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Tag: Plateau

  • Gunmen attack Plateau community, kill six

    Gunmen attack Plateau community, kill six

    Gunmen on Thursday night killed six persons in Wereng village of Riyom local government council of Plateau state.

    The attack, which occurred 10:30 pm, left two others seriously injured.

    Chairman of Riyom LGA, Hon Mafeng Gwalson, confirmed the attack to reporters in Jos .

    Senator Istifanus Gyang of Plateau North condemned the attack.

    The Senator, in a statement through his spokesperson, Musa Ashoms, said: “It is sad therefore that people in Plateau North are repeatedly being hunted, ambushed and killed without any decisive action.”

    Gyang urged government and security agencies to be serious about “the safety and protection of law abiding citizens from terrorists, bandits and killer herdsmen.

    “We are calling on security agencies to be up to their expectations, because it was at the public place that the attack was carried out but unfortunately this thing was not averted.”

  • Gunmen invade Plateau mining site, kill eight

    Gunmen invade Plateau mining site, kill eight

    Suspected gunmen have killed eight persons during an attack on a mining site at Shawalan Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state.

    The attack, which was carried out on Friday evening, has thrown the community into mourning.

    The corpses have been handed over to the relatives of the deceased.

    Reacting to the killings, Governor Simon Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, on Saturday in Jos described the incident as an attempt to destabilise the state.

    He said the act by the criminals was to create fear in the state saying that government would not condone such attacks on innocent people.

    He directed security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous act, which is a threat to the substantial peace being enjoyed in the state.

    He said that the narratives of ‘unknown gunmen’ excuses would no longer be tolerated from the agencies.

    He also charged residents to assist law enforcement agencies with intelligence gathering on criminal activities.

    He said that they should do so through existing structures such as the traditional institutions, community police constabulary, vigilance groups and other associations.

    Lalong commiserated with the families of those killed and those who injured during the attack

  • We will prosecute those misinforming people on COVID-19 – Lalong

    We will prosecute those misinforming people on COVID-19 – Lalong

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau says the state government is set to prosecute those misinforming people on the existence of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

    The governor said this during a stakeholders meeting organised to deliberate on the COVID-19 Task Force resolutions on Wednesday in Jos.

    He expressed concern that many people were living in denial and were imposing their beliefs on innocent residents in the state.

    He said “for those who are in denial and continue to misinform others that COVID-19 does not exist, I want to warn them to desist. I as the number one citizen of the state was a victim and God helped me to come out of it.

    “I can tell you that it is not a joke and I do not wish even my enemies such experience.

    “That is why at the last state executive meeting, we decided to criminalise further denial of the disease.

    “In other words, if you deny the existence of the disease, keep your denial to yourself because if you are caught propagating it or instigating others to follow you, you will be arrested and prosecuted no matter how highly placed you may be.”

    He said that the resurgence of cases globally called for increased efforts to control the new variant of the disease.

    He decried the nonchalant attitude of residents in adhering to the guidelines of the disease, stressing that the use of face mask, personal hygiene and social distance was critical to controlling the spread of the disease.

    “In fact, many have abandoned and refused to observe simple protocols of wearing face mask, maintaining social distance and washing hands regularly,” he said.

    The governor noted that the meeting was to engage stakeholders, comprising the state cabinet, security council, traditional leaders, religious groups, women and youth groups, for inputs on the safety of residents.

    He added that “I have directed commissioners and other senior government officials to reach out to the people.

    “We want to break the resistance and ensure that people own the response. COVID-19 is a personal matter that affects people directly. They need to be involved.”

    Lalong said efforts were being made to ensure oxygen supply in the treatment of the new variant of the COVID-19 disease.

    He noted that his commitment to control the disease made him to establish a local research team to find cure for COVID-19, saying that the drugs were at clinical stage and awaiting approval.

    He, however, expressed worry on the upsurge of kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities in the state, saying “death is the penalty for kidnapping in Plateau.

    “Last month, I signed the Anti-kidnapping, Land Grabbing, Cultism and Violence-related matters bill, passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

    “By that law, anyone convicted of kidnapping in Plateau will be sentenced to death, while cultism and other violent crimes attract various terms of imprisonment.

    “In December last year, we inaugurated 595 Community Police constables who were trained and deployed to the 17 local government areas to assist law enforcement agencies, particularly the police in intelligence gathering and other security operations.”

