Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Dangote Group of Companies has donated 20,000 bags of 10kg rice to the Plateau State Government to support vulnerable residents across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who flagged-off the distribution in Jos, lauded the Dangote Group for its sustained commitment to humanitarian support.

He described the gesture as exemplary, urging others in the private sector to emulate the company’s dedication to uplifting disadvantaged communities.

“No matter how wealthy one becomes, if you do not remember the poor, you will not find true value in your riches,” Mutfwang said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s efforts to mitigate the hardship faced by vulnerable groups, particularly during the farming season.

He disclosed that measures are in place to make fertilizers more accessible and affordable to farmers in a bid to boost food production.

He also expressed optimism about the state’s agricultural prospects, particularly in rice cultivation, stating that Plateau aims to position itself as part of Nigeria’s rice belt with an anticipated bumper harvest in the southern region of the state.

Presenting the donation on behalf of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Bashir Kawu stated that the initiative, carried out through the Dangote Foundation, is designed to alleviate food insecurity in all local government areas.

He called on officials overseeing the distribution to ensure that the rice reaches the most vulnerable beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang also received reports from the Committee on Land Administration and the Task Force on the Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Air Commodore Christopher Rwang (rtd), chairman of the resettlement committee, explained that the team was inaugurated on March 25, 2024, with six key mandates guiding its work.

He said the committee’s report sheds light on new challenges preventing many IDPs from returning to their ancestral homes, citing security concerns in areas previously affected by violence.

The committee recommended that the state government collaborate with federal and local authorities to strengthen security in volatile areas by deploying additional forces, establishing new security outposts, and identifying safe communities for immediate resettlement under full security coverage.

*Government says suspects arrested 

*Atiku blames killings across Nigeria on failed security architecture

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Death toll from the massive attacks launched on some communities in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on Wednesday night has risen to 52.

This followed the recovery of more corpses by search teams after combing nearby bushes for missing persons.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar blamed the killings on what he described as the failure of President Bola Tinubu’s security architecture, noting that killings had become widespread across the country with many incidents unreported.

Also, a former member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Dachung Bagos, called for concerted efforts to check the killings and condemned it as babaric. He however called in National Assembly to expedite action in creating community police to secure vulnerable places.

Gunmen had on Wednesday night attacked Mangor, Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai communities of Bokkos LGA in which 10 were reported to have been killed.

Chairman, Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), Farmasum Fuddang confirmed the rise in the death toll yesterday.

 He said aside from the 31 corpses that were given mass burial on Thursday night, five corpses of children killed were burnt to ashes at Hurti, while 11 other corpses were recovered from Ruwi village, four from Manguna village, and one from Dafo village.

 Meanwhile, the Plateau State government has said some suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.

The Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon Joyce Ramnap, in a statement confirmed that some arrests have been made in connection with the attacks.

She said Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his administration remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Plateau residents.

The statement added that, “Security agencies have deployed to dominate the villages to ensure normalcy returns at the shortest possible time. Additionally, important arrests have been made by the security agencies and this will hopefully help in stemming the tide of this ugly situation.

“We strongly urge citizens to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”

She also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies, adding that citizens must actively cooperate with law enforcement agents to facilitate the identification and apprehension of those responsible for the heinous acts.

She said that the Governor has deployed strategic measures to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms in collaboration with security operatives.

“In addition we call on religious, traditional, and community leaders to reinforce the message of peace, unity, and lawful engagement.

 “Government remains resolute in its commitment to upholding law and order and will not relent in its pursuit of justice against those who seek to destabilize our communities.

“Residents are encouraged to remain law-abiding, support security efforts, and utilise official channels for security concerns.,”

Weighing in on the massacre, Atiku wrote: “The failure of Bola Tinubu’s security architecture has now become an endemic nationwide phenomenon with repeated killings, more of which do not even make the headlines.

“Nigerians are now being forced to get used to such news of wanton killings, and I again offer my condolences to the bereaved communities of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and the affected families.”

He urged Tinubu to reconfigure security architecture to meet the needs of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Also, commenting on the killings, a former member of the  House of Representatives, Bagos condemned the killing of 12 persons by suspected herders in Bokkos local government area of Plateau state.

Bagos, who was the Chairman House Committee on Science and Technology, therefore, called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the creation of state police to enable state governments and local communities to take care of their security needs.

The former lawmaker in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dafwam Yaks urged local communities to unite in their efforts to protect one another.

He said: “Expressed deep sorrow and condemnation over the ongoing killings in Bokkos, particularly regarding the recent tragic attacks in Ruwi village, which resulted in the deaths of not less than 12 innocent individuals.

“Urge the federal government to intensify efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens in Plateau state, acknowledging the urgent need for adequate policing and protection.

“He also called on the National Assembly to hasten the enactment of State Police Law to enable state government and local communities to take charge of its security.”

The former lawmaker also commiserated with the families affected by this senseless loss, which has left lasting scars on the community and beyond.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

After recent arrest of over 100 illegal miners in Plateau State, the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to tackle illegal mining, which he said has significantly contributed to school dropouts in mining communities across the state.

He has therefore called on community and religious leaders, as well as all patriotic citizens to join hands with the government in addressing the menace that has become a serious threat to the state’s values and future.

The governor made the call during a church service at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, where he emphasized the need for unity among believers as a foundation for sustainable development in the state.

He said: “Last week, I ordered a raid on all illegal mining camps across the state. I urge you to help our people understand that we are not trying to deprive them of their livelihoods. The devastating consequences of illegal mining are beyond imagination.

“We conducted research and discovered that school dropout rates in these areas are distressingly high. Many classrooms are virtually empty. Just last month, we also uncovered cases where parents in Bassa were sending their children out for child labour; we are tracking them.”

The governor urged community leaders to take responsibility in sensitizing their people, stressing that the government, in collaboration with religious institutions, will embark on an intensive enlightenment campaign to address the issue.

“I appeal to all of you, as leaders in your communities, to take up this cause. May God burden your hearts with the urgency of this struggle so that you will rise above all affiliations to address your people. The church will play a pivotal role, and we will stand by our religious leaders in this effort”, the governor pleaded.
The governor also highlighted the environmental hazards posed by illegal mining, including land degradation, the destabilization of residential areas, and threats to government institutions.

On the security situation in the state, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to resist any attempt to destabilize Plateau. He emphasized that the people of Plateau are hospitable and accommodating, but they expect their traditions, values, and institutions to be respected.

He said: “All Plateau people seek is recognition and respect for their cultural values and traditional institutions. We will not allow any deliberate attempt to undermine our state.”

