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Tag: Plateau State

  • Military renames its operation in Plateau

    Military renames its operation in Plateau

    The Defence Headquarters has renamed its Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) to “Operation Ensuring Peace” in its efforts to ensure better action against insecurity in the area of its operational environment.

    Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) disclosed this during the rebranding of the operation on Friday in Jos.

    Due to the rising security challenges in Plateau and environs, the military in 2010 established the operation and named it Special Task Force (STF).

    In 2015, STF was renamed OPSH, with its mandate and areas of responsibility expanded to cover some parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states.

    According to Musa, the renaming of the operation would ensure better output in stemming the tides of insecurity within its joint operation area.

    Musa, who commended the troops of the operation for tackling the myriad of security challenges in Plateau and environs, however, acknowledged some challenges faced in recent times.

    “This is a significant and strategic transition in our ongoing commitment towards restoring sustainable peace, security and stability in Plateau and adjoining areas of Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States.

    “The operation has significantly contributed to mitigating communal conflicts, curbing armed banditry and enhancing civil-military relations.

    “It has served as a stabilising force, providing the much-needed assurance of security to communities affected by decades of recurrent violence.

    According to Musa, it is therefore with great honour and sense of duty that I stand before you to formally deactivate ‘Operation Safe Haven’ and with renewed resolve, operationalise its successor, ‘Operation Ensuring Peace.

    The CDS said that the rebranding was not cosmetic, insisting that it reflects a broader mandate and renewed sense of purpose.

    He added that the move was a stronger resolve towards securing not just temporary safety, but a lasting peace that would endure for generations.

    Musa said that the new identity underscored the reality that the security challenges required more than immediate interventions and demanded sustainable solutions that integrate military, political, judicial and community efforts.

    He said that the Operation Enduring Peace, would place stronger emphasis on inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations and community engagement which encapsulate a whole-of-society approach.

    “In practical terms, we are working towards deploying additional personnel, enhancing logistics support and providing critical operational assets.

    “These enablers will significantly improve the operational effectiveness of our troops,” the CDS said.

    Musa promised to initiate good welfare package for troops of the operation, adding that such move would enable them carry out their duties with focus and resilience.

    The CDS, who thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the armed forces, called on residents of the joint operation area to cooperate and support the troops deployed to their communities to succeed.

  • Plateau FRSC Special Marshals get new officials

    Plateau FRSC Special Marshals get new officials

    The Plateau Chapter of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshals has elected new officials to pilot its affairs for the next three years.

    The newly elected officials were inaugurated by Mr Olajide Mogaji, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, on Saturday in Jos.

    Speaking at the event, Mogaji, who tasked the new officials on integrity and accountability, urged them to promote the ideals of the organisation.

    The commander also called on them to support the command towards actualising its mandate of ensuring safety on the highways.

    “The primary role of the special marshals is to educate the public on road safety, manage traffic, and assist in accident situations.

    “They are expected to use their influence in their immediate environment to promote road safety and encourage responsible road user behaviour.

    “Special marshals work closely with the regular FRSC officers in carrying out their duties.

    “As I congratulate the new officials, I urge you to perform your duties diligently and effectively,” he advised.

    Responding, Mr Abayomi Odegbami, the new Coordinator of the special marshals, promised to build on the legcies of his predecessor, particularly in the area of improving its data base.

    Odegbami promised to create awareness towards encouraging more qualified residents of the state to join the organisation.

  • Suspected bandits kill 8 vigilantes in Plateau

    Suspected bandits kill 8 vigilantes in Plateau

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed eight members of a vigilance group in Kukawa community of Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the Special Taskforce, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    Zhakom, who confirmed the incident, however, said that some of the details about the incident circulating in the media were false.

    “While OPSH confirms the incident, certain details circulating are inaccurate. On July 6, a large group of vigilantes mobilised from Kanam LGA with the intent to conduct an independent operation without notifying OPSH troops.

    “Upon arriving at Kukawa community, where they had a temporary stop for administrative purposes and they engaged in a confrontation with some residents.

    “Reports indicate that they attacked civilians, looted several provision shops and seized 20 motorcycles in the area claiming they were finalising administrative procedures before proceeding to Odare forest for their mission.

    “However, while advancing toward the forest, the group was ambushed by armed bandits, resulting in the death of eight of them with others still missing,” he said.

    Zhakom explained that the dead bodies of the deceased have been recovered and buried, adding that its troops had commenced search and rescue operations to locate other missing persons.

    The media officer, however, advised vigilante groups to collaborate with the military and other security agencies before embarking on such security engagement.

    “While we recognise the vigilantes’ intent to protect lives and property, independent actions without the approval of security agencies endanger both the operatives and innocent civilians,”

    Zhakom called on the residents of the state continually support the military and other security agencies in their bid toward the safety of lives and property of all citizens.

