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Tag: taraba state

  • Ex-Reps member in Taraba joins ADC

    Ex-Reps member in Taraba joins ADC

    Mr Danji Shidi, a former House or Representative member, representing Wukari/Ibi Federal constituency in Taraba has   joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after he resigned from All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is contained in a statement he  personally signed and issued on Saturday  in Jalingo.

    “After due deligence, and wide consultations,  I am pleased to announce that we will be charting a new course under the banner of the  ADC.

    “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for the love and solidarity you have shown since the day I stepped away from the ruling APC.

    “Your overwhelming support is proof of the strength of our shared vision  that this movement is genuine, resolute, and committed to rescuing the people of Taraba from the grip of bad governance.

    “This will serve as our platform as we actively engage in the democratic process leading into the 2027 elections.

    “I therefore call on all my supporters, sympathizers, and every lover of good governance to rally behind this movement.

    “Let us join hands to liberate the downtrodden, lift our people from poverty, and bring succor to communities in need, by standing firmly with the ADC in every way,” he said.

    Recall that Shidi, a two term  member  house of representatives, contested for Taraba South Senatorial seat on the platform of the APC in the 2023 geneal elections.

    The APC eventually won, but the supreme Court judgement on the party’s internal wranglings went in favour of sen. David Jimkuta.

  • By-election: Taraba CP expresses readiness to ensure peaceful conduct

    By-election: Taraba CP expresses readiness to ensure peaceful conduct

    The Commissioner of Police,Taraba  Command,  Betty  Isokpan has expressed readiness of the force to  ensure  a peaceful conduct of the Karim-Lamido 1 State Assembly by-election on Saturday.

    Isokpan said this when he played host to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Taraba, Umar  Gajiram at the command headquarters in Jalingo.

    In a statement by ASP James Lashen, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, the meeting was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and reviewing the overall security architecture for the smooth conduct of the by-election.

    According to the statement, the  REC earlier appreciated the Nigeria Police force for its pivotal role in election security.

    He described his visit as necessary to officially introduce himself and seek proactive synergy as the state prepares for the forthcoming by-election in Karim Lamido.

    The chairman further highlighted the sensitive nature of elections, nothing the  indispensable role of the Nigeria police in maintaining peace and public order during such civil exercises.

    The statement quoted the response by the commissioner of police as  expressing  readiness to collaborate fully with the commission.

    “She described the Taraba police command,s management team as officers with experience already attuned to the expectation of electoral security.

    “The CP assured the REC of her unwavering commitment to strengthen security collaboration for a seamless electoral processe in the forthcoming by-election.

    “She assured him of adequate security measures and deployment of personnel, emphasising the importance of taking security precautions seriously.

    “She encouraged INEC to work closely with all security formations for a hitch free election,” it stated.

    Recall that a by-election was scheduled by INEC for the vacant seat, following the resignation of Dr Mike Jen (PDP), who is now the state Commissioner for Tertiary  Education.

  • Taraba CJ announces 2025 annual vacation for high courts

    Taraba CJ announces 2025 annual vacation for high courts

    Justice Joel Agya, Chief Judge of Taraba has notified the general public  about the 2025 annual vacation of the state high courts, commencing on Monday Aug. 4 and ending on Sunday Oct. 5, 2025.

    This is contained in a statement tagged ‘Taraba State Legal Notice No 3 of the 2025 Annual Vacation of the High Court of Justice’ signed by Justice Agya and issued to newsmen in Jalingo on Tuesday.

    “Whereas it is provided under Order 8 Rules 2011 that there shall be an annual vacation of the high courts of the state on the such date in August.

    “And of such duration not exceeding six weeks as the Chief Judge may by notification in the gazette appoint.

    “Now therefore, it is hereby notified for general Information that there shall be a vacation of the high court throughout the state commencing from Monday Aug. 4 2025 and ending on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, vacation in this notification means that the courts in all the divisions of the high courts of the state will not be sitting during the period except where the action is urgent or a judge at the request of all the parties concerned agree to bear the action,” Agya added.

    He  also notified the general public of the appointment of Justice Yahaya Goje as the vacation judge during the period.

  • Police foil kidnap attempt in Taraba, rescue 17 passengers

    Police foil kidnap attempt in Taraba, rescue 17 passengers

    The Taraba Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued 17 passengers on Zaki Biam-Wukari Federal High Way in Taraba.

    This is contained in a statement signed by ASP James Lashen, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command on Sunday in Jalingo.

    “On July 12, 2025, at about 23:45hrs, the DPO (Divisional Police Officer) Wukari Division, received a distress call stating that a Toyota bus belonging to the People’s Choice company was intercepted by suspected Kidnappers.

    “The vehicle with plate NO: 26G-17TR , white in colour, was carrying 17 passengers, coming from Enugu, enroute Yola, Adamawa State, was intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers along the highway after Federal University, Wukari.

    “On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Anthony Jerry, immediately mobilised his patrol team in conjunction with the military who were within the environment and advanced to the scene.

    “The kidnappers on sighting the security teams, took to their heels into the bushes and the passengers were rescued except for one Sadiq Usman 22yrs ‘m’ Chamba by tribe who was not found immediately.

    “The joint security team combed the bushes and later rescued him unhurt. All passengers are hale hearty and safe. Serious manhunt ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects and preventing further occurrences.

    The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Taraba, Emmanuel Simon, who commended the operatives for their uncommon feat.

    Simon reaffirmed the command’s commitment to collaborating with sister security agencies in fighting the menace of kidnapping in the state.

    The CP further urged the public to continue supporting the efforts of the command, as well as other security agencies, by reporting in time suspicious activities.

