John Shiaondo

Makurdi

Correspondent at Blueprint

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Articles

We’re investigating alleged assault on Benue food vendor - Army

1 month ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

The Nigerian Army, Sunday, said it has taken cognisance of an incident involving one of its personnel, Private Christopher Emmanuel, who allegedly assaulted a female food vendor, Doshima, in Kula, Benue state. The Army also said it has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and would take disciplinary action based on the findings of the investigation. The incident reportedly occurred on May 6, 2025, but was reported two days later.
N18bn BSUTH cancer center for commissioning November

1 month ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Makurdi Friday says it has near the completion of several state-of-the-art facilities, including a Cancer Center, Therapeutic Center for children with special needs, and a surgical complex. The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr. Stephen Hwande, who briefed newsmen at the Hospital, disclosed that the Cancer Center, estimated to cost ₦18 billion, is expected to be commissioned in November.
Untold story of the Tiv war against hegemony

1 month ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

The quest to conquer and resistance to conquest between the Tiv nation and the perceived Fulani hegemony way back in the 19th Century has been in the public domain with diverse narratives. Some are based on oral traditions, while others are documented, though underpinned with contradictory perspectives. In this Special Report, our Correspondent, JOHN SHIAONDO, careers the readers down the memory lane on what precipitated the war and how it ended.
May Day: I’m committed to security, welfare of Benue workers - Alia

1 month ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Thursday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and ensuring the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state. Speaking at the Workers’ Day celebration, Governor Alia commended the federal government’s efforts to address insecurity, noting that the recent mandate given to security agencies to tackle insecurity in the state was a step in the right direction.
Nigerian Navy to establish special operations base in Benue - CNS

2 months ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Tuesday, announced plans to establish a Special Operations Command unit in Benue state. The announcement was made during a visit to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue state capital. The Nigerian Navy’s decision to establish a presence in Benue dtate is aimed at tackling insecurity in the region through strategic collaboration and development-focused security operations.
Benue: Suspected herdsmen kill 1, abduct 27 passengers on Adoka-Naka road

2 months ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

Suspected herdsmen militia Thursday ambushed two commercial vehicles heading to Makurdi through the Adoka-Naka road in Benue state, abducting over 27 passengers. The attack occurred on April 24, 2025, at Jor community in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA). According to two released victims, an elderly man and a woman with a baby, the terrorists were armed with sophisticated weapons and ordered all passengers into the bush.
Grassroots football: BSFA launches Margaret Icheen state league

2 months ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

Football excitement is building as the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) prepares to kick off the much-anticipated Margaret Icheen State League in grand style in the capital city, Makurdi. The competition will feature 20 grassroots teams, which have now been officially grouped and handed their fixtures following a well-attended technical meeting. The league, named in honour of Rt. Hon.
Easter: Alia urges unity to defeat forces of evil

2 months ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

As Christians in Benue state and across Nigeria commemorate the Easter festivities, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Sunday, called for collaboration and unity among the people of the state to defeat the forces of evil that seek to cause harm and suffering. In a statement made available to newsmen Sunday, the governor reflected on the significance of Easter, highlighting the selflessness and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he said has brought hope and redemption to humanity.
Benue: Insecurity worsens as suspected herdsmen attack 3 communities, k!ll 80

2 months ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

At least 80 people have been killed in coordinated early morning attacks Friday by suspected herdsmen in several communities across Sankera in Benue state, Nigeria. The attacks, which occurred in Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas (LGAs), have left residents in shock and fear. The herdsmen, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded communities around 6am in Gbagir, Tyuluv, and Prof Daniel Saror village, Mbatyu, among others where they slaughtered and killed their victims.
Benue: Suspected armed herdsmen launch fresh attacks

2 months ago | blueprint.ng | John Shiaondo

Suspected armed herdsmen have launched fresh attacks on three communities in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, injuring at least three people. This development comes less than 24 hours after a deadly assault on Otobi-Akpa community in the same LGA, which claimed 11 lives. The attack on Otobi-Akpa community occurred around 6 pm on Tuesday, with assailants firing gunshots indiscriminately and burning houses.