News
Ododo Launches Massive Security Operation to Rescue Abducted Principal, Students, NECO Official
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has launched a large-scale multi-agency security operation to rescue four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
The operation, directed by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with the participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
The abducted victims are the Principal of GSS Olowa, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a NECO official, Mr. Solomon Audu; and two female NECO candidates identified as Miss Dorcas Sunday and another Miss Dorcas whose surname is yet to be confirmed.
According to the government, five persons were initially kidnapped during the attack, but one victim has since been rescued, while efforts have intensified to secure the release of the remaining four.
Security personnel deployed for the operation include troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja; the 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba; officers of the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Kogi State Vigilante Service; local hunters; and other security outfits. Authorities also said advanced technology is being deployed to support the rescue mission, with encouraging progress already being recorded.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the examination centre, located in a remote area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates. The government stated that the two abducted female candidates were not regular students of GSS Olowa and that the examination arrangements did not conform to the state’s security framework established for NECO centres.
Despite the findings, the state government stressed that it remains fully committed to protecting every resident and visitor within Kogi State.
“The victims are our people, and the government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,” the statement said.
To avoid compromising the ongoing operation, the government said it would not disclose additional operational details. Residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities were urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and complying with security directives.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring that security agencies would continue the operation until all the abducted victims are safely reunited with their families.
News
Goodluck Jonathan’s Family Celebrates Son’s Graduation in UK
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
News
Gov. Agbu Kefas Seeks Reconciliation, Urges Party Members to Close Ranks After Primaries
By Aga Samuel Imoter—Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to put aside grievances arising from the party’s recent congresses and primary elections, urging them to embrace reconciliation and work collectively towards strengthening the party.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday night during a reconciliation dinner for APC stakeholders held at the Banquet Hall of the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.
Addressing party faithful, Kefas acknowledged that the period surrounding his defection to the APC, the conduct of the congresses and the recently concluded primaries generated intense political competition, leaving some members feeling aggrieved and excluded.
He, however, insisted that the processes were never designed to humiliate or sideline any aspirant, stressing that the party’s future depends on unity rather than division.”The time has come to move beyond our differences. We must forgive one another, unite as one political family and focus on the greater task of building a stronger APC and a more prosperous Taraba State,” the governor said.
Kefas cautioned those who emerged victorious in the primaries against engaging in politics of exclusion or reprisals, warning that such actions could undermine the party’s electoral prospects. He urged elected candidates and party leaders to adopt an inclusive leadership style by accommodating all stakeholders, regardless of the positions they took during the internal contests.
According to him, the APC must remain united, with no room for factionalism, bitterness, suspicion or political vendettas, noting that the party’s greatest strength lies in its collective resolve and shared vision for the development of Taraba State.
The governor further assured party members that his administration would continue to welcome constructive criticism and sincere advice, maintaining that inclusive governance remains critical to sustaining both effective leadership and party cohesion. “Electoral success cannot be achieved by individuals acting alone but through a united, disciplined and committed political structure working towards common goals,” he added.
Kefas also appealed to aspirants who were unsuccessful in the primaries to accept the outcome in the interest of the party, reconcile with fellow members and mobilise support for all APC candidates ahead of future elections.
Earlier, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Prof. Josiah Sabo Kente, said the reconciliation dinner was organised to appreciate party stakeholders for their loyalty, sacrifices and peaceful conduct throughout the congresses and primary election process.
Kente described the gathering as a strategic initiative aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion and positioning the APC for greater political success in Taraba State.
The event drew prominent APC leaders, elected and appointed officials, party executives, former and serving political office holders, aspirants and stakeholders from across the state, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment to unity and the continued growth of the party.
Political observers say the reconciliation initiative reflects the APC leadership’s determination to close ranks after its internal electoral process and consolidate support ahead of future political engagements in Taraba State.
News
Gov. Agbu Kefas Seeks Reconciliation, Urges Party Members to Close Ranks After Primaries
By Aga Samuel Imoter
Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to put aside grievances arising from the party’s recent congresses and primary elections, urging them to embrace reconciliation and work collectively towards strengthening the party.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday night during a reconciliation dinner for APC stakeholders held at the Banquet Hall of the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.
Addressing party faithful, Kefas acknowledged that the period surrounding his defection to the APC, the conduct of the congresses and the recently concluded primaries generated intense political competition, leaving some members feeling aggrieved and excluded.
He, however, insisted that the processes were never designed to humiliate or sideline any aspirant, stressing that the party’s future depends on unity rather than division.
“The time has come to move beyond our differences. We must forgive one another, unite as one political family and focus on the greater task of building a stronger APC and a more prosperous Taraba State,” the governor said.
Kefas cautioned those who emerged victorious in the primaries against engaging in politics of exclusion or reprisals, warning that such actions could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
He urged elected candidates and party leaders to adopt an inclusive leadership style by accommodating all stakeholders, regardless of the positions they took during the internal contests.
According to him, the APC must remain united, with no room for factionalism, bitterness, suspicion or political vendettas, noting that the party’s greatest strength lies in its collective resolve and shared vision for the development of Taraba State.
The governor further assured party members that his administration would continue to welcome constructive criticism and sincere advice, maintaining that inclusive governance remains critical to sustaining both effective leadership and party cohesion.
“Electoral success cannot be achieved by individuals acting alone but through a united, disciplined and committed political structure working towards common goals,” he added.
Kefas also appealed to aspirants who were unsuccessful in the primaries to accept the outcome in the interest of the party, reconcile with fellow members and mobilise support for all APC candidates ahead of future elections.
Earlier, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Prof. Josiah Sabo Kente, said the reconciliation dinner was organised to appreciate party stakeholders for their loyalty, sacrifices and peaceful conduct throughout the congresses and primary election process.
Kente described the gathering as a strategic initiative aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion and positioning the APC for greater political success in Taraba State.
The event drew prominent APC leaders, elected and appointed officials, party executives, former and serving political office holders, aspirants and stakeholders from across the state, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment to unity and the continued growth of the party.
Political observers say the reconciliation initiative reflects the APC leadership’s determination to close ranks after its internal electoral process and consolidate support ahead of future political engagements in Taraba State.
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