TheNewsGuru

Tag: Plateau State

  • APC clears Plateau LG poll; PDP reacts

    APC clears Plateau LG poll; PDP reacts

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) has cleared the Plateau local government councils poll, winning all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    Mr Fabian Ntung, Chairman, Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) announced the result on Sunday in Jos.

    Ntung explained that APC won the entire 325 councillorship seats in the 17 LGAs.

    The chairman stated that the commission was satisfied with the manner in which the election was conducted.

    Ntung commended the electorate who ensured a free and peaceful conduct of the poll.

    The commission had barred the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the poll, following some internal crises.

    The party challenged its exclusion at the High Court and Appeal Court, but lost at both levels.

    Meanwhile, the PDP has described the local government elections as appointments and rape of democracy.

    Mr John Akans, Plateau PDP Publicity Secretary made the declaration in Jos on Sunday.

    Mr Fabian Ntung, Chairman, Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), who announced the results on Sunday, said that APC won all the 17 chairmanship and 325 councillorship seats at the elections.

    Akans, however, told NAN that what were done were not elections but clearly selections and appointment of APC members.

    He said that the party’s next line of action would be made known on Monday.

    PLASIEC had earlier barred the PDP from participating in the elections citing a judgment some members of the party secured against the leadership of PDP in the state.

    The PDP challenged its exclusion at the elections at the High Court and the Appeal Court, but lost at both levels.

    In his reaction, Mr Sati Bashir, APC’s State Secretary, said that it was not a smooth exercise for the party as the APC had challenges right from the commencement of the process.

    He expressed happiness, however, that the process ended smoothly and his party was victorious.

    “We are through with the elections and we are moving to the next level.

    “The most important thing is that there hasn’t been any problem anywhere.

    “There was no threat to peace in any part of the state and we are happy that all went well,’’ he said.

  • Court throws out PDP’s suit to stop LG poll in Plateau State

    Court throws out PDP’s suit to stop LG poll in Plateau State

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday lost its bid to stop the conduct of the local government elections in Plateau State.

    This comes as a three-man panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Jos, the state capital dismissed an application filed by the main opposition.

    Justice Boloukuromo Ugo read the ruling which was supported by the other two judges on the panel – Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi and Justice Olasunbo Goodluck.

    The PDP had filed an application on notice for interlocutory injunction, restraining Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission from conducting the polls for the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the state.

    In the suit, it challenged its exclusion from the elections by the electoral umpire.

    But the court, in a unanimous ruling, averred that granting an interlocutory injunction would be tantamount to the violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    According to Justice Ugo, the law states that elections must be conducted into the local government offices after the expiration of the term of elected officers.

    He, thereafter, adjourned until November 22 for the hearing of the substantive appeal filed by the PDP.

    The electoral commission had announced that it would conduct the elections in all the 17 local government areas of the state.

    Earlier, there was palpable tension in Plateau as residents anticipated the decision of the court on the suit filed by the PDP.

    Before the application was dismissed, the judges listened to arguments from counsels to the applicants and respondents in the case.

    During the session which lasted several hours, the court had to stand down proceedings on three occasions.

  • BREAKING: Lalong dissolves local government councils

    BREAKING: Lalong dissolves local government councils

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has dissolved the 17 Local Government Councils in the state, following expiration of their tenure.

    Lalong directed that they should hand over affairs of the Councils to their Directors of Personnel Management by Friday.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Press & Public Affairs to the governor of Plateau state, Mr Simon Macham.

    Lalong in the statement appreciated the chairmen and councillors for serving the people meritoriously and doing their best to improve the lives of the citizens at the grassroots.

    While wishing them the best in their future endeavours, he urged them to continue to offer their services to the socio-political development of the State.

    Lalong thanked them for their support and collaboration toward ensuring the success of his administration through many projects and programmes cited in their various local governments.

    The governor in the statement called on citizens to ensure that the elections scheduled for Saturday were conducted freely and without any incident.

  • Police reveal identity of those who killed father of ex-Gov of Plateau

    Police reveal identity of those who killed father of ex-Gov of Plateau

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has released the identity of those who abducted and eventual murdered Pa Dariye Dafwan, the late father of former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NPF made the revelation after operatives of the Intelligence Response Unit of the NPF made arrest of the eight (8) notorious high-profile kidnapping suspects.

    According to the NPF, the eight (8) notorious high-profile kidnapping suspects were indicted in police investigations for the abduction and eventual murder of Pa Dariye Dafwan.

    TNG reports Pa Dafwan was abducted on 17th June, 2020 and shot dead eight (8) days after the criminals hav​e collected a ransom of ten (10) million naira from the family of the deceased.

    The arrest of the suspects follows unrelenting efforts by the Police to ensure perpetrators of the dastardly act are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

    The breakthrough that led to the arrest of the suspects, TNG learnt, began with the arrest of one Abubakar Mohammed a.k.a Buba ‘m’ 23yrs, native of Gada Biyu in Daffo district, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State.

    “Buba is one of the principal suspects in the kidnap operation. The confession of the suspect which revealed how they abducted and murdered the nonagenarian, assisted the Police team in apprehending seven (7) other members of the gang – Ya’u Saidu aka Ya’u Kaban m’ 40yrs, from Kaban Village, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, Titus Ezekiel 34yrs from from Horop, Bokkos LGA, Dauda Isah ‘m’ 30yrs, from Horop, Sunday Ibrahim m’ 35yrs, Mushere tribe from Horop, Mangut Shumwar ‘m’ 30yrs, from Horop, Henry Amos ‘m’ 35yrs native of Horop, and Jethro Ngusen ‘m’ 57yrs, native of Horop,” a statement by the police reads.

