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Tag: Plateau

  • NHRC receives 752 complaints in Plateau in 2023

    NHRC receives 752 complaints in Plateau in 2023

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it received 752 complaints of human rights abuse in Plateau between January and November 2023

    The Coordinator of the commission in the state, Veronica Abe, disclosed this to the  on Monday in Jos.

    According to Abe, the cases ranged from unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, inhuman treatment, domestic violence to child abuse.

    Others, she said, included child abandonment, rape, denial of inheritance and forced marriage.

    “A total of 752 cases of human rights abuse were reported in Plateau between January and November 2023.

    ”Most of these cases have been treated and concluded, while some are still ongoing.

    ”1, 053 persons were affected, including 166 women and 463 children,”she added.

    The Coordinator assured that the pending cases would be addressed soon, and called on Plateau residents to report cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities for prompt action

  • Plateau: We accept Supreme Court’s judgment in good faith – APC

    Plateau: We accept Supreme Court’s judgment in good faith – APC

    The Plateau chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it accepts the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed Gov. Caleb Mutfwang as the winner of the March 18, 2023, election in good faith.

    The Apex Court on Friday, reversed the Nov. 19, decision of  the Appeal Court that nullified Mutwang’s election and declared Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as the winner of the election.

    Mr Sylvanus Namang, APC Publicity Secretary in Plateau, told NAN in Jos that the party accepts the verdict in the spirit of sportsmanship.

    Namang said that the contest was no personal but a tussle between two political parties in the interest of Plateau people.

    The publicity secretary called on APC members and supporters to remain law abiding and refrain from any act contrary to the party’s culture.

    He urged them to avoid anything that could jeopardise peace and peaceful coexistence on the Plateau.

    Namang said that APC believes in maintaining decorum and peace at all time, no matter the situation.

    “Our party is a respecter of the rule of law and a strong believer in our judicial system, hence, we take the outcome in good faith,’’ he said.

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court rescues sacked Plateau gov, Caleb Mutfwang

    BREAKING: Supreme Court rescues sacked Plateau gov, Caleb Mutfwang

    The Supreme Court has rescued Caleb Mutfwang, reversing his sack as Governor of Plateau State in its judgment.

    Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 525,299 votes to beat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Nentawe Yilwatda, who garnered 481,370 votes during the 18 March governorship poll in Plateau State.

    The governor’s election was upheld by the Plateau State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos, the state capital.

    However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, in its judgement delivered on 19 November 2023, overturned Mr Mutfwang’s victory, prompting him to file an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the lower court’s decision.

    Details to follow…

  • BREAKING: CAN Chairman leads massive protest over Plateau killings

    BREAKING: CAN Chairman leads massive protest over Plateau killings

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is currently leading a massive protest against incessant killing of people in Plateau State.

    The ongoing protest tagged “Plateau Peace Walk”, is being led by the state CAN chairman, Rev Polycarp Lubo, ECWA President, Rev Dr Stephen Baba Panya, COCIN President, Rev Dr Amos Mohzo.

    Others are Bishop of Methodist church, Jos; Rev Nkechi Nwosu; President, Gideon and Funmi-ParaMallam Peace Foundation, Rev. Dr Gideon ParaMallam among other prominent Christian leaders in the state.

     

    It was learnt that the protesters started the peace walk at the PRTVC Roundabout in Jos and headed to the Rayfield Government House to express their dissatisfaction over the killings in the state.

     

     

     

  • Plateau bloodbath: Angry women set ablaze palace of Bokkos District head+Photos

    Plateau bloodbath: Angry women set ablaze palace of Bokkos District head+Photos

    …as youths protest human rights abuse by soldiers on rescue mission

    Apparently disturbed by the Christmas bloodbath on Christmas Eve, Bokkos women stormed the palace of their district head, Saf Adanchin and set it ablaze after registering their displeasure at the police DPO’s office.

