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Tag: Jos

  • Lagos State Govt. evacuates 3-week-old baby, Lagos students from Plateau

    Lagos State Govt. evacuates 3-week-old baby, Lagos students from Plateau

    Lagos State Government has evacuated a three-week-old baby, the mother and undergraduate students of the state’s extraction studying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), from Plateau.

    The evacuation became necessary following recent attacks and killings on the plateau.

    The first set of evacuees, comprising 64 UNIJOS students, the three-week-old-baby, and the mother, Manya Banfe, a 200-Level student, arrived in Lagos on Friday afternoon.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said the evacuation showed that government had the capacity to respond to emergencies when they affected people of the state.

    Omotoso represented Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the reception of the evacuees,

    He said that the exercise was in line with government’s commitment to safety and security of indigenes and residents of the state.

    Omotoso added that welfare packages had been arranged for the students to return to their families safely, stressing that it was noteworthy that none of the Lagos State students died during the crisis and during the rescue operation.

    He urged them to observe COVID-19 safety protocols and not to lose touch with their studies as they returned to Lagos.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr Kasali Adeniran, said that the evacuation was another landmark achievement of the state government.

    The students who were so excited to have been evacuated from crises scenes in Plateau State thanked Gov. Sanwo-Olu and his officials for rescuing them from what they described as “war zone’’.

    Speaking on behalf of the students, a 200-level student of the Department of Religion and Philosophy, Clinton Shotikare, thanked the governor for coming to their rescue.

    “On behalf of other students, I am saying a big thank you to the Lagos State Government, especially the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “We appreciate the governor and the state government for evacuating us from Plateau State. We feel happy, honoured, grateful and safe. We feel the impact of government,’’’ Shotikare said.

    He said that they had been experiencing tense situations and sleepless nights since the beginning of the crises in Plateau.

    The student urged the Lagos State Government not to relent in its efforts to rescuing other Lagos State indigenes, especially students who were still stranded on campus and in towns.

    A student of the Department of Pharmacy, UNIJOS, Christiana Edward, also appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu for evacuating them from Jos.

    “I am really grateful for what Lagos State Government has done for us. We are so thankful. Some of us had even lost hope when 24 hours curfew was declared in Plateau State. But Lagos State governor came to our rescue and evacuated us from Jos.

    “We, the students of University of Jos really appreciate Lagos State Government. We appreciate Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his goodwill and hard work at ensuring our safe arrival to our friends, families and loved ones.

    “We pray that God will continue to bless and strengthen you,’’ Edward said.

  • Plateau crisis: Okowa orders evacuation of Delta students from Jos

    Plateau crisis: Okowa orders evacuation of Delta students from Jos

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has ordered the immediate evacuation of students of Delta origin from crisis troubled Jos, the Plateau state capital, following renewed crisis and security concerns in the North Central state.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student’s Affairs, Comrade Jerry Ehiwario, said that the evacuation exercise commenced on Thursday, August 26.

    He commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his prompt approval for the exercise, adding that the lives of Delta students was very dear to the state.

    Ehiwaro also commended the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah for his proactiveness and prompt response.

    He stated further that three buses with police escort has been dispatched to move Delta students from the troubled zone.

    “When we heard about the incident in Jos, i wrote to the governor, informing him on the need to evacuate students of Delta origin from the crisis zone.

    “The governor graciously approved the evacuation which commenced today Thursday, August 26.

    “With this approval, Governor Okowa has once again demonstrated his love for Delta students by ensuring that their safety is topmost priority to the state government.

    “On behalf of my colleagues and NADESTU, we thank our dear governor and father figure, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his intervention in saving the lives of our brothers and sisters from the crisis zone,” Ehiwario added.

  • Attack on Ondo travellers in Jos ‘mistaken identity’ – Deputy Governor

    Attack on Ondo travellers in Jos ‘mistaken identity’ – Deputy Governor

    The Plateau State government has returned undisclosed number of the surviving victims of the Jos attack to Ondo State on Friday.

    About 28 people were reportedly killed in the attack.

    The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mr Sonni Tiyoden, disclosed this when he accompanied the survivors to the Ondo State government house in Akure.

    He said that 25 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while normalcy has been restored in the area as investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to book.

    According to reports, the victims returned to Ondo are Fulanis, born and brought up in Ondo State, who were returning home after attending the annual Zikr (prayer session) in Bauchi to mark the commencement of the new Islamic Year.

    The deputy governor condemned the attacks on innocent citizens and described it as a rude shock to the government of Plateau State because it was an unprovoked attack on the victims.

    He sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured as a result of the unfortunate incident.

    “We pray for forgiveness on behalf of those who did it as arrests have been made, as of now, we have 25 people under arrest, I can assure you, investigation will go on.

    “And I can assure you that due process will be followed, the law will take its course and they will pay for what they have done,” he said.

    Tiyoden assured that the Plateau State government is on top of the situation and admonished Nigerians to live in peace with one another as brothers and sisters, irrespective of their religious beliefs and ethnic differences.

    Responding, the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, thanked the government of Plateau State for the response and help in saving the lives of the survivors.

