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Tag: Plateau State

  • BREAKING: Police release casualty figures of Plateau killing

    BREAKING: Police release casualty figures of Plateau killing

    The Police Command in Plateau has disclosed that gunmen attacked and killed 13 persons in some communities of Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of the State.

    Mr Alfred Alabo, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau Police Command made the disclosure on Friday in Jos.

    Alabo said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Emmanuel Adesina, who visited Bokkos,  condoled with the families of the deceased persons.

    “The command wants to inform you that in the recent attack in Mangu, 11 people lost their lives, and three others injured in Bokkos.

    “The commissioner wants the people of Plateau to know that all hands are on deck to make sure that this menace is nipped in the bud.

    “He has already made deployment to those general areas and he has gone to see things for himself.

    “He has also been briefed on the previous security arrangement and what he needs to do at this particular point in time,” he said.

    Alabo also said that the command worked with other security agencies toward ensuring that insecurity in all parts of the state was nipped in the bud.

  • Plateau State University suspends exams over killing of student

    Plateau State University suspends exams over killing of student

    Management of Plateau State University, Bokkos, has suspended  ongoing examinations in the institution over the killing  of a 200 level student.

    Mr Yakubu Ayuba, the Registrar of the institution  disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Jos.

    Gunmen had on Thursday night attacked Chikam, a neighbouring community to the university ,killing  the student, identified as Dading Jordan.

    Ayuba said that the university had also declared a two-day mourning in honour of the slain student.

    ”The Vice-Chancellor and the entire management convey their condolences to the family of the deceased student, the student body and the university community.

    ”In view of this sad development, management has declared a two-day mourning, from Friday, April 19, to Saturday, April 20.

    ”Accordingly, all the examinations earlier scheduled for Friday and Saturday are hereby suspended

    ”While we  call on our students to remain calm and law abiding, we wish to urge the security agencies to beef up security around the university in order to secure staff and students”,he said.

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang had condemned the attack ,calling on residents to remain  calm.

    He said that government and  security agencies were doing everything to bring the  perpetrators of the attack to justice.

  • NUC denies plans to close down Plateau varsity

    NUC denies plans to close down Plateau varsity

    Management of the Plateau University, Bokkos, has denied allegation making the rounds that the National  Universities Commission (NUC) was planning to shut down the institution.

    Mr Yakubu Ayuba, the Registrar of the University denied the allegation in a statement on Sunday in Jos.

    Recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC)  in a statement by Mr Shittu Bamaiyi, its acting Publicity Secretary in Plateau, alleged that the NUC had concluded plans to close down the university.

    Bamaiyi in the statement further alleged that the NUC had taken the decision to withdraw the certificate of recognition and accreditation to the institution over what he described as the state government’s meddlesomeness in the management of the university.

    But the registrar insisted that such allegation was  not only false and misleading, but mischievous, particularly that it was coming from a political party that has no business in the management of a university.

    ”The attention of the Management of Plateau University, Bokkos, has been drawn to a press release by a political party and a letter purported to be written by the NUC to the Visitor to the university circulating on some media platforms.

    ”This action is capable of causing anxiety and shaking the confidence of students, staff, parents and prospective students; therefore, management wishes to clarify.

    ”That Plateau university is a citadel of knowledge and the legacy of Plateau people should not be dragged into any political contestation, especially those that have no bearing on the university’s academic activities.

    ”That since the suspension of industrial action by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution, following engagement with the government which made available funds to settle the demands of the union, the revised Academic Calander has been running smoothly, with lectures for the semester concluded and examinations commencing on April 15, 2024.

    ”Admissions have since been concluded into the existing and new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes approved by the NUC, and the so called allegation is false and misleading,”the registrar said.

    Ayuba further explained that the management of the university did not sack any staff, including those recently employed into the newly created departments.

    The registrar, who said that the university was  waxing stronger with a current population of over 10,000 students, added that government would not do anything that would jeopardise the future of the students.

    ”Management wishes to assure our students, parents, staff, stakeholders, potential students and the general public that there are no concerns in the relationship between the NUC and the university.

    ”Therefore, fears of the withdrawal of the university’s operating license as insinuated by a group has no basis,” he said.

  • NMA nabs fake doctor in Plateau

    NMA nabs fake doctor in Plateau

    The Plateau chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) nabbed a fake doctor in the state on Monday.