Mutfwang stressed that the unity of the church is crucial in achieving these goals, assuring that his administration will continue to work in close collaboration with the people to build lasting peace and progress.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Martin Luther Agwai, have charged families and communities as smaller units of the nation to prioritise peaceful co-existence and find ways to mitigate and resolve conflicts before they escalate.
The duo spoke at a workshop organised by Middle Belt Brain Trust (MBBT) in partnership with Plateau State Peace Building Agency and Institute for Integrated Transitions towards mitigating and resolving conflicts in the state and others in the Middle Belt region.
Mutfwang noted that the workshop with the theme: ‘Conflict Sensitivity Workshop and Retreat for Senior Government Officials’ was apt and timely and also significant as it was to deal with the matter of conflict sensitivity in the society.
“We live in times of conflict, we live in the midst of conflict, and as long as there are human beings, there will always be conflict because we live in a multicultural, multi-religious, multi ethnic society – that today has even taken a global dimension. So, conflict is with us on a daily basis,” he said.
Oftentimes, he said, “We play the ostrich when we forget to think through policy initiatives and through policy implementation,” noting that one way to minimise conflict was through collaboration, understanding, and discussions.
“We must be able to lay all the cards on the table, must be perceived to be fair, be honest, be just, and be equitable. And once people discover that what we are bringing to the table is a sense of fairness and equity, there’s less chance for conflict,” the governor added.
Delivering the keynote address with the topic ‘MBBT Priorities and Complex Problems, Cognitive Diversity and How to Harness It’, Agwai observed that the world today was facing numerous conflict challenges ranging from the Middle East to Sub Saharan Africa, extremism and unhealthy rivalry which was becoming a norm.

He said the MBBT was focused on key medium-term structural and institutional challenges that have an outsized impact on the Middle Belt’s violence and future prospects of peace and prosperity.

Lamenting the huge damage violent conflict has caused Nigeria, Agwai said the nation’s enormous resources that should be used to move it forward were often diverted to rebuild the destruction caused by conflicts thereby causing economic depreciation.

Encouraging the masses to do their best to ensure that conflict was minimised, Agwai said peaceful co-existence should start from the families to the communities and then to the nation.

*13 die as mining site collapses in state

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for calm, dismissing rumours of an alleged explosion of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at the old site of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) near Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area.
There was pandemonium and tension in Jos on yesterday morning following a rumour that a parcel suspected to be an IED was dropped at the railway station near Terminus market.
Residents scampered to safety as business owners hurriedly shut down their shops.
But in a statement by his Director of Press, Gyang Bere, the governor clarified that the alarm was a false one, triggered by a group of individuals, who misinterpreted a heap of polythene bags as a potential threat, adding that their report led to a wave of fear and panic among citizens in the area.
The governor explained that security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad from the state Police Command responded swiftly, conducting a thorough cordon and search operation at the scene. He assured that after an exhaustive inspection, no evidence of any explosive device was found.
Also reassuring citizens, the Police command dispelled the rumour and advised members of the public to go about their duties without fear.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Alfred Alabo, read: “In the early hours of today, the 12th day of November, 2024 at exactly 08:20am, the Plateau State Police Command received a report of a shallow dug hole suspected to be planted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Ahmadu Bello Way beside Old JUTH fence which created panic among the residents of the state.
“Upon receiving this report, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina immediately ordered the Area Commander Metro and the Officer in Charge of the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit aka Anti-Bomb Squad to mobilize a team of bomb technicians to the scene in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), “C” Division to assess the situation and take necessary actions.
“On reaching the scene, the area was immediately cordoned and our EOD Team began examination. Upon conclusion of the examination, the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices.
“The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina and other members of his management team also visited the scene for an on the spot assessment.”

13 Killed as Mining Site Collapses in Plateau

Meanwhile, no fewer than 13 persons have died in a collapsed mining site in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the LGA, Dr. Joshua Riti, confirmed the incident to newsmen yesterday in Jos.
Riti, who expressed sadness over the number of deaths recorded, said the collapsed mining site was located at the boundaries between Bassa, Jos South and Jos North LGAs, adding that seven of the deceased hailed from Bassa LGA.
“This is an unfortunate incident. These young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood. They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death.
“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Troops attached to the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of Operation Safe Haven, stationed in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State have killed five bandits, including their kingpin, Kachalla Saleh. 

A vigilance and youth leader in Wase, Abdullahi Haruna told newsmen that the incident happened at about 12.00 noon in Kinashe village of Bashar district of the local government. 

This is coming less than a week after bandits and vigilance group members  clashed in Dogon Ruwa community, resulting in the death of three bandits and one vigilance member. 

 Haruna said that the bandits, who posed a threat to residents’ lives, were caught off guard by security personnel, allowing for a resistance-free operation.

He said: “The village is a bushy area, and residents had already fled before the latest incident. Bandits had displaced people from the area, using it as a hideout. They didn’t expect security personnel to descend upon them at that time, given the tough terrain.”

He, however, acknowledged that eliminating the five bandits doesn’t necessarily end banditry in the area. But residents of Wase, particularly Bashar district, have commended the troops for the successful operation.

 Communities in Wase LGA have suffered from banditry in the past two years, resulting in deaths of residents and security personnel.

Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, did  not respond to calls put across to him to confirm the development.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC)  yesterday  extended closing time for voting from 3.00p.m to 5.00p.m to accommodate large turnout electorate in the  local government elections.

A statement signed by Head of Media of PLASIEC, Mr. Koro Yakubu, said: “The commission hereby   notifies  the general public, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders that the time for the conduct of the ongoing local government elections in Plateau State has been extended. 

“The election, which was scheduled for 8.00a.m to 3.00p.m has now been extended by two hours and is expected to end by 5.00p.m in the affected polling units.  â€œThis extension has become necessary due to unforeseen challenges encountered in some areas as regards the late arrival of sensitive materials  in certain polling units across the state.

“The commission is actively addressing this issue and working to ensure that all materials are deployed accordingly and every voter exercises their franchise.

“The technical hitch earlier experienced with the Voter Accreditation Software (VVS) in some polling units across the state has been resolved as the Presiding Officers have since reverted to the use of the manual registers and voting has commenced as stated by the Chairman of the Commission, Plangji Cishak.

“Our technical team is, however, working around the clock to resolve this issue to restore seamless operations.”

Yakubu assured the people that PLASIEC is fully committed to ensuring the credibility of the election and  assured all citizens that every vote will count and that no eligible voter will be disenfranchised due to these delays.

The commission also appreciated the patience and understanding of the public, and we remain dedicated to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.

Meanwhile, collations of results in the largely peaceful exercise has begun in various collation centres at press time.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated the state Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency, PS-DMCMA Pharma-Grade warehouse.

It is a partnership between the state and the federal government and other partners to improve the health of Plateau citizens.
Governor Mutfwang also flagged off the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance system and urged citizens to familiarise themselves with the service and utilise it to enhance their health and well-being.

The state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern technology and designed to global standards, includes a cold room that maintains temperatures below -80°C, a modern forklift capable of reaching heights of 3.5 meters, pallets for efficient movement of supplies, a mini-quality control laboratory for preliminary pharmaceutical assessments, and a drug information centre to monitor adverse drug reactions and combat counterfeit medicines.
Speaking at the event, Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the healthcare facilities in the state and stated the warehouse is a beacon of hope, progress, and collective dedication to affordable healthcare.

His words: “It is with immense pleasure and gratitude to God Almighty that we gather here today for two landmark events in the history of our beloved Plateau State: the official commissioning of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) and the flagging-off of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS).

“The vision for these initiatives was conceived in September 2023, exactly one year later, we celebrate their successful execution. This moment is not merely about the unveiling of physical structures, but a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Plateau citizens.

“My administration places a high value on access to quality and affordable healthcare, given its crucial role in enhancing the lives and living standards of our people. This new Pharma-Grade Warehouse will serve as a cornerstone of our efforts to build a sustainable healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and vaccines across all 17 local government areas, especially where they are most needed.”

