By John Moses
The Benue State House of Assembly has appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to declare Friday, 20 June 2025, a public holiday in honour of over 250 people killed in Yelwata community, following one of the deadliest attacks in recent times within the state.
The motion was presented during an emergency session of the Assembly, where members described the killings as a national tragedy warranting a formal period of mourning.
The sitting also saw the partial reinstatement of six out of thirteen lawmakers who were suspended in February for breaching legislative protocol. The lawmakers had convened a press briefing outside the Assembly without authorisation—an act deemed a violation of House rules.
Majority Leader Saater Tiseer, who moved the motion to review the suspension, explained that the original disciplinary action, imposed on 19 February, officially ended on 19 May. However, the suspended lawmakers had further complicated the matter by initiating a legal challenge and testifying before a House of Representatives committee, raising concerns about their commitment to reconciliation.
Minority Leader Michael Audu supported the motion, noting that six lawmakers had submitted formal apologies. He argued they should be reinstated, while the remaining seven should stay suspended until they also issue written apologies.
Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh ruled in favour of the motion, confirming the reinstatement of the six members and stating that no further reinstatements would occur without formal apologies from the others.
The reinstated lawmakers are Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Elias Audu (Gwer East), Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Simon Gabo (Mata), William Ortyom (Agasha), and Blessed Onah (Oju I).
