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Tag: Plateau State

  • Gunmen kill 20 persons in Plateau – Police

    Gunmen kill 20 persons in Plateau – Police

    The Police Command in Plateau,  says gunmen have killed 20 persons at Baton and Rayogot of Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government of the State.

    DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command,  confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

    Recall that the Berom Youth Movement (BYM), a socio-cultural group, had said 21 persons were killed and seven injured in the attacks.

    According to Alabo, the incident occurred in the wee hours of Thursday.

    ”At about 5 a.m.  today, the command received information from one Rwang Danjuma of Heipang District, that at between 2 a.m. to 2:30a.m., gunmen stormed Baton village where they shot and killed 17 people.

    ”From there, the hoodlums proceeded to Rayogot village and killed 3 persons.

    ”As a result, several other people sustained varying degrees of injuries from gunshots

    ”On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Barkin Ladi led a combined team of Policemen and personnel of other security agencies to restore normalcy to the communities,” he said.

    He explained that the injured persons were currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

    He advised residents of the state to remain peaceful and law abiding at all times.

  • Plateau workers suspend 2 months old strike

    Plateau workers suspend 2 months old strike

    The Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), in Plateau, on Friday, suspended the state’s civil service two-months old strike, and directed workers to resume work on Monday.

    It would be recalled that Plateau civil servants embarked on an indefinite strike on May 11, after government failed to meet their demands, which included payment of salaries and other entitlements.

    The JNC Chairman, Mr Titus Malau, who briefed newsmen in Jos, said that the decision to suspend the strike was taken after its meeting with the state government, where some agreements on their demands were reached.

    “The indefinite strike declared by the union is hereby suspended with effect from July 14, 2023, and workers of both state and local governments are directed to resume work on Monday, July 17, 2023.

    “The technical committee on salary structure shall resume sitting to conclude the salary structure immediately after resumption of work.

    “However, there are challenges of payment of March 2023 salary, which the union’s leadership will follow up to ensure that all are resolved,” he stated.

    Malau said that based on the JNC and government’s agreement, the balance of salaries for the month of February 2023 had been paid.

    The chairman stated that the government had also issued a circular directing all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to implement all promotions with immediate effect.

    He also disclosed that the government had concluded work on the consolidated salary table for state civil servants, and which had been signed by both parties.

    “The Government has prepared salary spreadsheet for the month of March 2023 capturing arrears of annual increment for January and February 2022, same has been presented to the unions.

    “The payment of salary for the month of March would commence on July 4, 2023, after staff verification, and that the salaries of April and May would be paid in the same manner as March, immediately funds are available,” he said.

    Malau further said that the JNC had met with chairmen of the 17 local governments areas of the state, and they had agreed that government would also pay the arrears of salaries of local government employees.

    He said they had also agreed that government would restore the payment of domestic staff allowance to officers on Grade Levels 15 and 16, along with the June salary.

    According to Malau, an agreement was reached that upon the release of promotions and annual increments, the government shall effect payments thereof, from July, 2023.

  • Plateau crisis: 15 bodies recovered, 78 houses burnt -MACBAN

    Plateau crisis: 15 bodies recovered, 78 houses burnt -MACBAN

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said 15 people were killed following an alleged invasion of their communities in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The group also said 78 houses belonging to their members were burnt while over 2,000 cattle were still missing after the invasion.

    Nuru Abdullahi, state chairman of the group, disclosed this to journalists on Monday, in Jos, the state capital.

    He said, “On the invasion of Fulani communities in villages of Mangu, we have recovered 15 bodies killed on Friday. About 78 houses were burnt down. Cattle numbering 2,000 are still missing. This unfortunate thing is moving its head quickly into other LGAs of the state to annihilate Fulani completely in the state.”

    Abdullahi also alleged a plan to attack their communities by suspected militias.

    “There is an intelligence report that there are trained militias recruited and brought to fight and chase all Fulani out of Plateau State in the name of crisis. Therefore, at this point, we are still calling on the federal government to as a matter of urgency put a stop to what is happening in Mangu LGA.

    “They should take immediate action before things go out of hand. We are soliciting the FG to take necessary action so that things will not go out of hand. We will not continue watching people killing us and destroying our properties,” Abdullahi added.

    The spokesman of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, and that of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba Barrack, Lieutenant Colonel Ishaku Sabastine Takwa, had yet to respond to calls and messages..

    Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA to restore law and order and to forestall further loss of lives and property.

    The Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, in a statement, said the governor imposed the curfew following his consultation with the State Security Council.