The governor also disclosed that the agency would support local pharmaceutical production, saying, “The unveiling of five locally manufactured products is commendable, and we will provide all necessary support as the Agency liaises with NAFDAC to ensure sustainability.”

On the flag-off of the PLASEMSAS, he noted, “This marks a significant milestone in our journey toward ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all. This initiative underscores our commitment to saving lives and reducing mortality rates, providing a lifeline in our healthcare system.

“The goal of PLASEMSAS is to offer a consolidated emergency medical service and ambulance system that delivers prompt, efficient, and accessible care at no cost within the first 48 hours of an emergency. This initiative aims to eliminate the financial delays often encountered in critical situations, ensuring that timely care is available to all. I urge all Plateau citizens to familiarise themselves with this service and utilise it to enhance their health and well-being.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to bring these projects to fruition. Special thanks go to the Coordinating and Supervising Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, for his partnership in improving the health of our people; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Kachollom Daju, for her efficiency and dedication; and the National Coordinator of the National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP), Pharm. Celine Onunkwo, for her leadership in driving this programme.”

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of PS-DMCMA,  Kim Bot, noted the facility would enhance drug availability, improve healthcare access, enhance patients’ outcomes, and strengthen healthcare outcomes.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Communities Development Association (CONECDA) has called out the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its silence in face of grave allegations of misappropriation, urging the bank to address Nigerians and clear itself of the allegations.

Addressing a press conference in Jos, Plateau State, North Central Coordinator of CONECDA, Comrade Paul Joshua Dekete, said that the decision by the top leadership of the apex bank to remain silent in the face of allegations of gross misconduct, extravagant spending, and abuse of power is to say the least, extremely troubling.

He said: “It is a known fact that Nigeria currently grapples with a worsening economic crisis marked by the soaring inflation and a depreciating naira, and the CBN is facing a scandal that has only heightened public anxiety.

“The controversy on extravagant spending amid economic hardship centres  on the CBN Governor, Olayemi Michael Cardoso and his four Deputy Governors. Philip Ikeazor, Emem Nnan Usoro, Bala Bello, and Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, who have been accused of authorising the purchase of six armoured Lexus LX 600 vehicles worth a staggering N10 billion. 

“The shocking aspect of this expenditure is not just the amount but the fact that the CBN already had similar armoured vehicles in its fleet, used by the previous administration. The public is wondering the reason such an extravagant purchase was necessary when the bank already had these resources?

“This lavish spending is compounded by allegations that the officials have inflated their annual housing allowances to over N1 billion each, despite already living in luxurious official residences. 

“These actions paint a picture of a leadership disconnected from the harsh realities facing everyday Nigerians, who are struggling under the weight of an increasingly tough economy.

“It has also been reported that Governor Cardoso and his deputies have upgraded their international travel from business class to first class, at a time Nigeria’s economy is struggling.

“The cost of a first-class ticket to destinations like New York is over $15,000, and has become the standard for these officials. Additionally, their foreign travel allowances or estacodes have been increased to over $7,000 per night, allowing them to pocket more than $50,000 during a week-long trip, excluding other perks like entertainment and extra baggage allowances.”

CONECDA recalled that the CBN recently sacked over 300 employees, including directors from 50 per cent of its departments, noting that the departments are now being managed by acting directors who report directly to the accused officials. He said that the wave of terminations has sparked outrage, with over 100 of the dismissed staff taking their grievances to the National Industrial Court to demand for compensation seeing that their appointments were terminated without due process.

Dekete warned that the dismissal of these staff members without due regard to the law that establishes the CBN, as well as the bank’s own Human Resource policies raises serious concerns about the institution’s commitment to corporate governance. 

“This governance culture, which has historically been a cornerstone of the CBN, seems to be eroding under the current leadership, undermining the institution’s credibility and stability,” he observed.

He said that under the previous leadership, the CBN was able to maintain inflation within single digits, a key policy goal that helped stabilize the cost of living unlike the current situation in which inflation has soared to 33.40 per cent, significantly impacting the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.

Dekete said: “Despite the gravity of these allegations, the CBN has remained conspicuously silent. Days after the initial reports surfaced, the bank has offered no official statement, neither confirming nor denying the accusations, and there has been no communication on the CBN’s official channels.

“This silence is not just disappointing, but it’s also deeply troubling. The silence suggests a disregard for accountability and transparency. For many Nigerians, the CBN’s silence may be interpreted as an implicit admission of guilt, further eroding trust in an institution that plays a crucial role in the nation’s economic stability.”

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has awarded contracts for the construction of 55 new secondary schools across the state.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, held at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, the governor said it was a significant step in his government’s commitment to transforming the state’s educational infrastructure.

He emphasized that the new schools must adhere to international standards and serve as models for future educational developments.

“This project, under the Plateau State Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), funded by the World Bank, is a crucial investment in improving the learning environment for our students”, the governor observed.

He stressed the projects are designed to empower the girl child, acknowledging that educating women leads to far-reaching benefits for society as a whole.

In a symbolic presentation of award letters to contractors, Mutfwang issued a firm directive: “Let me warn you ahead of time, you must do a good job.

“We will ensure that these projects meet the highest standards. Our supervisory mechanisms will be top-notch because we want to set a precedent with this initiative. When the World Bank team comes for evaluation, we must not be found wanting.”

The governor further emphasized that the funds allocated for these projects are not free grants, urging contractors to strictly adhere to the specified building standards and timelines.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mohammed Nyalun, expressed gratitude to the World Bank, the federal government, and the governor for their roles in making the project a reality.

He highlighted that this initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring every child in Plateau State has access to education in a conducive learning environment.

Project Coordinator for the AGILE, Shirinkpo Maina provided an overview of the initiative, noting that these facilities lay the groundwork for inclusive, quality education accessible to every child, regardless of background.

He said that the Plateau State AGILE Project, supported by the World Bank, involves the construction of 35 Junior Secondary Schools and 20 Senior Secondary Schools, all aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the state.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Soldiers attached to Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State on Tuesday night killed over 15 bandits as its troops swooped on bandits in their den at Gudiri of Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred after corpse of a police officer, who was earlier abducted by the bandits at Kampani was found in a nearby bush by the soldiers.

The bandits had been terrorising the area since the beginning of the year, with their latest victim being the Police officer.

On May 21 this year, the bandits had attacked Zurak community killing over 40 villagers and injuring several others including vigilantes supporting the security personnel to secure the area.

A resident of the area, Shapi’i Sambo told newsmen that the soldiers and vigilance in the area on Tuesday night mobilised and took the fight to the bandits, adding that the security personnel successfully dislodged them from their hideout.

Sambo said over 100 cattle that had been rustled by the bandits were recovered after the operation.

Also narrating the incident, a member of the vigilance group, who pleaded anonymity said: “We have just returned from the battle field.” 

“I was among those that went with the soldiers to the area. Three soldiers died, while over 15 bandits were killed in the battle.

“Residents of the community are now happy with the coming security personnel to the area because the bandits were a threat to their lives. They rustled cattle at their will and robbed them of their properties and money.”

Spokesmen of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom did not respond to calls and text messages sent to him to confirm the incident.

