News
TRAGEDY As Herdsmen Kill Ex-PDP House of Assembly Candidate, 4 Others In Fresh Attack
Suspected armed herdsmen have killed five persons including, Igbabe Ochi, a former House of Assembly candidate in Otobi community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Ochi contested for the Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 general election.
The latest attack, which occurred at about 1:30am came barely two days after a kidnap attempt in Ekwu-Ora Odaba area of Otobi was foiled by community volunteer guards.
Locals said Otobi has increasingly become a target of suspected armed invaders, following a deadly attack on April 15, 2025, when 13 residents were killed, and another incident in May 2025 that claimed three lives.
The latest killings according to residents occurred after volunteer guards and youths maintained patrols and surveillance across the community until midnight on Monday before withdrawing to rest.
“When the surveillance team covering the railway crossing toward the Ijami axis pulled back around 1:30am, the gunmen stormed the community and began shooting indiscriminately,” a villager who craved anonymity said.
“Five people were killed, while foodstuffs and other valuables were looted,” the local added.
Confirming the incident, President of the Otobi Community Development Association (OCDA), John Anyebe, told journalists in Makurdi that the attackers accessed the community through the railway station bridge from the Ijami side of Otobi.
“They first shot a person near the water board before moving to the transformer junction where Honourable Igbabe Ochi and four others were seated and opened fire on them. They also looted nearby shops for food and other items,” he said.
Anyebe lamented the repeated killings in the community, recalling the April 15, 2025 massacre and the subsequent killing of three persons at the Omebe axis of Otobi barely two weeks later.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the killings. However, he put the figure of casualties at four.
Edet said, “We can confirm that an incident occurred earlier today at Otobi-Akpa. Tragically, four individuals have lost their lives.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones affected by this incident.
“Investigation is in progress, and efforts are being made to arrest the perpetrators to face justice.”
Also, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that suspected armed herders who maybe looking for food for their kidnapped victims attacked a provision shop in Otobi-Akpa community, Otukpo LGA at 1:30am, killing the four persons and looting food items.
He added, “The attackers fled into a nearby forest after residents raised alarm. Police and Civil Protection Guards were immediately deployed to prevent further attacks. The victims were identified as Hon. Ochi Ugbabe, Achibi Onah, Eje Eba and Sunday Iruja.”
Har also noted that four persons kidnapped earlier in the community are yet to be released.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa constituency at the State Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, has decried the persistent attacks on his people.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, he disclosed that on Sunday evening, gunmen attacked a Benue Links bus at the Burnt Bricks area of Otukpo, leaving three passengers injured.
“Five of my people have again been killed in Otobi community, barely a year after 13 others were murdered on April 15, 2025.
“I am calling on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and counter-operations to flush these terrorists out of our area,” Angbo said.
News
FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.
The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.
He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
News
Shettima Steps Aside from Official Duties After Three Years
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.
According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.
The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch
He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.
News
Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason
Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.
Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.
The ministry said in its official statement:
“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.”
What is Umuganura Day?
Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.
The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.
Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.
History of Umuganura festival
Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.
Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.
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