    He said security remained a collective responsibility and charged residents to always be conscious and take measures to protect their vicinity, saying criminals connived with community members to perpetrate crime which should not be tolerated.

    “You may be aware of the recent alert by the Department of State Services (DSS) of a threat to cause inter-religious violence by some criminal elements. We have to take this alert seriously and ensure that we report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

    “I also advise our people not to succumb to the divisive antics of such elements who exploit the fault lines of religion, ethnicity, politics and other sectional interests to create chaos,” he said.

    In his presentation, Dr Simji Gomerep, the Chief Consultant Physician and Infectious Diseases Specialist at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), said most casualties of COVID-19 were as a result of respiratory failure.

    He said more equipment in the treatment of the disease such as ventilators, X-ray machines, CT Scan and oxygen plant, among others, were needed to aid prompt response.

    He added that health workers at treatment centres required accommodation, insurance and motivation in the discharge of their duties.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nimkong Lar, said “the state has a total of 5,962 confirmed cases as published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and a record of 46 deaths.”

    He called for the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols through increased sensitisation and scaling-up of community engagements and awareness on transmission and preventive measures.

    He urged local government chairmen to support COVID-19 response teams in their areas for contact tracing, sample collection and active cases.

    In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, urged traditional leaders to assist in fishing out criminal elements in communities.

    He urged security agencies to conduct investigations and other duties effectively, saying the security and welfare of people should be their priority.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Plateau Commissioner of Police, State Director of Department of Security Services, religious and traditional leaders, were also at the meeting.

  • Plateau lost N75 billion to looters – Gov. Lalong

    Plateau lost N75 billion to looters – Gov. Lalong

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Friday disclosed that about N75 billion worth of properties were looted and destroyed during the recent looting spree orchestrated by hoodlums in the state.

    The governor also said the destruction meted on 32 public and private properties during the looting had nothing to do with the End SARS protests, “but a clear act of criminality and unpatriotic behaviour”.

    Lalong disclosed this during an interactive session with youths in the state.

    He said,”On Tuesday, I went round some of the affected areas together with members of the National Assembly Caucus from Plateau State and the Minister of Women Affairs to assess the level of destruction. What we saw was horrific and despicable.

    According to him, “The level of destruction and carnage is unbelievable and unacceptable. We are still trying to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the total cost of the damage.

    “However, the preliminary report by a team of experts I constituted has estimated the losses to be at about 75 billion Naira for now”, he maintained.

    “This clearly takes us many years backwards as we do not have the resources to replace the structures vandalised and the items damaged or stolen”, he decried.

    “We are yet to recover from the devastating economic consequences of COVID-19 which has greatly affected our capacity to provide services.

    The governor said “Indeed, this act of destruction has nothing to do with the initial #EndSARS protests, but a clear act of criminality and unpatriotic behaviour. As at the last count, we have more than 32 public and private properties that were affected in the looting spree.

    Speaking on the challenges faced by youths in the state, Lalong said, “My dear youth, as a father and your Governor, I feel your pain. My heart goes out to all our youths for the many challenges they face daily due to lack of opportunities for jobs and better conditions to achieve their dreams.

    According to him, “This is a burden that has accumulated over time which our administration is working hard to address. It is always confusing when people demand justice by either violating laws or trampling on the rights of others. That can only breed chaos and anarchy leading to worse consequences than what they sought to address in the first place.

    “You would agree with me that the enormity of the challenges we face cannot be resolved overnight or with a wave of the hand. It is a process which all of us must collectively work together to achieve”, he explained.

    “However, the question that begs for an answer is, “can these problems be solved by the kind of destruction and carnage we witnessed recently?”

    “When we destroy the few infrastructures we have, we can never build the better Plateau that we all yearn for”.
    The Governor appealed to all youths to always avoid any action that can threaten the unity and peace of the state and the nation at large.

    “Plateau belongs to all of us and we must build it together”, he stressed.

  • #EndSARS: Plateau Govt. reinstates 24-hour curfew

    #EndSARS: Plateau Govt. reinstates 24-hour curfew

    Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau, has reinstated the 24-hour curfew in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas, effective from 4p.m on Saturday till further notice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the governor first imposed a 24-hour curfew on Tuesday, October 20, but relaxed it on Friday, October 23, after a meeting with critical stakeholders in the state.

    Lalong, however, reinstated the lockdown in a statement issued to journalists on Saturday in Jos, following attacks on some warehouses in the state.