* 51 arrested for non-compliance with curfew

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Following the improvement in security situation within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the Plateau State Government has announced a relaxation of the earlier imposed 24-hour curfew on the state capital.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Gyang Bere, the state Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, said: “Effective from Wednesday, August 7, 2024, residents of the area can now move freely between the hours of 2pm and 6pm daily until further notice.”

He said the relaxation came after a consultation with the security agencies, whom he praised for their diligence and commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the curfew.

The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order and assured the people that government will continue to review the curfew as the situation improves.

While urging residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities for prompt action, the governor assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens.

He commended the residents for their patriotism in observing the curfew, noting that their cooperation is vital in the collective interests of the state.

Meanwhile, the state police command has also commended the citizens, especially the youths for complying with the curfew imposed by the state government and the level of cooperation given to the police and other security agencies in the execution of this order. 

However, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbemiga Emmanuel Adesina, expressed disappointment at the manner certain youths flagrantly disregarded government directives by coming out of their residents to attack armed policemen at Dilimi, Yen Tire market and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area.

Adesina said: “Consequently, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police alongside heads of other security  agencies have carried out an on-the-spot assessment/surveillance patrol of the nooks and crannies of the state capital, to ascertain the level of compliance. 

“In that outing, a total of 26 suspects were arrested for non-compliance with the curfew and attempting to burgle people’s shops to loot their wares. 

“Additionally, on 07/08/2024, 25 suspects were arrested by the military Special Task Force (STF) operatives for similar crimes and handed over to the Plateau State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. The suspects have been investigated and charged to court accordingly.”

Warning against brandishing of foreign flags in any part of the state, the commissioner of police stressed that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and anyone caught indulging in such treasonable act will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly. 

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

As the ongoing protest against hunger and bad governance in Nigeria enters the second day Friday, there is a larger turnout of protesters than the first day as Christians and Muslims in Jos, the Plateau State capital, put aside their age-long differences to ensure that the exercise is a success.

Like the first day, the protest was largely peaceful as the protesters were orderly and listened to the directives of their leaders, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung and the General Overseer of EBOMI International Ministries, Prophet Isa El-Buba.

The duo cautioned the protesters not to destroy any property as they marched from Old Airport Roundabouts to the Secretariat junction.

When it was afternoon and time for Muslim Jumat prayers, one of the Imams in the protest called for the suspension of the protest to allow the Muslim protesters observe their Jumat prayers. 

Their Christian counterparts provided security for the Muslims to observe the prayers before they resumed the protest.

The protesters observed that the struggle has nothing to do with religion or tribe but with reversing government bad policies that have visited hunger and general hardship on Nigerians.

The security personnel were on ground and also very cooperative to ensure that nothing was allowed to get out of control.   

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

A mammoth crowd of protesters led by a former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, and a frontline cleric and General Overseer of EBOMI Ministries International, Prophet Isa El-Buba, took over the city centre of Jos, the Plateau State capital, to express disenchantment over the bad governance of the administration of President Bola Tinubu which has plucked Nigerians into hunger, suffering and abject poverty.

Speaking to the crowd, which gathered at the Old Airport roundabout, Dalung, who began by chanting some protest songs, warned security operatives not to intimidate any protester because the amended Nigerian constitution gives right to citizens to stage such protest, since it’s peaceful.

Dalung, who served in the first tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, lamented that the sufferings Nigerians are facing have become unbearable as many have died out of hunger.

He said despite warnings and pleas by government and religious organizations for citizens in the state to shun the nationwide protest, the people could not heed such warning in the face of the intolerable hunger killing them and their families. 

“That’s why we are out here on the street; our citizens are dying, nothing is affordable any longer, not even food to eat,” Dalung said.

Also speaking, El-Buba, who led both Christian and Muslim faithful in chanting protest songs in Hausa and English Language, called on President Tinubu to resign if he can’t lead Nigeria. 

He said: “President Bola Tinubu must resign; we cannot wait for 2027 to change him. Hunger will not allow us to endure for that long.”

He said that the mammoth turnout on Thursday was just the beginning of what will be witnessed in the coming days as he was going to mobilize more persons to join the protest.

The cleric said that the economic challenge ordinary Nigerians are currently facing was deliberately meted on the people by government to enslave them in their country, adding that it was unacceptable.

According to him, Nigeria has all it takes to cater adequately for all its citizens, but that government has deliberately decided to enslave the citizens to cause them pain.

He said: “We are going to be here for the next 10 days; if you don’t stand up for your rights, no one will do it for you.”

Insisting that they will not retreat until the demands of the masses for a better living was met, El-Buba said that government was already jittery because it knows that the policies and programmes are anti-people.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Jos, Major General E. A. Abubakar, visited the venue of the protest where he briefed the soldiers and warned them to be on red alert.

The stern-looking soldiers and riot policemen were seen at strategic locations around the city.

However, the protesters, who blocked one lane of the road, have vowed to continue with a higher tempo on Friday. 

They also said that the protest will be taken round the city in the coming days. The Muslim faithful among the protesters observed their afternoon prayers at the venue of the protest.

The protesters cautioned motorists to park their vehicles at home as they will not be allowed to drive through the crowd henceforward.

Seriki Adinoyi

Recent developments in Nigeria are gradually revealing that the repeated cries over Nigeria’s inability to refine its own crude oil were mere pretense as it seems that players in the industry are the same frustrating the efforts.

For years, the state refineries in the country had been rendered redundant just so that importation of refined oil will continue at the detriment of the country and to the benefit of the few with vested interests.

Nigerians were beginning to hive a sigh of relief with the intervention of the Modular refineries and recently Dangote refinery that have come to the rescue, but the cartel seems not to have given just yet.

Modular refineries are simplified refineries that require significantly less capital investment than traditional full-scale refineries. With their scalable and flexible design, they are particularly suited to the Africa and Nigeria’s unique economic and logistical challenges. They offer a cost-effective and efficient solution to meet local fuel demands, reduce dependency on imported refined products, and contribute to regional economic development.

For instance, Waltersmith Petroman operates a modular refinery which was commissioned in 2020. The refinery aims to produce diesel, naphtha, heavy fuel oil, (HFO), and kerosene. Refined petroleum products from Petroman’s modular complex target primarily for states in the south east zone. Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states are therefore the primary beneficiaries of the Petroman, 5000 barrels per day modular refinery. When upscaled to a processing capacity of 40,000 barrels per day, more states will benefit.

 The profitability of modular refineries is influenced by several factors including production capacity, capital expenditure, operational costs, and market prices for refined products.

They have been the ones filling-in the gap for fuel demand before the recent coming of the Dangote Refinery, but not without regulatory, operational, and market challenges.

In Nigeria, modular refineries also mitigate the risk of pipeline sabotage as these refineries become an evacuation system that is completely independent of pipelines. They also have a quick return on investment of approximately two years, enabling developers and their investors the ability to recoup their invested capital in a short period of time, while the country benefits.

Modular Refineries have various benefits to all stakeholders in the market. For the dwellers in the remote locations where the refineries are constructed, they are able to access and purchase the products at a much cheaper price. 

