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Tag: Plateau

  • Police kill suspected kidnapper in Plateau, rescue 6 victims

    Police kill suspected kidnapper in Plateau, rescue 6 victims

    Police in Plateau have killed a suspected kidnapper and rescued six kidnap victims.

    Police spokesman in the state, DSP Alfred Alabo, stated on Thursday in Jos that the kidnappers abducted their victims from Gwalada village in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Wednesday.

    “The kidnappers invaded Gwalada village in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Wednesday and kidnapped some residents.

    “They moved the victims to a rocky forest between Tumu, Tsaya and Rumfar-Gomna communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

    “The Divisional Police Officer in Jengre, Plateau, led a combined team of operatives, troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), and local security groups to the kidnappers’ camp.

    “On sighting the security operatives, the kidnappers engaged them in a fierce gun battle, but they were subdued by the superior firepower of the security operatives.

    “Six victims were rescued while one of the kidnappers was gunned down, but his cohorts fled with various degrees of bullet wounds.

    “Sadly, one Nuhu Titus, a hunter who assisted the security operatives in the rescue operation lost his life in the process,’’ Alabo stated.

    He added that security operatives were intensifying efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects and rescue other victims.

  • Plateau gov, Mutfwang condemns murder of Fulani leader

    Plateau gov, Mutfwang condemns murder of Fulani leader

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has condemned the murder of Ardo Adamu Gabdo, the Fulani leader of Panyam District in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, who was killed by yet-to-be identified persons.

    Mutfwang condemned the act in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr Gyang Bere, issued on Saturday in Jos.

    Recall that Gabdo was declared missing by security agencies on September 24.

    But his dead body was later recovered on Thursday, October 5, by troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) at Boi, a border community between Plateau and Bauchi state.

    Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, recently told stakeholders from Mangu at a meeting that it had arrested three suspects in connection with the crime.

    The governor, who condoled with the immediate family of the ardo over the huge loss, promised to support security agencies to fish out those behind the crime.

    He urged community leaders and traditional rulers at all levels to support government and security agencies in their collective efforts toward a crime-free Plateau.

    ”While we commend the efforts of OPSH for recovering the body of the murdered Ardo, we want to appeal to all residents of our state to be law-abiding.

    ”All criminal acts should be reported to security agencies for swift action.

    ”We are committed to upholding the rule of law in addressing all forms of criminal activities in the state,” the governor said.

    Mutfwang promised to be fair and just to all citizens, irrespective of tribe or religious background.

    The governor further reiterated his determination to introduce policies and programmes that would foster sustainable peace, progress, and prosperity in the state.

  • Plateau govt. partners with UNDP for improved security

    Plateau govt. partners with UNDP for improved security

    Plateau Government says it is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for improved security in the state.

    The State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, sought the organisation’s assistance in building the capacity of its manpower during an interface with UN officials led by the Resident Representative, Mr. Mohamed Yahya at their office in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, on Friday in Jos, the partnership was aimed at training the state’s personnel for efficient service delivery.

    Bere said that it would also involve developing its technical education, data processing and strategic planning.

    He said that the governor during his visit also sought the UNDP’s assistance in repositioning the mineral exploration and e-governance in the state.

    He said that the governor also intimated the UNDP’s team on the state’s efforts in addressing its security challenges which include the approval for the construction of two Mobile Police barracks in volatile areas.

    According to the statement, Mutfwang said that training would soon commence for youths recruited to reinforce its home grown security outfit, “Operation Rainbow” to secure its various communities.

    He said that the governor acknowledged the importance of adopting technology for security and peace-building efforts in Plateau including reinvigorating its early warning systems.

    He added that Mutfwang disclosed that plans were ongoing to organise an economic summit where development strategies that accelerate development would be discussed.

    The governor further expressed readiness to leverage UNDP’s expertise and international partnerships to implement the state’s development programmes.

    On his part, Yahaya affirmed that UNDP would collaborate with the governor and to consider signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership.

     

  • Military arrest 8 suspected killers of catholic seminarian, others

    Military arrest 8 suspected killers of catholic seminarian, others

    The Special Military Taskforce, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States, have arrested suspected killers of Na’aman Stephen, a Catholic seminarian.

    Capt. James Oya, the Media Officer of OPSH disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Friday in Jos.

    According to reports, Gunmen killed Na’aman when they attacked the rectory of St Raphael Catholic Church, Fadan-Kamatan of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The seminarian was killed when the criminals set the rectory ablaze after a failed kidnap attempt on the two priests working in the parish.

    According to Oya, among the arrested suspects were those who killed Dorathy Janothan at Afana community of Zangon Kataf, after they failed to have carnal knowledge of her.

