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Tag: Jos

  • Troops arrest fake soldier in Jos

    Troops arrest fake soldier in Jos

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau, have arrested one Musa Ali in Jos for impersonating as its personnel.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Jos.

    Zhakom said that the suspect was arrested over attempt to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    He particularly said that the suspect attempted to defraud the family of a notorious gunrunner in custody to secure his release.

    “He was arrested when he fraudulently presented himself as a personnel of OPSH and deceitfully collected N400,000 from the family of a notorious gunrunner currently undergoing investigation.

    “He falsely claimed that he can stop the ongoing investigations and secure the suspect’s release from custody.

    “But his fraudulent scheme was promptly uncovered by our operatives leading to his arrest.

    “His arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

    Zhakom promised that the suspect would be diligently prosecuted upon completion of investigations in accordance with legal procedures.

    He also called on residents of the state to be vigilant and wary of fraudsters who may attempt to exploit them through false claims.

  • Police foil kidnap attempt, arrest 4 suspects in Jos

    Police foil kidnap attempt, arrest 4 suspects in Jos

    The Police Command in Plateau has foiled a kidnap attempt and arrested four suspects at Little Rayfield Community in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Jos.

    Alabo, who said that the incident occurred on Tuesday night, however, said that two policemen were killed during the operation.

    “The command wishes to inform the general public of the arrest of four suspects during a the foiled kidnap incident at Little Rayfield- Bukuru road.

    “Sadly, two of our personnel attached to Force Investigation Department (IRT), on special duty in Jos, lost their lives while exchanging gunfire with the suspected kidnappers.

    “The case is under investigation; further development would be communicated in due course,”he said.

    Alabo urged residents of the state to remain calm, insisting that the situation was under control.

    The command’s spokesman said that all efforts were being made to apprehend other suspects who escaped.

    He said that all those involved in the incident would face the full wrath of the law.

  • Panic as powerful explosion rocks Jos, several people injured

    Panic as powerful explosion rocks Jos, several people injured

    A powerful explosion on Tuesday morning shook the city of Jos, sending shockwaves and panic through the densely populated Terminus market area.

    According to eyewitness, the blast which occurred around 10:30 am, created scenes of destruction and confusion.

    Several people were reportedly injured in the powerful blast, with some suggesting there may have been fatalities.

    As of this report’s filing, the extent of the damage is yet to be unclear, but witnesses described the scenes as chaotic.

    “I was nearby when I heard a loud bang.

    “I saw people running and screaming. It was terrifying, said Gyang Buba, a clothes vendor at the market.

    Initial reports suggest that several people were injured in the blast, with unconfirmed sources indicating possible fatalities.

    Various emergency services such as the police, fire crews, and ambulances are currently on ground to assist those affected.

    The Plateau State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, though sources at the command headquarters in Jos confirmed the incident.

    According to a security source, “The area has been cordoned off as investigators begin to assess the situation. We are working to determine the cause of the explosion.”

    The source assured the public, urging calm, “We will do everything possible to ensure their safety.”

  • BREAKING! Massive explosion rocks Jos, Plateau

    BREAKING! Massive explosion rocks Jos, Plateau

    There was panic on Tuesday morning following a deadly explosion near the Terminus market in Jos disrupting local businesses and communities

    The blast, which occurred around 10:30 a.m., sent shockwaves through the area as residents scamper for safety.

    Eyewitnesses reported hearing a deafening bang followed by chaos, with people rushing to escape. Although some sustained injuries, there have been no confirmed fatalities

    Emergency services, including police and ambulances, arrived quickly to control the situation. Authorities cordoned off the area, and additional security was deployed to maintain order and secure the vicinity. Businesses around the market were temporarily closed, and nearby residents were advised to evacuate.

    The anti-bomb squad responded promptly, neutralizing and safely removing the explosive device. Investigations are underway, and authorities are expected to release further information as details emerge.

  • Tight security in Jos as Plateau LG poll gets underway

    Tight security in Jos as Plateau LG poll gets underway

    There is heavy presence of security personnel in Jos, as Plateau holds election across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    A Correspondent who monitored the situation on Wednesday, reports that personnel of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military were stationed in strategic locations.