    Aiyedatiwa said the victims were not seen as Hausa/Fulani people but as citizens of the state because most of them were born and raised in the state.

    The deputy governor commended the quick response of the Plateau state government in rescuing the people.

    “The attack was that of mistaken identity, and I want to thank the governor of Plateau State for his quick response.

    “And that response actually brought about these survivals. As we mourn those who passed on during the attack, I also want to thank God for those of you that survived the attack,” he said.

    He described it as an honour and a sign of friendliness that the deputy governor of Plateau came with the survivors.

    Alhaji Mohammed Labar, the Southwest Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), prayed that such an incident would not happen again.

  • Your threats on Plateau killings empty, Northern elders tell Buhari

    Your threats on Plateau killings empty, Northern elders tell Buhari

    The Northern Elders Forum has told President Muhammadu Buhari and the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, that they have only been issuing empty threats in regard to the killings in Plateau State.

    The NEF spoke in a statement on Monday following another round of killing in the state, which left 23 persons dead.

    The attack on Saturday involved Muslims returning from an event in Bauchi State to their base in Ondo State.

    The NEF Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in the statement on Monday said until government deals decisively with actors of violence, the situation would continue.

    Aside sympathising with the people of Plateau State, especially families of those killed and wounded, Baba-Ahmed appealed to residents to remain calm and not take the laws into their hands.

    He said: “Northern Elders Forum is shocked by the cold blooded murder of scores of travelers by locals in Jos, Plateau State.

    “Notwithstanding the fact that most of the North of Nigeria is now a virtual killing field, this particular incident is an outrageous provocation and it compounds the deteriorating community relations in this and many parts of the region.

    “The Forum has taken note of the statement of President Muhammadu Buhari and the steps taken by Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong.

    “These reactions must produce immediate results in arrests and prosecutions. Under no circumstances must this heinous crime be ignored or treated as routine.

    “While condoling families of those murdered, the Forum appeals to all communities to show the highest levels of restraint and tolerance.

    “Killings and reprisals only endanger lives of more people, most of them innocent.”

  • Plateau Massacre: Gov Lalong Imposes 24 hour Curfew in Jos North LGA

    Plateau Massacre: Gov Lalong Imposes 24 hour Curfew in Jos North LGA

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, has imposed a 24-hour Curfew on Jos North Local Government, following Saturday’s attack on commuters around Jos North Local Government.

    A total of 23 persons were reportedly killed and 23 injured.

    Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs , Dr Makut Macham, on Sunday in Jos, said the action was to forestall further security threat in the area.

    The Governor had on Saturday, announced that Jos North, Jos South and Bassa Local Government areas shall observe curfew from 6p.m to 6a.m.

    “From 2p.m of today, Sunday 15th August 2021, a 24-hour curfew will come into effect in Jos North Local Government Area.

    “This is necessitated by security reports, which indicate rising threats to the safety of lives and properties within the Local Government,” he said .

    He urged Plateau people to comply with the directive, to allow security agencies maintain law and order and deal with those bent on causing chaos.

    Lalong stressed that the 24-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government would be operational until further notice.

  • Miyetti Allah condemns killing of commuters in Jos

    Miyetti Allah condemns killing of commuters in Jos

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the ambush and killing of commuters at Rukuba Road in Jos.

    Recall that criminals on Saturday, attacked a convoy of buses conveying commuters, killed 22 persons and injured scores.

    MACBAN, in a statement by its National Secretary, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, on Sunday in Jos, said the whereabout of some of the commuters, was yet to be ascertained.

    “The ambush which occurred around 10.00am , also left several commuters wounded, while 40 others remain unaccounted for.

    “The travellers were in a convoy of four buses, when they were attacked.

    “MACBAN condemns this senseless violence on travellers.

    “We urge security agencies to fish out perpetrators of this dastardly act and bring them to justice,” he said.

    Ngelzarma commiserated with families of those who lost their lives and those injured.

    He said there could be no winner in the senseless violence and that the circle of bloodshed must be stopped.

  • Valentine: We prefer credit alerts to flowers, cards, chocolates, say Jos women

    Valentine: We prefer credit alerts to flowers, cards, chocolates, say Jos women

    As the world celebrates St. Valentines Day, some women in Jos say they would prefer ”meaningful gifts” than receiving flowers, cards and chocolates, usually accepted as standard lovers’ day gifts.

    A survey of both married and unmarried women also indicated their preference for spending quality time at home, than going out to fancy restaurants, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Valentine’s Day is a holiday when lovers express their affections for one another with greetings and gifts, and lately this had expanded to expression of affection between relatives and friends.

    Other activities identified with the holiday, believed to have its origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February, is in simply spending time with loved ones and reading romantic Valentine’s Day quotes; or posting a Valentine’s Day caption on a cute couples social media photo.

    Mrs Ajalah Omusa, said: “I don’t want any flowers for Valentine, it really doesn’t mean so much to me, flowers to me are not special, I want other gifts that I will see everyday to remind me of the special day.

    “I don’t get to receive gifts very often from my husband, so I will want something very special on a special day like Valentine,” Omusa said.

