In his first two years in office, Kebbi State governor Nasir Idris revealed that his administration had employed more than 5, 000 youths.
In response to assertions made by opposition groups that no youth had been employed in the state’s civil service, the governor made this known during an interaction with a political group in Birnin Kebbi.
Governor Idris emphasized the transparency commitment of his administration.
He said, “We will not make any promises or assert any claims that we have not done them.”
He described the employment statistics by breakdown, revealing that 2, 000 youths were hired as teachers, over 1,500 as health workers, and the rest as lawyers and other professionals.
The governor urged that such criticisms be fact-based, while also acknowledging the value of constructive criticism.
He stated that the public could examine every 5, 000 jobs and verify them.
[/PHOTOS] Benue Killings: Tinubu Visits Injured Victims At Teaching Hospital
Governor Idris has stated his intention to mobilise significant government funds in the wake of the recent deadly armed banditry attacks in the southern region of the state, if the bandits’ lives and economic fortunes are still at risk.
The governor also disclosed that he had the necessary contacts with President Bola Tinubu to make some critical suggestions and requests for possible solutions to reducing or eliminating the threat in Kebbi State.
Following a deadly armed banditry attack in Tadurga town of Zuru local government, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II, the emir of the country, arrived at the state capital and addressed a high-powered delegation from the four local governments of the country.
He reaffirmed his conviction that any responsible government should prioritize ensuring relative peace, protection of life, and property.
The governor argued that making a wise use of resources for security and genuine sacrifice were worthwhile endeavors.
Even if it means dumping the state treasury, Idris said, “I will do whatever is humanly possible to protect the lives of the people.”
He stated that “these are parts of the requests to be presented to Mr. for consideration,” pointing out that the state’s persistent attacks were caused by inadequate manpower, insufficient sophisticated weapons, a limited number of special military units, and the complicated nature of Kebbi State’s geographical terrain.
The state, in his opinion, has border crossings with the neighboring states of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger, both of which are generally thought to be the most affected.
Prior to the governor’s statement, the governor was informed by the emir of Zuru, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II, that the weekend banditry attacks in Tadurga had claimed dozens of lives and valuable properties that have not been recovered.
The royal father warned that unless urgent measures are taken, the major cities of the emirate will soon experience an uncontrollable congestion of displaced people because the purpose of the visit included expressing gratitude and appreciation for the numerous developmental projects being carried out in the emirate.
Some politicians have been accused of purposefully politicising the state’s security crisis and allegedly wishing for the situation to worsen by the Tor Tiv V and Benue State Traditional Council Chairman, James Ayatse.
The traditional leader decried what he described as “political games” being played at the expense of human lives during a stakeholder meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who was present in the state to support the victims of the recent Yelewata massacre in Makurdi on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Tinubu attends the meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
Our Excellency, you have an apprehension about how the crisis has been politicised. State politicians are busy politicizing the situation and transferring blame instead of cooperating.
Some politicians, as we’ve heard, even say they would prefer that the situation get worse so that Benue State can declare a state of emergency.
This is unfortunate, your Excellency. The people of Benue State are opposed to any politician who asks for more people to die in support of such a project, according to Ayatse.
Calculated Genocide:
The traditional ruler also criticized the region’s current narratives, calling on the Federal Government to acknowledge the real nature of the killings.
The Benue attack on April 15, 2025, burned some of the homes.
“We are deeply concerned about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue,” he said.
It is not a herders-farmers’ clashes, a communal clash, or a skirmish, your Excellency. This false information has led to phrases like “stay tolerant,” “negotiate for peace,” or “learn to live with your neighbors.”
Herder-terrorists and bandits’ “what we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign that has been going on for decades and is worsening every year.”
The phrase “wrong diagnosis always leads to incorrect treatment. We are therefore dealing with a far greater sin than we frequently acknowledge.
[PHOTOS] Benue Killings: Tinubu Visits Sick Victims At Teaching Hospital
Ayatse further urged Tinubu to act decisively, noting that Benue had sacrificed a lot to promote national unity.
“I make an appeal to Benue State, whose many sacrifices have kept this nation united,” my Excellency. During the Civil War, many of our citizens perished. To keep this nation united, we paid the ultimate price. Why should this be our way of life? he inquired.
One of a string of state massacres that you have come to condole today is what you have said. What has Benue State done to merit the current situation?
