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Tag: Nasarawa State

  • Flood scare hits Nasarawa; residents ordered to relocate

    Flood scare hits Nasarawa; residents ordered to relocate

    Following the flood disaster that ravaged Mokwa community in Niger State, the Nasarawa State Government has ordered the relocation of residents of flood-prone communities.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Nasarawa State Government ordered residents of flood-prone communities to relocate to higher grounds to avoid any loss of lives during the rainy season.

    At least 115 lives have been reported dead in the Niger State flood disaster with many others injured or still missing.

    While addressing newsmen on Saturday in Lafia, Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in Nasarawa, said the order for relocation of residents is based on flood predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

    Speaking after monitoring the May edition of the monthly clean up exercise, Elayo said the step became imperative also based on experiences where lives and property were lost to flooding in the past.

    She further said that since some States had started experiencing flooding, there was an urgent need for vulnerable persons to act now.

    “We are partnering with chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and traditional rulers to to show those affected by this relocation directive where they should go now for their safety.

    “They should pick up their valuables and leave their houses for now so that when flooding eventually happens, no lives will be lost,” she said.

    The commissioner further urged members of the public to desist from dumping refuge in drains as well as and desist from building structures on waterways to avert flooding.

    She promised to strengthen the  campaigns toward enlightening the public on the importance of clearing waterways to prevent flooding.

    “We have engaged the traditional and religious leaders, communities leaders, and we are sponsoring `Sensitisation Programmes’ in the mass media to enlighten the public on the dangers of flooding and steps to avert it,” she added.

    She further promised to ensure that the recycling plant in the Akurba community of Lafia was operational to ensure that refuse were not dumped on the streets.

    She described as unacceptable situations where large refuses were dumped on the streets, and advised those behind it to desist or risk being sanctioned.

    The commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the level of compliance to the sanitation exercise by the residents and appealed for more cooperation.

    “If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against possible outbreak of some disease, thereby ensuring improved healthy living of the people,” she said.

    The commissioner, therefore, promised that the ministry would make the state one of the cleanest in the country.

    Meanwhile, Abubakar Mohammed, the Chief Prosecutor Officer in the ministry, said that 168 persons were arrested across the state for violating sanitation laws.

    He said that the offenders were arrested for transacting their businesses while the  exercise was in progress.

    He said their actions violated the provisions of section 9 (2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.

  • Nasarawa university appoints 3 new DVCs

    Nasarawa university appoints 3 new DVCs

    The Senate of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi has appointed three new Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVCs) for the institution.

    The Acting Information and Protocol Officer of the university, Mr Jaafar Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement in Keffi on Friday.

    According to the statement, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, announced the appointments at the university’s 129th Regular Meeting of the Senate, held at the university’s Senate Chamber on Thursday.

    Abubakar further listed the new DVCs to include Prof. Muhammad Ari (Academic), Dr Halima Kutigi (Administration) and Dr K’tso Ngharbu (Research and Innovations).

    He stated that the appointments would become effective July 7.

    The statement explained that Ari, a Professor of Animal Nutrition in the Department of Animal Science, is the current Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies.

    “Also, Kutigi is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, with a specialisation in Public and International Law.

    “She is the Head of the Islamic Law Department, and current Deputy Dean of the Faculty. Lastly, Ngharbu is an Associate Professor and a Medical Geologist. He is the current Director of Linkages and International Cooperation.

    “He is also known for initiating the first Center for Medical Geology Research and the first Center for European Studies in Africa, both situated in the university,” the statement reads.

  • Nasarawa: Windstorm victims to receive govt support

    Nasarawa: Windstorm victims to receive govt support

    The Nasarawa Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), has assured victims of the recent windstorms across the state of government’s support and relief intervention.

    The agency also said it had intensified efforts to complete assessments of the damages in the affected local government areas.

    Mr Benjamin Akwash, Director – General NASEMA, said this in an interview on Friday in Lafia.

    The director general said he had embarked on assessment to various communities in different local government areas impacted by the windstorms to have  a comprehensive report.

    According to him, the LGAs includes  Karu, Akwanga, Wamba, Awe, Obi, and Lafia,

    “We were at Gidan Zakara and Gora in Karu LGA, where more than 80 houses were completely or partially destroyed.

    “Our team also  visited Mahanga in Awe LGA, as well as other locations in Obi LGA to ascertain the level of devastation by the windstorm.

    Akwash reiterated the  state government commitment to providing support for the victims of all kinds of disasters in the state.

    “Upon completion of the assessment, food and non-food items would be distributed immediately.

    “There are places where worship centres like churches and mosques are affected, we will extend our support to them, ” he said.

    He thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule for always prioritising the well-being and security of the people, particularly the  prompt response to the issue of disasters in the State.

    Akwash said that NASEMA would focus more on mitigation and prevention of disasters rather than waiting for the disasters to happen before bringing succour to the victims.

    He said agency had intensify sensitisation in the riverine communities on the need to vacate flood plain to avert colossal loss of lives and property.