  • Taraba Assembly denies alleged plan to replace Deputy Governor

    Taraba Assembly denies alleged plan to replace Deputy Governor

    The Taraba  House of Assembly on Thursday said that it  was not planning to replace the  Deputy  Gov. Aminu Alkari of Taraba, who was undergoing treatment and recuperating in a medical facility in Abuja.

    Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Information,  Nelson  Len made the clarification while addressing newsmen in Jalingo.

    Len said that the deputy governor was  expected to resume duty once he was fully recovered.

    He dismissed speculations that the house was planning to declare Alkari  incapacitated, stressing that non of the three arms of government has considered replacing him.

    According to him, efforts are being made to ensure his recovery and return to duty.

    “We call on the general public to disregard the speculations that the assembly is preparing to declare the deputy governor incapacitated,” Len said.

    Recall that Alkali proceeded on medical vacation since Nov. 2024, raising concerns in some quarters that he had over stayed away from duty.

  • Mokwa flooding: Taraba Govt donates N50m to victims

    Mokwa flooding: Taraba Govt donates N50m to victims

    Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger State on Tuesday received a delegation from the Taraba government over the recent flood disaster, which occurred in Mokwa.

    In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, the delegation also donated N50 million to assist the victims.

    According to the statement, the delegation was led by the Senator representing Taraba Central, Sen. Manu Haruna.

    The statement read that the delegation was in Minna to extend the condolences of the Taraba Government over the recent flood disaster in Mokwa.

    The senator, who described the flood as a monumental loss and a national disaster, said his state shared in the grief of the government and people of Niger, especially the affected families.

    In his response, Bago was quoted as appreciating the visit and the donation from the government and people of Taraba.

  • Students escape death as classrooms collapse during WAEC exams

    Students escape death as classrooms collapse during WAEC exams

    Several students participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 2025 at Government Secondary School, Namnai, located in the Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, were feared injured on Wednesday evening when their classrooms collapsed due to a heavy downpour accompanied by a windstorm.

    The collapse, according to reports was caused by a heavy rainstorm accompanied by strong winds, trapped students and invigilators under the rubble for hours.

    According to the report, residents intervened and rescued the students, who narrowly escaped serious injury or death.

    Eyewitnesses said the incident was the second group of students to be affected, as the first set had already completed their exams and left the premises.

    “The collapse occurred around 6 pm, and we quickly rushed the injured students and teachers to the nearby Primary Healthcare Centre for treatment. Apart from the school, the storm also destroyed many houses in our community, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake,” Alhaji DanAzumi Lauris, one of the eyewitnesses, said.

    This incident came after students in parts of Benue State were reported to have taken their examination at midnight and in darkness.

  • Troops kill bandit, recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba

    Troops kill bandit, recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba

    Troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered a rifle in Taraba.

    This is contained in a statement by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations of the Brigade on Wednesday in Jalingo.

    According to him, the troops on patrol came across the suspected bandit along Bandawa – Karim Lamido road.

    “In the brief but fierce encounter, troops gallantly engaged the criminals, neutralizing one of the bandits and successfully recovering one AK-47 rifle and thirty-nine (39) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    “This operation is a testament to the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven within Taraba State,” he  stated.

    The statement added that the Commander of the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, has intervened in the brewing tensions between locals in Kashimbila of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba and Jato Aka of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

    It said that a security meeting was held involving all stakeholders to de-escalate the tension.

    “At the conclusion of the meeting, both communities agreed to embrace peace and shun all forms of violence, pledging to work together for the safety and development of the region.

  • Alleged N27bn fraud: Court adjourns trial of ex-Taraba Governor

    Alleged N27bn fraud: Court adjourns trial of ex-Taraba Governor

    An Abuja High Court on Monday adjourned until June 2 for continuation of trial of a former governor of Taraba, Darius Ishaku charged with  15 counts of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds to the tune of N27 billion.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on behalf of the Federal Government, arraigned Ishaku, alongside a former Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    At the resumed sitting on the matter, the defendants were in the court as well as their counsel.

    James Shaba who announced appearance for the prosecution, however, told the court that his principal, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN was at the court of Appeal for another matter.

    He prayed that the matter should be stood down for an hour to enable his principal to get the court.

    However, the counsel for Ishaku, Eko Eko SAN, objected to it.

    Eko informed the court that the former governor’s health was still fragile and it is not right to subject him to long waiting.

    ”My client is bereaved and needs to travel today.

    ”Instead of a stand down, the prosecution should ask for a clear date for an adjournment,” he said.

    Adeola Adedipe, SAN aligned with Eko, saying that a clear day for adjournment is better than a stand down.

    After listening to their submissions, Justice Sylvanus Orji adjourned until June 2, June 11 and July 2 for continuation.

  • JUST IN: Police PRO dies In Taraba

    JUST IN: Police PRO dies In Taraba

    Abdulahi Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Taraba State Command, has reportedly died following a protracted illness.

    TheNewsGuru understands that Usman had been the spokesperson for the Command for the last three years and died early Sunday morning at his home in Jalingo, the capital of the state.

    Confirming the sad news, Gambo Kwache, his deputy, who had been fulfilling the role of spokesperson during Usman’s medical treatment, reflected on how he learned of the unfortunate event.

    Kwache said, “I woke up and saw 14 missed calls on my phone and a message stating that Oga is dead. I will call you, let me get there first.”

    A close friend of the deceased, Ahmed Manga, also disclosed that Usman had shown signs of illness the previous night but his condition worsened unexpectedly.

    “He was sick, although not much, until last night, when he started struggling with the sickness. We wanted to take him to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Jalingo,” Manga said.

    “Before we could get there, he died on the way. He was later confirmed dead when we arrived at the FMC.”