Entertainment

‘Enough Is Enough,’ 2Baba, Other Celebrities Break Silence On Benue Killings

Published

1 month ago

June 16, 2025

Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has demanded urgent and collective action against the renewed killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a “national emergency”.

In a video posted to Instagram on Sunday, the Benue-born singer expressed grief and frustration over the incessant bloodshed in his home state.

“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency. I cannot wrap my head around it. I don’t even know what to say at this point in time because it is going to be business as usual,” he lamented.

His outcry followed fresh attacks in the state, where over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herders in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA).

Another 25 were slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA.

2Baba, 49, said the situation has become “ridiculous” and called for urgent collaboration among all stakeholders.

“This thing has to stop. It has to involve everybody. Every stakeholder in this country, every stakeholder in Benue State. This is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous.

“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad, terribly angry. What is happening in Benue has gone beyond mere condemnation. Serious action needs to be taken,” he said.

His remarks have also elicited further reactions from several public figures. Nigerian rapper Olamide took to X (formerly Twitter), reposting 2Baba’s video, writing, “Prayers up for Benue.”

Comedian Ayo Makun, known as AY, added on Instagram, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering happening in our homeland. It’s time for us to stand together.”

Pastor Femi Lazarus urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, citing a trail of violence from “Benue to Plateau to Kaduna, Borno.”

Also weighing in, media personality Bobrisky criticised lawmakers for ignoring the killings while prioritising less critical matters.

“Senators/House of Representatives didn’t call an urgent meeting over the killings in Benue… but they can call an urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame!!!!” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the massacre has triggered protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths converged at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding justice and condemning what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The youths were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The renewed attacks in Benue have left hundreds dead and displaced many. On Friday, June 14, at least 59 people—including military and civil defence personnel—were killed during a night assault on the Yelewata community.

In April, about 60 residents were slaughtered in Ukum and Logo LGAs, while another 42 people were killed in Gwer West in May.

The violence has drawn condemnation from international and national figures. Pope Leo XIV described the recent incidents as a “terrible massacre” and urged justice.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue refuted claims that Abuja has neglected the state. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, he said President Bola Tinubu has been supportive.

“Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege. We fought it down to three with full Federal support. The last time we had severe attacks, three security units were sent from the Federal Government, and those who occupied local areas had to flee,” he said.

Governor Alia further blamed the state’s porous borders for the continued violence.

“We share borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa. The attackers are not necessarily Nigerians. A thief doesn’t just come into a community unless someone within that community helps,” he said, adding that some militia may have local collaborators within Benue.

He noted a growing shift in the pattern of violence and lamented that what began as clashes between farmers and herders has now evolved into well-armed, targeted attacks with little to no link to grazing.

“Before now, we talked about the farmer-herder crisis. Now, they come with no cattle. They attack, kill, and then others return to occupy the land,” he said.

The governor also cited intelligence reports from Nasarawa, claiming some of the terrorists may be using Benue as a passage route.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue State on Wednesday to condole with residents.

The president made this known on Monday, during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project; Tinubu said he would adjust his schedule to make the trip.
(Channels TV)

Entertainment

Gospel Singer, Eight Others Jailed For Internet Fraud In Kwara

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Editor

A gospel singer, Otitoju Moses Sesan, and eight others have been convicted by courts in Ilorin, Kwara State, over internet fraud, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds, following prosecutions by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement by the head, media and publicity of the anti graft agency, Dele Oyeyemi, he said that Otitoju Moses Sesan, a 31-year-old gospel artiste from Iyamoye in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, was on Thursday, July 17, 2025, sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin.

Otitoju, who claimed in his extra-judicial statement to be a popular gospel performer at weddings, naming ceremonies, and funerals in Lokoja, Kogi State, was found guilty of retaining the proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to over N8.4 million in his bank account.

The charge against him reads in part: “That you, OTITOJU MOSES SESAN, sometime between October 2024 and December 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did retain control of the gross sum of N8,404,339 in your UBA account, being proceeds of criminal conduct, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17(a) and (b) of the EFCC Act, 2004.”

Otitoju was convicted alongside Ayodele Joseph Daisi, Adeoye Joseph, and Abubakar Aliyu Abdulmalik, all arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency (EFCC) on similar charges.

Ayodele, who was found to have retained N243,750 in his UBA account, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment without option of fine. His Techno 19 was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

Adeoye, from Okene LGA of Kogi State, was handed eight months imprisonment without option of fine as well. He forfeited the sum of $220, an iPhone 13, and a Techno Pop 9 phone to the Federal Government.

Abubakar was sentenced to six months imprisonment, with an order of forfeiture of his iPhone 16 and Samsung S10 to the Federal Government.

The EFCC was represented in the prosecution of the cases by Aliyu Adebayo, Sesan Ola, Rashidat Alao, and Mustapha Kaigama, who tendered statements, exhibits, and sums recovered as restitution, which were admitted in evidence.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Justices Haleema Saleeman and Sulaiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court convicted Emeka Oluwatobi Achi, Isaac Babalola Oluwafemi, Afolabi Faith Olatoye, Zubeiru Zubeiru Junior, and Abdulkadir Taofeek on charges including cybercrime and misappropriation.

Justice Akanbi sentenced Abdulkadir to three years imprisonment with an option of a N500,000 fine and ordered the final forfeiture of N800,000, one iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a Samsung phone to the Federal Government.

On her part, Justice Saleeman sentenced Emeka, Isaac, and Afolabi to six months imprisonment each with an option of N100,000 fine. Emeka was further ordered to refund N3.35 million within three months and to report every fortnight with his parents to the EFCC until full repayment is made.

Entertainment

VIDEO: Tems Performs ‘Love Me Jeje’ At Club World Cup Halftime Show

Published

7 days ago

July 14, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star Tems lit up the stage at the Club World Cup final with a stunning performance of her hit single Love Me Jeje during the halftime show at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Draped in a dazzling outfit that blended elegance with Afrocentric flair, Tems took center stage in front of a global audience, bringing her signature vocals and soulful energy to the football spectacle.

The crowd, already buzzing from Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain, roared with excitement as the Grammy-winning singer delivered a flawless rendition of the nostalgic love anthem.

Love Me Jeje, a reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic, has become a fan favorite since its release earlier this year, showcasing Tems’ ability to bridge old-school Nigerian vibes with contemporary global sounds.

Social media lit up during and after her performance, with fans praising her stage presence and vocal control, while others hailed the inclusion of an African artist at such a prestigious sporting event.

This marks another milestone for Tems, who continues to rise on the international stage, following recent accolades and collaborations with some of the world’s biggest music acts.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1944490480693088475https://twitter.com/i/status/1944490480693088475

Entertainment

VIDEO: Fire Guts Actress Iyabo Ojo’s Office

Published

2 weeks ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo has confirmed that a fire broke out at her office in Lagos on Tuesday evening, destroying parts of the property and several valuables.

The actress shared a video on Instagram showing the aftermath of the blaze—smoke-stained walls, scorched furniture, and charred debris scattered across the staircase and office space.

“This just happened today the 8th of July 2025, around 7pm. My office building caught fire,” she wrote.

Ojo praised the Nigerian Fire Service for their swift response, which helped contain the flames before they could cause further damage.

“Thank you to the Nigerian Fire service and my staff for salvaging what was left. Thankfully no lives were lost. The devil tested us today but God said no.

“With God on my side we will bounce back bigger and better,” she added.

She also thanked her team, describing the experience as shocking but expressing relief that no one was hurt.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

This incident comes just months after a similar tragedy struck fellow actress Mercy Aigbe, whose Lagos home was destroyed by fire in December 2024.