Governor Hyacinth Alia on Sunday confirmed the killing of 59 persons at Yelewata, where suspected herdsmen from Nasarawa State attacked the border town.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Alia said the figures are based on physical headcounts by security agencies working with families of those killed.

Among those killed were military and civil defence personnel who fought to defend Yelewata against the attacks.

Governor Alia also gave some credit to his Nasarawa State counterpart, Abdullahi Sule, who shared some intelligence on the killings which also left one woman dead on the Nasarawa axis.

The governor gave the details when he received a report from the panel of inquiry on the militia activities in the Sankera axis and pledged to commit to the appropriate authority and investigate the persons indicated in the report to ensure peace returned to Sankera.

Pope Leo XIV has since condemned the recent killings in Benue, describing the incident as a “terrible massacre” in which mostly displaced civilians were murdered with “extreme cruelty”.

Delivering his remarks before the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Nigeria and the suffering of affected communities.

The Pope prayed for “security, justice, and peace” to prevail in the country and offered special intercession for the rural Christian communities in Benue, whom he described as “relentless victims of violence.”

The attack occurred in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states, where suspected herdsmen reportedly stormed the community late Friday night.

Angry youths on Sunday stormed the Wurukum food basket roundabout to protest the killing. The protesters converged on the Wurukum food basket roundabout in Makurdi as early as 8 am to demand action over the alleged killing on Saturday in Yelwata.

They were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.


In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.

He said on the president’s directive, intelligence chiefs, the police and the military have arrived in the state to direct security operations and restore sanity.

The Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta, is mourning the loss of her beloved sister, Lola Adefope née Ayantuga, who passed away recently.

Lola, born on 14 September 1962 in London, England, was the daughter of Senator Obafemi Ayantuga and his wife, Ajoke Ayantuga, an accountant.

With a career spanning over three decades in public service, Lola served as Secretary to the Local Government in Lagos State and later as Senior Special Assistant in Ogun State.

Known for her warmth, infectious laughter, and vibrant personality, she was described as the “life and soul of any gathering.”

In a heartfelt tribute, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who expressed deep sorrow over her passing, recalled her dedication during his administration (2003–2011).

“I received the news of the passing of Lola Adefope with great sadness and pain.” Daniel said

“As Governor, she served as my Special Assistant on Governmental Affairs (Lagos Office), where she proved herself efficient and diligent”

“Her death is a stark reminder of life’s fleeting nature and a great personal loss to me and the nation she served passionately.”

Daniel further prayed for her soul to find eternal rest and for her grieving family to find strength.

A devoted wife and mother, Lola married architect Adebola Adefope in 1992, and their union was blessed with children.

Interment will hold on the 23rd of June, 2025, at Michael and all Angels Flower lane Mill Hill, London. It commences at 1pm. Celebration of life also follows immediately after at the Hendon Golf club, London.

By Vincent Akindele

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Mama Rachael Omotola Kwadjo-Morakinyon left us on June 18. This great woman lives on in our hearts despite her departure to the great beyond. She was a mother to many of us who were privileged to cross her path. I’m honoured to present her virtues and enduring legacies as lessons to the world.

I became an “adopted” son to Mama Kwadjo-Morakinyo, figuratively speaking, after meeting her eldest son, Roland Morakinyo at African Church Grammar School Apata, Ibadan Remedial Classes. Roland’s captivating personality, marked by his fair complexion, distinctive features, and warm smile, drew me to him. I admired his charm, while he appreciated my academic dedication and intellectual curiosity. We formed a strong bond, becoming close friends by choice, a friendship that has endured over time.

Mama’s magnanimity was truly remarkable. Roland often invited me to share meals with him and his family. One memorable occasion, a few friends joined us for foofoo and melon-vegetable soup. When the soup ran out, Roland quickly fetched the family’s pot and poured the remaining soup for us. Just as he did this, Mama arrived from work. I expected her to scold Roland for what might be seen as impolite behaviour. Instead, she expressed concern that the soup had finished and kindly asked if we were satisfied with the meal. This display of kindness and generosity has left a lasting impression on me.

Mama was enthusiastically accommodating and compassionate. She warmly welcomed me and other friends of her children into their home, particularly showing me special attention probably because of my situation then, at a tender age, living without my parents—or our shared roots, as I’m from Idogun via Owo, her hometown. Her home was also a haven for relatives like Sade, who later became an NTA newscaster, Olumide, and the beautiful ‘Aunty’ Derin. In fact, under her guidance, many individuals received valuable support and developed their potential, achieving greater heights.

Mama Kwadjo-Morakinyo possessed an admirable entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness. Beyond her passion for knitting as a pastime, she notably contributed to the family income by commercially producing foofoo, a staple African food, showcasing her dedication to her family’s well-being.

It is interesting to note that Mama was an effective and result oriented nation builder. Her being a trained teacher reflected in the upbringing and lives of her children who succeeded immensely in their academic pursuits and careers. Besides, they took up leadership roles wherever they find themselves. For instance, my friend, Roland won a keenly contested election and emerged, the Students’ Union President of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State.

Mama was an exemplary Christian mother, a caring wife and virtuous woman who intentionally trained her children in the way of the Lord. Little wonder, her eldest son, my bosom friend is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Her two daughters, Doyin and Bimbo are co-pastors with their husbands in the RCCG.

Mama Rachael Omotola Kwadjo-Morakinyo (née Aladejebi) was born on October 10, 1945, in Owo, Ondo State. Her educational journey began at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Owo, followed by St. Louis Secondary Modern School, Owo (1959-1961). She later obtained a Grade II Teacher’s Certificate from St. Luke’s College, Molete, Ibadan (1980), and an Associateship Certificate in Education (ACE) from the University of Ibadan (1986).

Mama Kwadjo was diligent and committed in her teaching career and served meritoriously in different capacities. Her teaching career spanned over three decades. She started as a temporary teacher at IDC Adifa (Ibadan Less City) in 1977. After completing her Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, she was appointed as a Class Teacher and served at various schools which included Islamic Mission Primary School, Omi Abidogun, Ibadan (1977-1982); St. James’s Primary School, Oke Bola, Ibadan (1982-1994); Ratibi Moslem School, Molete, Ibadan (1994-2001); and St. Michael’s Primary School II, Apata, Ibadan (2002-2006).

She voluntarily retired on December 31, 2006, after 30 years of dedicated service.

Though Mama Kwadjo-Morakinyo is no longer with us physically, her spirit and legacy live on in our hearts. Her selflessness, kindness, and dedication to her family, church, community, and humanity continue to inspire us.

*Akindele, a seasoned journalist and media practioner, writes from Ibadan.*