    According to the statement released by CP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, investigations further revealed that it was Jethro Ngusen, the mastermind and convener of the gang, that instructed one of the gang members, Mangut Shumwar to kill Pa Dariye, because he feared that Pa Dariye might recognize the suspects since majority of them are from the same village with the deceased.

    Jethro was also identified as the one who took custody of the ransom and later shared the proceeds of the crime amongst the gang members.

  • El-Rufai visits Plateau on condolence over attacks

    El-Rufai visits Plateau on condolence over attacks

    Gov. Nasiru El’ Rufai of Kaduna State has visited Plateau to commiserate with the government and its people, over loss of lives and property in recent attacks in the state.

    The Kaduna state governor at the visit, said that adherence to the rule of law, was critical to the survival and stability of every society.

    He said that Kaduna state and Plateau, were not only neighbours, but constantly faced with similar violent experiences.

    The governor assured that Kaduna state would collaborate with Plateau, through sharing ideas, that would help in tackling the spate of insecurity in both states.

    El-Rufai noted the relentless efforts of Gov. Simon Lalong, toward the restoration of peace in Plateau, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.

    Responding on behalf of Lalong, Tyoden thanked El-Rufai for commiserating with Plateau people at its current trying times.

    Tyoden decried current security situation in the state and across the nation, calling for concerted efforts to salvage the situation.

  • 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.

  • CAN condemns Jos killings, urges arrest of perpetrators

    CAN condemns Jos killings, urges arrest of perpetrators

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau chapter, has condemned killing of commuters at Rukuba road, in Jos North Local Government Area of the State.

    In a statement on Sunday in Jos, CAN chairman in the state, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

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

    Lubo also condemned ongoing killings in Bassa, Riyom, Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

    “We wish to express deep pain over the recent attacks in Riyom, Jos North, Barakin Ladi and Bassa, leading to loss of lives and property.

    “The leadership of CAN totally condemns these attacks and pleads with security agents to ensure normalcy is restored.

    “Every human life is precious and the unlawful killing of any human being, regardless of their identity and affiliation, is unacceptable.

    ”We mourn with the families of those who lost their loved ones, as well as those who have been displaced or suffered harm of any kind.

    “We urge security agencies to swiftly arrest all those involved, to bring an end to the needless killings,” he said.

    Lubo said the association would continue to work toward ensuring peaceful coexistence in the state.

  • Bello mourns Plateau attack victims

    Bello mourns Plateau attack victims

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has expressed his sympathy with families of those killed by gunmen in Rukuba area of Jos, while travelling to Ondo State in Nigeria’s Southwest.

    The travelers were killed early on Saturday in Rukuba which is in the Plateau North Local Government Area.

    Bello expressed his disgust over the incident, giving his condolences to the government and people of Plateau State in a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onogwu Muhammed.

    Bello, who is the also the Chairman of the Committee on Security of the Northern Governors’ Forum, described the attack as inhuman, barbaric and unwarranted.

    He noted that the cause of the attack must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to book.

    The governor, however, called for calm among the people of Plateau, urging them to refrain from revenge.

    He assured that government was on top of the situation, admonishing that Nigerians should live in peace with one another, irrespective of their religious beliefs and ethnic differences.

    The statement explained that the victims were travelling from Bauchi State to Ondo State when the gunmen descended on them, killing scores and injuring others.

    Bello also expressed his sympathy to Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and the government and people of Ondo State over the incident.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen kill 12 persons in Plateau

    BREAKING: Gunmen kill 12 persons in Plateau

    Gunmen killed 12 persons and injured five others in Kushe community, Kuru District of Jos South Local Government of Plateau on Sunday.

    A correspondent who visited the scene on Monday, reports that those killed were male while those injured were four females and a male.

    The injured are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

    Confirming the incident to NAN, Da Patrick Mandung, the District Head of Kuru, said the incident occurred on Sunday night.

    He said the killers who invaded the community moved from house to house shooting at the people.

    Mandung, who described the incident as unfortunate, called on governments and security agencies to intensify efforts at securing the people.

    “This is a very unfortunate situation; that 12 persons were murdered in cold blood for no reason.

    “This is sad and disheartening; I condemn it in totality.

    “I call on government to be intentional and proactive in ensuring the safety of citizens.

    “Security agencies must fish out the killers of my people and do all within their constitutional powers to put an end to this cycle of killings,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Gideon Davou, Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, who was also at the scene, appealed to the people to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands.

    He said government would do everything within its reach to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people at all times.

    When contacted, police spokesman in Plateau, ASP Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the incident.

    “Yes, we are aware of incident, I will send details shortly.’’ he said in a text message.

    Meanwhile, Rep. Dachung Bagos (PDP, Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency) has condemned the killing.

    Bagos, who visited the scene on described the incident as “sad and unfortunate’’.

    He decried the spate of killings in his constituency and the state in general stating that “this is very sad and unfortunate; that 12 able bodied men were killed for no reason.

    “This is a failure to secure the lives and property of citizens.

    “This is why we have been clamouring for state police, because with such arrangements, insecurity will drastically reduce.

    “I don’t know if government is waiting for this to happen to public figures before it beefs up security in our communities.’’

    Bagos called on security agencies to intensify efforts at safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

    He also called on the people to be patient and be law-abiding, and not to embark on reprisal attacks.

    “I am pleading with the people to be patient and be law-abiding.

    “We will continue to emphasise the need for restructuring of the security architecture that will address our current national security challenges,’’ he said.