Furthermore, since Modular Refineries can be constructed in different locations within a short time span of about 15 to 20 months for a refinery of 20,000bpd, this ultimately eradicates the need for expensive transportation of crude oil through pipelines covering long distances, which in many cases, would still be susceptible to vandalism.

But Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently raised serious concerns on the fact that some mafias in the oil sector were hell-bent at frustrating local refining of crude oil possibly for personal gains.

Confirming the concerns raised by Dangote, Modular refineries said that they had raised same concerns severally in the past but received no positive response.

Indeed, major challenges that hinder the development of Modular Refineries in Nigeria include regulatory uncertainties and shortage of feedstock access.

With regards to the problem of regulatory uncertainties, Nigeria allegedly loses an estimated $15 billion yearly in foreign investments due to regulatory uncertainties, which in turn discourages various institutional and individual investors from setting up and developing innovations like Modular Refineries in Nigeria.

Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), a registered association of modular and conventional refinery companies in Nigeria, recently observed that the merchants in the oil sector have held the country hostage; especially in the area of our domestic petroleum products’ supply thereby crippling the whole economy.

 CORAN explained that the rise in food inflation in Nigeria could also be attributed to the hike in the pump prices of petroleum products, especially PMS, stressing that in-country refining would have helped in tackling these costs.

It explained that the reason Nigerian government hasn’t been able to tackle inflation, especially food inflation, in the country is because of the prices of petroleum products.

CORAN argued that the mafias in the oil sector were fighting Nigeria from attaining self-sufficiency in the domestic refining of crude oil because these persons were profiting from petroleum products’ importation into the country.

Publicity Secretary of CORAN, Eche Idoko recently said, “And if they don’t believe us because we are an association of smaller refineries, at least they have heard Dangote say it now. Who are these people fighting the self-sufficiency in the refining of petroleum products in Nigeria? The Minister of Petroleum, who is actually the President, should speak about this.

“He should tell Nigerians what his principle is. Is he looking at creating self-sufficiency in domestic refining of petroleum products or that he wants to continue the regime of petroleum importation? The presidency may need to speak to Nigerians directly, telling us what their policy thrust is on this matter.”

The truth is there has been the existence of a system where, for 35 years, people benefitted immensely from importation. The system will certainly fight against bringing it to an end with local refineries. That seems to be the current challenge.

A recent report also alleged that international financiers that were meant to fund the construction of about 20 modular refineries in Nigeria had withheld their funds due to the challenge of getting guarantees for crude oil supply to the facilities when they are completed.

Producers of crude oil in Nigeria, who are largely international oil companies, have not been able to provide guarantees to assure the financiers that crude would be supplied to the modular refineries when the plants are set to produce refined petroleum products.

With this, funders of the facilities would rather hold onto their funds pending such time that the Federal Government would be able to impress it on IOCs to provide the guarantees required for crude oil supply to modular refiners.

Although Nigeria prides itself as the largest crude oil producer in Africa, it exports bulk of its crude to earn foreign exchange, starving domestic refiners who find it tough to source the United States dollar required for the purchase crude.

Nigeria currently has 25 licensed modular refineries. Five of them are operating and producing diesel, kerosene, black oil and naphtha. About 10 are under various stages of completion, while the others have received licences to establish. Aside from the five that were in operation currently, the remaining plants were allegedly embattled due to the major challenge of crude oil unavailability, a development that has stalled funding from financiers.

It is heartwarming to see that prominent Nigerians have risen in defense of Dangote refinery and other local refineries. Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission should also look into the concerns raised by the refinery operators such that they are not suffocated into extinction.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Stakeholders in Plateau State have called for the establishment of state police, emphasising that implementation is a crucial measure to addressing the region’s security challenges.

This call was made at a round table discussion on “Peaceful and Just Societies: State Police as the Sentinel of Plateau,” organised by JISRA in partnership with Tearfund and the Plateau Peace Building Agency. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including security actors, policy makers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders in peace and security. 

Discussions focused on preventing political interference in state police, setting up an independent state police service commission, and ensuring sustainable funding through mechanisms like state security trust funds

 In his opening remarks JISRA Country Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr Jude Likita, emphasised the importance of the round table discussion, describing  it as a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue. 

Highlighting the alliance formed by Mensen Meteen Missie, Tearfund NL/ Tearfund UK, and others through the JISRA program, which aims to promote Freedom of Religious belief. 

He said: “The question of whether state police should be adopted is not the issue; the focus is on how it can be practically implemented in states that adopt it.”

Advocacy Manager for Tearfund, Mr. Ben Osawe,  emphasised the historical significance of the round table, referencing past efforts such as the 2006 Danmadi Committee and the 2012 Civil Society Panel on the Review of Nigeria Police. 

He said: “It is clear that there is a critical need not only for a review but also for the sophistication of the context in terms of crime, violence, and activities of non-state actors.” 

He expressed confidence that the event would lead to the development of “the first rule book on state policing in Nigeria.

In her goodwill message, Director General  of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Julie Sanda,  commended the collaborative efforts of JISRA, Tearfund and the PPBA in organising the round table. She highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing the region’s security challenges and fostering sustainable peace. 

Sanda expressed optimism that the discussions would contribute significantly to creating a robust framework for state policing, ensuring it is effective, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of local communities.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker, representing Langtang North-Central in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Daniel Nanbol, emphasised the constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of the people as per Section 14, Subsection 2d of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. 

He said: “As representatives of the people of Plateau State, it is part of our responsibility to ensure that we go by what is clearly stated: security and welfare of the people is the fundamental objective of government.”

In his keynote address, Professor Ezekiel Gaya Best from the University of Jos highlighted the historical context and current challenges of the Nigeria Police Force. He proposed measures to ensure the effectiveness and fairness of state police, including preventing misuse by state executives, considering local conflict resolution mechanisms, and transparent recruitment processes. 

He said:”The steps taken by the government at different levels of legislation suggest that we should be discussing the modalities of its operation. It is possible to have a state that is peaceful and just with a police force that is effective, functional, funded, and independent of the control of the governor.”

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has warning that twelve other schools in Jos were at risk of collapse, andtherefore charged that urgent action be taken to avert the imminent disaster.

The governor gave the charge as he inaugurated a Technical Committee to investigate the recent collapse of Saints Academy Jos two-storey building that killed no fewer than 24 students of the school and their teachers and left several others severely injured.

At the inauguration of the committee at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, the governor tasked the committee to thoroughly investigate the causes of the collapse and examine the roles of all individuals involved in the construction and maintenance of the building, explaining that the investigation was crucial to preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Mutfwang said, “It is imperative that we understand why this incident occurred, identify any lapses in duty, and implement measures to prevent a recurrence. Reports indicate that around 12 other schools in the city are at risk of collapse, which necessitates urgent action.”

The governor expressed his commitment to implementing stringent measures to ensure the safety and integrity of buildings across the state.

“We will continue to enforce necessary changes with compassion, avoiding unnecessary hardship for our people. However, we cannot compromise on the safety of innocent lives. The loss of 24 children is a grave reminder of the urgency of our mission,” he said.

Mutfwang also directed the Secretary to the State Government to broaden the committee’s mandate to include the burnt Jos Main Market, where reports suggested that the remaining structure was also at risk of collapse.

He urged the committee to investigate the demolition process, the handling of materials, and the steps needed to ensure public safety, even as he called on the public to provide any information that could help prevent future building collapses in the state.