    “Fellow citizens of Plateau State, you will recall that I announced a 24-hour curfew in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas on 20th October, 2020, in response to the disturbances that arose when hoodlums hijacked the EndSARS protests leading to the destruction of lives and properties.

    “After an assessment of the situation, the curfew was relaxed from the hours of 6a.m to 8p.m from 23rd October, 2020.

    “However, some hoodlums broke into the warehouses where palliatives delivered to the State by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development last week were stored awaiting distribution and carted them away.

    “This looting has spread to other facilities and is gradually degenerating and threatening the peace and security of the State,” he said.

    He said the latest curfew is to forestall further escalation of the action or any unrest.

    Lalong said that security agencies have been directed to enforce the curfew and ensure that all violators are arrested and prosecuted.

    “I call on all citizens and stakeholders to continue to cooperate with Government in ensuring the peace and progress of Plateau State,” he said.

  • #EndSARS: Lalong imposes curfew on two Plateau councils

    #EndSARS: Lalong imposes curfew on two Plateau councils

    Plateau Governor Simon Lalong has announced a 24- hour curfew in Jos North and South with effect from 8pm of Tuesday 20th 2020.

    This followed the violent turn of #ENDSARS protests in the two local governments where 10 vehicles were burnt and shops looted by suspected hoodlums.

    Details shortly…

  • #EndSARS: Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Plateau inaugurate panels on SARS abuses

    #EndSARS: Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Plateau inaugurate panels on SARS abuses

    Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Abia, Delta, Edo and Plateau states on Monday inaugurated panels to probe cases of human rights abuses against the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while inaugurating the panel, appealed to youths protesting police brutality to vacate Lagos roads and embrace dialogue for resolution of the issues.

    He said the government has shown sincerity and willingness to address all concerns raised.

    Sanwo-Olu’s appeal came on the heel of violent dimension assumed by the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the state.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State government has also established a compensation fund for the victims of police brutality.

    He said: “We have shown an unprecedented commitment to the complete overhaul of the Nigeria Police. The inauguration of this Judicial Panel of Inquiry is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigeria Police. I believe that some of the actions we have taken should, to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns.

    “Let me reiterate that I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. While we are able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time. We ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands.

    “I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalised by the disbanded SARS, including the families of those who died, to present their case before this tribunal.”

    Sanwo-Olu said he believed the task of reforming the police was achievable, but required the input and cooperation of the youth to accomplish.

    He commended the cohesiveness of the “resilient” young people who stood their ground in the last two weeks. Their tenacity, Sanwo-Olu said, has made the much-desired change in the policing system become inevitable.

    Speaking about the judicial panel, the Governor said he was convinced that its outcome and recommendations would open a new chapter in the police-citizen relationship.

    He promised that the State Government would ensure that all wounds are healed, justice served to victims of abuse, and guilty police officers prosecuted.

    At the time of the swearing-in of the panel members, the representatives of the youth in the panel had not been nominated by the protesters.

    The government, last Friday, reached out to the protesters to forward the name of their nominees into the judicial panel. The protesters, however, pleaded for more time to send the names of their nominees, four days after the government’s request.

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who also inaugurated the Judiciary Panel of Investigation on SARS atrocities in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, called on members to make fairness, firmness, dedication and objectivity their watchwords.

    Abiodun enjoined the panel to shun all acts which could impact negatively on their assignment, urging stakeholders in the security, peace and conflict resolution processes as well as the mass media to give the Panel the needed support to succeed.

    “Needless to remind you all of the import of your assignment to the continued peace and security of our dear State, in particular, and our great Nation, in general. The people of our dear State await the outcome of your assignment. Indeed, I expect you to commence your assignment immediately and hold an inaugural meeting today.

    “It is imperative that you make fairness, firmness, dedication and objectivity your watchword. You must shun all acts which could impact negatively on your duty. In the same vein, I enjoin all stakeholders in the security; peace and conflict resolution process; the mass media; and, in fact, all the people of our dear State to give this Judicial Panel of Investigation all the necessary support and cooperation needed for them to succeed.

    “Though this panel has six months to conclude this assignment, we will not wait for six months before we begin to implement. They will be taking the reports in phases so we can take immediate action,” he said.

