By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has endorsed the Nigerian Navy’s proposal to establish a Forward Operating Base in Kashimbila, Takum Local Government Area, describing the project as a strategic initiative to strengthen security and support economic development.

Governor Kefas gave the endorsement on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Navy Headquarters at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo. The delegation is in Taraba State to assess the suitability of Kashimbila for the proposed facility.

The governor said the base would complement the work of other security agencies by improving border surveillance, protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing security along Taraba State’s border with Cameroon.”Security is the foundation of development. No society can truly prosper without peace, and every investment in security is an investment in the future of our people,” Kefas said.

He noted that Kashimbila’s strategic location, the presence of the Kashimbila Dam, its inland waterways and proximity to the Cameroon border make it suitable for a permanent naval presence. He also pledged the state’s continued support for collaboration between the military and other security agencies.

Leading the delegation, the Chief of Administration at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Nwunuji Mamman, said the proposed base would enhance border surveillance, improve the protection of critical national infrastructure and strengthen operational responses to cross-border security challenges.The delegation is expected to conduct an on-site assessment of the proposed location before further decisions are made on the project.

By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo on Tuesday celebrated the Silver Jubilee of priestly ordination for several of its clergy, marking 25 years of ministry with a thanksgiving service attended by Catholic faithful, church leaders, religious and dignitaries from Taraba State and beyond. The celebration began with a Pontifical Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, where worshippers gathered for prayers, scriptural readings, thanksgiving offerings and special blessings for the jubilarians.

In his homily, the Bishop of Jalingo, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Michael Hammawa, commended the priests for their dedication to evangelisation, pastoral care and community service. He encouraged younger clergy to remain committed to their vocation and urged the laity to continue supporting the Church through prayer and active participation.” These priests have remained dedicated to the flocks entrusted to their care,” Bishop Hammawa said.

Speaking on behalf of the jubilarians, Rev. Fr. Cyriaus Kamal described his 25 years in ministry as a journey of both challenges and blessings, while Rev. Fr. James Vontih thanked God for sustaining him throughout his priesthood. He urged younger priests to embrace humility, patience and obedience and called on the faithful to pray for ordained ministers.

Organisers said the Silver Jubilee celebrated not only the priests’ years of service but also the continued growth of the Diocese of Jalingo and its contributions to education, healthcare and peace-building in Taraba State.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Gunmen reportedly abducted the principal of Government Science Secondary School, Opada-Olowa, a National Examinations Council (NECO) supervisor and four students during an examination on Tuesday in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to local sources, the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. while students were writing the ongoing NECO examination.The abducted officials were identified as the school’s principal, Mr. Nyada Daniel, and the NECO supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu. The identities of the four students had not been made public as of the time of filing this report.

Residents said the armed men entered the school premises and fired shots into the air, causing panic before taking the victims away. The attackers reportedly fled before security personnel arrived. The whereabouts of the victims remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for the reported abduction.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer were not returned as of the time of publication.Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations and search efforts continue.