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Tag: Plateau

  • Plateau killings: Gov Mutfwang says “we failed you”, apologies to community

    Plateau killings: Gov Mutfwang says “we failed you”, apologies to community

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has apologised to the people of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) for the failure of government and security agencies to protect lives and properties.

    Fifty-one persons were gunned down early Monday in the Zikke community of the LGA, with houses razed and many displaced about two weeks after a similar attack led to the killing of scores of persons in Bokkos Local Government Area.

    Less than two days after the most recent assault, Governor Mutfwang apologised for the government’s inability to protect the people.

    Fifty-one persons were gunned down early Monday in the Zikke community of the LGA, with houses razed and many displaced about two weeks after a similar attack led to the killing of scores of persons in Bokkos Local Government Area.

    Less than two days after the most recent assault, Governor Mutfwang apologised for the government’s inability to protect the people.

    The governor said this on Tuesday at the palace of the Paramount Ruler in Miango.

    “I will tell you the truth: I have been crying since yesterday because I had trusted God that all the arrangements were put in place, that this will not happen again. We have made investments in security,” he said.

    But like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”

    He urged the people not to relent in their efforts to secure their communities and ensure that they complement security agencies’ efforts by providing vital information for intelligence gathering and expose the antics of the criminals.

    Governor Mutfwang, in the company of security chiefs and members of the state executive council, was in Zikke community to commiserate with the people on the death of over fifty persons killed in Monday’s attacks.

    The Paramount Ruler of Irigwe land, Ronku Aka, who is the Brangwe of Irigwe, urged the government to come to the aid of the communities with the provision of social amenities in the area.

    The governor and the entourage also went to see some of the families who lost their loved ones in the attack. The victims have been buried just as members of the community demanded action to stem the rising wave of insecurity in the state.

    Plateau State has been a hotbed of attacks, but the renewed spate of attacks adds a fresh layer of twist to the decades-long crisis rocking the North-Central state.

    After the most recent assaults, President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to fish out the masterminds, describing the attacks as condemnable.

    While experts have linked the lingering Plateau crisis to farmers-herders tussle for resources, Governor Muftwang said it was sponsored and genocidal.

    According to him, over 64 communities in the state have been taken over by gunmen.

  • Anger, sorrow and bitterness as Plateau Community buries 51 killed in fresh attack

    Anger, sorrow and bitterness as Plateau Community buries 51 killed in fresh attack

    It was anger, sorrow and bitterness as the Zike community of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State laid to rest the 51 victims of the recent attacks on the area.

    The victims were gunned down early Monday when the perpetrators stormed the village and started shooting sporadically, leading to scores of deaths in what has become a recurring incident in the state.

    At the solemn event, members of the community recalled how the incident happened, describing it as “disheartening”.

    “I can tell you the situation is very disheartening,” a community leader, Davidson Malison, said, adding that “we are still searching for more corpses.”

    “Something needs to be done to put an end to this,” Davidson said.

    For a women leader, Mary Dikwa, the situation has gone out of hand.

    “They have been killing us in this our community, and several times, they will come and attack us,” the Irigwe women leader said.

    “They have been coming and killing, killing us every time. We are tired of this killing. Enough is enough. Our children are dying, our husbands are dying. Our crops have been razed down by this herdsmen,” she added.

    Monday’s carnage came despite reassurances from government authorities and less than two weeks after a similar dastardly killing left over 50 people dead and several others nursing injuries.

    Irked by the recurrent deadly attacks on the state, President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to go after the killers, describing the latest wave of assault on the North-Central state as devastating.

    “I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts,” the president said in a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga. “We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.”

  • 40 persons killed, 383 houses destroyed in recent Plateau attack

    40 persons killed, 383 houses destroyed in recent Plateau attack

    40 persons were killed and about 1000 displaced in last week’s attack on Hurti, Manguna District of Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

    Mr Maren Aradong, the Village Head of Hurti, said this when Mr Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), led other government officials on an assessment visit to the community on Sunday in Jos.

    Recall that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities of the locality.

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang had described the recent attacks and killings in some parts of the state as a coordinated crime sponsored by conflict merchants, and not farmer-herder clashes.

    Throwing more light on the incident, Aradong said that the gunmen also looted foodstuff and other items.

    “Last Wednesday, at about 3:00 p.m., gunmen invaded our communities in their numbers; they came on motorcycles and attacked us.

    “In Hurti alone, these gunmen killed more than 40 people and displaced about 1,000 persons.

    “They also burnt 383 houses, destroyed foodstuff, and looted other items,” he said.

    Aradong, who commended the state government and the security personnel for their swift intervention, called for the deployment of more security personnel to the affected communities.