    Its chairman, Dr Bapigaan Audu, stated in Jos on Wednesday that the arrest was made in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Health.

    “NMA Plateau in collaboration with the Ministry of Health facilitated the investigation and subsequent arrest of another fake doctor carrying out nefarious activities in schools and worship centres across the state,’’ he stated.

    Audu added that the impostor, who went by two names: George Ossai and Kelvin Paul was arrested in Jos and was handed over to the police on Tuesday.

    He called on members of the public to report any suspected fake doctor to the NMA Plateau State chapter or to any of its officials or through telephone number 08160862093.

    He stated also that such impostors could be reported to the Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry of Health in Jos.

    He enjoined members of the public to seek the services of medical professionals within the confines of registered health facilities rather than engaging anyone selling medicines or claiming to be a medical doctor.

    He warned other impostors to desist from operating in Plateau as the law would surely catch up with them.

    In September 2023 police in plateau arrested a suspected fake doctor in connection with alleged harvesting of the kidney of a housewife during surgery.

    Two other doctors were also arrested in connection with the crime. The suspected fake doctor was later reported to be undergoing psychiatric treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital.

  • WHO donates 2 mini laboratories to Plateau government

    WHO donates 2 mini laboratories to Plateau government

    The World Health Organisation (WHO), has donated two mini COVID – 19 laboratories to the Plateau Government.

    Handing over the facilities on Saturday,  Dr. Musa Mahdi, the Coordinator of WHO in the state, expressed confidence in the state’s ability to uphold the current standards of the facilities.

    Mahdi, who was represented by Dr Andrew Abiodun, said that the labs would enhance access to quality healthcare services by people in the state.

    Responding, Dr Cletus Bako, the Commissioner for Health in the state, thanked the donors for the gesture.

    Bako said that the laboratories would ensure proper diagnosis of medical challenges in the health facilities they are domiciled.

    He added that the laboratories would go a long way toward providing improved healthcare services to the people .

    The two mini laboratories donated are located in the Primary Healthcare Centres of Bukuru and Tudun Wada in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Area, respectively.

  • SUBEB denies owing Plateau teachers

    SUBEB denies owing Plateau teachers

    The Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), says it has cleared all outstanding salaries of primary school teachers in the state.

    Mr Richard Jonah, Head, Public Relations of the board, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Jos.

    Jonah said that the move was part of the administration of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to promoting the welfare of  all workers in the state.

    ”I am proud to report that as of today, no local government in the state is owing any outstanding salaries of our dedicated teachers.

    ”This milestone is the result of our unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of our hardworking educators, who play crucial roles in shaping the future of our children.

    ”This is not only a reflection of government’s dedication to ensuring prompt and timely compensation for our teachers, but a demonstration of government’s resolve to uphold the integrity of our educational system.

    ”Therefore,  I call upon all teachers in the state to rededicate themselves to their noble profession and to work diligently towards ensuring that our learners in public primary schools are able to make up for the lost time caused by the recent strike,” he said.

    Jonah also reiterated government’s commitment to providing quality education in the state, by meeting the needs of its teachers.

    He, however, warned that any teacher found wanting in anyway, particularly those found undermining the vision of the current administration in the state, would be dealt with accordingly.

  • Tension as gunmen kill herder, 35 cows in Plateau

    Tension as gunmen kill herder, 35 cows in Plateau

    Yet-to-be identified gunmen have killed a 17-year-old herder and 35 cows at Nafan community in Fan District and Doruwa Babuje in Ropp District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

    The perpetrators of the crime were said to be riding on motorcycles when they opened fire and killed the herder.

    Another herder was severely injured during the incident, according to an eyewitness account.

    Meanwhile, the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the incident and called on relevant security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

    Governor Mutfwang said this in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, issued on Thursday in Jos.

    Mutfwang maintained that his administration would not condone any act of lawlessness and killing of innocent and law-abiding citizens.

    ”We condemn in totality these acts of lawlessness that are undermining the government’s effort in entrenching harmonious living among all and sundry in the state.

    ”My administration will no longer tolerate brutal killings of innocent citizens either in their farms or in any parts of the State while pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood.

    ”I have directed the security agencies to hunt and track down the perpetrators of this heinous crimes and ensure justice for the victims,” Gyang quoted Mutfwang to have said.

