Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A coordinated security operation involving the Kwara State Police Command, other security agencies and the Kwara State Polytechnic Security Unit has led to the arrest of a suspected cultist, Agboola Olamilekan, with a locally fabricated pistol recovered from him in Ilorin.

The operation, carried out as part of ongoing efforts to combat cultism and violent crimes across the state, was described by the police as another breakthrough in intelligence-driven policing aimed at dismantling criminal networks and reducing the circulation of illegal firearms.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, said the suspect was apprehended during the joint operation while in possession of the firearm.

According to the statement, the operation is part of the Command’s sustained strategy to disrupt cult-related activities and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate within the state.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to intensify the fight against cultism and other violent crimes.

“Every successful operation represents another step towards dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety across the state through proactive and intelligence-led policing,” the commissioner said.

The police disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected members of the criminal network linked to the suspect.

The Command added that it remains committed to advancing the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, through intelligence-led policing, strategic collaboration with relevant stakeholders and sustained operations aimed at ensuring that those responsible for threatening the peace and security of Kwara State are brought to justice.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and an extortion plot in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, arresting two nationals of the Republic of Togo for alleged involvement in the crime.

The suspects, identified as Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, were arrested following intelligence-led operations launched after a resident, S. Ismaila, reported receiving repeated telephone threats demanding N22m to prevent his abduction.

According to the police, the caller allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant and kill his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, if the ransom demand was not met.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said operatives from the Okuta Police Division immediately commenced investigations after receiving the complaint, working in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and deploying technical intelligence to trace those behind the threats.

She said the operation led to the arrest of the two foreign nationals, while a mobile phone allegedly used to make the threatening calls was recovered as an exhibit.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were directly linked to the criminal conspiracy. During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the attempted kidnapping and extortion plot,” the statement said.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, praised their professionalism, prompt response and coordinated efforts, noting that their swift intervention prevented what could have developed into a major security incident.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and vowed that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain security conscious and continue to provide timely, credible, and actionable information to the Police, as public cooperation remains indispensable in sustaining the prevailing peace and security across the State,” the statement added.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s emergence as Benue State governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023 marked a significant political shift, ending the eight-year administration of the Peoples Democratic Party led by former Governor Samuel Ortom.

The Catholic priest-turned-politician secured a decisive victory that many observers described as unprecedented, with his election widely interpreted as reflecting the desire of many Benue residents for a new direction in governance.

Supporters of Governor Alia argue that his administration has remained focused on delivering the vision of a “New Benue Renaissance.” They point to infrastructure development, improvements in public services, reforms in governance and efforts to reposition the state as evidence that the governor entered office with a clear development agenda.

Benue politics has historically been shaped by intense political rivalries and recurring debates over the influence of political godfathers. Alia’s supporters contend that his administration has sought to prioritize governance over political interests, maintaining that he has resisted pressure to appoint individuals allegedly backed by influential political figures into strategic government positions.

They also credit the administration with executing projects in road infrastructure, settling outstanding salary and pension obligations, renovating healthcare facilities, promoting agriculture, attracting investment, reviving industries and expanding employment opportunities for young people. Among the projects frequently highlighted by supporters is the ongoing effort to revive the Taraku Mills as part of the state’s economic revitalisation strategy.

Despite these initiatives, the administration has faced serious security challenges. Deadly attacks in several communities, including the killings in Yelwata, drew national attention and prompted a visit by President Bola Tinubu, who called for peace and urged political stakeholders in the state to embrace reconciliation.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, internal disagreements within the Benue APC have continued to generate political debate. Some supporters of Governor Alia have accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, of attempting to influence the state’s political direction. They have also raised concerns over the outcome of recent party processes and alleged manipulation of candidate lists.

These allegations remain disputed and have not been independently verified.

Supporters insist that Governor Alia has delivered measurable achievements within a relatively short period in office and deserves a second term to consolidate ongoing projects. They argue that his administration has restored public confidence in government through what they describe as transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership.

They further maintain that the governor continues to enjoy widespread grassroots support across the state and believe this backing will translate into electoral success in the 2027 governorship election.

However, differing opinions persist within the APC and among other political stakeholders regarding the future direction of the party and the state’s leadership. While Alia’s supporters argue that he should be allowed to continue his developmental agenda without political interference or the influence of godfatherism, other political actors have expressed alternative views on the party’s internal dynamics and leadership.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, political analysts believe Benue will remain one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political battlegrounds, as competing interests within the ruling party continue to shape the state’s political landscap.