    Also commenting on the incident after the attack, Retired Brig.-Gen. Gagji Shipi, the Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, a state-owned security outfit, confirmed the attack.

    Shipi, who described the incident as a major setback on the peace efforts in the state, said that measures were already being taken to forestall future occurrences.

    Speaking during the visit, Jatau, who commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones during the attack, called on the Federal Government to also provide support for the displaced persons.

    The SSG explained that the government delegation was in the community to commiserate with the people and encourage them to be steadfast.

    “We are here to see to things for ourselves and ascertain the level of damage done by the attackers.

    “It is unfortunate that this era people could attack, kill innocent citizens, and destroy their properties without thinking twice.

    “We have seen things for ourselves, and we will report back to the governor; we want to assure the people that they are not alone.

    “We are here with some relief materials to cushion the immediate hardship that the people are currently passing through, pending a more lasting solution,” he said.

    NAN also reports that some of the items donated to the displaced persons were mattresses, sleeping mats, buckets, bags of rice, beans, and maize.

    Other items donated included blankets, cartons of washing and bathing soaps, noodles, and pasta, among others.

  • Tinubu vows to punish gunmen behind Plateau attacks

    Tinubu vows to punish gunmen behind Plateau attacks

    President Bola Tinubu on Saturday vowed that the gunmen responsible for the recent attacks in Plateau would be apprehended and punished.

    Gunmen launched brutal assaults on Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos Local Government, as well as Manguna and Dafo villages, resulting in the loss of lives and widespread destruction of property.

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, disclosed this in a statement.

    The President expressed his deep sorrow over the violent attacks, directing security agencies to track down the attackers and promising that they would face severe punishment once apprehended.

    “The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. These intermittent attacks have no place in our country, especially at a time when we are working tirelessly to restore peace and order.

    “This unfortunate incident will not slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian. Instead, we will intensify efforts to eradicate forces of evil wherever they are found,” President Tinubu said.

    The President extended his condolences to the Government of Plateau and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, urging affected communities to cooperate with authorities and security agencies by sharing information to help identify the perpetrators and secure their areas.

    He assured Mutfwang of his support in putting an end to the violence on the Plateau.

    Tinubu also directed the National Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with state authorities to provide immediate relief and support to the victims and those wounded in the attacks.

    The President expressed his condolences to the families of the victims: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those affected by this senseless violence.

    “No community should endure such tragedy. We must unite to foster peace and stability.”

    He called on all citizens to embrace peace, uphold shared humanity, and reject retaliation, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

  • Gunmen kill 11 persons in Plateau

    Gunmen kill 11 persons in Plateau

    The police command in Plateau says gunmen have attacked Rubi community in Butura District in Bokkos Local Government and killed 11 persons.

    Mr Alfred Alabo, the command’s spokesman made this known in a statement on Friday in Jos.

    The Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC),also in a statement, confirmed that 11 persons were killed.

    Alabo quoted Mr Emmanuel Adesina, the Commissioner of Police in the state, who visited the scene, as condemning the attack.

    “On March 27, at about 10:00 p.m., we received a report of some gunmen who invaded Ruwi village at about 09:20 p.m. and began to shoot sporadically.

    “As a result, some law-abiding citizens of the community who were at a wake-keep unfortunately lost their lives.

    “Many others secured varying degrees of injuries.

    “Immediately, the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bokkos to mobilise to the scene for necessary action,”he said.

    To have first hand information on situation, Alabo said that the commissioner visited the scene and commiserated with those who lost their loves ones.

    Similarly, the Plateau government had condemned the incident and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

    Mrs Joyce Ramnap, the state Commissioner for Information, called on residents of the community not to take the law into their hands.

    Ramnap reiterated the state government’s commitment to security of lives and property of all citizens of the state.

  • Group hails Governor for promoting cordiality between Plateau Christians and Muslims

    Group hails Governor for promoting cordiality between Plateau Christians and Muslims

    A Plateau State socio-political group, Plateau Patriotic Front, PPF has commended the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang for leading an all inclusive governance and removing the dichotomy between different religious communities in the state.

    The Chairman of PPF, Mani Imman in a statement he issued on Thursday.

    Imman who spoke on the heels of the commendation of Mutfwang’s inclusive style of leadership by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed and Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, a fierce critic of Governor Mutfwang.

    Recall that last weekend when Governor Mohammed visited Plateau State to condole Governor Mutfwang and the people of Plateau on the demise of Senator Jeremiah Useni and Sheikh Saeed Jingir, the Second National Deputy Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, he applauded Governor Mutfwang for embracing the people of all faiths and ethnic nationalities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    The Bauchi Governor said, “I have come to commiserate with you over the demise of two great and highly respected individuals, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni and one of our most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Saeed Hassan Jingir… We needed to visit you, as a leader who has demonstrated exceptional inclusivity in governance.