    Also, security personnel were stationed at the various polling units to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

    The Police command had earlier restricted movements across the entire state to give way for a smooth exercise.

    Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state told NAN that the command had deployed adequate personnel to all the LGAs.

    ”We have made adequate arrangements towards ensuring that the election is peaceful.

    ”We have deployed our officers and men to all the 17 LGAs and some flashpoints within the metropolis.

    ”So far everywhere is peaceful, and it is our hope that Plateau residents will cooperate with the security agencies towards a violent- free poll,” Alabo said.

    NAN

  • PDP transition chairman beaten to coma after emerging winner in primary election

    PDP transition chairman beaten to coma after emerging winner in primary election

    Christopher Audu, a chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC), Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, in Jos, Plateau capital, is currently battling for his life after being attacked by delegates during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) learnt that the election became violent after the TIC Chairman was declared the winner.

    Michael Bulus, an observer, told Daily Trust, that the election exercise which held on Thursday, was initially peaceful, but descended into choas after some delegates and PDP faithful who were denied access to the hall forced their way in and went straight to the TIC Chairman.

    Following the beating, Audu sustained severe injuries and was rushed out of Ba’ap, the headquarters of Qua’an Pan LGA, to an undisclosed location for medical attention.

    Bulus said, “The mob beat up Hon Audu without mercy while complaining that he manipulated the process to emerge winner of the primaries.

    “It was further alleged that Hon Audu handpicked his loyalists to be delegates at the election while blocking the real delegates from accessing the venue to exercise their franchise.”

    The angry delegates also allegedly beat up officials of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) who were present to oversee the election.

  • Protesters storm streets of Jos, demand good governance

    Protesters storm streets of Jos, demand good governance

    Protesters have stormed the streets of Jos, the Plateau capital to demand good governance and an end to hardship in the country.

    The protesters, clad in black attire, carried placards with various inscriptions to express their displeasure over the sufferings of Nigerians.

    The inscriptions on the placards include “We want a Nigeria free from corruption and ethnicity” and “A Nigeria that creates jobs and allow entrepreneurs to succeed.”.

    Others include “A Nigeria that is free of religious intolerance” and “Lawmaking is a part-time job,” among others.

    One of the leaders of the protesters, Rev. Isa El-buba, who addressed the protesters after they marched from the Secretariat Junction to Old Airport Junction, said that a better Nigeria was possible.

    El-buba said that the protest was imperative to secure the future of Nigerians unborn from the current sufferings.

    He  said that it is a fight to retrieve the soul of the future of Nigeria and its descendants.

    “It is a fight for us to get good governance in Nigeria. None of us is going to retreat because we have a responsibility to make sure that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

    “When they speak, it is God speaking, and God is saying that we must end bad governance in Nigeria.

    “When the right institutions are in place, there will be no hunger, the killings will stop in the land, and our armed forces will enjoy their services to the people.

    “We are going to push on until we get what is meant for Nigeria because it is better to suffer today and secure the future of our country.

    “We are here to make a change. We love our nation; we are people of peace, and we must enjoy peace, and our country must come out of the woods,” he said.

    Elbuba told the protesters that they wanted Nigeria, where nobody would use religion or tribalism to seduce or manipulate Nigerians

    According to him, they were going to mobilise more for the remaining nine days of the protest.

    “I grew up in Nigeria, where we were known as Nigerians instead of our individual tribes. I grew up in Nigeria, where going to school from primary to university was taken care of by the government.

    “Then, before you graduate, a job is waiting for you, and that is the kind of Nigeria we want,” he said.

  • Unkempt cemetery worries Christian in Jos

    Unkempt cemetery worries Christian in Jos

    The Purgatorian Society of the Jos Catholic Archdiocese has expressed concern over the Unkempt nature of cemeteries in the state, especially Zaria Road Cemetery in Jos.

    Rev. John Chuwak, Chaplain of the Society, disclosed this  during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Christian  Association of Nigeria (CAN),  Plateau chapter, Rev. Polycarp Lubo.

    The Chaplain, who  said the cemetery was overgrown with bushes and dirt, solicited the support of well-meaning individuals and groups to keep it clean.