    Gyang added that the Governor called on traditional, community and religious leaders,  as well as youths and women groups in the affected communities, to collaborate with other stakeholders in order to restore normalcy in the communities.

    The Governor, who commiserated with the affected families, advised residents of the State to expose all criminal elements within their communities to face the full wrath of the law.

  • How gunmen killed APC spokesman in failed kidnap attempt

    How gunmen killed APC spokesman in failed kidnap attempt

    The Police Command in Plateau State has confirmed the murder of Mr Sylvanus Namang, the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, in a statement in Jos on Sunday, said that Namang was killed by gunmen at a relaxation spot in Pankshin.

    “On Saturday, at about 8 p.m., we received information that some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, numbering about seven, invaded a relaxation centre located along Pankshin-Jos road, and kidnapped the owner.

    ”In the process, a customer, one Sylvanus Namang, was shot dead by the invaders.

    ”On receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Hassan Yabanet, directed the Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Pankshin, to arrest the suspects and rescue the victim.

    ”Our men engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and were able to foil the kidnap attempt. The suspects escaped with gunshot wounds while the victim was rescued and rushed to the General Hospital, Pankshin for treatment as the bandits had injured him,” he said.

    Alabo, however, disclosed that the victim was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

    He quoted the commissioner as condoling the family of the deceased while assuring residents of the command’s readiness to secure their lives and property at all times.

  • Gov. Mutfwang sacks heads of tertiary institutions

    Gov. Mutfwang sacks heads of tertiary institutions

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has sacked heads of some tertiary institutions in the State.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Samuel Jatau, Secretary to the State (SSG),  on Tuesday in Jos.

    According to Jatau,the  heads of  institutions affected  include those of  Plateau University, Bokkos; Plateau Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi; Colleges of Health Technology, Zawan and Pankshin; and College of Education, Gindri.

    ”The dissolution and removal is with immediate effect,”he said.

    Jatau further disclosed that the governor also approved the dissolution of the Governing Board of  Plateau University.

    He said that the governor, who thanked the heads of the institutions for serving the state in their various capacities, directed them to hand over to the most senior officials in their institutions.

    The SSG also said that the governor had cancelled all recruitments conducted by the tertiary institutions between October, 2022 and early 2023.

    ”Consequently, application for an all-inclusive recruitment for all tertiary institutions will be advertised,”the SSG said.

  • Defence HQ sends out strong warning over Plateau crisis

    Defence HQ sends out strong warning over Plateau crisis

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has cautioned interest groups against creating tension while the military is making efforts to restore peace and normalcy to troubled parts of Plateau.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.

    Gusau reacted to a statement issued by HURIWA, faulting the formation of a Fact-Finding Team tasked to elicit practical workable solutions to the prolonged crisis in some parts of Nigeria, Plateau inclusive.

    He said the fact-finding team headed by an experienced retired senior military officer was constituted by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

    Gusau said the constitution of the team followed the deployment of military hardware including highly trained intelligence personnel and special forces to troubled areas of the state to ensure perpetrators of dastardly attacks are brought to justice.

    He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, visited the state on Jan. 27 and gave the troops specific orders to deal decisively with those fermenting troubles leading to loss of lives and properties.

    According to him, numerous intelligence-driven operations have been conducted leading to the arrest of key suspects who are currently undergoing interrogation.

    “It is therefore pertinent to note that the team was constituted as part of the non-kinetic approach of the DHQ in resolving the situation.

    “Also, the team’s responsibility spreads across troubled areas in the country and not limited to Plateau state alone.

    “The DHQ call on HURIWA to cultivate the habit of seeking credible information on issues especially as it concerns national security before approaching the media.

    “It is evident the group was ill-informed and could not spend time researching on efforts the military had made to restore normalcy in troubled areas of the country.

    “DHQ would have naturally overlook the ignorance of HURIWA on this matter, but finds it necessary to educate civil society organisations on the responsible use of the media not to disseminate falsehoods and create tension where none is existing.

    “We, therefore advise HURIWA to henceforth be passionate to seek adequate information on issues of national importance and stop misleading the public deliberately.

    “The DHQ would take strong legal action should such mistake repeat itself,” he said.

    Gusau said the CDS appreciates the support of Nigerians to troops in the field making unquantifiable sacrifices to ensure peace in our nation.

    He added that the defence chief was confident that the troops would stamp out criminality in Plateau and the country at large.