*Police Crack Down On Suspected Cultists, Recover Weapons
By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
A group, Nigeria House of Dream Parliament (NHODP), has conferred its prestigious Award of Excellence on the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor of Benue State, Sir Tersoo Kula.
It defended the action, saying the gesture was in recognition of what it described as Kula’s outstanding contributions to the media profession and public service.
The award, known as an Icon of Hope in Journalism in Nigeria, was presented on Tuesday at Government House, Makurdi, by a delegation led by National Speaker of NHODP, Comrade Hon. Mike Egilamics Egila.
Performing the ceremony, Comr. Egila highlighted Sir Kula’s exceptional service in shaping the public image of the Benue State Government, emphasizing that Kula’s tenure has brought a high level of professionalism, transparency, and positive communication strategies that have benefited both the state and the broader North-Central region.
Receiving the award, Kula expressed deep gratitude to NHODP and dedicated the award to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
He appreciated the governor for providing the platform and trust to serve the state in a sensitive and strategic capacity.
Kula emphasized that “this award is not just for me but for the opportunity to serve Benue State with integrity and professionalism. I am grateful to His Excellency for entrusting me with this responsibility.”
Top government functionaries including Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Dr Emmanuel Chenge, and Director-General, Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, who commented, described the award as a fitting recognition of Kula’s dedication and tireless work ethic.
The Nigeria House of Dream Parliament (NHODP) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) aimed at preparing, training, and educating Nigerian youths for more proactive and effective leadership responsibilities, as well as recognizing selfless service, excellence, and dedication to societal development.
Police Nab Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms, Others
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command has again cracked down on cultists, arresting suspects and recovering firearms, among other dangerous weapons.
A statement from the police command signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the police arrested two suspects, Dominic Terkaa Peter and Sunday Tarvihi, in Vandeikya, recovering a locally fabricated revolver pistol and a jack knife in the process.
According to the PPRO, the suspects are currently in custody, while investigation was ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi.
The spokesperson further disclosed that in another operation, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Yelwata Division, while acting on credible intelligence, said that suspected cult members were planning to attack rival cult groups and unsuspecting members of the public in Udei area of Guma Local Government Area when the mobilized police patrol teams in collaboration with other tactical units, swooped on the area.
The Benue Police boss, the statement continued, disclosed that during the operation, one suspect identified as Mnyam Ternenge of Udei, Guma Local Government Area, was arrested, while other suspects managed to escape.
Items recovered from the suspect include one cutlass, one knife, and hard drugs even as the PPRO revealed that the suspect confessed to being a member of MBS cult group, during preliminary investigation.
She assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects just as further investigation was being handled by the State CID.
The spokesperson assured the people of Benue State that the Command would always remain resolute in its determination to eradicate cultism and all forms of criminality across the state.
*PHOTO CAPTION: The CPS, Kula (3rd left) with the NHODP team.