    “Your leadership style has set a standard for inclusivity. Everyone in Plateau State feels a sense of belonging under your government. Even before I arrived, I received calls from people expressing gratitude for your interventions, especially in the Muslim community, something unprecedented in Plateau’s history.”

    Similarly, as Governor Mutfwang mourns with JIBWIS on the passing of Sheikh Saeed Jingir, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, who received him on a condolence visit commended Governor Mutfwang, for his commitment to fostering peace, unity, and inclusive governance across the State.

    Describing Governor Mutfwang as a visionary leader, a symbol of tolerance, and a beacon of hope, Sheikh Jingir also lauded the governor’s dedication to the welfare of the less-privileged and emphasized that Governor Mutfwang’s leadership has not only promoted peaceful coexistence but has also reinforced citizens’ confidence in governance through inclusive policies and infrastructural development.

    He called on political leaders, both in and out of office, to embrace unity and support the administration of Governor Mutfwang in strengthening the prevailing peace and harmony in Plateau State.

    Reacting to the development, Imman stated, “Governor Caleb Mutfwang must be commended for his purposeful and inclusive leadership which is being acknowledged within and outside the State. The Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development across the board and policies that promote trust and cooperation among the people is exemplary.

    “The testimonies of these respected individuals and the feelings among the citizens of Plateau State show that the Governor is on course and we urge him not to deviate from this good path which he is treading. As the Governor clocks 60 years of age, we wish all the best and pray for more blessings in the coming years.”

    End.

  • Cases of ritual killings minimal in Plateau – Police

    Cases of ritual killings minimal in Plateau – Police

    The Police Command in Plateau says cases of ritual killings in the state are minimal.

    Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, said this in an interview with NAN on Friday in Jos.

    Alabo also said there was no information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts market in the state.

    “There is no intelligence report that suggests that a human parts market exists in Plateau; we do not have such here.

    “And I can categorically say that we have minimal cases of ritual killings recorded in the state,” he said.

    The PPRO, however, admitted the operations of internet fraudsters, also known as Yahoo boys syndicate, who kill and harvest human body parts for ritual purposes.

    He further admitted the rise in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultist activities, among other crimes.

    “Most of these yahoo boys kill and harvest human parts for ritual purposes.

    “They do that on the directive of their native doctors who promise to boost their powers, chances of hitting better deals and immunity from arrest,” he said.

    Speaking on the issue, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, called on religious leaders to preach against ritual killings.

    Lubo, who corroborated Alabo on the minimal cases of ritual killings, however, called on parents to speak to their wards against joining cultist groups or indulging in internet fraud.

  • EMMANUEL AZIKEN: New perspective on suspension of mining activities on the plateau

    EMMANUEL AZIKEN: New perspective on suspension of mining activities on the plateau

    By Emmanuel Aziken

    The temptation to flex federal muscle following the decision of the Plateau State Government to suspend mining activities in the state has again brought to focus the undercurrents that aggravate Nigeria’s federation.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang moving forward in his determined efforts in lifting Plateau State from the level he met it has been able to translate good governance in diverse sectors including healthcare, road infrastructure, scaling up the welfare of citizen through such incentives as subsidised transportation and the rejuvenation of the agricultural economy in the state.

    Farmers have been particularly empowered through the provisions of tractors and the provision of farming inputs that have now revitalised the hopes of local farmers.

    Undoubtedly what may have further sharpened the eyes of critical observers in Plateau was the Mutfwang administration’s empowerment of the youth population with knowledge and skill on modern farming practises. This laudable move has won the approbation of the African Development Bank, AfDB which is now partnering with the Plateau State Government to establish a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.

    As a corollary to the agreement with the AfDP is training of youths in agricultural practise including the training of 600 youths under Operation Rainbow for intelligence gathering and sharing.

    Farmers in the last 18 months have also been returning to their farms albeit with cautious optimism following the synergy weaved between the state government and the military authorities. The cloud of distrust between the people and the military that existed in the eight years before the advent of the Mutfwang administration has ben eviscerated with an affectionateness that pervades across the citizenry. However, not totally.

    Here and there, especially in deep rural areas, the bad guys continue to nibble at the good works of the administration with a threat of pulling down the system.

    Nowhere is this threat more manifest than through criminals engaged in illegal mining activities in the state. Because they have failed to get the requisite registration from the Federal Government, these criminals have unfolded themselves through several criminal activities to beat the long arms of the law.

