Home births are on the rise in Benue State, not because they are safer, but because public health facilities are broken beyond trust. Pregnant women are turning to unsafe havens of giving birth at home and even patronizing traditional birth attendance (TBA).   By: David Arome For 22-year-old Martha Agur, living in the Ageraga – kohol community, Kwande LGA, Benue State, giving birth at a government-owned health facility was never an option to accept. The closest health clinic to her is a distance away with no functional delivery equipment, no midwives and no power supply. Martha recalled her ordeal at the health clinic she once visited: “I have been there; the health worker told me they had no gloves, medicines or even delivery beds.” Her husband, Agur, a subsistence farmer, had once sold off their only goat to pay for Martha’s antenatal visit to the town. But could no longer afford […]

In Benue State, chronic drug shortages and inadequate healthcare facilities are pushing residents into a dangerous reliance on self-medication. With local health centers frequently out of stock and lacking essential supplies, many people are turning to unregulated treatments from street vendors, fueling a growing crisis of drug misuse and antimicrobial resistance.

To address this, the minister stated that a committee would be set up to oversee the centre’s development, including the construction of essential infrastructure such as animal pens, isolation units, maternity pens, and staff housing. He also emphasized plans to collaborate with Joseph Sarwua Tarka University, Makurdi, on research initiatives to support the centre’s objectives.

The suspension of Hon. Blessed Onah and 12 other Benue lawmakers over opposition to Justice Ikpambese’s removal raises concerns about democracy and representation. Oju I constituency now lacks legislative voice, impacting governance and development. Legal action, public advocacy, and political negotiations remain key to restoring their representation and upholding democratic rights

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