Tag: Plateau State

  • ALGON: Abdullahi Maje Led IMC Felicitates newly elected Plateau leadership

    ALGON: Abdullahi Maje Led IMC Felicitates newly elected Plateau leadership

    The Abdullahi Shuaibu Maje led Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, has felicitated with the newly elected leadership of the association in Plateau State.
    According to report, Plateau State Chapter of ALGON on Wednesday January 5th, conducted a hitch free election to elect a state chairman, a process which saw the emergence of Mr. Alexander Naantuam of Shendam Local Government Area as its Executive Chairman in the state.
    In a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday by ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jide Ashonibaire, the association applauded the electoral process while describing it as the democracy that has been envisioned and imagined.
    It reads: “We are utmost pleased to jubilate and felicitates with the Plateau State Chapter of the Association for conducting a free and fair election and ensuring that the best hands are duly elected to govern the affairs of the association in Plateau State. We personally congratulate Mr Alexander Naantuam chairman of Shendam Local Government Area for emerging as Executive Chairman, Mr. Shehu Usman, Chairman, (Jos North) as Vice-Chairman, Mr Henry Gotip, Chairman, Kanke Local Government Area as Secretary, Mr. Joseph Guluwa, Chairman, Bokkos Local Government Area as Treasurer, Mr. Yakubu Izang, Chairman, Jos East as Financial Secretary and Dr. Ado Buba, Chairman, Wase Local Government Area as Public Relations Officer.
    “Your election into these leadership roles aren’t a matter of coincidence but a confirmation of trust that you all would efficiently discharge good leadership qualities that would be beneficial to the growth of the association. It is therefore our prayer that the almighty will in his mercies bless and enrich you all with more insight, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, strength not forgetting grace that will assist all of you during your reign. Once Again Congratulations!” It added.

  • Three Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    Three Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    No fewer than three people were killed on Sunday in Rafin Bauna village of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The victims were reportedly on their way from Dutsen Kura to Rafin Bauna when they were ambushed and killed by assailants.

    Governor Lalong, who condemned the act, described the attack as yet another callous attempt by the enemies of peace to begin the new year with violence.

    He said the state government would resist such attempts with all resources available to it.

    Lalong asked the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the assailants are fished out and brought to justice as the government is committed to making life difficult for criminals.

    The Governor sympathised with the families of the victims and assured them that justice will be done.

    ASP Ubah Gabriel, the spokesman of the state police command, did not respond to a text message from our correspondent on the incident, as of the time of filing this report.

  • Plateau State Wins Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Award For Transparency And Accountability

    Plateau State Wins Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Award For Transparency And Accountability

    Plateau State has won the Open Government Partnership Award for Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Extractives at the 2021 OGP Local Innovation Awards held on 14th December 2021 in Seoul, South Korea and broadcast worldwide on social media platforms.

    To emerge victorious, Plateau State participated in the competitive process which generated 60 applications in the Local Innovation Awards category where over 11,000 members of the OGP community voted across the world.

    It came first in the Africa and Middle East Region followed by Nandi-Kenya in second place, and Tangier-Morocco in the third place.

    Announcing the Awards, the OGP recognized the efforts of the Plateau State Government in entrenching transparency and accountability in governance through various initiatives that support prudent resource management, involment of the citizens, blocking leakages and building institutions that enhance and deepen transparency in governance.

    The Award is also in recognition of the level of stakeholder engagement in budgeting, adherence to laid down procedures in government expenditure, and deployment of structures such as the Efficiency Unit, Bureau for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit among others adopted by the Lalong administration in managing the resources of the State.

    Governor Simon Lalong while reacting to the Award said he was excited to receive the news which attests to the efforts of his Rescue Administration to give value to the people through prudent management of resources, accountability and transparency.

    He said “I am happy that our efforts in redefining governance in Plateau State are receiving local and global attention. Last year, we were adjudged to be the second least corrupt state in Nigeria by the National Bureau for Statistics which made it very easy for us to be accepted into the OGP.

    Shortly after joining the OGP, we have been assessed and awarded with the recognition for transparency and accountability. This is a great morale booster which will spur us to do more as we continue to give value to our people and deliver the dividends of democracy”.