    The women had visited the STF command and the DPO of police in Bokkos to register their pleasure over the serial arrests of Bokkos indigenes on the heels of two Fulani corpses found dead by unidentified persons in Bokkos.

    Earlier the Bokkos Progressive Youths had issued a statement lamenting the bias of the security operatives before today’s incident.

    In the statement signed by the youths president, Christopher Luka Tulladem queried the role of the military in arresting indigenes instead of the police and demand an explanation from the authorities.

    Read full statement below:

    BOKKOS PROGRESSIVE YOUTHS
    5TH JANUARY 2024

    HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE BY THE MILITARY IN BOKKOS L.G.A. OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA.

    “It is with pain in our hearts that we write to address you concerning the continuous violation of Human Rights by the military sent to foil the attacks that started on 23rd December 2023 in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau State, Nigeria.

    “Since the sad event happened, we have witnessed continuous arrest, detention, and brutalization of victims who managed to escape the horror of the attackers. In most cases, these victims have suffered incapacitation and bullet wounds from the same army who are supposed to protect them.

    “The rate of this violation has taken a dramatic dimension since Wednesday 3rd January, 2024 with the continuous dehumanizing and brutal treatment meted out on our youths(All of Christian Faith and IDPs) on account of a corpse suspected to be a Fulani found somewhere.

    ” While we condemn all criminality in whatever guise, we are quick to mention here that the manner of operation by the military seems to target a particular faith.

    “While we still mourn the deaths of over two hundred people in Bokkos ( All of Christian Faith) over the attacks the military in Bokkos failed to contain, even when they had prior intelligence from the Governor of the State (As mentioned by Sen. Abdullah I Ningi on the floor of the National Assembly), the failure to make any substantial arrest even after it happened is a matter of concern to us.

    ” We are shocked to see the manner of dehumanizing and brutal treatment meted out to these innocent people over the alleged killing of a Fulani. We are forced to ask these questions:

    1. How many terrorist (of whom their faith is known to you) have you arrested and dehumanized like this over the genocide in Bokkos?

    2. Is a Fulani’s life more important than other Nigerians?

    3. When has the Nigerian Military ceded its role of protecting territorial integrity to arrest and incapacitation of innocent civilians?

    Arrest and investigation is purely a Police affair. They should quickly excuse themselves and allow police to do their constitutional duty.

    4. What happens to the military gadgets and equipment meant to assist in times like this? Are they all not in good condition at the time of these attacks?
    And they can only be available when possibly it’s the other way?
    These are questions that demand answers.

    “We are fast losing our confidence in the Nigerian Military to be fair to all.
    Again, we must add that these attacks happened in our villages, currently, our people cannot access their farms to irrigate their farms, we thought the military would have carried out clearance operations in those villages so that people could at least access their farms, but the issue is the reverse. The concentration of the military is in Bokkos town, showing their might on the victims of attacks while the remnants and crops of the victims are either looted or burnt by the terrorists.
    Given the above, we call for the following:

    1. The President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinibu (GCFR), The President of the Senate, Sen. God will Akpabio, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. C.G. Musa, Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to immediately direct the release of those incarcerated by the military and order for the treatment of those the military incapacitated (some were last seen with various degree of gunshot injuries and handcuffed in JUTH under the watch of the heavy military)

    2. The President should set up a high-powered committee to investigate the numerous cases of human abuses by the military and punish those found culpable.

    3. The President should review the recruitment of officers and men of the military within the last eight years. Our findings have shown that the majority of the men on the ground belong to a particular faith and seem to sympathize with their fellows against upholding the oath of their duty of being fair to all Nigerians. The young officers yesterday threatened to shoot a Father who approached a Senior Officer at their base to complain about the brutality meted out to his son. This is one among many cases.

