TheNewsGuru

Tag: Plateau State

  • After police dispelled rumour of attack, bandits attack Plateau communities

    After police dispelled rumour of attack, bandits attack Plateau communities

    After police dispelled rumour of attack, gunmen, suspected to be bandits, have attack and killed some locals and razed down many houses in four villages of the Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau.

    The attackers stormed the villages on Sunday afternoon, shooting sporadically and setting properties belonging to the locals on fire.

    A resident of the area, Danladi Dukup, told NAN that some people lost their lives while others sustained various degrees of injuries.

    He said that many of the villagers have fled their homes for safety following the invasion.

    Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military task force maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, confirmed the attack to journalists on Sunday in Jos.

    Takwa, who didn’t confirm the number of persons killed or injured, said that troops of the task force have been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.

    This attack is coming barely 24 hours after the abduction of the wife and daughter of the state Commissioner for Environment.

  • Police dispel rumour of attack on Jos

    Police dispel rumour of attack on Jos

    The Police Command in Plateau State has dispelled rumours of a possible attack by bandits on Jos and environs.

    ASP Ubah Ogaba, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), of the command, said this in a statement on Sunday in Jos.

    There is a rumour making the rounds that bandits had infiltrated Jos, and could attack at any moment.

    But Ogaba maintained that the command had adopted a new strategy toward curbing insecurity in the state.

    “The Police command wishes to state clearly that Plateau State, especially Jos, its capital, is very peaceful.

    ‘“The command has adopted a new security strategy in line with our normal routine patrol and check.

    “Also, the command would be proactive on any intelligent report at our disposal, as it is our core mandate to protect lives and property.

    “The command urges everyone to go about their legitimate businesses without fear,” he said.

    The PPRO called on residents of the state to be law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies towards ensuring peace and security.

  • PLATEAU: 10 killed, 19 injured in gunmen attack at Chando Zerreci, Bassa LGA

    PLATEAU: 10 killed, 19 injured in gunmen attack at Chando Zerreci, Bassa LGA

    Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, late Saturday night at about 11pm, attacked Chando Zerreci in Bassa Local Government of Plateau State and killed no fewer than 10 persons.

     

    The gunmen launched the attack, which also left 19 persons injured, during the annual Irigwe ritual festival ‘Zerreci’ celebrated to usher in the rainy farming season.

     

    Confirming the attack in a statement on Sunday in Jos, the National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Youth Movement, Comrade Lawrence Zongo, called on Federal Government to come to their rescue.

     

    The statement reads: “The National Leadership of Irigwe Youth Movement(IYM) condemned the attack of the Irigwe people on her annual ritual festival ‘Zerreci’ the festival that will usher them into the rainy farming season.

     

    “The group alleged that they were attacked by herdsmen late Saturday night at about 11pm at Chando Zerreci in Bassa Local Government of Plateau state”

     

    Zongo noted that 10 persons were killed and 19 people survived gunshots wounds.

     

    The 19 people that survived gunshots wounds are said to be undergoing medical treatment at Enos Hospital Miango while others are receiving treatment in Jos.

     

    The statement added: “The Nigerian government has a responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the right to life, and a duty to protect civilians from attacks by taking effective measures to prevent and deter attacks on the Rigwe people.

     

    “The government must as a matter of urgency investigate the attack in Irigwe land and bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure families and other victims are adequately compensated.

     

    “Brutal attacks on Rigwe communities are becoming rampant and frequent. This is unacceptable. The government must take more concrete steps to protect lives and property across Rigwe chiefdom and neighboring communities.”

     

    Plateau police spokesman, Uba Ogaba, said the Command had mobilised armed personnel to the place to restore normalcy.

  • Practise good personal hygiene to save your marriages – Cleric advises women

    Practise good personal hygiene to save your marriages – Cleric advises women

    Rev. Tajan Moltok, Resident Pastor of Shepherd House Assembly International, Jos, has underscored the need for good personal hygiene to enable women to save their marriages.

    The cleric gave the advice during the church’s women’s convention on Sunday in Jos with theme, “the intentional woman”.

    He said good hygiene should be practised by women, keep themselves neat, dress smartly and keep their marital homes tidy.

    “An intentional woman should keep herself and her family clean .

