The ongoing reconstruction of Naze-Nekede-Iheagwa-Obinze road has begun as construction continues in full force with a focus on enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth.

Naze-Nekede-Iheagwa-Obinze road project which includes the building of a three-span bridge linking Obinze and Portharcourt road will significantly improve the road’s functionality upon completion in the coming months.

Franc Utoo, a native of Yelewata and former Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor, has described the attack on his hometown as a deliberate act of ethnic cleansing and government abandonment.

Ekwutosblog reports that over 100 persons were killed after suspected herdsmen invaded the community in the early hours of Saturday.

In an emotionally charged statement issued on Saturday, Utoo expressed heartbreak over the massacre of his villagers in the assault by suspected Fulani militants, describing it as “a horrifying act of dehumanization.”

He said, “They butchered us like animals. Our people were not just killed; they were wiped out with a chilling ruthlessness that suggests this was more than just another attack, it was an orchestrated extermination.”

According to him, the attackers, believed to have launched from known terrorist bases in the Giza and Kadarko axis of Keana LGA in Nasarawa State, invaded Yelewata between 10 pm and 3 am, riding over 100 motorbikes and carrying high-grade weapons.

He also lamented the absence of military resistance, despite the presence of security forces in the area.

“There were soldiers in Yelewata. They were supposed to protect us. But during the attack, they did absolutely nothing. Their inaction is not just suspicious, IT’S disgraceful,” he added.

Utoo further called for an independent investigation, immediate deployment of security reinforcements, and emergency humanitarian support for survivors, saying, “Yelewata is not just a dot on the map. It is home to thousands of peace-loving people who deserve the right to live without fear. The blood of our people cries out. If this isn’t genocide, then what is?”

The Supreme Court has once again issued a stern warning against the dissemination of falsehoods and mischievous reports targeted at justices on its bench and the judiciary as an institution.

The apex court, on Saturday, reiterated that it will no longer tolerate the deliberate propagation of untruths intended to undermine the integrity of individual justices and the judiciary.

Apparently responding to a narrative circulating on social media, which alleged that one of its justices travelled to Benin City in relation to a political case recently filed before the court, the Supreme Court urged commentators on judicial matters to always exercise responsibility, discretion, and restraint in their remarks.

A statement issued on Saturday and signed by Dr Festus Akande, Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, expressed displeasure over the spread of falsehoods on social media concerning the Justice in question.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Supreme Court has been drawn to a disturbing and false narrative being circulated on social media and certain online platforms alleging that a justice of the Supreme Court travelled to Benin City on account of a political case recently filed before the court.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Justice in question travelled to Benin City on Thursday, 12th June, 2025 to attend the funeral rites of the late mother of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, a senior member of the Bar and immediate past President of the African Bar Association.

“Prior to the journey, the said justice formally sought and obtained permission from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to embark on the trip. This private visit was strictly for the purposes of condolence and bereavement as is customary and humane.

“The Honourable Justice neither attended any political meeting nor solicited for inclusion on any panel as falsely alleged. In fact, apart from the funeral service held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and a brief stop at the service of songs, the Honourable Justice retired to his hotel room without attending any further gatherings or receptions.

“The image being circulated purportedly as evidence merely shows the justice returning alone to his hotel, hardly a basis for the sensational claims being peddled.

“The Supreme Court wishes to state unequivocally that this sort of baseless speculation and malicious conjecture, especially when publicly propagated by persons who ought to know better, is not only unhelpful but also deeply harmful to the integrity of the Judiciary.

“We strongly urge members of the public, especially commentators on judicial matters to exercise responsibility and discretion. Where there is any doubt or lack of clarity, the appropriate step is to seek verification from the Supreme Court through its official communication channels rather than resorting to the spread of falsehoods aimed at maligning the image of the justices or bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

“The judiciary remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not be distracted by deliberate attempts to undermine its credibility.”