Three suspected herdsmen have been arrested in connection with the brutal attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, which left 11 residents dead.

Governor Hyacinth Alia made this known on Wednesday during a briefing with journalists at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital.

He expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and urged security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending those responsible for the attacks.

Governor Alia further disclosed that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had pledged to deploy additional security forces to Benue to curb the recent wave of violence, particularly in the Otukpo axis.

He added that the state government has also stepped up its own security presence in the affected areas, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects linked to the killings in Otobi.

Israeli security forces on Wednesday morning killed Muhammad Zakarna, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, during a counterterrorism operation near Jenin.

Zakarna was identified as one of the terrorists involved in the deadly shooting attack in the West Bank village of al-Funduq in January.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Zakarna, a resident of Qabatiya, was among three gunmen who opened fire on civilians in al-Funduq on January 6, killing Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, an off-duty Israeli police officer, and civilians Rachel Cohen and Aliza Raiz.

The IDF said Zakarna was located in a cave near the village of Misilyah following intelligence provided by the Shin Bet security agency.

During the attempted arrest by Yamam, the Israel Police’s elite counterterrorism unit, and IDF troops, a gun battle broke out between the forces and the suspects.

The military said the forces used shoulder-launched missiles during the exchange. Zakarna and another Islamic Jihad member, Marooh Hazima, also from Qabatiya, were killed.

Hazima had previously been released from Israeli prison in the November 2023 ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas and had since resumed terrorist activity, the IDF said.

A number of weapons and military gear were recovered from the scene. Several accomplices were also detained and found to be in possession of handguns.

The IDF confirmed that the other two terrorists behind the al-Funduq attack, Qutaiba al-Shalabi and Mohammed Nazal, both affiliated with Hamas — were previously killed in an Israeli operation in Qabatiya on January 23.

Blessing Okoro, known as Blessing CEO, has recounted the touching tale of how she encountered and fell in love with entrepreneur Ikechukwu Ogbonna, affectionately called IVD.

Their journeys intertwined in late 2022 during a challenging time for IVD. Following the unfortunate passing of his wife, Bimbo, in a fire tragedy, IVD endured severe public criticism and legal troubles. In the midst of this turmoil, Blessing CEO stepped forward to support him when many others turned away. She reached out after he shared a troubling message, offering her friendship and emotional assistance.

At first, Blessing CEO insisted that their connection was strictly professional, clarifying that IVD was merely her client. However, as time went on, their relationship grew stronger. By January 2025, she openly acknowledged their romantic relationship, describing IVD as a “kind-hearted individual” and expressing her gratitude for having met him during his difficult times.

Following her engagement announcement to IVD, Blessing has finally disclosed how their love story began.

Photo source: Instagram