    The memory of our slain youths by the same military in 2016 is still fresh in our memory.
    If we have lost confidence in the last regime to protect us, you must right the wrongs of the previous administration by carrying out your primary responsibility with utmost priority to gain back our confidence as a Nation.
    4. That the Inspector General of Police should order the immediate removal of the Divisional Police Officer from Bokkos. His continues resistance to transfer amid these attacks without bringing any soluti leaves us in doubt about his integrity. He must be investigated. It is alleg that he has worked to reverse several transfers on him. What is hy benefitting? This is a matter that demands urgent investigation.

    We hope to brief you subsequently as events unfold.
    Sign Youth President Bokkos LGA Christopher Luka Tulladem

  • Plateau Killings: Group hails Tinubu, Humanitarian Affairs Minister over timely response

    Plateau Killings: Group hails Tinubu, Humanitarian Affairs Minister over timely response

    Plateau Humanitarian Vanguard (PHV), a social-cultural group in the North Central zone of Nigeria, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, for swiftly coming to the aide of the affected communities in the recent attacks in Plateau State.

    The Vanguard, in a press statement Wednesday night, said, such humanitarian interventions, in the face of hunger and displeasure caused by the attacks, may though not compensate for the lost lives, but “can give the people the sense of belonging and ameliorate the momentous pains occasioned by the unfortunate attacks”.

    No fewer than 200 people were killed by marauding gunmen in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State on Christmas eve.

    At least two persons were also killed in a renewed attack by assailants in Durbi village of Shere district, Jos East local government area, late Saturday night, barely one week after the first attack.

    Dr. Edu, had in a condolence message to the people of Plateau after the attack, said government would mobilize immediate support to affected communities.

    A statement by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, on the 28th December, 2023, also quoted the President as directing the “Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and other relevant agencies to work with the Plateau State Government to deliver immediate humanitarian relief to the affected communities”.

    Consequently, Dr. Edu caused distributions of food and non-food relief materials to the victims of the attacks in Plateau State yesterday.

    The Minister who also visited affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area with her counterpart from the Ministry of Defence and Service Chiefs was on the ground to coordinate Hummanitarian Responses as directed by President Tinubu.

    Reacting to the development through a statement on Wednesday, Comrade Jonah Pam, President of Plateau Humanitarian Vanguard, said the timely response of the federal government through the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, has given the people hope in the Asiwaju administration.

    “This quick humanitarian interventions mean a lot to the people. Alot is already happening to the displaced people already and we definitely believe that any little support from government, individuals and organisations would go a long way to cushion the pains.

    “We believe that no amount of humanitarian interventions can bring back our loved ones; but we also know this is not the first of such attacks in the past. What we normally get from the government at the central is a well crafted and rehearsed press statement, condemning the attack. And it ends there.

    “At least, the coming of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria has shown them how things should be done in this situation.

    “We also pray that it does not end in providing humanitarian interventions. The security agencies, especially the military, should live above board and get the perpetrators to pay for the heinous crime. It is a genocide against our people and we would not like it to sleep, as usual”, Comrade Pam said.

    The statement also called on international Humanitarian organisations, local organisations and well spirited individulas not to leave the welfare and wellbeing of displaced persons in the aftermath of the killings to the Federal Government alone.

  • Why Plateau gov, Mutfwang visited Tinubu

    Why Plateau gov, Mutfwang visited Tinubu

    Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA) to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has clarified the reason for the visit of the governor to President Bola Tinubu.

    Bere told NAN on Saturday in Jos that the governor’s visit on Monday in Lagos was to brief the president on the security situation in the state.

    Bere was reacting to reports making the rounds in some social media handles that the governor went to Lagos to make merry while the state was under attack.

    The media aide explained that the visit was a sincere effort towards tackling the insecurity currently confronting the state.

    The Plateau state governor was in Lagos on Christmas day along with other members of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima was also at the meeting with the governors from Kwara, Benue, Katsina, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Lagos, and Imo among others.

    ”The purpose of the visit was to apprise the President of the escalating security challenges in the state and to seek prompt intervention from the Federal Government.