  • Mutfwang swears-in 3 new special advisers, 1 special assistant

    Mutfwang swears-in 3 new special advisers, 1 special assistant

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Wednesday swore in three Special Advisers and one Special Assistant to serve in his administration.

    Speaking at the event in Jos, Mutfwang said that the move aimed at amplifying his administration’s renewed drive for efficient governance, energy sector reforms, and climate-conscious development.

    The governor charged the newly appointed officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and commitment to duty.

    “Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to deepening governance and bringing on board qualified professionals to drive our development agenda.

    “We have carefully selected individuals not merely on political grounds but on the basis of competence and capacity to deliver results,” he said.

    The governor also inaugurated the governing council for the Plateau State Electricity Commission, the Road Safety Advisory Council, the Energy Corporation Board and the Committee on Carbon Sequestration for the Jatropha-to-Biofuel Project in partnership with Noah Regen.

    The newly sworn-in aides included Mr Theophilus Dakas-Shan, Special Adviser on National Party Affairs and Habila Mutla, Special Adviser on Grassroots Soccer Development

    Other appointees are Dr Markus Avong, Special Adviser on Livestock and Veterinary Services, and Mr Emmanuel Gyibok, Special Assistant on Mines.

  • Plateau ADC chairman supports coalition, chides 2023 presidential candidate

    Plateau ADC chairman supports coalition, chides 2023 presidential candidate

    Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State, Mrs Hanatu Gagara, has thrown her weight behind the coalition of other political parties with the ADC.

    Gagara, on Thursday in Jos, described the unveiling of the coalition on Wednesday as a historic and commendable event that will continue to reverberate in the annals of history.

    The visibly elated chairman said that the development was a result of many years of diligence, perseverance, commitment and hard work of ADC stakeholders.

    “This party started about 20 years ago, and until recently, only one person, the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has been funding and taking care of the party.

    “Our former national chairman and others have shown incredible dedication, and we all must continue in that spirit.

    “It wasn’t easy for him at all, so seeing so many people coming in is something I’m genuinely happy about,” she stated.

    She chided the ADC presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Dumebi Kachukwu, for opposing the coalition that was capable of transforming the nation’s political landscape.

    Gagara said that anyone who opposes the new development was simply anti-people and was averse to Nigeria’s democratic advancement.

    “I listened to what he said, but I want to assure you that I am also a state chairman, and he was a candidate, not a current member.

    “Since he became a candidate in 2022, I haven’t heard from him. I’ve been in the party for 17 years, so I’m not new here. Naturally, I know what is happening within the party.

    “When the coalition came about 18 months ago, we were part of the negotiations and discussions. So, for anyone to claim that the state chairmen were not involved, it’s simply not true.

    “We were involved right from the beginning, attending all the meetings and discussions. To say otherwise is misleading,” she explained.

    Plateau ADC chairman emphasised that the main goal of the party was not just to grab power but to move this country forward.

    According to her, the excruciating pains Nigerians were going through under the current administration spurred them into action.

    “We felt that coming together as a united team would enable us to make a real difference. If power comes our way, we won’t reject it, but it’s not the primary goal.

    “ADC stands for the Rule of Law, and that’s something we hold dear. Nigerians are law-abiding, and when a law is established, people generally follow it.

    “When things go wrong, it’s because laws are not properly enforced. So, when new members come in, we will guide them on how to align with our ideology, and I believe they will follow our lead.

    “Everyone will be treated equally. This is a party where we welcome anyone with like-minded ideology.

    “For those that are on the fence, I say: give it time. When they see what is happening, they will believe and eventually join us. We are just starting, but in due time, they will see the progress,” she added.

    She encouraged all members to be patient and to work hard, saying it was through hard work that they had gotten this far.

  • Gov Mutfwang breaks silence on murder of 8 travellers in Plateau

    Gov Mutfwang breaks silence on murder of 8 travellers in Plateau

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has condemned the murder of eight travellers in Mangun community of Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state by suspected hoodlums.

    Governor Mutfwang, who called for calm, said this when he visited the scene of the incident on Saturday.

    On Friday hoodlums attacked 31 travellers, including women and children and killed eight of them. The passengers were traveling from Zaria to Qua’an Pan LGA of the state to attend a wedding ceremony.

    Mufwang, who expressed sadness over the incident, described it as an act of criminality.

    “I have reached out to my brother, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Emir of Zazzau; I have briefed them on this unfortunate incident.

    “This is not something that we are happy with; this is not an occurrence that we will condone.

    “So, we condemn it in all totality, and we have made a pledge that any act of criminality would not be tolerated.

    “I therefore want to use this medium again to call upon the youth of Plateau, that it is time to be very sensible.