The Committee Chairman, Prof. Slim Matawal, expressed gratitude to the Governor for entrusting them with the critical task. He assured that the committee would diligently work to prevent future building collapses in the state.

Other members of the committee were Oke Ezema,  Olusegun Olukoya, Daniel Sani, Michael Yibial, Dr. Mrs. Rose E. Daffi, Barnabas Dafiel, Williams Habakkuk, ACP Dayyabu Ahmed, and Mr. Yakubu I. Mallo.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Following the death of 22 students of Saints Academy, Jos in the aftermath of the collapse of its two-storey building on July 12, 2024, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has set up an investigative panel into the circumstances leading to the collapse.

Director General of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna told newsmen in Jos yesterday that the committee was s to determine the remote and immediate cause of the incident.

He said that the committee was comprised of seasoned professionals in the construction industry and is to be chaired by Prof. Frederick Job, from the Geology Department at the University of Jos.

Duna said: “In our usual manner and tradition in line with NBRRI mandate, NBRRI with the approval of Uche Nnaji, the minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has approved the constitution of building collapse investigation committee for Saints Academy, Busa Buji, Jos, led by Frederick Job a professor from Geology department university of Jos”.

He said that their task was to uncover the causes of the collapse and identify those responsible.

According to him, the investigation committee had begun its work by gathering evidence and conducting interviews with witnesses and experts, adding that their findings will be crucial in determining the cause of the collapse and with a timeline of one month to submit their report.

Duna added that the committee’s report will also outline measures to prevent future incidents, stressing that preliminary investigation revealed that the physical observation of the two-storey building looked distressed, the quantity of concrete was in doubt, while the slab reinforcement anchorage provided was inadequate.

He assured that the institute will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, Duna noted that the incident at Saint Academy had also raised concerns about building standards in the country.

He emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and punishment for those who violate them to serve as a deterrent.

The NBRRI DG also explained that only qualified professionals should be involved in building projects to prevent such ugly incidents, urging stakeholders to prioritise safety and adhere to established guidelines In the construction industry.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Concerned stakeholders in Bashar chiefdom of Wase Local Government Area have warned that the community could erupt into serious trouble if urgent actions are not taken to correct the injustices meted out to  the community in which Alh Abdullahi Idris was imposed on them as the new Rekna of Bashar.

Addressing the press in Jos, the stakeholders, led by Shehu Mujahid Abubakar, observed that proper procedure was not followed as the person selected was not from the royal family.

 Abubakar said: “In September 2022, the Rekna of Bashar position became vacant. Following tradition, a new Rekna should have been chosen from the ruling family through a proper selection process involving the kingmakers.

“The Plateau State Government, under the leadership of former Governor Simon Bako Lalong established a committee to oversee the selection process according to established rules and regulations, but the then Local Government Chairman, Dr. Ado Abubakar Buba interfered with the process.”

He said Buba bypassed protocol by inviting the kingmakers to his office and holding meetings with some of them under pressure. “This action contradicts the Plateau State Chieftaincy Laws.”

Abubakar alleged that the chairman’s interference led to the postponement of selection process from December 2 to December 13, 2022, adding that the exercise was further marred by the kidnap of four out of five kingmakers believed to have been masterminded by Buba and his associates, presumably to influence the selection outcome.

He added that despite the abduction, a selection process was held in the absence of the kidnapped kingmakers under the watch of the former council chairman.

“A formal letter of complaint outlining these irregularities was submitted to the former governor,  Simon Bako Lalong. However, due to his alleged political affiliation with the former chairman and the preferred candidate, the complaint was ignored.

“We also have reason to believe that the incumbent Rekna, Alh. Abdullahi Idris, is still employed by the federal government while holding the position of Rekna. This violates the rules, as an individual cannot hold two government positions at the same time”, the stakeholders lamented.

Calling on the incumbent Governor, Caleb Mutfwang to intervene, the stakeholders said the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the review committee should also join in investigating the complaints arising from the irregularities in order to avert imminent crisis in the chiefdom.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Health Care has commended the acting Medical Director (MD) of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Jos, Prof. Icha Onche, for utilising the little resources available to him for so much achievement at the hospital, assuring that efforts are on top gear to ensure a quick take-off of operations at the hospital.

The committee which was in Jos, for oversight function also toured other health facilities and medical schools in Jos, to inspect the centres and assess the availability, adequacy and functionality of medical and training facilities, services, and personnel of the institutions.

It also measured the actual implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act as approved by the National Assembly, detailed analysis of capital projects implementation and overhead releases, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), staff nominal roll, and staff-to-students’ ratio.

 Addressing journalists after going round the Orthopaedic Hospital, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alex Egbona, said they had previous interaction with the Medical Director in Abuja, on the need for the take-off of the hospital for the benefit of the people.

He said, “So, the inspection of the facility became necessary to have first-hand assessment on progress of work and to see what needs to be done for a smooth take-off of the hospital for the benefit of our people.

“And to our surprise, despite the lean resources, the acting Medical Director has done well and as we go to Abuja, we are going to appeal to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to make sure more funds are released for this hospital to take-off in a short time.”

On his part, Onche expressed optimism for the quick take-off of the hospital, saying, “If you ask me when we will open our doors, I am hopeful for September, but I wish it could even be earlier.

 â€œFor me, orthopaedics is a passion and a lifestyle. I am fully committed and willing to sacrifice everything to ensure the hospital takes off successfully. Thereafter, I can rest knowing I have done my part.”

The MD appreciated the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang and former deputy speaker of House of Representatives for their interventions leading to progress of work at the hospital.

 He said, “Fortunately, when the Deputy Speaker was in office, he generously provided us with an intervention fund of N400 million, which was domiciled in the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) account since we were none-existence then, and this fund went a long way in supporting the renovation exercise.

“The governor of Plateau State has also been very supportive, overseeing internal network projects with significant funding. We are very grateful for his support and encouragement.”

He, however, observed that the inflation between December 2023 and March 2024, made the contract sum insufficient.

“When the contract was awarded in September last year, it was for N437 million (already creating a deficit of N37 million). And with the current inflation rate, the contractor has abandoned the site in the last six weeks.

 â€œI had to report this to my ministry, and the Permanent Secretary visited us to see the situation first-hand. The Rt. Honorable Deputy Speaker also visited to see how his intervention fund was being utilized. We are very grateful for these visits and the attention given to our hospital.”

He said the Egbonna’s committee has also been very supportive, stressing that the Committee thoroughly inspected every aspect of the hospital.

“We have completed a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) outlining the extent of work done, the work left, and the costs needed to complete the renovation. The Ministry of Health and Social Services has this information. We also plan to approach the governor of Plateau State once more for further intervention to complete our work,” he added.

The MD also appreciated the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for being supportive.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted 80 new graduating medical doctors of Bingham University, Karu, into the medical profession, charging them to uphold the ethics of the profession.

The 80 new doctors bring the total number of medical doctors produced by the institution to 629 since its inception.

At the induction ceremony held in Jos, Plateau State, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, commended the new doctors for their perseverance in completing the rigorous six-year clinical program, urging them to dedicate themselves to the country’s development and the welfare of humanity in their career pursuits.