    According to the governor, the terms of reference for the Judicial Panel of Investigation are to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, human right violation or related extrajudicial killings in the state; evaluation of the evidence presented or other surrounding circumstances and draw a conclusion as to “the validity of the complaints and recommend compensation and other remedial measures more appropriate so that cheques can be issued; determine the officers responsible in the abuse of victims and recommend their prosecution, make recommendations to the Ogun State government on how to ensure that Security agencies no longer abuse the rights of our citizens.”

    Aside the Judicial Panel of Investigation on Human Rights Abuses in the state, a Special Security and Human Rights Committee was also set up under the chairmanship of the governor while the Human Rights Complaint Office with an Ombudsman and two other members were also set up.

    The Chairman of the Panel, Retired Justice Solomon Olugbemi, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and his team, pledging that the panel would ensure that justice was served to everyone irrespective of social or political standing in the society.

    Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi also released the names and terms of reference of the panel to probe abuses by SARS.

    Members of the Panel are Justice Cornelius Akintayo (Chairman), Mr. Dipo Ayeni, A RETIRED Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Yetunde Kolawole, State Counsel- (Representing the Honourable Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice), Mrs. Kikelomo Owolabi, Chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere-Ekiti Branch, Mr. Rotimi Ojomoyela, Chair, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Branch, Mr. Jamiu Abiodun Adigun, Representative, National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Adeyinka Opaleke, Representative, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Ms. Caroline Fakinlede, Ekiti State Youths Representative, Mr. Abiola Johnson-Ogunleye- Ekiti State Students Representative and Mr. Akin Rotimi, a researcher on Police Reforms.

    The panel will receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings, among others.

    In Jos, the Plateau State capital, Governor Simon Bako Lalong inaugurated an 8-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

    Lalong, while inaugurating the commission of inquiry, at the Government House, urged the members to investigate complaints from aggrieved individuals, victims and groups, who might have been brutalised, killed and humiliated by the SARS.

    The governor, in his terms of reference to the Justice Philomena Lot-led panel, urged the panel to also evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on the validity of complaints as well as recommend Compensation and other remedial measures.

    Lalong said the commission has six months to conclude its assignment and submit its report to him.

    His Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, urged the state’s panel to within ninety days to look into circumstances surrounding the protests in the Southsouth state.

    Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogie, on Monday in a statement, listed members of the panel as Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe (Chairperson); Bishop Feb Idahosa, representing clerics; Francis Osayi, the representative of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU); Osahon Obasuyi, representing the National Youth Council (NYC); Prest Aigbokhian (civil society); Mrs. Uloaku Uzamere, the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS): Pius Efofan, the representative of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); Pius Okpere and Kola Edokpayi (#EndSARS Movement); Mrs. Felicia Monyei (Ministry of Justice); unnamed representative of security forces; and Mrs. Joyce Ugbodaga, Secretary to the panel.

    The terms of reference of the panel are: “To receive complaints and petitions from the general public, particularly victims or relatives of victims of police brutality and extra-judicial killings, and to recommend measures, including compensation and restitution, investigation and prosecution, as the circumstances warrant.

    “To advise on compensation or restitution to the victims, or – where the victims have been killed – to the family of the victims, based on a condition which shall be clearly laid out by the panel.

    “To ensure that compensation is paid within 14 days of the decision to compensate.

    “To recommend and direct the Attorney-General to immediately prosecute all persons responsible for the various crimes committed.

    “To recommend measures to forestall reoccurrences in the future and to make any other recommendation to the government, in furtherance of the mandate of panel.”

    Abia State Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu also approved the inauguration of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate allegations of extra-judicial killings and brutality by security agents in the state.

    The committee, according to the statement by Information Commissioner John Okiyi-Kalu, would be inaugurated on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia.

    In Delta, the government said plans were underway to set up a Special Victims’ Support Fund to pay monetary compensation to victims of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings in the state.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa spoke yesterday in Asaba while inaugurating an eight-member Judicial Panel of Enquiry into police brutality and other human rights abuses in the state.

    He said that the constitution of the panel was in line with the directive of the National Economic Council (NEC) headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and charged the body to bring justice to victims.

  • Troops eliminate notorious bandits leader, gang members in Plateau

    Troops eliminate notorious bandits leader, gang members in Plateau

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven have neutralised a notorious bandit leader along with some of his gang members at Tafawa village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Enenche said the troops recorded the success following credible and actionable intelligence from local sources on the whereabouts of the notorious bandit leader hibernating in the area.

    He said the troops had on Sept. 26, engaged armed bandits during a foiled robbery at Bisichi.