    “It is time to be wise. If you find strangers in your midst, call for interrogation to avoid a case of mistaken identity and not take laws into your hands,” he said.

    The governor, who had visited the injured among the travelers who are currently taking treatment at the Mangu General Hospital, promised to foot the bills of their treatment.

    Mutfwang, who condoled with families of those who lost their loved ones in the incident, promised to send a government delegation to visit them and the government of Kaduna state.

    The governor, particularly commended the youth leader of Mangun and the security agencies for their swift response to the incident that led to the rescue of the survivors of the mob action.

    The governor, who further assured Nigerians that Plateau is peaceful, called for tolerance, mutual trust and understanding among the residents of the state.

    “I want to assure Nigerians that Plateau will continue to be home to everybody, irrespective of ethnicity and religious beliefs,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Emmanuel Adesina, the Commissioner of Police in the state, confirmed the number of deaths recorded during the incident.

    “Seven persons died on the spot, but this morning, one among the injured also died in the hospital. This brings the number of those who died to eight,”he said.

    Adesina, however, said that it had arrested 22 suspects in connection with the incident.

    He added that his men were also searching the community to fish other persons suspected to be involved in the mob action.

  • N2.5bn scam: EFCC arrests ex-Plateau Speaker, 14 others

    N2.5bn scam: EFCC arrests ex-Plateau Speaker, 14 others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly, Moses Sule, alongside 14 former lawmakers over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

    EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The commission’s spokesman said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Tuesday, following petitions from concerned citizens in the state.

    Oyewale explained that the former legislators allegedly violated the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and were also implicated in procurement irregularities.

    He named the other lawmakers arrested alongside Sule as Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Jwe Gwom, Timothy Dantong, Happiness Akawu, and Cornelius Doeyok.

    Oyewale listed others to include Agbalak Ibrahim, Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Ndat, Salome Waklek, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren and Paul Datugun.

    “Investigation showed that the former legislators spent only six months in office and the state government bought several luxury vehicles for them in their official capacities.

    “Investigation further showed that the said vehicles are valued at N2.5 billion.

    “Upon leaving office, the vehicles were meant to be returned to the state government but were taken away by the legislators and all efforts to retrieve them have proved abortive.

    “The state government had to procure another set of vehicles for the present members of the House of Assembly valued at about N2 billion,” he said.

    Oyewale said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

  • Plateau CAN chairman dies 2 weeks after tragic car accident

    Plateau CAN chairman dies 2 weeks after tragic car accident

    Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the Chairman of the Plateau Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), is dead.

    Lubo, a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, died in the early hours of Sunday at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

    Two weeks ago Lubo was involved a tragic car accident, where he sustained a head injury.

    Rev. Fr. Daniel Gyang, the Chancellor of the archdiocese, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Sunday in Jos.

    “On a sad note, but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing unto eternal glory of Very Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo.

    “He passed on to eternal glory in the early hours of Sunday, June 15.

    “The Archbishop condoles with his immediate family, CAN in Plateau, the presbyterium of Jos and the parishioners of St. William’s Parish, Zawan, where he was the Parish Priest.

    “The archbishop equally commiserates with all the Religious and lay faithful of the archdiocese over this loss,”he Gyang said.

    The chancellor said that burial arrangements for the deceased would be announced in due course.

  • 2025 Hajj: Plateau pilgrim dies in Makkah

    2025 Hajj: Plateau pilgrim dies in Makkah

    Hajiya Jamila Muhammad, a pilgrim from Plateau has died in Makkah.

    Mr Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary of the State’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Jos.

    Dauda said that the pilgrim died on Monday at the King Abdul’aziz hospital, Makkah due to complication from diabetes.

    “When the complications began, we immediately took her to the hospital for proper medication inline with our mandate.

    “Unfortunately, we lost her and the doctor at hospital confirmed it was complications due to diabetes,”he said

    Dauda further said that the deceased has since been buried in Makkah according to Islamic rites.

    He condoled with her immediate family over the irreparable loss and urged them to take solace in God.

  • Troops neutralise 3 suspected bandits in Plateau, recover weapons

    Troops neutralise 3 suspected bandits in Plateau, recover weapons

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have neutralised three suspected bandits in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

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

    Zhakom, who said that the feat followed an intelligence tip, added that the troops also recovered weapons during the operations.

    “Yesterday , troops of OPSH, acting on credible intelligence, conducted offensive operations at a criminal hideout along the fringes of Pinau community in Wase LGA of Plateau.

    “During the operation, troops made contact with criminal elements terrorising the general area, including Pinau – Gimbi road.

    “During the exchange of fire, troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower and neutralised three of the suspected bandits

    “While others ran away with wounds from gunshots, troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK-47 rifle and one AK-47 magazine,” he said.

    Zhakom said that the troops had commenced a follow-up operation to intercept the fleeing criminals.