He emphasised the role the university has played in training medical doctors in Nigeria, noting that Bingham University is one of the leagues of universities in Nigeria that is uniquely positioned in the training of medical doctors.

He said, “Today marks a great milestone in the history of Bingham University, as we induct the 2016/2017 set of the University-trained medical doctors and dentists. I heartily congratulate our 80 MBBS graduates that have worked tirelessly in order to be counted amongst the worthy graduates to partake in this event today.

“I understand that the ratio of medical doctors to our country’s population is 1:5000, whereas the World Health Organisation recommends a ratio of 1:600 of the population. In addition to this worrisome ratio, an estimated 16,000 doctors have left Nigeria over the last five years through the japa syndrome. We therefore give God the glory that Bingham University is helping to fill the manpower gap in the medical and dental profession.”

The Vice Chancellor encouraged the inductees to stay back in Nigeria and contribute their quota in salvaging the deteriorating Nigeria healthcare system.

President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, also expressed confidence in the inductees and encouraged them to continue seeking knowledge and growth in their profession.

He charged them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards in their medical practice, reminding them of the core values of the Christian faith that were instilled in them during their studies at Bingham University.

He said, “As you embark on this noble path, let us reflect on the profound responsibility and the sacred trust that has been placed in your hands. The journey you have chosen is not merely a profession but a calling; it is a calling to heal, comfort and serve humanity with love and dignity, the sacrifices made by your parents and loved ones should not be forgotten but respectfully be appreciated.”

Earlier, Provost of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences of the university, Prof. Haroun Isah, urged the newly inducted medical doctors to maintain good behaviour, and to remember the lessons learned during their studies. He acknowledged the support of the graduates’ families, educators, and well-wishers.

Isah said, “I am more excited that we are churning out more female doctors than males. This means we are strategically raising an educated generation as these ones will ensure their children also do better.”

Of the 80 graduates, there were 46 females and 34 males, leading to a relative increase in the number of female doctors.

One of the new doctors, Miss Jennifer Chidinmma Okocha who bagged the award of best student in Paediatrics, shared her thoughts with ĚÇĐÄĘÓĆľ.

She said, “One of the things I’ve learned is that making a significant impact often involves public health initiatives; reaching out directly to the masses, listening to patients, and being an integral part of the community. This approach allows me to connect with people and understand their needs better, ultimately enabling more effective care.”

Authorities release eight rescued varsity students to Ododo

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Military Task Force in Plateau State (Operation Safe Haven) has assured farmers in the state of a secured farming season, adding that the step was necessary and critical for food security in the country.

In another development, military authorities have released the eight rescued students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, who were abducted by kidnappers recently, to the state Governor, Usman Ododo.

Addressing stakeholders at a one-day seminar for stakeholders towards a successful farming season in Plateau State and some local government areas in Bauchi and Kaduna States, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigeria Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major Gen A. E. Abubakar, noted that the seminar was apt and timely because it would facilitate a hitch-free farming season this year seeing that the rainy season has begun.

He noted that creating a suitable atmosphere for farmers this season and returning displaced farmers and their families in Plateau and Kaduna States to their ancestral homes would help them to focus on their job and improve farm produce.

The seminar with the theme: ‘Peaceful Coexistence: a Panacea for a Successful Farming Season’, had stakeholders from all the 17 local government areas of Plateau State, five local government areas of Southern Kaduna and from two LGAs in Bauchi State.

General Abubakar noted that most challenges farmers face during the farming season include farm destruction, attacks on livestock, cow poisoning, and attacks and reprisals, adding that so far, 50 cases of farm destruction have been recorded in the month of May in Mangu, Bokkos, Jos South, and Riyom LGAs, and over 200 cows have been poisoned in Bassa and Bokkos LGAs. 

He observed that most of these communities survive basically on farming, without which such people may decide to engage in criminal activities.

The soldier, therefore, urged the stakeholders to create an enabling environment for farming and herding activities.

“We must, therefore, learn to forgive grievances because it is only in an atmosphere of peace that growth and development can thrive. Sustainable peace can only be achieved when stakeholders collectively agree to live in peace,” he admonished.

He, however, warned misguided persons who may wish to disrupt the year’s farming activities to have a rethink as the task force will not hesitate to decisively deal with such criminals in line with the law.

Abubakar later presented five combat motorcycles to vigilantes for patrol during the farming season.

Also speaking on the theme, the Deputy Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheik Ghazali Ismail Adam, said conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria have been occurring for several years and this has caused distrust among communities, loss of livelihood and food insecurity, as well as displacement of thousands of persons.

He said the causes of these clashes are growing population, abandonment of grazing reserved systems, drought and desertification.

He noted that the need for peaceful coexistence among farmers and herders was expedient for economic benefits to the country, urging the people to learn to live together in peace.

On his part, Rev. Father Boniface Nkum urged the military to look into the challenges facing the agriculture sector and also the factors hindering peaceful existence among farmers and herders, recommending that the government be sincere about securing farmers and their lands, and invest in providing modern gadgets.

He also admonished community leaders to always identify traitors among their communities and report them to security operatives.

Meanwhile, the military authorities have released the eight rescued students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, who were abducted by kidnappers recently, to the state Governor, Usman Ododo.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismail Isah, and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

Governor Ododo received the eight students of CUSTECH, who were rescued by security operatives in a dense forest in Kwara State over the weekend.

The students, who were received at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Abuja, had undergone psychological evaluation and confirmed fit to be reunited with their families.

In his remarks at the brief ceremony in the conference room of the Nigerian Army headquarters, Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leading from the front in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes in Nigeria.

The governor also commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the leadership of the Nigerian Army, the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Civil Defence Corps, and the local vigilante service as well as local hunters for the successful operation that led to the safe return of the eight CUSTECH students.

The governor, who called for collaboration among state governments and security agencies to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, praised the effort of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State for his unflinching support and synergy in the joint efforts to wipe out criminals from border communities between Kogi and Kwara States which have become hideouts for criminals in recent months.

While expressing sympathy for the families of two of the abducted students who died in the hands of the abductors, Governor Ododo promised to keep Kogi State safe from criminals.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taureed Lagbaja, represented by the Deputy Chief of Army Operations, Major General Emmanuel Emeka, noted that the military intervention in the rescue operation was a signal that the Nigerian Government would continue to protect citizens of the country in every situation.

He commended the collaboration between the army and other security agencies that led to the safe rescue of the students, assuring them that the operation will continue until the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

The eight CUSTECH students were later handed over to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abdulrahaman Asipita Salawu, to be reunited with their family members.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Military Task Force in Plateau (Operation Safe Haven) has assured farmers in the state of a secured farming season, adding that the step is necessary and critical for food security in the country.

Addressing stakeholders at a one-day seminar for stakeholders towards a successful farming season in Plateau and some local government areas in Bauchi and Kaduna States, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigeria Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major Gen A. E. Abubakar, noted that the seminar was apt and timely because it will facilitate a hitch-free farming season this year seeing that the rainy season has begun.

He noted that creating a suitable atmosphere for farmers this season and returning displaced farmers and their families in Plateau and Kaduna States to their ancestral homes would help them to focus on their job and to improve farm produce.