    ”Among these suspects are those in connection with the murder of Mrs Dorathy Jonathan on Sept. 1 at Afana Village in Zango Kataf.

    ”Also, these suspects involved in the attack and burning of St Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamatan on Sept. 7, are also here.

    ”Recall that the attack led to death of Na’aman Stephen, a seminarian serving at the parish.

    “The  swift response of our troops rescued Rev. Frs. Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday, the parish priest and his assistant.

    ”On the whole, we have eight suspects in our custody who are arrested for committing the above crimes and also running a gun manufacturing factory in the area,”he said.

    The media officer said that 31 weapons of various categories were recovered during the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.

    ”These weapons include three AK-47 rifles,10 locally fabricated pistols, five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, nine revolvers, three locally fabricated submachine guns, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and machine tools

    ”Other items recovered include one pistol holster, one military camel pouch, one police combat helmet, two masks, foru identity cards, gunpowder, charms, amulets, among others, ”he said.

    Oya thanked residents of its area of operations for their support to OPSH and other security agencies in their bids toward ending all forms of criminalities.

    The Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, at a stakeholders security meeting in Zango Kataf, vowed to arrest killers of the seminarian and other criminals terrorising the area.

    NAN

  • Guber Election: Tension in jos as tribunal delivers judgement

    Guber Election: Tension in jos as tribunal delivers judgement

    There is palpable tension in the air as  plateau state Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment today  (Friday) on the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate during the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in the state.

    Recall that Nentawe Yiltwatda of the APC had approached the tribunal challenging the victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the aforementioned polls.

    The electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mutfwang winner of the poll after polling 525, 299 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yiltwatda, who polled 481, 370 votes.

    The governorship tribunal had recently dismissed a petition filed by the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Alfred Dabwan, against Governor Mutfwang, where he sought the nullification of the poll over the alleged exclusion of the party’s logo on the ballot paper of the March 18 polls.

    Confirming the date of the judgement, a member of PDP’s legal team, Barr Sunday Odey, said, ”Yes, it is true. The ruling of the governorship tribunal in the case between the PDP and the APC has been fixed for Friday, September 22, 2023.

    Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Jos and its environs, tension simmers in the air as residents brace themselves for the ruling.

    The State High Court complex, which houses the tribunal, is already a focal point, with nearby recreational centres ordered to stay closed on Friday (today).

    Security presence has been significantly heightened, ensuring a smooth and secure process during this critical juncture in Plateau State’s political landscape.

  • Plateau: Wounded soldiers assured adequate medical treatment after attack

    Plateau: Wounded soldiers assured adequate medical treatment after attack

    The General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division Nigerian Army, Major General AE Abubakar, on Wednesday paid a visit to soldiers at the Jos University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, who were wounded in action during the ongoing Operation Hakorin Damisa IV.

    The Nigerian Army had in July 2023, launched a new military operation in Plateau state, code-named Operation Hakorin Damisa IV after a series of attacks by gunmen in different communities destroying properties and leaving over 300 dead.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, who launched the new operation in Mangu Local Government Area of the state has stated that the aim was especially to end the series of attacks and killings in the LGA not excluding other parts of the state.

    Captain Oya James, the Media Officer of the Special Task Force, who disclosed the visit of the GOC to the Jos University Teaching Hospital in a statement on Wednesday, informed that Commanders and Principal Staff Officers from 3 Division headquarters and Operation Safe Haven accompanied him on this visit.

    The statement did not disclose the number of injured soldiers receiving treatment at JUTH however, it disclosed that during the visit, the GOC who is also the Commander, Operation Safe Haven, assured the wounded personnel of adequate medical treatment that would enable them to recover quickly from the injuries sustained.

    “The nation was proud of their selfless service and continued sacrifices toward maintaining peace in the country.

    “Lagbaja has directed that comprehensive medical care was imperative for the wounded heroes including further medical therapy overseas should the need arise. He reiterated that the welfare of troops was of utmost importance to the COAS while wishing them quick recovery,” the statement partly read.

  • Gunmen invade church, whisk away clergyman, three others in Plateau

    Gunmen invade church, whisk away clergyman, three others in Plateau

    A clergyman and three other persons have been kidnapped by gunmen in Maigemu District of Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    It was gathered that the gunmen reportedly invaded ECWA Church Nuku, around 5:40 a.m. on Wednesday, and whisked the clergyman away in front of his family.

    According to eye witness account ,the  gunmen operated for close to 40 minutes unhindered and also kidnapped three other people: Agwom Dauda, Usman Umaru, and a woman simply identified as Sarah.

    A source close to the community said the gunmen, who released several gunshots into the air to scare the people including the vigilantes and hunters, from coming out for a rescue, left with their captors in a car while others trailed behind on their motorcycles.