    “Some women complain that their husbands do not find them appealing. One of the reasons is that they are dirty.

    “Do not always tie wrapper on your chest and wear tee-shirts, wear attractive night wears.

    “An intentional woman is a wise builder who play critical role in the family, by adding value wherever she finds herself, through giving wise counsel to her husband and her family.

    “An intentional woman adjust to changes according to situations. She is a woman who attracts prophetic and divine intervention over home and family,” he said .

    Moltok urged women to be intentional to live godly lives and pray without ceasing, saying things would change with prayers and patience .

    He commended women for their sacrifices and support to their husbands, families and God’s work on earth, while praying for grace and favour for God to grant them their heart desires.

  • EXPOSED: How Plateau Gov plans to spend N73m tax payers money on summit/medical tourism in Dubai/ US

    EXPOSED: How Plateau Gov plans to spend N73m tax payers money on summit/medical tourism in Dubai/ US

    …Covid-19 tests for 12 persons to gulp N4.9m

    …flight tickets for gov and wife to cost N19.6m

    Despite excruciating pangs of hunger and lack in Nigeria, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong and his entourage are billed to visit Dubai and the United States which will cost NN73,686,340.00.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this is coming barely 48hours after newly sworn-in Governor of Anambra, Prof Charles Soludo revealed that his predecessor, Willie Obiano left a meagre N300million out of over $150m left in the state coffers by Peter Obi in March 2014.

    TNG recalls that Obi had in different fora told Nigerians about all the monies he left behind in different accounts running to over N75bn without owing any money only for his successor to leave behind over N100bn debts and liabilities. Could this too be loading in Plateau.

    To this end, here are details of Lalong latest Expenditure on summit and medical tourism.

    Lalong, his wife and 10 other key officers of the Plateau government are expected to attend the economic summit, thereafter the governor would embark on a medical tourism to Atalanta Georgia in the United States.

    Details of the travel scheduled for March 27 as contained in the SSG’s memo (Attached) dated March 18 revealed that the following expenses will be incured by the state government.

    FLIGHT TICKETS(RETURNED)
    i.
    His Excellency & Wife (1″ Class)
    @ N9,829,079 X 2 (Abj-Dub-All) =
    N19,658,158.00
    ii.
    Air Tickets for 2 Aides @
    N1,195,288 Each (Abj-Dub-Atl)
    (i.e. 2 Pers Assts))
    N2,390,576.00
    iii. Return Ticket for 8 Officials
    (Abj-Dub-Abj) @N937.225 each = N7,497.800.00
    iv.
    UAE Visa Fees @ N150,000 x 6
    N 900,000.00

    Miscellaneous Charges
    N250,000.00
    vi. COVID19 Tests for 12 persons
    N4.950,000.00
    Sub-Total = N35.646.534.00
    B.
    ESTACODE ALLOWANCES
    i. Estacode for 3 Commissioners &
    Chairman Econ. Council $600
    * N580x 10 days * 4persons
    N13,920,000.00
    ii. Two (2) Chief Executives of
    Parastatals (Chrys & Felix) @
    @ $500 * N580 x 10 days x 2 N5,800,000.00
    ii. Two Pers Assis. at $400 x 17 days
    * N580 x 2 persons (Dubai & USA)= N7,880,000.00
    Estacode for DOPPA at $400 x 10
    Days x N580 (Dubai Only)
    N2,320,000.00

    Estacode for Pers. Physician at
    $400 x 10 Days x N580 (Dubai only)= N2,320,000.00
    vi. Trips & Accommodation for 3
    Cmms & Chairman State Econ
    Council in Abuja @ N500,000
    each
    N2,000,000.00
    vii. Trips & Accomm. For 2 Chief Exec
    of Parastatals in Abuja @ N300,000= N600,000.00
    Each
    viil. Trips and Accommodation for
    4 Aides in Abuja at N300,000 each= N1.200,000.00
    SUB-TOTAL= N36,040,000.00
    C. Contingency
    N2,000,000.00
    GRAND TOTAL =
    N73,686,340.00

  • Plateau PDP takes swipe at Gov Lalong over alleged non performance

    Plateau PDP takes swipe at Gov Lalong over alleged non performance

    …says proposed foundation laying ceremony an insult to collective sensibilities of Plateau citizens

    … advises Lalong to stop inviting Gen Gowon to such spurious events

    The Plateau chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed Governor Simon Lalong over poor performance in infrastructural development of the State.

