NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

All posts by Polycarp Auta

Defence/Security

NCPC boss donates foodstuff to victims of Plateau attacks 

Rev. Yakubu Pam, NCPC Executive Secretary(R), Presenting relief items to victims of attacks in Plateau 

Donation
By Polycarp Auta
Bokkos(Plateau), Dec. 30, 2023 (NAN) Rev. Yakubu Pam,  Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christain Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has donated foodstuff to victims of attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas  of Plateau.
Pam presented the items when he visited the victims on Saturday in Bokkos.
The executive secretary,  who described the killings as sad and unfortunate, said that the gesture aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the displaced persons.
”We are here to commiserate with the victims, particularly those who lost their loved ones and present these token of items to them.
”What we brought is no where compared to what they lost, but this is just to identify with them in their time of need,”he said.
Receiving the items on behalf of the victims, Mr Monday Kassa, the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman of Bokkos, thanked the NCPC boss for the gesture.
Kassa, who narrated the hardship of the victims, said that every support, no matter how  little, would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings.
He thanked Gov. Caleb Mutfwang for rising to the occasion toward ensuring that the security challenges were promptly addressed
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for directing the security to respond to the situation, and directing relevant agencies to provide all forms of support to the victims.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCPC boss also visited the governor to commiserate with him and the government of the state.
NAN reports that the some of the  items donated include, bags of rice, maize, cartons of noodles, soaps, shoes, seasoning, salt, galons of palm oil, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/JPE
=======
Edited by Joseph Edeh
General news

Why Gov. Mutfwang visited President Tinubu- Media aide

Why Gov. Mutfwang visited President Tinubu- Media aide
Visit
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, Dec. 30, 2023 (NAN) 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 the News Agency of Nigeria (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.
NAN reports that 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.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AZA/IS
======
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
Defence/Security

Assembly lauds FG, Plateau govt over steps to avoid further killings

Assembly lauds FG, Plateau govt over proactive steps to avoid killings
Jos, Dec. 29, 2023(NAN) The Plateau House of Assembly has commended the efforts of the Federal and State Governments toward tackling the myriad of security challenges currently confronting the state.
Speaker of the assembly, Mr Dewan Gabriel, made the commendation in a press conference on Friday in Jos.
The speaker was reacting to the Christmas eve attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gunmen hit many villages, killed hundreds, including women and children, and also destroyed many houses and other properties.
Official reports indicated that the attack left 100 persons injured with many currently receiving treatment in various  hospitals
The speaker, who condemned the killings, described the invasion as gruesome, senseless and barbaric.
”The Plateau House of Assembly wishes to condemn in strong terms, the Christmas eve attack on some communities of our dear state.
”This led to the loss of over 100 lives, with many houses burnt and properties lost.
”The House commends the immediate action taken by the governor and the federal government toward dousing the tension in the state.
”These attacks on innocent citizens is barbaric, callous, unprovoked and heinous. We appeal to the state and federal governments to ensure that normalcy returns to the affected communities,” he said.
The speaker called on the residents of the affected communities to be law abiding, insisting that government was doing a lot toward addressing the security challenges.
He called on the federal and state governments to address humanitarian crisis in the state, and emphasised the need for the displaces persons to return to their communities as soon as possible.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/ETS
========
Defence/Security

Killings: Police begin special operation in Plateau

Operation
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, Dec. 29, 2023 (NAN) The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, said that the police has commenced special operation to tackle security challenges currently confronting Plateau.
He disclosed this when he paid a condolence visit to the state governor Caleb Mutfwang on Friday in Jos.
Egbetokun said he had directed the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), incharge of zone 4, to relocate to Plateau.
”We have commenced a special operation in this state, and I have directed the DIG in charge of zone 4 to relocate to Plateau.
”We are committed to ending this circle of violence in Plateau, and we call on communities not to be collaborators in this evil act.
”Citizens should rather cooperate with the police and other security agencies, so we can deal with these criminals once and for all,” he said
Responding, Mutfwang commended the police and other security agencies for their efforts toward restoring lasting peace to the state.
He, however, called on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and be made to face the law, insisting that such move would serve as deterrent to others.
”I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for sending the delegation led by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima to the state.
”It is a clear demonstration of the political will to deal with the situation once and for all.
”I also commend the security chiefs for demonstrating the commitment to end this killings.
”But, we urge the security agencies to arrest and prosecute those behind this heinous act, that’s the only way the people will know that justice is served,” he said.
The governor expressed his readiness to work with the police and other security agencies to stem the tide of insecurity in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/RSA
========
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
Economy