    A relative of the clergyman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers were yet to get in touch with the families for ransom.

    Confirming the incident, the State Police Spokesman, DSP Alfred Alabo, said operatives are on top of the situation to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

  • Group tasks HoR member, Gagdi to join Plateau peace efforts

    Group tasks HoR member, Gagdi to join Plateau peace efforts

    A pro-democracy group, Peace and Good Governance Advocates, PEGGA has taken Rep Yusuf Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Constituency of Plateau State to task over what it alleged as his divisive comments on the crisis in the plateau asking him to join hands with all other stakeholders to push the state forward.

    Reacting to the lawmaker’s assertions against Governor Caleb Mutfwang and claims of lopsided killings in his constituency, the group in the statement issued by its national coordinator, Mani Imman urged the lawmaker to put politics aside and join all other stakeholders in the state to work for the peace of the state.

    The group particularly noted that his assertions came a day after First Lady Remi Tinubu visited the state when she put aside political considerations to join hands with the Plateau State government in addressing the needs of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the state.

    “We find the claims of our lawmaker, Rep Yusuf Gagdi that the governor is isolationist because he did not visit him or invite him to meet with him as provocative and unbecoming.

    “It is unfortunate that at a time that genuine statesmen from across the divide are putting heads together to address the crisis on the plateau that our lawmaker, Rep Yusuf Gagdi would go on national television to fan embers of disunity as unbecoming of his status.

    “We want to address Rep Gagdi that politics is over, voters have made their choices and he has to live with the decision of the electorate. Every leader on the plateau should focus on building bridges and not on dividing us as the assertions made by Gagdi seem to portray.

    “If the governor did not visit him or call on him while in Abuja it does not warrant the claim of the governor being isolationist. Indeed, we call on the lawmaker to also on his part make efforts to reach out to the governor for him to have a fairer assessment of the situation on the Plateau instead of him purveying his biased views from comments he hears in Abuja by telephone.”

    “It is regrettable that just hours after the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu left the state after her peace building and philanthropic trip that Rep Gagdi went on television to try and undo her mission.”

  • Gunmen kill 21 persons in Plateau communities

    Gunmen kill 21 persons in Plateau communities

    Unknown gunmen have killed 21 persons in Baton and Rayogot, Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau.

    Mr. Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Movement (BYM), a socio-cultural group, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

    Tengwong said that the attack on the communities occurred at 1: 26 a.m. on Thursday, and left seven other persons with various degrees of injuries.

    Tengwong, who decried the unprovoked attacks in some parts of the state, called on goverment and security agencies to rise to the challenge and end arbitrary killings in the state.

    ”21 persons have been killed in an attack in two different villages in Heipang District of Barkin Ladi.

    ”The attackers, who came around 1:26 a.m. killed 17 Persons at Batin of Heipang town while four others were killed at Rayogot.

    ”Seven other persons sustained various degrees of injuries,”he said

    The spokesperson, however, called on residents of the communities to remain calm and be law abiding.

    In a swift reaction to the incident, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.

    Mutfwang’s condemnation of the act and order to security agencies is contained in a statement issued in Jos by Mr Gyang Bere, the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA).

  • Plateau gov, Muftwang appoints Mikel Obi, M.I Abaga as Advisers

    Plateau gov, Muftwang appoints Mikel Obi, M.I Abaga as Advisers

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has approved the appointment of John Mikel Obi, a popular Nigerian Professional footballer, as his Honorary Adviser on Sports.

    He also approved the appointment of Rapper, Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I as Honorary Adviser on Entertainment and Creativity.

    The appointments are contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, on Thursday in Jos.

    The governor described their appointments as part of his administration’s resolve to rebuild the foundation of excellence for the state.

    He also approved the appointment of Prof. Christopher Yilwan as the Chief Medical Director of the Plateau Specialist Hospital and Dr Agabus Manasseh as the Director General, Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency.

    The governor also approved the appointments of Mr. Mathew Dawap, as General Manager, Plateau Mineral Development Company Ltd., and Mrs. Helen Dabup, Executive Secretary, Local Government Service Pension Board.

    The appointees also include Mr Ishaku Jilemsam, Programme Manager, Plateau Agricultural Development Programme; Mr Samuel Gwott, General Manager  Plateau Express Service, Mr Hart Bankat- General Manager, Jos Metropolitan Development Board and Mrs Olivia Dazyem, Special Adviser on Gender and Chairperson Implementation Committee of Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission.

    Hon Alex Chup, Chairman, Teacher’s Service Commission; Hon Sunday Amuna, Acting Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Prof Ishaya Pam, Honorary Adviser on Healthcare and members of Abuja Liaison Directorate, amongst others.