Akpabio: U.S. Reduced Embassy Staff In Abuja, Afraid Iran Will Strike Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the United States government is reducing its embassy staff, especially in Nigeria, over fears of possible attacks by Iran.

Mr Akpabio also said the adjustment in diplomatic staffing levels should not be linked to Nigeria’s current political environment, arguing that such decisions are usually driven by global security considerations.

He spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the National Assembly Service Commission’s new headquarters in Abuja, explaining that several countries are currently reassessing their overseas diplomatic footprint amid rising security threats across regions.

“Some say that even now, some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are closing down. Many of the embassies are afraid of the repercussions from their foes,” he said.

Akpabio added, “For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about the bomb blast from Iran, and so across the world, they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to attack their embassies.

“When people are thinking, oh! Nigeria’s embassies are closing because an election is coming. It’s not because the election is coming.

“Election will come and go, and God will protect you. God will protect Nigeria. Nigeria will outlive this election.”

His remarks come barely a week after the U.S. State Department authorised non-emergency government employees and family members to evacuate its embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

Akpabio

In its advisory, the U.S. explained that “there is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach.”

But the Nigerian government quickly dismissed the concerns, describing the U.S. advisory as a routine precaution rather than a reflection of Nigeria’s overall security situation.

United Nations commends Benue On SDGs Implementation Model

The United Nations (UN), on Friday, commended the Benue Government’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) model.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, gave the commendation at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at the Benue Government House in Makurdi on Friday.

She said Benue had a critical role to play, not only in feeding the country but also in generating livelihoods, enterprises, and broader prosperity.

She said that progress was being made in the state, though in a very difficult context.

“Insecurity has disrupted lives, weakened livelihoods, eroded trust, and undermined the foundations for peace and development.

“The efforts being made to pursue durable solutions for displaced families, including through access to agricultural land and opportunities for self-reliance, reflect the kind of joined-up leadership this moment demands.

“This is how the SDGs are advanced in practice: through integrated action that connects humanitarian response to long-term development, restores agency, reduces dependency and leaves no one behind.

“With sustained leadership, stronger partnerships and continued investment in livelihoods and value chains, Benue is well placed to translate its assets into more inclusive and resilient growth.

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“The UN stands ready to support these efforts in ways that are practical, coordinated and aligned behind State priorities,” she said.

Mrs Mohammed expressed her condolences to the families of those killed in the recent attacks in the state, including in Mbalom in Gwer East LGA and in Yelwata.

She said the state required not only a response to security issues but also a broader commitment to peacebuilding.

According to her, this starts at the grassroots, strengthens early warning and response, rebuilds trust across communities, and creates the conditions for reconciliation.

She added that for peace to thrive, there must be justice and accountability, noting that without them, peace remains fragile and reconciliation incomplete.

Mrs Mohammed promised to support the state in sustained investment in human capital, especially in children and young people.

“A resilient education system is therefore not only a social priority; it is a foundation for long-term peace, inclusion and recovery.

“We stand ready to work with Benue State to strengthen education data, planning and service delivery, including in hard-to-reach and displacement-affected areas,” she said.

In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia said Benue, as the food basket of the nation, had stability that was directly linked to the stability of Nigeria’s food systems and West Africa’s broader supply chains.

Mr Alia noted that armed herders’ attacks had forced more than 500,000 persons out of their homes, thereby causing a serious humanitarian crisis in the state.

He said his administration had provided sustained support to internally displaced persons and developed shelters and critical infrastructure in affected communities.

“We launched durable solutions and allocated farmlands and facilitated the return of displaced households to productive life,” the governor said.

Hyacinth Alia

On the Yelewata attack, he said that with support from the federal government and other sources, they had built houses, provided water and education, and supported livelihoods and healthcare services.

“Your Excellency, Benue is ready. Ready to lead. Ready to partner and deliver results that matter, not just for our people, but as a model for Nigeria and the global community.

“What we seek is not charity, but collaboration. Not isolated projects, but integrated systems. Not temporary relief, but lasting transformation.

“Together, we can turn vulnerability into resilience, displacement into opportunity, and potential into prosperity. We invite the United Nations to walk this journey with us,” Mr Alia said.

UN Pledges Support For Displaced Yelewata Tesidents After Attack

The United Nations has assured Yelewata and other victims of conflicts and disasters of its support to return not only to their ancestral homes but also with dignity.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, gave the assurance on Friday when she visited the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Yelewata community was attacked on June 13, 2025, during which scores were killed and many properties were destroyed.

Mrs Mohammed stated that the people of Benue and other Nigerians must live and work in a safe and secure environment.

The UN deputy secretary-general said that her visit was to stand in solidarity with the state, especially women and children who suffer the most in times of conflict.

She added that her visit was in solidarity with the Yelewata community, which experienced a terrible and tragic day.

Mrs Mohammed described the June 13 Yelewata attack as a painful moment that must never be allowed to happen again.

She said that the government must do everything possible to ensure that farmers continue their farming in a safe environment.

“It is not right that you must farm in unsafe conditions.

“Instead, we must find ways to bring farming closer to you and ensure that your produce reaches markets that reflect your dignity, markets befitting of the people of Yelewata and Benue,” she said.

According to her, Benue has always been known as the food basket of the nation, and she hoped that the state would reclaim that identity.

“I have listened carefully to all that you have said about your hopes and needs. Ultimately, I know that many of you wish to return home, because home is truly where the heart is.

“We face challenges in our country. I remember coming here when it was Benue Plateau before the divisions into Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau. There were no boundaries; it was one community.

“Back then, even as a Fulani woman among Tiv people, we lived more closely and harmoniously than what we see today. It pains me to witness how things have changed.

“We must return to that unity as Nigerians, embracing the richness of our diversity in religion and culture. It is not impossible.

“For those of us who remember the Nigeria we inherited at independence, we must speak to our young people about what this country once was and what it can be again.

“Without that shared vision, we risk losing our collective future,” she said.

Mrs Mohammed also said that she was deeply committed to amplifying the voices of the voiceless, especially those of women and children.

She said across the Sahel, West Africa, Sudan, Gaza and other conflict-affected regions, conflicts have continued to cause pain and suffering for innocent people.

“Let this be our tribute to those who lost their lives: that we will build a better community, a better Benue, and a better Nigeria. A country where all citizens are equal. That must remain our goal.

“As a Nigerian, I am committed to this. As the UN Deputy Secretary-General, I am committed to amplifying your voices and ensuring that your struggles and those of many others across the country are heard.

United Nations

“Across the Sahel, in West Africa, and in places like Sudan and Gaza, conflict continues to cause suffering. We must prioritise peace. Without peace, we cannot return to our farms.

“Without peace, our economy cannot grow. Without peace, the 70% of our population who are young people will have no future.

“We must also hold our politicians accountable. Peace is what we demand. That is why we vote,” she said.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia directed the immediate reopening of the Yelewata Market for commercial activities.

Mr Alia acknowledged the contributions of the UN and its agencies for their efforts towards the plight of all IDPs in Benue.

The governor said that insecurity was threatening the peace and unity of the country and Benue in particular and commended Mohammed for visiting the state.