycott the polls on the condition that Tinubu would release Kanu if elected President.
Prince Emmanuel expressed disappointment that nearly two years after the emergence of Tinubu as President, his brother (Kanu), has continued to languish in detention despite the fact that the presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, had since recused herself from the matter.
He said it was disappointing that those who claimed to be honourable, failed to keep their words.
The statement read:”Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi the son of President Tinubu wanted to see me. I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother. The meeting was held in Abuja in the presence of another individual whom I asked along to witness the deliberations and if need be provide independent verification should the need arise.
“Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Biafra: Justice Binta Nyako Directs Tinubu-led Fed. Govt. And Nnamdi Kanu To Pursue Reconciliation
“In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections, either through boycott or any other form of civil disobedience. This understanding was duly communicated to my brother and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott.
“When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected. We took his public statement as a tacit reaffirmation of the understanding I reached with his son Seyi.
“At the end, IPOB did not call for election boycott despite having the capacity to do so. IPOB also made sure that discordant voices urging election boycott were overcome because election boycotts would not reflect well on the reputation of a global movement that prides itself on adherence to democratic tenets.
“It therefore, defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him. It’s been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case yet no new judge has been assigned the case.
“This is on top of the fact that Appeal Court had earlier discharged him of the sham charges and ordered his release which the previous regime of Buhari declined to obey.
“Supreme Court determination that his bail ought not to have been revoked has been ignored by the courts and the government. The latest insult is that Abuja courts of all persuasion are no longer willing to determine the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on merit but are rather relying on ludicrous and inapplicable technicalities to stall the timely determination of his cases.
“The truth is that Nigerian courts cannot, will not and do not have both the substantive and procedural jurisdiction to try him. His detention is without the backing of any known law in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.”
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