We ask that you put an end to the genocide occurring in Benue State and the insecurities throughout Nigeria. You are capable of doing it, sir, we are aware of that. You can bring peace to Benue State.
Our farmers have been forced to leave their farms, he added. There is a challenge of food insecurity and hunger. Give us only one thing: “Give us peace so that our people can return to their farms and continue to produce food.”
Tinubu Visits Victims
Around 12:58 p.m., President Tinubu made an earlier visit to the Tactical Air Command, the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi, before making a visit to the victims of the Yelewata attack, which claimed more than 59 lives.
Tinubu (right) on the hospital’s treatment room for victims of the Yelwata attack. State House is in the background.
The President convened a high-level stakeholder meeting in Benue State Government House’s new banquet hall following the hospital visit.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, Nuhu Ribadu, the governor’s representative from the North-Central region, George Akume, the secretary to the government of the Federation, service chiefs, governors, and key members of the National Assembly all attended the meeting.
Prior to the state government’s announcement, the state government had declared a day of public holiday in honor of the president’s visit.
President Bola Tinubu is visiting the state today following the deadly attack that occurred last Friday in the Yelewata community in Benue State.  ,
Around 12:58 p.m., Tinubu made an arrival at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi.
Before meeting with stakeholders at the government house banquet hall, the President made a visit to the victims of the attack at Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
In the Yelewata community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, President Bola Tinubu visited the surviving victims of the brutal attack that occurred last Friday.
Following the attack, which left over 59 people dead and several others hurt, Tinubu traveled to the state’s North-Central region.
Tinubu visits the victims of the Yelewata attack. State House is in the background.
After arriving at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, at around 12:58 pm on Wednesday, the President immediately went to the hospital.
Read more about President Tinubu’s visit to Benue to meet with stakeholders.
In light of the bloody attacks that have resulted in the deaths of people, he later left the hospital for the new banquet hall of the Benue State Government House, where he is scheduled to meet with important state stakeholders.
Tinubu visits the victims of the Yelewata attack. State House is in the background.
Tinubu is scheduled to meet with victims’ families, people who have been displaced, or people who have been inflicted directly in the community.
The stakeholders’ gathering is a larger effort to address the state’s ongoing crisis, which has affected rural communities in particular.
Governors from across the nation, particularly those from the North-Central states, the governors from the state level, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the nation, Governors from the North-Central states, the National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume,
Tinubu visits the victims of the Yelewata attack. State House is in the background.
Service chiefs, key members of the National Assembly, All-Party leaders, and other well-known figures, particularly those from Benue’s affected communities, are also expected to attend.
Before making his visit to the Yelwata community in the state’s Guma Local Government Area, President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
Around 12:58 p.m., Tinubu made an arrival at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi.
The visit was designated a public holiday by the state government.
President Bola Tinubu’s photo in the file.
In light of the bloody attacks that have resulted in the loss of lives, the president is scheduled to meet with key stakeholders in the state.
Read more about killings: CDS Assures Benue Residents: “The Armed Forces Are With You”
Tinubu to meet with Industry Partners
Tinubu is scheduled to meet with victims’ families, people who have been displaced, or people who have been inflicted directly in the community.
He will preside over a significant town hall meeting with important stakeholders at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, where he will also meet with political, religious, and traditional leaders.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, the governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, visited the Yelewata community in the state’s Guma Local Government Area. NPF’s image
The meeting is a part of a larger effort to address the state’s crisis, which has affected rural communities in particular.
Governors from across the nation, particularly those from the North-Central states, the governors from the state level, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the nation, Governors from the North-Central states, the National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume,
Service chiefs, key members of the National Assembly, All-Party leaders, and other well-known figures, particularly those from Benue’s affected communities, are also expected to attend.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), APC National Working Committee (NWC), and other prominent members of the National Assembly, particularly those from Benue’s affected communities, are among the other prominent attendees.
Given their crucial role in resolving conflicts and mobilizing the local community, traditional rulers from various ethnic groups in Benue are also anticipated at the meeting. Their input is crucial to any long-lasting peace initiative because of the state’s complex ethnic and religious diversity.
The Elders’ Council, Benue State House of Assembly, and the executive chairs of the 23 Local Government Areas in Benue are expected to be present.
Yelwata Attack
Last Friday, bandits who are alleged to be armed herders attacked the Yelwata community, killing at least 59 people and forcing over 3, 000 people to flee.