    ”The visit was not for revelry but a sincere effort to draw attention to the security crisis, distinct from past situations.

    ”Prior to the Lagos visit, the governor had granted interview on Channels and Arise Televisions, and declared his intention of meeting with the President to solicit support over the renewed security challenges in the state.

    ”He had earlier visited Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) which had been ravaged by severe attacks. Following this, he held a meeting with the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and issued a directive to secure affected communities,” he said.

    Bere, who expressed dismay at criticisms on social media, said that the governor had proactively responded to the Christmas eve attacks in Bokko and Barkin-Ladi LGAs.

    ”The decision to meet with Mr. President was aimed at briefing him on the renewed violence for appropriate action.

    ”His discussions with the President and other governors yielded positive results, and consequently, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and other Security Chiefs were dispatched to Plateau to assess the security situation

    ”Following the briefing, the President ordered security personnel to apprehend the perpetrators and mobilised relief materials for surviving victims,” he said.

    Bere affirmed Mutfwang-led administration’s commitment toward prioritising the security of lives and property in the state, insisting that the people remain the governor’s top priority.

  • Assailants again attack Plateau community

    Assailants again attack Plateau community

    Days after the deadly Christmas Day attacks on Bokkos, yet another community came under attack in the same Local Government on Thursday night.

    The Yuletide incident has been regarded as the worst outbreak of violence in Plateau since May and has left more than 190 people dead and hundreds injured.

    Reacting to the event, Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos, Monday Kassah disclosed that marauders attacked the community at night burning and destroying homes.

    Kassah explained that no death was recorded due to the timely intervention of security personnel.

    While giving an update on the Christmas Day attack, the committee chairman explained the number of casualties still stands at 195, further confirming that rescue operations were ongoing to find missing persons.

    Of the number, 148 were killed in Bokkos Local Government Area, 19 in Mangu Local Government Area, and 27 in Barkin Ladi. 1,290 houses were burnt down in Bokkos council, one house was razed in Mangu LGA and that of Barkin Ladi was yet to be ascertained at press time.

    Hundreds of people have been killed while thousands have been rendered homeless in cases of intercommunal violence in recent years.

  • Plateau Killings: Miyetti Allah condemns attack

    Plateau Killings: Miyetti Allah condemns attack

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has condemned in totality the resurgent violence, attack and bloodbath in Plateau state.

    It’s reported that several lives were lost in the attack that took place in the Bakkos Local Government Area of Plateau State,

    Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the national president of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, condemned the killings in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “The intolerance that is fanning this circle of violence must be stopped by the Federal and Plateau State governments. This act of barbarism by the actors must be condemned by all, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation,” he said.

    According to Othman-Ngelzarma,  the association supported President Bola Tinubu in his directives to the security agencies to fish out the culprits and bring them to book.

    He also thanked the President for his directive that relief materials be distributed to the victims.

    Othman-Ngelzarma enjoined the Plateau State Government to consider and include pastoralists among the beneficiaries of the relief materials.

    According to him, pastoralists were the greater victims of the calamity.

  • Speaker Abbas bemoans fresh killings in Plateau

    Speaker Abbas bemoans fresh killings in Plateau

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has condemned in totality, the attacks on communities within Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas Eve.

    Speaker Abbas, who described the attack as barbaric and heinous, said the deaths were “too many,” especially at this time.

    He noted with concern the trend of attacks by gunmen, bandits and other criminals, who kill innocent Nigerians.

    The Speaker urged the security and intelligence agencies to forestall further loss of lives and property on the Plateau and other parts of the country. He also charged them to go after the perpetrators of the dastardly act, apprehend and prosecute them.

    “Nigeria has recorded too many losses of lives and property under attacks, and this trend must stop forthwith,” Speaker Abbas stated.

    The Speaker, while commiserating with the people and the Government of Plateau State, prayed for the repose of the souls of those who were killed, and comfort for their families.

    Signed:

    Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.