    According to him, the bandit leader was fatally injured during the operation but managed to flee the onslaught and was receiving treatment at the hideout in Tafawa village.

    “However, troops stormed his hideout, undeterred by the criminals’ futile effort to halt the advancing troops through sporadic firing.

    “The valiant troops, adopting aggressive tactical maneuvers, overwhelmed the criminals with effective and superior firepower, neutralising the bandit leader and some of his fighters while several others escaped with fatal wounds.

    “Troops are however in pursuit of the fleeing criminals with express orders to bring them to book.

    “The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for their professionalism and resilience, and encourages them to intensify the onslaught against the enemies of our country.

    “The general public is thus encouraged to continue providing credible information to the troops operating within their localities,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Gunmen kill another monarch, four others in Plateau

    JUST IN: Gunmen kill another monarch, four others in Plateau

    Gunmen have reportedly killed five persons, including a traditional ruler in Wereng community of Riyom local government area of Plateau .

    According to reports, the gunmen stormed the village in the early hours of Tuesday and started shooting sporadically, leading to the killing of at least five persons.

    Several others were said to be seriously injured.

    However, the police was yet to confirm or issue a statement concerning the development as the time of filing this report.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that senator representing Plateau North Senatorial district, Istifanus Gyang had just last week on the floor of the senate lamented the incessant killing of monarchs by suspected killer herdsmen.

    Coming under order 43, the lawmaker lamented the killing of over ten traditional rulers across the state by the notorious herdsmen.

    He said, “the latest is the killing of Gwom Rwei of Foron, His Royal Highness, Da Bulus Chuwang Jang, who was assassinated at his palace last week, and the burial is due for this Friday.

    “Mr. President, this trend is quite disturbing, because not less than ten other traditional rulers have unfortunately suffered death through the same circumstances.

    “This development calls for the need for security to be tightened around our traditional rulers, to ensure that the increasing threat to their safety is averted.

    “It is also unfortunate that just last week, five of our youths who were resting and having an evening out were brutally assassinated in Vom district, Jos South Local Government Area. All of these developments are providing increasing insecurity in my constituency.

    “Plateau State and my constituency which had experienced the return of peace is suddenly again being visited with these very ugly attacks. And of course, it is common knowledge that the attackers are suspected to be killer herdsmen.

    “This is very disturbing in a nation where we need to be our brother’s keeper,” Gyang said.

     

    details shortly…

  • Herdsmen massacre 10 traditional rulers in Plateau

    Herdsmen massacre 10 traditional rulers in Plateau

    Suspected herdsmen have killed 10 traditional rulers in Plateau State, the Senate have said during plenary.

    In view of this, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, urged the Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Adamu, to as a matter of urgency, deploy security for the protection of traditional rulers in Plateau State.

    The Senate President made the call on Tuesday during plenary sequel to a point of order raised by Istifanus Gyang (PDP – Plateau North).

    Coming under order 43, the lawmaker lamented the killing of over ten traditional rulers across the state by suspected killer herdsmen.

    He said, “the latest is the killing of Gwom Rwei of Foron, His Royal Highness, Da Bulus Chuwang Jang, who was assassinated at his palace last week, and the burial is due for this Friday.

    “Mr. President, this trend is quite disturbing, because not less than ten other traditional rulers have unfortunately suffered death through the same circumstances.

    “This development calls for the need for security to be tightened around our traditional rulers, to ensure that the increasing threat to their safety is averted.

    “It is also unfortunate that just last week, five of our youths who were resting and having an evening out were brutally assassinated in Vom district, Jos South Local Government Area. All of these developments are providing increasing insecurity in my constituency.

    “Plateau State and my constituency which had experienced the return of peace is suddenly again being visited with these very ugly attacks. And of course, it is common knowledge that the attackers are suspected to be killer herdsmen.

    “This is very disturbing in a nation where we need to be our brother’s keeper,” Gyang said.

    In his remark, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who condoled with the Government and people of Plateau State, called on security agencies in the country to provide security for traditional rulers as well as the people of Plateau State.

    “Let me on behalf of the Senate send our condolences to the Government and people of Plateau State, particularly Plateau North Senatorial district, where all of these incidents took place.

    “We pray that the security agencies should provide sufficient security around traditional rulers, as well as for everybody.

    “The situation requires that we continue to work together with the Executive arm of Government until we find enduring solutions to the security challenges which the country faces,” Lawan said.