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Benue: Tor Tiv bans loud burials, ogogoro, expensive marriages in new cultural reforms

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The paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv V, has announced sweeping reforms to traditional and cultural practices in Tiv land.

The announcement was made during the Ijir Tamen, a high-level traditional council meeting presided over by the monarch.

According to the Tor Tiv, the amendments are aimed at modernizing the Tiv cultural system, promoting equality, reducing financial burdens, and fostering moral discipline among the people.

Speaking during the session, the Tor Tiv directed that all burials in Tiv land should henceforth be conducted within three days and should remain a family affair.

He emphasized that burial ceremonies must not be loud or extravagant. Married women, he said, must no longer be taxed by families during burial preparations except they choose to contribute willingly. He also banned burial remembrances, describing them as unnecessary and a waste of financial resources.

On inheritance, the monarch declared that women should be given equal rights to inheritance and that such rights must be protected by the court of law. This, he noted, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and justice in Tiv society.

In the area of traditional marriages, the Tor Tiv ordered that the total cost of traditional marriage items must not exceed N100,000.

He further banned the cutting of cakes during traditional weddings and ruled that the celebration of new brides should not take place in the father-in-law’s house. He warned men against physically abusing their wives, adding that the same applies to women in their treatment of their husbands.

Addressing the issue of kingship, the Tor Tiv reaffirmed that no woman can be crowned a king in Tiv land, stressing that no person should seek to amend this law or demand otherwise.

The monarch further stated that the amended traditional laws are binding on all Tiv people worldwide, irrespective of their place of residence. He also prohibited the consumption of locally brewed alcohol, popularly known as Ogogoro, across the Tiv Kingdom.

In a development geared towards cultural preservation and information dissemination, the Tor Tiv announced the launch of Tiv Television, which will initially operate on Facebook before expanding to a television platform.

He also introduced a new initiative known as BAM, designed to empower Tiv women through access to loans and other financial support systems.

Security matters were also discussed during the meeting, but details of those discussions were not made public.

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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So Sad: Father Dies While Rescuing Daughter From Midnight Fire, Both Perish in Minna Tragedy (Photos)

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A father’s ultimate act of love has ended in heartbreak after a devastating midnight fire claimed both his life and that of his six-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.

The tragedy struck at approximately 2am on March 2, 2026, when fire broke out at the residence of Ikechukwu Michael Njoku, 45, situated within the premises of St. Andrew Anglican Church in the Sabon Gari area of Minna.

According to accounts shared on Facebook by family acquaintance Offor Oscar Onyinye, Njoku was jolted awake by the smell of smoke and the sight of flames rapidly engulfing his home. Without pause for his own safety, he plunged into the inferno to rescue his young daughter, Esther, who was trapped inside the children’s room. Though he managed to pull himself out of the blaze, little Esther did not survive — she died instantly.

Njoku himself emerged from the fire with severe burns across his body. For nearly two weeks, he clung to life, battling his injuries at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna. His struggle ended on March 16, 2026, when he succumbed to his wounds — fourteen days after he had thrown himself into the flames for his child.

His wife and three other children survived the inferno but sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalised at IBB Specialist Hospital, where they continue to fight for recovery.

Father and daughter are to be laid to rest on March 27, 2026, in their ancestral hometown of Mebiokpa Okposi Ohozara in Ebonyi State.

“In just one night, a family lost so much — a father gone, a daughter gone, and others left in pain and trauma,” Onyinye wrote in a tribute that has since resonated widely across social media, with many describing Njoku as a hero whose love for his child knew no bounds.

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I Thought It Was A Joke — Nigerian Man Recounts What He Witnessed During “R@ping Festival” In Delta (Video)

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A video making rounds on social media has triggered widespread reactions after capturing a disturbing incident reportedly occurring in Ozoro, Delta State.

According to multiple posts online, there are claims that several women have been ass@ulted in the area during what some users are describing as a local gathering.

There are also warnings being shared online advising women and girls in the area to stay indoors, with concerns that those outside may be at risk. Some posts further allege that individuals who are unaware of the situation, including visitors and students, may have been affected.

Ozoro is home to Delta State University, and many online users have expressed concern about the safety of students and residents.

The situation has triggered widespread outrage, with many calling for urgent attention, proper investigation, and protection for those in the community.

Delta state police command, SP Bright Edafe, said the police has begun arresting some of the defaulting men.

Watch the video below..

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