    The PDP specifically mentioned the ground breaking foundation laying ceremony of the contentious British American flyover.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Plateau PDP in a statement stating that:

    “The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) read with concern a press release credited to Hon Pam Botmang, Commissioner for Works Plateau State dated 10th day of March 2022 inviting members of the public including an elder statesman Gen Yakubu Gowon and Governors to witness the foundation laying of the contentious British American Flyover.

    “This invitation is not only an abuse of responsibility but an embarrassment to the entirety of Plateau people. This is a failure of leadership that lacks a compelling vision and values for the State.

    “It is unfortunate that when Governor Lalong’s colleagues like Gov Wike of Rivers state, Gov Okowa of Delta State, etc, are busy inviting elder statesmen to commission uncountable projects in their various states, Lalong is shamelessly disturbing our well-respected elder statesman, to come and witness a foundation-laying project.

    “Lalong would have done us proud if all these dignitaries were invited for a commissioning ceremony of Jos main market, which he has refused to rebuild, roads construction he has abandoned, and his so-called legacy project full of controversy, Is it that Governor Lalong and the entire government officials and the ruling political party lack wisdom to display this kind of deceit and propaganda to these top leaders who know nothing about Lalongs poor performance and total failure?

    “We advise Governor Lalong and the APC to stop using our highly valued elder statesman (Gen Gowon) to cover up their nonperformance.

    Read full statement below:

    *LALONG AND THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF DECEIT AND LIES*

    *What 7 Years Could Not Do*…..

    The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) read with concern a press release credited to Hon Pam Botmang, Commissioner for Works Plateau State dated 10th day of March 2022 inviting members of the public including an elder statesman Gen Yakubu Gowon and Governors to witness the foundation laying of the contentious British American Flyover.

    This invitation is not only an abuse of responsibility but an embarrassment to the entirety of Plateau people. This is a failure of leadership that lacks a compelling vision and values for the State.

    It is unfortunate that when Governor Lalong’s colleagues like Gov Wike of Rivers state, Gov Okowa of Delta State, etc, are busy inviting elder statesmen to commission uncountable projects in their various states, Lalong is shamelessly disturbing our well-respected elder statesman, to come and witness a foundation-laying project.

    Lalong would have done us proud if all these dignitaries were invited for a commissioning ceremony of Jos main market, which he has refused to rebuild, roads construction he has abandoned, and his so called legacy project full of controversy, Is it that Governor Lalong and the entire government officials and the ruling political party lack wisdom to display this kind of deceit and propaganda to these top leaders who know nothing about Lalongs poor performance and total failure?

    We advise Governor Lalong and the APC to stop using our highly valued elder statesman (Gen Gowon) to cover up their non-performance.

    The Peoples Democratic Party will be doing a great disservice to Plateau People if we fail to alert and properly inform the people by exposing APC’s worthlessness and deceit

    1. This same project was awarded since December last year (2021)which 50% of the total sum was paid to the contractor *(CRENEBURG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED*) through access bank with the state government as surety. This was for the commencement of the work but 4 months after the advance payment, the APC Government is celebrating groundbreaking as an achievement when the same government has abandoned it’s own projects and those inherited from PDP which were at 80% completion such as
    A) The National library abattoir flyover road.
    B) The new Government House road linking Cheng o pieng express road.
    C) Corona link road bukuru.
    D) It’s own so-called legacy projects that cost a whooping sum of 59 billion Naira.
    E) Rebuilding of Jos main market with demolition cost of 3 billion Naira.
    F) Mbar Kawai road with a spur to Syken.

    This clearly shows that the APC led administration in the State has nothing to offer than groundbreaking ceremony of deceit, just like the cock, who needed to crow so that Plateau people don’t forget its carcass of leadership is still in place. 2. We, therefore, call on the commissioner of works to explain to Plateau people as he did on groundbreaking ceremony of British American Flyover what happened to other abandoned projects especially those contracts that were paid and abandoned by Governor Lalong’s administration such as:

    *1, Construction of lankang Dyis – kagu -Sihin Road (24km) to mould Nig Ltd at the cost #2,086,006,570.06*.