The seminar with the  theme ‘Peaceful Coexistence: a Panacea for a Successful Farming Season’ had stakeholders from all the 17 local government areas of Plateau, five local government areas of Southern Kaduna and from two local government areas of Bauchi State.

General Abubakar noted that most challenges farmers face during the farming season include farm destruction, attacks on livestock, cow poisoning, attacks and reprisals, adding that so far, 50 cases of farm destruction have been recorded in May in Mangu, Bokkos, Jos South, Riyom LGAs, and over 200 cows have been poisoned in Bassa, Bokkos LGAs.  

He observed that most of these communities survive basically on farming, without which such people may decide to engage in criminal activities.

He therefore urged the stakeholders to create an enabling environment for farming and herding activities.

“We must therefore learn to forgive grievances because it is only in an atmosphere of peace that growth and development thrive. Sustainable peace can only be achieved when stakeholders collectively agree to live in peace,” he admonished.

He however warned misguided persons who may wish to disrupt the year’s farming activities to have a rethink as the task force will not hesitate to decisively deal with such criminals in line with the law.

He later presented five combat motorcycles to vigilantes for patrol during the farming season.

Also speaking on the theme, the Deputy Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheik Ghazali Ismail Adam, said conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria have been occurring for several years and this has caused distrust amongst communities, loss of livelihood and food insecurity, and displacement of thousands of persons. 

He said the causes of the clashes are growing population, abandonment of grazing reserved systems, drought and desertification.

He noted that the need for peaceful coexistence amongst farmers and herders was expedient for economic benefits of the country, urging the people to learn to live together in peace.

On his part, Rev. Father Boniface Nkum urged the military to look into the challenges facing the agricultural sector and also the factors hindering peaceful existence among farmers and herders, recommending that government be sincere about securing farmers and their lands and invest in providing modern gadgets.

He also admonished community leaders to always identify traitors amongst their communities and report them to security operatives.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has charged church leaders in the state to unite the people, noting that the Church has been one of the leading platforms which has fostered peace in the state through its teachings and policies.

The governor made the remark in Jos, Plateau State, at the installation of Dr. Job Ayuba Mallam as the 13th President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Dr. Sunday Congo, as Assistant General Secretary of the church.

He urged the newly installed president to follow the footsteps of Christ and of those who have laid down the policies of the church, and also remember always to emphasize the need for peace and unity amongst worshippers and the church as well, assuring that the state will continue to work with the leadership of the church to develop policies that will continue to bind all religions in the state and beyond.

He said: “In the spirit of unity and shared purpose, Jesus fervently prayed for the oneness of his followers emphasizing the spirit of complete unity as a testament to the authenticity of his mission, our unity is rooted in our common goals, values, heritage and ultimately our connection with the father and union with Christ.”

Also speaking, the outgoing President of ECWA, Dr. Stephen Panya, who performed the installation and consecration charged the new president to be a strong uniting force that will bind the church of God and its congregation, and to always remember to lead the church in love to prosperity and advancement of Christ’s kingdom, adding that without unity in the church, God’s work cannot be made manifest.

Admonishing the congregation on the topic ‘Stepping Aside in His Grace’ President of Church of God in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Amos Mohzo said leadership is timely in the life of a leader, noting that many leaders forget that they have been given the opportunity to lead for a particular time, and get carried away by the mantle of leadership given to them or due to pressure from external forces.

Taking gospel reading books of Joshua and Numbers, Mohzo urged the newly elected to remember that God has bestowed upon them the mantle to take care of his flocks and ensure they are united in all dimensions, urging them to ensure that they put God as their top priority. He charged them to be focused and courageous in carrying out their duties.

In his acceptance speech, the new president praised God for his grace upon him and thanked the church council for finding him worthy to serve in his new role. He reassured that his administration will be committed to implementing key strategies that will foster community engagements, promote economic empowerments, and cultivate leadership development. He also assured that the youths of the church will be carried along.

He said that staff welfare will be prioritized, even as centralization of Pastors’ salaries, implementation of inclusiveness in policies, and activation of internal arbitration units to manage disputes will be given attention to ensure equality and value that will uphold ECWA and the church of God at large.

•Describes current state of insecurity as national calamity

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has lamented that former President Muhammadu Buhari left Nigeria fractured with a complete failure of governance, adding that on Buhari’s watch, criminality took centre stage where banditry escalated into terrorism.

He added that the security challenges in his state were similar to other states, though in a different context.

The governor, who spoke in an interview with a Washington DC-based media commentator, Pearl Matibe, for Premium Times after a meeting on security hosted by the US Institute of Peace (USIP) for 10 northern Nigerian governors, described the current security situation in Nigeria as a national calamity. 

Recall that 10 northern governors were in the US recently where they held extensive meetings with officials of USIP on how to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

The conversation explored Nigeria’s prospects for peace, the roles of Nigerian citizens and leaders in managing tensions and violence, and the key issues for state governors.

The dialogue took place in the wake of recent mass kidnapping that highlighted the ongoing insecurity in the northern region, exacerbated by violent extremism and organised crime.

Mutfwang stated that the major challenge in the state was what he described as “broad daylight criminality” manifesting as banditry, leading to the displacement of communities.

“The situation in Plateau State is not too different from other states, though the context of our security challenges differs by zone. There has been significant insurgency and insecurity throughout Nigeria, which didn’t start today. Under the immediate past regime, we experienced a complete failure of governance, exacerbating these issues. Today, we face a national calamity.”

The governor added: “Specifically, in Plateau, we deal with banditry that has evolved into terrorism. The farmers-herders conflict is minimal and insignificant. The major issue is broad daylight criminality manifesting as banditry, leading to the displacement of communities.

“Currently, we have about 17,000 people in IDP camps. This situation is troubling, especially given Plateau’s role as an agrarian state, contributing significantly to the national food basket. Over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s Irish potatoes come from Plateau.

“It appears there’s a pattern where the onset of the farming season sees increased criminal activity to disrupt farming,” he added.

Governor Mutfwang however assured the people of the state that his government was working hard with security agencies to ensure the communities are secure for the people to return and resume their activities in peace. 

“For people to return to their homes, we must ensure their safety. This involves securing settlements and providing sanitation infrastructure, good drinking water, and agricultural inputs. The most important guarantee is safety.

“We are working with security agencies to ensure these communities are secure so that people can return and resume their activities in peace. We hope to map out and implement these strategies soon.

“We have received tremendous support from President Tinubu and are mobilising all security assets to secure the land, people, and properties, ensuring our people return to their ancestral homes to farm.

“For people to return to their homes, we must ensure their safety, and this involves securing settlements and providing sanitation infrastructure, good drinking water, and agricultural inputs. The most important guarantee is safety”, he explained.

The governor also said the meeting with USIP would go a long way to make a difference in addressing the security challenge in his state.

He said: “Specifically, this visit at the invitation of the USIP, has allowed us to interact with the State Department, Defence Department, and Department of Trade, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

“We’ve emphasised seeing Nigeria as an opportunity rather than a liability. The previous administration’s abdication of responsibility led to a deterioration of values and expanded our fault lines. 

“Interacting with US officials and the business community has given us hope for rebuilding. We need foreign investment to aid our production, especially in agriculture. I’m returning home with a bag of ideas that, if followed up, could bear fruit for Nigerians and Plateau State in particular,” he added.