    The statement said movements within the local government have been banned until further notice except for security personnel and persons on essential duties, adding that security agencies have been directed to ensure total enforcement of the curfew.

  • Gov Mutfwang reveals huge debt burden inherited from Simon Lalong

    Gov Mutfwang reveals huge debt burden inherited from Simon Lalong

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau says his administration inherited a debt burden of N307 billion from the immediate past administration in the State.

    The Governor disclosed this shortly after receiving the reports of the committees on Transition and   Strategic Development Framework for Plateau, on Monday in Jos.

    The two committees were headed by Prof. Ganyir Lombin.

    The Governor expressed his determination  to take the state to greater heights, in spite of its huge debt profile.

    Mutfwang particularly expressed his readiness to tackle the current security challenges in the state.

    “Throughout the campaign season, we were under the mistaken belief that our debt burden was around N200 billion; to hear that it is  N307 billion is quite intimidating and worrisome.

    “But, by the special grace of God, these challenges we are confronted with are surmountable.

    “Of particular concern is the issue of insecurity which, unfortunately, has become a major distraction for us.

    ”But we are confident that with the new security chiefs on the ground and the Special Adviser on Security assuming responsibility, we will see a difference not too long from now,’’ Mutfwang said.

    The governor promised to meticulously study the document presented to him, adding that further investigation would be conducted and appropriate action would be taken as well.

    Earlier, Lombin explained that some operational challenges prevented the two committees, which had appointees of the past administration as members, from jointly presenting their report.

    He said that the  handover notes presented to the governor on May 29 was not in consonance with the agreed template developed by the joint committee.

    He said in the note, the revenue, which accrued to the State Government from May 2015 to May 2023, stood at N872 billion, adding that the report only gave the total expenditure from May 2015 to December 2022 and excluded that of January to May, 2023.

    “There is no clear figure for the state’s monthly wage bill, however, this administration has inherited a backlog of four months unpaid salaries to public servants amounting to over N11 billion.

    ”Outstanding gratuity and pension arrears of N24 billion was also inherited.

    “The Legacy  Projects are marred in controversies and unresolved legal cases which have stalled their completion.

    ”Currently, the sum of N12 billion for these projects is still in the custody of the Trustees of the funds,” he said.

    The chairman called for more investigations on the 3,692 government’s assets and properties  allegedly sold and auctioned within and outside the state.

    ”It is a thing of deep concern  that this  government inherited a near-bankrupt state, with weak institutions, low public morale, and a high level of insecurity, but with high expectations from the people,”he said.

    Presenting a Four-Year Strategic Development Blueprint for Plateau, Lombin  expressed confidence on Mutfwang’s determination to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the people.

  • Gov Mutfwang declares 24-hour curfew over gunmen attacks

    Gov Mutfwang declares 24-hour curfew over gunmen attacks

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of the State following recent attacks.

    Mutfwang gave the directive on Sunday in Jos, in a statement issued by Mr Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor.

    Fresh attacks were reportedly unleashed on some communities in Mangu LGA on Saturday night, resulting in the loss of nine lives, properties, as well as many persons displaced.

    “The State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government Area, following recent attacks that led to loss of lives and properties.

    “The Governor, in consultation with the State Security Council, imposed the curfew on the entire Local Government Area to restore law and order.

    “Consequently, movements within the Local Government have been banned until further notice except for security personnel and persons on essential duties.

    “Security agencies have therefore been directed to ensure total enforcement of the curfew,” the statement read.

    The governor further assured the people that the government was working round-the-clock to restore peace and security in the state.

  • Plateau Gov, Muftwang appoints Chief of Staff

    Plateau Gov, Muftwang appoints Chief of Staff

    Gov Caleb Mutfwtang of Plateau has approved the appointment of Jeremiah Satmark as his Chief of Staff (CoS).

    The appointment is contained in a statement issued by Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, on Monday in Jos.

    He said that the appointment was in furtherance of his resolve to run a responsive and people-centered government.

    The chief of staff was until his appointment the Vice Chairman of the People Democratic Party of Central zone in the state and was Chief of Staff to a former Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly (PLHA).

    Similarly the governor approved the appointment of the outgoing Speaker of the PLHA , Abok Ayuba as his Special Adviser on Legislative duties.

    He also approved the appointment of Mr Alex Gyang Kundang as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor.

    He directed that all the appointments would take immediate effect.

  • Just In: Plateau 17 LGA chairmen reject suspension, head to court

    Just In: Plateau 17 LGA chairmen reject suspension, head to court

    …say new gov witch hunting us

     

    Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) in Plateau state on Friday frowned at the suspension of the 17 local government council chairmen in the state describing it as an act of witch hunt .