    Mrs Amy Cassidy, on her part, said she would prefer to be pampered and would not mind getting a credit alert from her husband.

    “I don’t want any flowers, I just want to be pampered at home like having dinner in bed and spending quality time with my husband, as we don’t get to do this all the time due to the nature of our jobs.

    Mrs Gift Udom said she would prefer her husband taking the kids out on an outing, while she relaxes at home all by herself.

    Udom said, resting at home, without the kids for some hours, would help her rejuvenate and also afford the kids the opportunity of spending quality time with their father.

    She also noted that a credit alert would also brighten up her day and make her happy.

    Miss Mary Izang, stated that she would prefer the roses to come with a proposal, than just roses and chocolates.

    “Last year, my boyfriend bought me rose flowers and chocolates, we also hung out and I appreciated it, I would want the roses to come with something different.

    “It will be romantic if he bought the flowers and hid a ring in it. We will go out later today, so I hope that happens,” a hopeful Izang said.

    Some men who spoke to NAN, however, expressed displeasure on receiving no gift at all, while some stated they only received singlets and boxers all their lives.

    “I will not stress myself too much about Valentine this year because I don’t get gifts at all, Jonathan Iliya said, adding, “I always do the buying and get a hug and a thank you at the end of the day, it should be reciprocal, that will make it beautiful”.

    Mr Isaiah Badung, said women were fond of buying boxers and singlets for their men as Valentine gifts, a norm which he said should stop.

    He stated that he would celebrate Valentine at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    NAN observed in Jos, at the weekend, that several eateries, hang out spots and shopping centres were decorated in red with several shoppers queuing to buy gifts, while a few residents were spotted in red attires.

  • BREAKING: Jubilation in Jos as Boko Haram frees Rev. Polycarp Zongon [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: Jubilation in Jos as Boko Haram frees Rev. Polycarp Zongon [VIDEO]

    Members of the Church of Christ in all Nation’s (COCIN) in Jos, the Plateau State Capital are currently in a celebration mood following the release of one of its clergy men, Reverend Polycarp Zongon by Boko Haram sect, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reported few days ago that the clergyman was captured by the terrorist group on Monday 19th October.

    Sources from the COCIN church described the release of Reverend Zongon as a miracle considering the antecedents of the terrorist group.

    Watch video below

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tRO-ICl91c

  • DHQ reacts to reports of soldiers killing four persons, dumping bodies inside pond in Jos

    DHQ reacts to reports of soldiers killing four persons, dumping bodies inside pond in Jos

    The Defence Headquarters has denied media reports that four persons were killed by soldiers and their bodies dumped in a pond in Jos during clampdown on looters of private properties in the state.

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Saturday described such reports as malicious and mischievous.

    Enenche explained that the soldiers attached to the Special Task Force (STF), Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), were never engaged in any professional misconduct in preventing criminals from perpetrating crimes in the state.

    He said that troops in an attempt to stop hoodlums from looting the residence of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara on Oct. 25, only arrested the perpetrators.

    According to him, the hoodlums and vandals invaded the private property of the former speaker at Lamingo, with a view to looting it.

    “Consequently, troops of the STF, OPSH, which are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace and tranquillity in Plateau State and environs were immediately deployed to bring the situation under control.

    “Guided by extant Rules of Engagement and Standing Operating Procedures for such situations, the highly professional troops arrived at the residence and apprehended a total number of 30 looters.

    “Additionally, a total of 114 hoodlums comprising 21 females and 93 males were apprehended for looting,’’ he said.

    He recalled that Headquarters Operation Safe Haven briefed the press on the arrests which was widely reported in various main stream and online media.

    “It is worthy to mention that the timely intervention of our troops at the residence of the former speaker ensured that the situation was nipped in the bud.

    “Thus, the story is a malicious and mischievous publication against the Nigerian Military and Operation Safe Haven in particular, that has commendably fostered peace in Plateau State,” he said.

    Enenche also disclosed that 41 suspected hoodlums comprising six females and 35 males were also arrested and thereafter released after profiling.

    “One, therefore, wonders where there was shooting for a situation that was managed professionally to bring the situation under control.

    “Consequently, the Defence Headquarters wishes to commend the highly professional troops of Operation Safe Haven for their dedication to duty.

    “Members of the general public are also assured of their safety and are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without any fear.

    “Additionally, it is always advisable for media organisations to verify their facts before rushing to publish untrue and unverified stories,’’ he said.

  • BREAKING (Video): Tricycles, furniture, looted as hoodlums storm Dogara’s House

    BREAKING (Video): Tricycles, furniture, looted as hoodlums storm Dogara’s House

    Hoodlums on Sunday looted the house of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, located near Jos University Teaching Hospital.

    It as gathered that the hoodlums defied the ongoing curfew imposed by the state government to also invade other buildings in search of COVID-19 palliatives.

    Dogara’s house was attacked about 9 am, an eyewitness told our correspondent.

    Policemen and other security operatives enforcing the curfew shot to disperse the rampaging youths without success.

    The thugs broke into the house of the former Speaker and attacked everyone, including Dogara’s brother, and looted several items – tricycles, furniture, electronics, and other valuables – out of the house