Read more about Gov Alia’s alleged herdsmen killing 59 in a recent attack on the country.
Youths in rage who demanded an end to the killings in the state reacted to the incident.
Youths who are protesting the Benue killings
The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and key opposition figures also condemned the killings.
General Christopher Musa, the commander of the military, issued a directive to the president on Tuesday to direct military leaders to pursue the perpetrators of the recent wave of killings in Benue State.
We must discover their location. We must pursue them. And I’m giving my commanders that instruction.
We’ve seen some places where we believe they’re preventing them from gathering. In order to dislodge them, we’re going to pursue them. During a meeting with traditional rulers in the state capital Makurdi, General Musa said, “We shouldn’t wait until they come in and attack people.”
Spate of murder
The recent attack that occurred last Friday in the Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area set off President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State.
At least 59 people were killed in the attack, according to Governor Hyacinth Alia, and hundreds were internally displaced. However, many of the people who were impacted predicted a death toll of more than 200.
alleged herdsmen have been conducting vicious attacks on the state’s North-Central region over the years, and they have certainly reached their highest level in recent months.
In the state’s six-months of operations, which have claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands of families homeless, have been occurring so far this year.
33 People Die in Gwer West, Apa
In a coordinated attack on the Gwer West and Apa local government areas of the state earlier in June, alleged herdsmen reportedly killed about 33 people and left many residents missing.
Logo for 72 In Ukum
In addition to the state’s Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area, and Logo Local Government Area, over 72 people were killed in an additional attack in April.
The police had reported that a sizable number of the suspected militia had invaded the state’s Sankera axis, and they had moved in to engage the militia in Gbagir.
The neighboring Logo local government area was attacked by another group of militia while the Gbagir operation was in progress, the statement continued.
11 In Otukpo
No fewer than 11 people died as a result of the suspected herdsmen’s attacks on the Otobi community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State in April.
In the attacks, the marauders killed a large number of people and burned many homes.
Otukpo had previously been attacked in February when six people were killed by suspected herdsmen in the Okpamaju community of Okete Ward and Ewulo Ward’s Asa settlement.
Kennedy Angbo, a lawmaker for Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, claimed that many people were injured, displaced, and homes were destroyed by three days of sustained attacks in his district.
Visit of the NSA
The National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Benue State and held a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi when the attacks increased in April.
Following the massacre in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Local Government Areas, President Bola Tinubu made the visit.
What transpired was a tragedy, an evil deed. However, good people must band together to combat evil when it strikes. This issue will be resolved collectively. This difficulty affects everyone, Ribadu advised the stakeholders.
The NSA emphasized Benue’s continued importance as a crucial component of the nation and pledged to not leave the state alone with the security crisis.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has stated his intention to mobilise significant government funds in response to the recent deadly armed banditry attacks in the southern region of the state. If the bandits’ activities continue, they will help save the lives and economic fortunes.
The governor also disclosed that he had the necessary contacts with President Bola Tinubu to make some critical suggestions and requests for possible solutions to reducing or eliminating the threat in Kebbi State.
Following a deadly armed banditry attack in Tadurga town of Zuru local government, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II, the emir of the country, arrived at the state capital and addressed a high-powered delegation from the four local governments of the country.
Read more about Governors, Defense Minister, and NSA meeting amid security challenges.
He reaffirmed his conviction that any responsible government should prioritize ensuring relative peace, protection of life, and property.
The governor argued that making a wise use of resources for security and genuine sacrifice were worthwhile endeavors.
Even if it means dumping the state treasury, Idris said, “I will do whatever is humanly possible to protect the lives of the people.”
He stated that “these are parts of the requests to be presented to Mr. for consideration,” pointing out that the state’s persistent attacks were caused by inadequate manpower, insufficient sophisticated weapons, a limited number of special military units, and the complicated nature of Kebbi State’s geographical terrain.
The state, in his opinion, has border crossings with the neighboring states of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger, both of which are generally thought to be the most affected.
Prior to the governor’s statement, the governor was informed by the emir of Zuru, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II, that the weekend banditry attacks in Tadurga had claimed dozens of lives and valuable properties that have not been recovered.
The royal father warned that unless urgent measures are taken, the major cities of the emirate will soon experience an uncontrollable congestion of displaced people because the purpose of the visit included expressing gratitude and appreciation for the numerous developmental projects being carried out in the emirate.