Jos Disco instals free meters for 12,000 customers

Jos Disco instals free meters for 12,000 customers
Meters
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, Dec. 29, 2023(NAN) The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) says it has provided free meters to 12,000 customers at Rantya community of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.
Mr Abdul Mohammed, Managing Director of JED, disclosed this in a statement by Dr Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications of the company, on Friday in Jos.
Mohammed stated this at the launch of its Investor Financing Metering and Point of Sale (POS) Terminals at Rantya.
The managing director said that the company had commenced the process of metering all its customers, adding that the move would put an end to estimated billings.
”Metering is the only credible implement of energy measurement and this is why we procured over 12,000 prepaid meters to be installed for customers in Rantya.
 “All the houses in this community  will be metered end-to-end. There will be no exception.
”It is important to note that we chose the Rantya community to commence this exercise, and that is why we have procured meters in large quantity to cater for the entire feeder in the area.
”Everybody on the feeder shall be metered free of charge,” he said.
Mohammed, who said that the company was poised to provide excellent services to its customers,  warned residents to desist from energy theft.
“I have instructed my colleagues to ensure that supply is steadily and reliably available.
”We also want to implore you to ensure that you do not bypass these meters, we plead with you to protect this entire venture so that we can re-invest to ensure energy availability.
”A single-phase meter costs over N80,000 while a three-phase meter costs over N140,000, but we are giving you these meters free of charge.
”Please take ownership of these meters; Report all faults officially to JED and don’t allow third-party electricians to tamper with the meters,” he said.
Mohammed said that the company had engaged the services of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), established by the Federal Government.
He said that the taskforce is responsibility for investigating, prosecution and jailing of electricity thieves and vandals.
In a brief remarks, Alhaji Mammanlafia Umar, the Chief Operating Officer of the company, urged residents of Rantya to jealously guard the meters against bypass.
“Guide this investment jealously to enable us to extend the same gesture to other communities.
”Once these meters are bypassed, it defeats the purpose of the investment.
”We want you to protect these meters such that if you see your neighbours bypassing these meters, you should speak out,” he said.
Also speaking, the District Head of Rantya, Da Pam Gyang, thanked the company for the gesture and promised to ensure the meters are not tampered with.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/IS
======
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
General news

PFN condemns killings in Plateau, seeks end to insecurity 

PFN condemns killings in Plateau, seeks end to insecurity

Killings
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, Dec. 28, 2023 (NAN) The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has condemned the recent killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.
Bishop Francis Wale-Oke condemned the killings during a condolence visit to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang on Thursday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen had, between Saturday and Sunday, attacked 25 villages, killing no fewer than 148 people, destroying no fewer than 1,290 houses and farmlands.
No fewer than 88 people also  sustained various degrees of injuries in the attacks.
Wale-Oke, who described the killings as senseless, needless and barbaric, called on the Federal Government to find a  lasting solution to the security challenges in the state.
”I’m here on behalf of the over 65 million members of PFN in Nigeria to commiserate with you and the people of Plateau over the recent attacks and killings in the state.
”PFN condemns these killings because it is needless, senseless and barbaric; it is so painful and unprovoked.
”We are praying with you and the people, particularly those who lost their loved ones and properties.
”We are also calling on President Bola Tinubu to show his will power and end the insecurity confronting not only Plateau, but all parts of the country,” he called.
Responding, Mutfwang thanked the PFN leader for the visit, adding that it would further encourage him to do his best toward improving the lives of Plateau people.
The governor said that he ventured into politics to contribute his quarter to development and called on religious leaders to support him toward making the state the pride of the nation
Mutfwang, who described the killings as unfortunate, promised to do everything within his powers to secure the lives and property of the people.
”I did not become governor to be attending burials of my people, but lead them on the path of sustainable growth and development.
”This is why I want to urge the church to unite and support us to better the lots of our people.
”In spite of our challenges, Nigeria is a great country; we are not classmates with any African country.
”But we must put our differences aside, tolerate each other and move forward,” he said.
The governor thanked President Tinubu for sending a delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to meet with the victims and assess the situation of things.
He said that the visit was a demonstration of the President’s political will to deal with the current security situation in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/BHB
Edited by Buhari Bolaji
Defence/Security