    Akwash advised people to avoid activities that are susceptible to disasters like building on waterways, flood plains, bush burning and indiscriminate felling of trees.

    According to him, both home and office appliances should be switched off when not in use.

  • FMC Keffi denies asking patients to buy fuel before operations

    FMC Keffi denies asking patients to buy fuel before operations

    The Management of Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, has debunked allegations on social media that patients are made to buy fuel before operations are carried out on them.

    Miss Esther Bature, Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the Centre, debunked the allegation in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

    Bature said  that the management of the hospital recently became aware of posts on social media, specifically Facebook, alleging that whenever there was  power outage, patients were made to buy petrol for operations to be carried out on them.

    According to Esther, the allegation is untrue, malicious and misleading.

    She explained that a recent rainstorm that wreaked havoc in Keffi and its  environs affected power lines.

    “However, the medical centre made use of its contingency plans in terms of power supply and did not at any point mandate patients to buy fuel before attending to them.

    “Due to the effect of that rainstorm, power was disrupted for more than 48 hours. The centre was not an exception.

    “The hospital has solar power system, petrol and diesel generators to augment public power supply at critical areas of the hospital like the Theatre, Radiology, Intensive Care Unit among others.

    “So, at no time was any patient asked to go and buy fuel before being attended to.

    “The peddlers of such rumours must be bent on discrediting the efforts that the current management is putting to make healthcare experience in the centre pleasurable,” she said.

    Bature added that the medical centre was committed to rendering the best of services to humanity as its core mandates.

    “It is to this end that we implore everyone, especially the good friends of the hospital to walk into the facility, ask questions for clarity and even report their experiences to the management,” she said.

  • Newly-wedded Nigerian man killed, wife kidnapped in Nasarawa

    Newly-wedded Nigerian man killed, wife kidnapped in Nasarawa

    A group of unknown gunmen on Wednesday night launched a violent attack in Akaleku village, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State  killing a newly-wedded Nigerian man and kidnapping his wife.

    Eyewitnesses who spoke with newsmen disclosed how the assailants at around 11pm,  invaded the couple’s home fatally shooting the man and abducting his wife.

    Attack on Newly-Wedded Couple During Honeymoon

    The attack which has left the local community in fear and uncertainty occurred just two weeks after Mr. and Mrs. Alu Anzaku tied the knot on April 12, 2025, making them victims in what should have been the early days of their honeymoon.

    The violence took place in the remote Akaleku village, located along the Lafia/Markurdi Highway, a region that has been plagued by rising insecurity attributed to banditry and communal violence.

    As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the kidnapped woman remain unknown, and family members, as well as sympathizers, have expressed deep concern.

    In other news, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has given a marching order to the Nigerian Army to flush out bandits terrorising the people of Barutein and Kaiama local governments of Kwara.

    The Chief of Army Staff similarly gave an order to fish out terrorists in Borgu in Kainji Forest of Niger within one month.

    Oluyede gave the order on Wednesday at the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigeria Army, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.

    Addressing the troops, Oluyede said that the Nigerian Army would not allow the insurgency in the North-East to escalate to the North-Central.

    He said that it was the responsibility of the Nigerian Army to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and no single part of the territory would be taken away by insurgents.

    The Chief of Army Staff gave the troops one month to recover all areas in Baruten, Kaiama and other areas in Kainji Forest from the bandits.

  • Mining Marshals shut down illegal Nasarawa site

    Mining Marshals shut down illegal Nasarawa site

    The Mining Marshals have shut down an illegal mining site in the Rafin-Gabas community of Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, confirmed this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Alake stated that the Mining Marshals, a security outfit established by the Ministry, dismantled the site and arrested three foreigners.

    He described the operation as a major step toward curbing illegal mining and sanitising the sector.

    The site, he said, had long evaded law enforcement and was reportedly protected by compromised security personnel.

    “However, following a strategic and well-coordinated operation, the Mining Marshals penetrated the stronghold, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals.

    “Several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the help of security operatives,” he said.

    The minister commended the Marshals, describing the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and ensuring accountability.

    Meanwhile, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, said a manhunt was underway for the escaped suspects.

    Onoja added that investigations were ongoing to identify security personnel who facilitated the illegal activities.

    According to him, the company behind the illegal operations, along with some fugitives, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The Federal Government has arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 for illegal mining since the Marshals began operations in 2024.

    The Marshals, drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were trained in tactical skills to combat illegal miners, bandits, and other criminal elements.

  • Police detain fake Army officer in Nasarawa

    Police detain fake Army officer in Nasarawa

    The Police Command in Nasarawa State  has arrested and detained one Godswill Achili for allegedly impersonating a soldier to rob unsuspecting members of the public.

    This is contained in a statement signed by SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state made available to Journalists on Sunday in Lafia.

    Nansel said that the operatives attached to Angwan Lambu Division, Keffi, arrested the fake soldier following an intelligence-led operation.

    The PPRO explained that the suspect was apprehended while dressed in military camouflage.

    “Upon interrogation, he confessed to impersonating a soldier and engaging in armed robbery.