    *2, Construction of kuba-Tanti- manguna Road (66.2km), to mould Nig Ltd @ the cost of # 2,581,648,782.77*

    *3, Construction of Tahoss- Ganawuri Road with Spur to Dahreng (27km) to PW @ the cost of #1,249,436,742.29*

    *4, Construction of Bet- lobiring Doruwa-mazat- kuba Road with a spur to Vom vet Bet lobiring – Doruwa (20.8km) to Griffin NIG Ltd @#869,484,016.40 Doruwa-mazat -kuba (18.013km)to Bindigari construction. Ltd,@ #721,778,874.50*

    *5,construction of fobur-naton -fursa-maijuju-zandi road (46km), a,fobur -naton-fursa-maijuju (27.6km)to mould Nig Ltd @#1,846,249,184.58 b,maijuju-zandi (18.4km) to Dux project Nig Ltd @#1,069,524,641.18**

    *6,Construction of Wase -kadarko -Dadin kowa- mabudi road (65.4km) to EEC international Ltd @#4,420,192,938.40*

    *7,Construction of Dengi-kwalmiya Dugub-Gagdi Road (41.78km) to Rick Rock const Nig Ltd @#3,059,404,700.63*

    *8, Construction of mangu bye pass (13km) to PW Nig Ltd @#2,581,648,782.77*
    *9,Construction of Domkat Bali -Tudu wada (4.5 km); Jethro Akun road kufang -itf zonal office (1.1km) spur from mango by multi purpose Hall,behind Custom Barracks (1.65km)@ the cost of #2,798,804,424.79.*

    These are some of the projects out of 22 roads awarded since 22nd February 2017, which through the appropriate State ministry requested Plateau State House of Assembly for permission to award the contract for 22No roads projects pending a supplementary Budget to be presented, and this was so approved.

    *In view of the above direct approval was given for the advance payment of the roads project on Wednesday, August 30th 2017 the total sum of thirty -seven billion, two hundred and seventy -five million, two hundred and fifty -eight thousand, one hundred and fifteen naira, twenty kobo, (#37,275,258,115,20) was paid by ministry of finance as directed to immediately pay the corresponding 20%advance to the successful contractors with respect to the various values in the certificate of “No Objection”* but up to this moment these roads are still lying in their bad conditions without any sign of construction, the contractors have since left the sites after similar groundbreaking ceremonies without completion of these roads, people can take an example with Jethro Akun road and behind Custom barracks no construction has taken place in these areas yet money was paid to the contractor.

    In the same vein Thursday, September 14th 2017 the State Executive Council approved the loan facility of fifty Million Dollars(USD50M) from Board of Directors of French Development Agency to finance the development of water infrastructure within Jos Bukuru Metropolis, which to this moment no work of such has been carried out by water board or ministry of water resources while our people have been subjected to poor water supply.

    This explains why the PDP is concerned that this ceremony of ground breaking should not be a replica of the above as it’s a tradition of the APC. What they have not achieved in 7years they want it done in 1 year.

    What a government!

    Signed.
    John T Akans, ksm fica JP.
    State Publicity secretary PDP.

  • Gowon appeals to Plateau residents to coexist in peace

    Gowon appeals to Plateau residents to coexist in peace

    Elder statesman and former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has appealed to Plateau residents on peaceful coexistence to stimulate development.

    Gowon made the call while unveiling the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 on Saturday in Jos.

    He said that Plateau people and Nigerians should explore all neccesary measures in the pursue of peace, while respecting the sanctity of life at all times.

    The former head of state expressed sadness on the determination of a few criminal minded people and groups’ resolution to terrorise the country.

    While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel for their gallant efforts in dealing with criminals across the country, he urged Nigerians to support security agencies through exposing their activities .

    The elder statesman expressed delight on the progress of Golf in Plateau and Nigeria, commending Lalong for his efforts in developing the game in the state.

    “I commend Lalong for his passion for the game and also redeveloping the Rayfield Golf Course which is now comparable to any standard course in Nigeria,” he said .