Gov. Mutfwang seeks special support for victims of attacks 

Gov. Mutfwang seeks special support for victims of attacks

Attack
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, Dec. 28, 2023 (NAN) Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has called on the Federal Government to provide special support for victims of attacks in the state.
Mutfwang made the call when the Forum of Northern Senators paid him a condolence visit on Thursday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen, who attacked 25 villages, killed more than 100 persons, destroying 1, 290 houses, farmlands and other properties worth millions in the onslaught.

Eighty-eight persons sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently taking treatment in various hospitals in the state.

The governor, who said that the victims would need to return to their communities without delay, called on the senate to include funds for the resettlement of the displaced in the  2024 budget before its passage.
”I want to thank you for this visit. We equally thank President Bola Tinubu for sending a delegation to the state, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
”This is a demonstration of the political will to end these highly coordinated killings and mindless shedding of blood in Plateau.
”We are also concerned about the humanitarian crisis that these attacks has brought in the state and this is why I’m calling on the federal goverment to support these victims to return to their communities.
”I want to particularly call on the senate to include this in the 2024 budget before passing it for assent by the president,”he said.
Mutfwang said the state had committed huge resources toward supporting the security agencies in the state, and the support of the federal government to cater for the needs of the displaced victims became necessary.
He called on the security agencies to intensify efforts toward ensuring that all schools used by bandits as hideouts are made habitable for rural boys and girls to go to school.
The governor assured the people of his commitment toward charting a new course that would bring about sustainable development in the state.
Earlier, Sen. Abdul Ningi, leader of the forum, said that the visit was to commiserate with the governor over the Christmas eve killings in the state.
Ningi, who decried the spate of insecurity in northern part of the country, called for unity and tolerance among the people to tackle the menace.
”We are here on behalf of the 58 senators from the northern part of the country to commiserate with you and the people of the state over the recent unfortunate incident.
”For us in the forum, we feel really sad about these killings not only in Plateau but the entire northern Nigeria and we pray that the end is here already.
”The north is poor and backward, yet we are killing ourselves in the name of tribe and religion; we must put a stop to this,”he said.
Ningi, who commended the governor for the steps taken to stem the tide of insecurity in the state, promised to present the issue during plenary.
He also said that the forum was planning a town hall with key stakeholders toward finding lasting solution to the security challenges in the north.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/SOA
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
Defence/Security

Shettima tasks Plateau people on unity, development

 

Unity
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, Dec. 27, 2023(NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on political, religious and community leaders in Plateau to be united toward promoting growth and development.
Shettima made the call at a town hall with stakholders on Wednesday in Jos.
The vice president was in the state to pay condolence visit to victims of the Christmas eve attacks on many rural settlements in Bokkos Local Government Area.
Shettima, who noted that the state was  endowed with an avalanche of natural and human resources, said that the absence of peace and unity was constituting a hurdle to growth and development.
”Plateau is blessed with lots of natural and human resources; a lot of crops can be grown here. We can export flowers directly from Plateau because you have the weather.
”But development will continue to elude Plateau if we refuse to live in peace; we cannot continue this way, that’s why we will ensure justice for all.
”No religion promotes killings of innocent lives; in fact, the hottest part of hell is reserve for those who shed innocent blood.
”My principal, President Bola Tinubu, is determined to redefine the concept of leadership in Nigeria and this is why I urge, besiege and beckon on you, the leaders of this state, to unite and promote peace at all times.
Corroborating the vice president, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), described the Plateau Killings as one too many.
He said that the incessants attacks and killings had stagnated the spate of development in the state, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to end the violence.
”The killings on the Plateau have festered for too long. The entire nation is grieving over these happenings.
”People have suffered and lost so much; enough is enough.
”This government is committed to doing what is right, fair and just.
”So, I urge us all to toe the path of peace and seek the face of God at all times,” he called.
Responding, Da Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs, thanked the vice president for the visit.
He promised that the traditional rulers would come together and fashion out best ways of addressing the menace.
He, however, appealed to the political class to play the game according to the rules, “particularly in a way that will unite the people”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/ETS
Defence/Security

V-P Shettima leads FG delegation on condolence visit to Plateau

Attack

By Polycarp Auta

Bokkos (Plateau), Dec. 27, 2023 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited victims of Christmas Eve’s  attacks on some communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau on Wednesday.