    “Further investigations revealed that he is a member of a criminal syndicate operating in both the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.

    “The syndicate operates wearing full military uniforms with a black, unregistered Toyota Avalon, targeting unsuspecting members of the public traveling between Keffi, New Karu, and the FCT.

    “He lures victims into his vehicle under pretenses before robbing them of valuables, such as money and mobile phones,” Nansel added.

    The police spokesperson said that based on investigation, the other two members of the syndicate remained at large, and efforts were underway to bring them to justice.

    He said that the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro-Mohammed, urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the police to curb criminal activities in the state.

  • Nasarawa Assembly blows hot over hardship caused by new toll gate

    Nasarawa Assembly blows hot over hardship caused by new toll gate

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on the management of toll gate operations in the state to reduce toll fees, following the hardship faced by road users.

    Mr Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House, made the call after Mr Daniel Ogazi (APC Kokona East) raised the issue as a matter of public interest during the House proceedings on Monday in Lafia.

    The speaker also urged the toll gate management to improve its services if it intends to continue operations in the state.

    According to him, the N500 and N800 charges, among others, imposed by the toll gate operator are too high.

    “I am happy with your positive contributions as our people are suffering as a result of the payment system in the toll gate.

    “We want to appeal to His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Sule to go to the Ministry of Works with the following resolutions.

    “We want the management of toll gates to make provision for toll tickets in designated motor parks and other places for easy payment.

    “We want them to provide an alternative method of payment, as some of our people don’t have ATM cards.

    “Captured vehicles can make cash payments. There should be an option for cash payment at the toll gates.

    “Payment at the toll gate should be made once instead of requiring payment at every toll gate along the route”.

    He further stated that if the toll gate management fails to ensure effective and efficient operations or comply with the resolutions, the House would call for the suspension of its operations in the state.

    Jatau commended President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Works for their efforts in providing roads and other infrastructure in the country.

    The Speaker also appreciated Gov.  Abdullahi Sule for his developmental strides and other services to the people of the state.

    Earlier, Ogazi, the member representing Kokona East Constituency, while moving the motion, said that the toll gate operations have caused and continue to cause hardship for road users.

    He called for the suspension of toll gate operations in the state if the management fails to address the challenges faced by road users.

    “This toll gate has created traffic jams, and our people are suffering as a result of the payment system. The automated tolling payment system is not working effectively and efficiently.

    “They should organise payments at the toll gate in a way that does not negatively impact the lives of our people”.

    Ogazi also suggested that there should be a cash payment system at the toll gate, similar to what is done at airports.

    Members who spoke all lamented how the toll gate operations are negatively affecting the lives of road users.

  • Nasarawa: Ex-Attorney-General takes over as new SSG

    Nasarawa: Ex-Attorney-General takes over as new SSG

    Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, on Friday, swore in Labaran Magaji, immediate-past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    The appointment of Magaji followed the sack of the former SSG, Muhammad Ubandoma-Aliyu, alongside all Commissioners by the governor on Jan. 3.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Lafia, the governor expressed confidence that the new SSG would serve the administration well, given his antecedents, loyalty, and proven performance in all positions he held in the past.

    Sule thanked God Almighty for having another privilege to rejig his administration for optimal service delivery to the people of the state.

    “This was done to bring in new hands that will infuse new perspective into the system to enhance our capacity in the delivery of service for the progress and development of our dear state.

    “As you are aware, the SSG is a legal luminary, a reputable technocrat with global experience, and an unassuming politician, who served the state and the country in various capacities,” the governor said.

    Speaking after the inauguration, the SSG expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy to serve the state in that capacity.

    Magaji promised to discharge his duties with all sense of responsibility and loyalty to the governor.

  • Nasarawa govt moves to fish out ghost workers in LG workforce

    Nasarawa govt moves to fish out ghost workers in LG workforce

    The Nasarawa State Government says it would conduct a screening exercise for personnel across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    Mr Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Affairs to Gov. Abdulahi Sule of the state, disclosed this during a news conference on Friday in Lafia.

    The media aide explained that the move aimed at addressing the rising number of ghost workers in the LGAs

    Ahemba explained that the state’s Economic Council, headed by Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor of the state, had constituted a five-member committee to carry out the exercise.

    “The Economic Council recommended the immediate screening of personnel across the 13 LGAs of the state to fish out ghost workers and ascertain the actual number of workers.

    “The screening is imperative because of the overblown salaries of workers in spite of retirements, deaths and transfer of service.

    “The screening will help the new authorities at the local government levels to plan toward the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage and address other welfare issues,” he said.

    The media aide, who said that the state government had fully complied with the autonomy granted to the 774 LGAs in the country, added that the planned screening exercise would also boost good governance at the grassroots.

    He disclosed that the state government had since abolished the joint account system, adding that the councils now receive their allocations directly from the federation account.

    He further said that the state’s Revenue Service Board is collaborating with the Chairmen of the LGAs to boost the internally generated revenue of their respective councils in line with the local government laws.