    In his remarks, Lalong thanked Gowon for honouring the state to unveil the redesigned Rayfield Golf Course, saying its historic significance must be cherished and economic potential in sports harnnesed.

    Lalong said that his efforts to foster peace and expose criminal activities and crisis merchants had helped in building the confidence of people to visit the State.

    Gowon and Lalong later perfomed symbolic shots to commemorate the event.

  • NFF devastated as ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Justice Christopher dies at 40

    NFF devastated as ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Justice Christopher dies at 40

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the death of former Super Eagles midfielder, Justice Christopher and said the federation is devastated.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Christopher slumped at his hotel complex was confirmed dead at the hospital he was rushed to in Jos, Plateau State on Wednesday.

    “We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing away of former Super Eagles midfielder Justice Christopher early on Wednesday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and football community in Nigeria. May his soul Rest In Peace,” the NFF stated.

    TNG reports the late midfielder played for several clubs including Katsina United, Sharks F.C., Bendel Insurance FC, Antwerp FC (Belgium), Levski Sofia (Bulgaria), Trelleborgs FF (Sweden), Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia and Herfølge BK in Denmark.

    After the end of the season 2006/2007, he announced his retirement from football. On 21 October 2012, Christopher announced his comeback and signed for Nasarawa United.

  • Tight security in Jos, Bassa over by-election in Plateau

    Tight security in Jos, Bassa over by-election in Plateau

    There is a heavy presence of security personnel in Jos North and Bassa local government areas of Plateau for the ongoing by-election for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.

    A correspondent, who visited some areas, reports that a combined team of security personnel were stationed in various polling units and other strategic locations.

    Commissioner of Police in the state Batholomew Onyeka said he had deployed a good number of policemen to ensure a peaceful election.

    He also said that the police command had banned vehicular movements between 12 midnight and 6p.m., with the exception of those on essential duties.

    ASP Ubah Ogaba, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, told NAN that the deployment of personnel “is not to intimidate voters but to ensure a rancour-free process.

    “All we want is a peaceful process and we call on residents to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during and after the election”.

    Ogaba urged political parties to caution their supporters and loyalists to desist from creating trouble during the election.

  • INEC to deploy new technology for Plateau by-election

    INEC to deploy new technology for Plateau by-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it had deployed the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin South state Constituency by-election slated for February 26.

    Plateau INEC Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Registry Mr Tol Wakili said at a stakeholders meeting on Friday in Jos, that the machine uses a software known as Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    Wakili said that the machine was a massive improvement from the card reader machine that was deployed in previous elections.

    The HOD said that unlike the card reader, the BVAS would identify finger prints and faces of registered voters.

    “Wakili said that machine was used for the dual purpose of identification and authentication.

    “In case the finger print fails, the machine would capture the face of the voter.

    “Both of them cannot fail at the same time, if that happens it means the person with the Permanent Voters Card is not the owner,” he said.

    According to him, the card reader had loopholes that desperate politicians explored and used to undermine INEC’s efforts at credible and transparent elections.

    INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau, Mallam Halilu Payi, said that the stakeholders meeting was part of the activities to have a fair, credible and transparent by-election in Jos North/Bassa and Pankshin.

    Payi stated that the stakeholders meeting was one of the critical platforms that INEC used to carry all stakeholders along.

    Election activities hold around political parties and they need to be aware of their roles, adding that if they failed to understand their roles, the election may not be successful.

    “We are here to brief the stakeholders, including security agencies, on the things we need to do before that actual day of election.”

    He further said that a total of 652,581 registered voters were expected to participate in the elections, made up of Bassa Local Government with 145,904 registered voters, Jos North, 453, 556, while Pankshin South had 53, 121.

    He stated that the ongoing continuous voter registration was preparatory to the 2023 election and not for the by-election.

    He said that those who just registered and were yet to get the PVC would participate in the by-election.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Bathlomew Onyeka, assured the stakeholders that the security agencies were fully prepared for the by-election.

    Onyeka, who was represented by ACP Yusuf Ishak, advised the stakeholders to step down the information concerning the elections.

    He warned that security agencies would not condone lawlessness during the elections.

    Taditional, religious and civil society organisations, as well as other stakeholders attended the meeting.