The vice-president sympathised with them over their losses and assured them that the Federal Government had put modalities in place to bring the perpetrators to book.

He said President Bola Tinubu was deeply affected by the mindless killings, adding that when Plateau bleeds, the whole nation shakes.

He assured the people that the Federal Government would ensure they got justice and end the circle of violence in the state.

Shettima decried that the ugly incident had shattered the joy of Christmas in all parts of the nation, adding that such would not repeat itself.

“My dear people of Bokkos, we are here to sympathise with you over the recent killings.

“You are not alone; this government, particularly the president is with you.

“The government is here to deliver justice which is the path to our collective unity and peace.

“We will not rest until you all access justice and end the security challenges confronting this state,’’ Shettima said.

He, however, charged Plateau people to be united and them to prioritise factors that bound them over what those that divided them.

Earlier, Plateau’s Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who described the killings as mindless, unfortunate and barbaric, said he was broken by the incident.

Mutfwang, who thanked the vice-president for the visit, described it as a demonstration of Federal Government’s resolve to end security challenges confronting Plateau.

“We are here to sympathise with you and as governor of this state, my heart is so heavy.

“The visit by the vice-president is a clear demonstration of the political will to deal with the situation; the shedding of blood has to stop.

“On our part, we will do everything to find lasting solution to these killings, because I didn’t become governor to be burying people but to lead the living.

“We appeal to the Federal Government to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and make them to face the full wrath of the law,’’ the governor said.

He noted that the attack would unite all political leaders in the state toward finding a lasting solution.

Mutfwang, who thanked the Federal Government for directing the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials for the victims, promised to personally monitor the distribution of the items.

“I have met with the president and took many decisions. I won’t rest until these decisions are implemented

“My visit to the president was to update him on happenings in the state and not to make merry.

“Also, I never said the current Federal Government lacks the political will to tackle the security situation in the country and I want the media to take note,’’ Mutfwang said.

The vice-president was companied on the visit by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, among others.

Gunmen attacked 15 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau on Christmas Eve; killed 115 persons and destroyed 221 houses.

The assailants also destroyed eight vehicles and 27 motorcycles.

Three communities – NTV, Hurum and Darawat were attacked in Barkin-Ladi where 17 persons were killed.

Communities attacked in Bokkos Local Government Area were Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AZA/ALLI

========

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Defence/Security

ECWA condems killings in Plateau, urges humanitarian support for victims

Attacks
By  Polycarp Auta
Jos, Dec. 27, 2023 (NAN) The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has condemned the recent killings and wanton destruction of properties in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau.
Rev. Stephen Panya-Baba, the President of ECWA said this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.
He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take proactive steps toward addressing the spate of insecurity in the  state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Police Command in the state disclosed that gunmen attacked 15 villages, killed 96 persons, destroyed 221 houses, farmlands and other property worth millions.
Panya-Baba, who decried that the affected areas were largely poor  rural communities, called on humanitarian organisations to provide relief materials to support the victims.
”The horrendous and genocidal killings and destruction of property and other means of livelihood by very wicked, evil, criminal militias in over 20 villages of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi is reprehensible, ungodly, satanic, totally unacceptable and condemnable.
”As a church, we are pained that this attack was carried out against innocent and harmless people who were climaxing preparations to celebrate Christmas.
”Unfortunately, their joy turned into pain, weeping and sorrow. We pray that God will comfort the families of the bereaved and the entire church of God; and bring healing and restoration to all the injured.
”I appeal to relevant agencies of government, groups and individuals, to provide relief materials to the affected communities.
” I also appeal for adequate deployment of security forces to forestall any further attacks,” the president appealed.”
Panya-Baba, who commended efforts of the state government, also called on the residents to be more proactive about their personal safety.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/CHOM
==========
Edited by Chioma Ugboma