    Recall Governor Caleb Mutfwang had on Thursday Suspended the 17 local government council chairmen in Plateau following a directive to the state house of assembly .

    Addressing newsmen at the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Press center in Jos ,ALGON chairman in Plateau ,Hon Alex Naantuan said we reject the suspension in totality .

    In his words “We the council chairmen were elected by the good people of our various local government councils ,we would be challenging this game of witch-hunt by the state government in court .”

    Details shortly…

  • Security agencies on ground to repel attacks – Lalong assures communities

    Security agencies on ground to repel attacks – Lalong assures communities

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has said that security agencies have been directed to remain on ground to repel any ambush in the state following the recent attack on Kabut village in Mangu Local Government Area.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Lalong’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham on Friday in Jos.

    He said that the directive was the resolution of the state’s security council emergency meeting chaired by him on Tuesday to review and assess the recent attacks where many lives were lost.

    “The security agencies are to sustain the presence of their personnel on ground to rebuild confidence and halt any further affront on innocent citizens,’’he said.

    He said that the council reviewed the situation and resolved that all suspects arrested for allegedly carrying out the attack must be immediately prosecuted.

    He said that the prosecution would be in a transparent manner to send a strong message to the public that no criminal would go unpunished.

    He said that the council condemns the evil act and remain resolute on continuing the search for other fleeing perpetrators who must be arrested and dealt with swiftly.

    Lalong also said that the government would address the plight of displaced persons in the area through its intervention and work toward restoring normalcy.

    He said that an engagement committee would be set up to douse the tension generated by the unfortunate incident.

    The council appealed to the Plateau people to increase vigilance in their communities and shun any action that could trigger the situation.

    He assured the people that government would not relent in its efforts in addressing the situation.

    ‘’We will not fold our arms and watch citizens being maimed and killed by criminals,”’he said.

  • Lalong to inaugurate 32 projects – commissioner

    Lalong to inaugurate 32 projects – commissioner

    The Commissioner for Information in Plateau state, Mr Dan Manjang, says Gov. Simon Lalong will inaugurate 32 completed projects across the state before the end of his administration.

    Manjang announced this in Jos on Monday while inspecting the remodelled Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat; one of the projects to be inaugurated.

    He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari would inaugurate 12 out of the 32 projects which were spread across the state.

    “I am glad to inform you that Lalong is set to inaugurate 32 projects across the state before his tenure elapses.

    “The ministry has come as an advance party to inspect the project at the NUJ Press Centre before its furnishing which will be completed in two days.

    “The president will inaugurate the British-America interchange, the Jos High Court Complex and the Multi-Door Court House, Kalong Bridge in Shendam, three general hospitals in Kwall, Kanke and water project in Riyom’’, he said.

    Manjang commended the journalists in Plateau for adequately reporting activities of the government, adding that the incoming government should prioritise journalists’ activities and carry them along.

    He called for better remuneration and insurance for journalists to help them to discharge their duties effectively and objectively.

    The state chairman of the NUJ, Mr Paul Jatau, thanked the state government for remodelling the centre and charged journalists to make use of the facility.

  • Plateau workers threaten strike action over salary arrears

    Plateau workers threaten strike action over salary arrears

    Workers in Plateau, under the aegis of the Joint National Public Service, have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over non-payment of their salary arrears and other demands.

    Chairman of the workers’ council, Mr Titus Malau, said this in a news conference on Thurday in Jos.

    The chairman explained that the workers were being owed three months salaries, insisting that the state government was not concerned about the welfare of its workers.

    Malau listed other demands to include lack of promotions, non- implementation of existing salary structure, third party dedications, among others.

    He said that the workers had earlier given government a seven-day ultimatum which expired on May 3, and regretted that government had failed to respond.

    ”In line with our seven days ultimatum which expired on May 3, the leadership of the joint council has made frantic efforts to avert an industrial upheaval by meeting with government to reach an amicable resolution on two occasions.

    On May 3 and May 4, we met with the government but it was unable to address the vexed issues.

    ”In our last sitting, the representative of government appealed that we grant them an extension of two weeks within which our demands will be met.

    ”But the leadership of the council met and considered the extension of four days, from Friday, May 5, to Wednesday, May 10, to enable government address these pressing issues.

    ”If by May 10 the situation remains unchanged, we will be left with no other option than to embark on an indefinite strike action to press for our demands,” he said.

    Malau, however, called on the workers to exercise patience and remain resolute while awaiting government’s response to the ultimatum.