Benue news today from The Trumpet: government and politics, security, emergencies, power and education from Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, Katsina-Ala and across Benue State, updated every time we publish a new Benue story.
Benue State was created on 3 February 1976 from the old Benue-Plateau State, with Makurdi as its capital. Named after the River Benue and known as the Food Basket of the Nation, it borders Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Kogi states and Cameroon.
Benue State at a glance
| Capital | Makurdi |
|---|---|
| Created | 3 February 1976 (from Benue-Plateau State) |
| Governor | Hyacinth Alia (since May 2023) |
| Local government areas | 23 |
| Senatorial districts | Benue North-East (Zone A), Benue North-West (Zone B), Benue South (Zone C) |
| Population (2006 census) | 4,253,641 |
| Slogan | Food Basket of the Nation |
| Region | North-Central Nigeria |
What we cover in Benue
- Government: Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, including the suspension of pilgrims board officials and the push for state police.
- Security: farmer-herder violence and kidnapping, such as attacks by armed herders and police rescues of kidnap victims.
- Emergencies: river and flood safety, from the Buruku boat accident to a flood response exercise.
- Politics: the road to 2027, including the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy.
- Power and education: electricity and schools, such as the Makurdi blackout and a students’ ultimatum over lecturers’ strikes.
Latest Benue news

NSCDC Dismantles Notorious Gang Hideout At Ebonyi/Benue Border, Recovers Arms
The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a hideout used by a…

Makurdi Plunged Into Darkness as Jos Electricity Distribution Company Disconnects Power Supply in Benue
MAKURDI — Makurdi, the Benue State capital, was plunged into darkness following the disconnection of electricity supply by the Jos…

NDC Accuses Benue SUBEB of Allegedly Demanding Teachers’ PVCs, BVN, Bank Details
MAKURDI — The Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned what it described as alleged moves…

Governor Alia’s Aide Harps On Urgent Take Off Of State Police In Benue
The Special Adviser on Internal Security to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Joseph Har, has harped on the urgent need for the…

6 Persons Killed In Fresh Attack By Armed Herders In Benue
Six persons have been allegedly killed in fresh attacks by armed Fulani herders on Tse Naku, Biliji and surrounding communities…

Three Feared Dead as Suspected Herdsmen Attack Omulonye Community in Benue
At least three people have reportedly been killed in a suspected herdsmen attack on Omulonye Community in Ogbadibo, Benue State,…

Protest Over Levy Dispute Turns Violent in Gboko, One Feared Dead
A protest by members of the Benue Motorcycles Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch, over a disputed daily levy collection arrangement…

Two Injured as Toyota Corolla Crashes Into Bush Along Makurdi-Aliade Road
Two passengers sustained multiple injuries after a Toyota Corolla commercial vehicle carrying six passengers crashed into a nearby bush along…

Wife Of Slain Benue NDC Ward Chairman Demands Justice, Urges Police To Arrest Killers
The wife of the slain ward chairman of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, Mrs. Ngodoo Terhemen, has…

Governor Alia Mourns 32 Military Personnel Killed in Ondo Aircraft Crash
By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed profound grief over the death of…

Benue Boat Mishap: 4 Dead, 9 Missing as 125 Rescued on River Katsina-Ala
At least four people have been confirmed dead and more than nine others remain missing following a boat mishap on…

Benue Boat Accident: Govt Orders Skipper’s Arrest, Suspends Maritime Workers’ Union
By Obah Sylva The Benue State Government has ordered the arrest and detention of the skipper involved in the Buruku…

Benue Boat Accident: Over 70 Mourners Rescued As Several Remain Missing In Buruku
A Benue boat accident at the Buruku crossing point on the River Katsina-Ala has left several people missing after a…

NDC Ward Chairman Igbu Terhemen Reportedly Killed In Makurdi
Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Fiidi Ward, Igbu Terhemen, was reportedly killed by unknown assailants in the…

Benue Attack: Four Killed as Gunmen Storm Ayilamo Community in Logo LGA
Local sources report at least four deaths in a new attack on Ayilamo, Logo LGA; the toll and damage have…

Gunmen Kidnap Multichoice Hospital Medical Director In Makurdi
Suspected kidnappers have reportedly abducted the Medical Director of Multichoice Hospital, Dr Jonah Ogbaji, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.…

NANS Gives Benue 5-Day Ultimatum To Resolve Disputes With COEASU, ASUP
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the Benue State government a five-day ultimatum to resolve its disputes…

Governor Alia Suspends Chairman, Secretary Of Benue Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has approved the suspension of the chairman and secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare…

Police Rescue 8 Kidnapped Victims, Arrest 17 Other Suspects In Benue
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogwu has said eight kidnapped victims were rescued, while another another kidnapped…

NEMA, Benue SEMA Begin Flood Simulation Exercise To Test Emergency Response
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have commenced a three-day simulation exercise…
Benue news: frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Benue State?
Makurdi is the capital of Benue State.
When was Benue State created?
Benue State was created on 3 February 1976 from the old Benue-Plateau State.
How many local government areas are in Benue State?
Benue State has 23 local government areas, across three senatorial districts: Benue North-East (Zone A), Benue North-West (Zone B) and Benue South (Zone C).
Who is the governor of Benue State?
Hyacinth Alia has been Governor of Benue State since May 2023.
Why is Benue called the Food Basket of the Nation?
“Food Basket of the Nation” is Benue’s official slogan, reflecting its large output of crops such as yam, rice, soybeans and citrus.
Where can I read the latest Benue news today?
This page updates automatically whenever The Trumpet publishes a story about Benue, so the newest reports always appear in the Latest Benue news section.
Related Benue topics
More North Central news: Abuja news · Kogi news · Kwara news · Nasarawa news · Niger State news · Plateau news
More state news: Lagos news · Kano news · Kaduna news · Borno news · Delta State news · Rivers news · Enugu news · Nigeria news