    As birds of the same feather flock together, these illegal miners have also congregated with other criminals to exacerbate other illegalities in the state. It is in this wise that Governor Mutfwang following consultations with stakeholders in the state took the decision to suspend all forms of mining activities in the state.

    The situation on the Plateau was especially compounded by the fact that the registered miners were grossly overwhelmed by illegal miners who constituted the bulk of those engaged in mining activities in the state. Because they were not registered, they hardly could be checked.

    Studies have also shown that the threats to the security of the state are more prevalent in mining areas of the state. It would be recalled that the Federal Government in the same vein towards addressing the spate of banditry similarly banned mining activities in Zamfara State.

    Even more, many of these illegal miners are also non-Nigerians.

    Given the fact that mining activities are under the exclusive list, it is tempting for constitutional experts to question the decision of the Plateau State Government to suspend mining activities in the state.

    However, the fact that Governor Mutfwang and President Bola Tinubu have the same goals of economic viability under a peaceful ambience there is bound to be no conflict except war drums coming from the quarter of mischief makers.

    Besides the instrumentality of the Land Use Act and his apron as Chief Security Officer of the state, the backing of stakeholders including traditional rulers is also salutary.

    There need be no discord on this positive step towards regaining the initiative on mining from the assorted gangs of criminals who have held the state prostrate in the course of their illegalities.

    The time is now for Plateau State collaborating with the federal administration to redefine the pace and pattern of mining in the state for the benefit of all.

    Emmauel Aziken is publisher of GWG.ng

  • Bird flu surfaces in Plateau, kills 300 birds

    Bird flu surfaces in Plateau, kills 300 birds

    Avian influenza, popularly known as bird flu, has killed 300 birds in a farm in Plateau.

    Dr Shase’et Sipak, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the state, disclosed this to NAN on Wednesday in Jos.

    Sipak said that the outbreak was confirmed by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, in Jos.

    He also said the affected farm was located in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

    “When we got wind of the suspected outbreak at Bassa, we immediately went there and took a sample that was later confirmed positive by the NVRI laboratory.

    “It was a 100 per cent morbidity; of the 300 birds, more than 280 died. We later depopulated the remaining ones.

    “We also sealed off the farm and took other biosecurity steps to avert further spread of the disease to other farms,” he said.

    Sipak called on poultry farmers in the state to take stringent biosecurity steps to prevent the spread and save their birds.

  • MANI IMMAM: New Vistas Of Health and Wealth On the Plateau

    MANI IMMAM: New Vistas Of Health and Wealth On the Plateau

    By Mani Imman.

    The maxim, health is wealth, is a truism well understood on the Plateau that is increasingly being brought to shape by the Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration.

     

    When the Governor came on board in May 2023, and knowing too well that only healthy citizens can create wealth, he gave a marching order that redundant health institutions in the State be activated and utilized for the good of citizens. It was in that direction that the administration repositioned the State Specialist Hospital, Jos. It was re-equipped and appropriately staffed to the purpose of expanding its operations, for quality healthcare service delivery.

     

    Commendably, this order has resulted in the kick-starting of operations in the General Hospitals in Riyom, Kwall (Kanke LGA), and Mabudi in the Langtang South local government area, and citizens are the better for it.

     

    Understanding that a large chunk of the State’s population is domiciled in rural communities, which often have no access to quality healthcare it was a thing of concern to Governor Mutfwang given his clear determination to boost the capacity of those in the rural areas through enhancing their agricultural output.

    But how would those in the rural areas enhance productivity, and drive economic growth if they were unhealthy.

     

    Rekindling citizens’ hope, he recently awarded contracts and presented cheques to contractors including Forest Engineering Ltd., MAICAT Nigeria Ltd., HALCYON General Merchant Limited, and Hope River International Limited for the renovation and upgrade of 82 Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Plateau citizens, particularly the vulnerable population.

     

    Utilizing the opportunity presented through the IMPACT Project, a comprehensive programme designed to create lasting improvements in the State’s healthcare system, the initiative aims to revamp at least four PHCs in each of the 17 Local Government Areas to ensure equitable distribution of resources and services.

     

    The upgrades which will include the construction of perimeter fencing, two-bedroom staff quarters, motorized boreholes, and the installation of solar panels to guarantee uninterrupted power supply for effective service delivery will boost the morale of staff who by the way are getting their salaries paid at when due, and ginger them to give humane care to the patients.

     

    Governor Mutfwang envisions the State being a health tourism hub for Nigerians and others, and the little steps being taken in repositioning the Primary Healthcare Centres, the secondary, and tertiary health institutions is a testament that at the end of Governor Mutfwang’s tenure, infrastructural development, and trained personnel in the State’s healthcare system would be such that would truly deliver quality healthcare services to all.