The Kogi State Government on Tuesday ordered the temporary closure of all schools across the state until February 16, saying a stitch in time, saves students, teachers, and school facilities.

The State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, told journalists in Lokoja that the move was based on credible intelligence and was taken as a precautionary measure rather than out of fear.

” The government chose to act proactively to prevent potential threats and ensure the safety of everyone within the education system,” said Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately put in place the necessary measures to guarantee that schools resume as soon as it is safe, without disrupting the academic calendar,” Fanwo said.

He commended the security agencies for providing timely intelligence and assured residents that authorities are working around the clock to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.

A fresh bandit attack today on Doma, a community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State’s Southern Senatorial District has left more than 20 people dead.

The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Council, Bala Ado, who confirmed the incident via telephone confirmed that several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while more than one hundred residents have been displaced

The attack lasted for nearly three hours, from about noon to 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

He added that burial arrangements for the victims are expected to take place on Wednesday.

Faskari Local Government Area is one of the frontline communities that had earlier entered into a communal peace agreement with armed bandits, raising fresh concerns over the sustainability of the peace process in the area.

…..Renames Printing Corporation After Dan Agbese, Grants Clemency to 14 Inmates.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced measures to honour the state’s founding figures and notable contributors as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of Benue State’s creation.In a statewide live broadcast delivered from Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday, the governor declared plans to immortalise late General Murtala Muhammed, the military Head of State who created Benue State on February 3, 1976, alongside six other states.

Governor Alia emphasised the importance of recognising past heroes whose actions laid the foundation for future generations, stating that Gen. Murtala Muhammed deserved permanent commemoration for birthing the state during his brief but impactful leadership.

In a related gesture, the governor announced the renaming of the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation to Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation, in honour of the late veteran journalist and media icon, Chief Dan Agbese.

He further indicated that several other distinguished indigenes—both living and deceased—would have legacy institutions named after them, including the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Elder Isaac Shaahu, Senator Suemo Chia, Gen. Atom Kpera, late Tashaku Oradi, and numerous others who have made significant contributions to the state’s development.

As part of the jubilee celebrations, Governor Alia exercised his prerogative of mercy by granting full clemency and release to 14 inmates serving various prison terms. Additionally, one inmate, Terhumba Aondona, had his sentence commuted from 10 years to 4 years.

The beneficiaries of the clemency include Akaajime Imoter, Kongusu Terzugwe, Terngu Orshi, Ornaa Achagh, Zwa Achir, Terkimbi Amadu, Iorpenda Christian, Aondowaae Terlumun, Oriba John, Sughnen Terfa James, Akaahar Isaac, Ordam Thankgod, Gwayem Agba James, and Iorfa Terkimbi.

The announcements were contained in a statement signed by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.

Benue State’s Golden Jubilee commemorates 50 years since its creation from parts of the former Benue-Plateau State, highlighting ongoing efforts to celebrate its history while addressing contemporary issues of justice and recognition.