By Felix Umande

The Benue State Government has debunked a viral social media claim alleging that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia plans to demolish the Secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Makurdi, describing it as “false, baseless, and completely detached from the truth.”

In a statement on Monday, September 14, 2026, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, said the report was a deliberate fabrication aimed at inciting disaffection between the government and the Church.

The government said the allegation was malicious and intended to destabilize the peace currently enjoyed in the state.

“We state, without equivocation, that this claim is false, baseless, and completely detached from the truth,” Iorpev stated.
“His Excellency Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia is a proud product of the Church. His administration has consistently demonstrated respect, support, and partnership with religious institutions across Benue State, including CAN.”

He added: “No such plan, as falsely alleged, has ever been conceived, discussed, or contemplated by this government. Any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate fabrication designed to incite disaffection between the government and the Church.”

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Alia administration’s commitment to maintaining a “cordial, mutually respectful, and productive relationship” with CAN and other religious organizations in the state.

He urged members of the public, the media, and residents to disregard the publication, stressing that it does not reflect the position, policy, or intention of the government.

The government also warned that the circulation of false information to incite public disaffection or damage the reputation of government institutions is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

“The Benue State Government wishes to put mischief-makers, rumour peddlers, and purveyors of disinformation on notice. Individuals found culpable will be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.

“The government will not fold its arms while unscrupulous elements exploit the social media to sow discord and mislead the public.”

By Philip Nyam, Abuja

The Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Hon. Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman, businessman and politician, Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Mahmud Tukur, CON, who died Saturday in Abuja at the age of 90.

Hon. Namdas, who is also the Deputy Coordinator of Arewa for Tinubu described the late Tukur as “A towering figure in Nigeria’s political and economic history whose service to the nation spanned more than six decades.”

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a patriot, a mentor, and a bridge-builder. From his time as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, to Governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, and later as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, dedicated his life to nation building,” Hon. Namdas said.

Hon. Namdas noted that the late Tafidan Adamawa was also a renowned businessman who founded the DADDO Group of Companies, and served with distinction as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.

“His wisdom, humility, and commitment to unity will be sorely missed not only by the people of Adamawa, but by all Nigerians. He lived a life of service, and his legacy will continue to inspire present and future generations,” Hon. Namdas added.

The BCDA boss extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, Governor Adamu Fintiri, the government and people of Adamawa State and the entire nation. He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljannah Firdaus.

“On behalf of my family and constituents, I stand with the Tukur family in this moment of grief. May Allah grant us the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the statement concluded.

By Nick Ibe

The viral video on the social media involving an 8-year old girl whose ordeal was caused by her money loving mother has been arrested.

The arrest was facilitated by vigilante police operatives in the area, as well as bloggers and residents who provided information that assisted the investigation leading to the arrest of her 36-year-old mother, Anulika Onyeanusia, Onitsha, Anambra state.

According to the police, the Anambra State Police Command arrested her over alleged child pornography in Onitsha, by uploading a video involving her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform to make money.

Onyeanusia, after the arrest, reportedly, told investigators that the highest amount she had made from uploading such content was $300.

The suspect also disclosed that the eight-year-old girl seen in the video is her second child, while preliminary investigation by the police allegedly revealed that she had also subjected her first daughter to similar acts and uploaded the content on a pornographic platform.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly blamed the act on the devil, telling police: “It is the devil, please forgive me” while adding that her husband was unaware of what she had allegedly been doing to their two daughters.

The arrest followed the circulation of a video showing the woman allegedly using sex toys on the eight-year-old girl. The video prompted police operatives to act on what the command described as open-source intelligence and traced the suspect.

In the disturbing footage, the girl could be heard crying and pleading with her mother to stop as the alleged abuse continued. The police said the video showed the suspect allegedly engaging in the act while apparently producing the content for an online audience.

During the operation, which was carried out on Thursday evening, the command said four children, aged two, three, six and nine years, were rescued.

The Police also disclosed that sex toys and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation were recovered from the suspect.

The command said investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether other persons were involved.

Spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect and rescue of the children, said, ” The suspect is currently in police custody as the Command intensifies its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and the possible involvement of other persons. The husband of the suspect is also undergoing interrogation to determine whether he has any connection with the alleged offence.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, who is deeply disturbed by the alleged act, described it as unacceptable, particularly because it involves the exploitation and abuse of children who are incapable of protecting themselves. He has therefore directed a thorough and professional investigation while ensuring that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection.

“To this end, the Command notes that beyond the investigation and prosecution, its priority is the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the rescued children.

“The Command will work with the appropriate child-protection and relevant support agencies to ensure that the victims receive the necessary care, protection, counselling and other support required for their recovery. Their identities and privacy will be protected throughout the process, and they will be treated with compassion and sensitivity.

“The Command also commends the vigilante operatives in the area, as well as bloggers and residents who provided information that assisted the investigation and led to the arrest of the suspect”, he stated.