    He noted that the primary aim of the society was to pray for those who have died, especially souls in purgatory.

    Chuwak stated that they believed  that some people, who had died, were in purgatory, finding their way to heaven.

    The cleric added that society prayed for the repose of souls that died because God loved and created humans not to abandon them in the dungeon of death but to save them.

    “Since we are praying for the dead, we normally go to the cemetery to pray, especially on the second day of November, which commemorates all souls.

    “We have discovered that the cemetery is Unkempt, and we are here to let CAN know that the cemetery is in a bad state.

    “If you are not careful, because of bushy and Unkempt nature, you may dig a new grave on an old one when you want to bury another person.

    “The purgatorians have done their best to keep it clean by even hiring people from the office, including using chemicals, to kill the grasses, but we discovered that our strength is not  enough.

    “We are appealing to  CAN, spirited individuals and the government to look into the state of our cemeteries,” Chuwak appealed.

    The group prayed for the repose of the souls of the children that died in the Saint Academy, Jos building collapse.

    Rev. Lubo, Plateau CAN Chairman, said that the association was  privileged to have the society on a courtesy visit.

    Lubo promised to assist the society with the resources of the association to keep the cemetery clean.

    The chairman said that there was no particular person in charge of the cemetery at the moment as demanded by the society.

    According to him, this requires the society  to sacrifice time, talents, and wherewithal for the maintenance of the cemetery.

    “Anytime you are taking any responsibility, let us know so that we can come in to support  you,” he promised.

  • ‘I am heart-broken by this incident’ – Obi on school building collapse

    ‘I am heart-broken by this incident’ – Obi on school building collapse

    Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential poll, has described as disheartening, the tragic incident of the collapse of a school building in Jos, the Plateau capital.

    Mr Yunusa Tanko, his spokesman, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, regretted the deaths and injuries from the unfortunate incident.

    “I am heart-broken by this incident; it is particularly bad that the incident occurred while the school was in session and students were writing their examinations.

    “I can only imagine the trauma of these young ones witnessing such a tragic occurrence, and even their parents, who are undoubtedly worried about the safety of the children.

    “I understand that rescue operation was swift. I thank the FRSC, NEMA, Red Cross, Army, Police and individuals helping out with the safe rescue of our children and their teachers,” he quoted Obi as saying.

    Obi sympathised with the government and people of Plateau, the management, staff, and students of the school, and the families of the victims.

    He called on the government to carry out thorough investigation into the tragic incident to unravel the cause and help prevent a reccurrence.

    “My sincere prayers are with the remaining trapped children and teachers for their safe rescue.

    “May God grant eternal rest to the dead, give their families the fortitude to bear the painful losses, and grant quick recovery to the injured,” he said.

  • FG pledges support to victims of Jos school collapse

    FG pledges support to victims of Jos school collapse

    The Federal Government says it will support the victims, the families and community affected by the
    collapsed school building in Jos, Plateau, on Friday.

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry.

    “We urge the relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, to provide necessary support to the survivors.

    “The collaboration of these agencies is crucial in ensuring that survivors receive the necessary care and assistance during this challenging period,” he said.

    The Minister expressed deep sympathy over the tragic collapse of the school

    “It is with deep sorrow that we receive the devastating news of the collapse building in Saints Academy, Busa Buji in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which occurred during School hours when classes were in session.

    “The entire Federal Ministry of Education feels a sense of collective loss and sorrow over the death of these young ones especially occurring when they were writing exams meant to advance their level of education.

    “Our heartfelt condolences go to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, the bereaved families, the families of all the injured victims, and the entire people of Plateau State.

    “May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured ones recover speedily.

    “We stand in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time,” the Minister said.

    Mamman emphasised the importance for contractors and all agencies responsible for building-construction to ensure the construction of solid and safe structures.

    According to him,  ensuring structural integrity was paramount to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

    The Minister extended appreciation to the timely intervention of the search and rescue team, as well as members of the public, who swiftly rushed to the school premises to assist in evacuating surviving students and staff members.

    According to him, their prompt action undoubtedly saved lives and brought immediate relief to those trapped in the rubble.