    He commended the OGP State Focal office and the entire bureaucracy of the State for playing their roles in ensuring that transparency and accountability is implemented and recognized at home and abroad leading to the Award.

  • ’11 killed, 30 houses’ Burnt as Gunmen launch fresh attack on Plateau community

    ’11 killed, 30 houses’ Burnt as Gunmen launch fresh attack on Plateau community

    At least 11 persons have been reportedly killed following an attack by gunmen on Ta’agbe community in Bassa LGA of Plateau state.

    Thirty houses were also said to have been set ablaze by the gunmen who attacked the community in the early hours of Friday.

    Uba Ogba, police spokesperson in Plateau, confirmed the attack and said officers have been deployed to restore calm in the area.

    Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau, condemned the attack, describing it as the handiwork of criminals who are bent on “instilling fear, pain and sorrow” among residents.

    In a statement issued by Makut Macham, his spokesperson, Lalong said the state government will do everything within its powers to bring the attackers to justice.

    “This is another sad incident which is clearly the handiwork of criminals who are bent on instilling fear, pain and sorrow among the people,” the statement reads.

    “This is [aimed] at destabilising the state and making fortune from their criminality as well as rupturing the substantial peace attained. The persistent attacks in this area remain condemnable and unacceptable to government.

    “As such, no resources and efforts will be spared in painstakingly following up on the trail of those who derive joy in attacking and killing innocent citizens and destroying their homes and means of livelihoods.”

    Lalong also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Plateau peace building agency (PPBA) to provide relief items to the victims of the attack.

  • BREAKING: Two Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    BREAKING: Two Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    No fewer than two people were killed on Tuesday afternoon in Ancha village, Miango District in Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    Davidson Malison, National Publicity Secretary, Irigwe Development Association (IDA), revealed that the deceased were ambushed and killed while on their farm.

    The spokesman of the state police command, ASP Ubah Gabriel, confirmed the attack, adding that policemen have been deployed to the scene of the attack.

    Malison, who gave the names of the deceased as Daniel James (32) and Zakwe Deba (35), said: “I spoke with the Bassa DPO on the matter who said he was on his way coming to the scene.

    “The entire Rigwe nation is saddened by this unfortunate development and call for more proactive measures by security personnel and government in ending this bloodletting in the land.

    “These atrocities being committed by Fulani militia has had gross negative effects on our people and it must be stopped,” he added.

    The spokesman accused the Fulani Herdsmen of launching the attack.

    However, the State Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Malam Garba Abdullahi, denied the allegation, saying; “the allegation was baseless.

    “Our people don’t rear cattle within Irigwe chiefdom.”

  • Plateau State To Host Anglican Provincial Standing Committee

    Plateau State To Host Anglican Provincial Standing Committee

    Plateau State has been given the hosting rights to host the Anglican Church Provincial Standing Committee scheduled to hold in 2022.

    Anglican Archbishop of Jos, Most. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi announced this during a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos.

    He said the the delegation was at the Government House to brief the Governor on the hosting rights for the event scheduled for September 2022 and also solicit the support of the Government towards hosting the event which will draw participants from within amd outside the country.

    Archbishop Kwashi also emphasized the need for the Plateau State Government to build on the legacies of Christian missionaries who brought the gospel and founded schools, hospitals and other social welfare and empowerment programmes.

    He also appealed to the Government to consider imortalizing famous sons of Plateau State who served the State and Nigeria with zeal. This he said was necessary for the younger generation to know the great strides of the personalities and also learn from them.

    Some of those he recommended for honour include: Late Archbishop G.G. Ganaka, Dr. M.D. Gotom, Col. Yakubu Pam, Maj. Gen. I.D. Bisalla, John Amos Kwashi.

    In his remarks, Governor Simon Lalong said he was grateful for the visit by the Anglican Archbishop and his team who have come to show solidarity with the government having continually prayed for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State.

    He said the State was happy to be granted the opportunity to host the Anglican Church Provincial Standing Committee, a task he assured the State will support to bring to fulfilment.

    He commended the Church for not only praying for the peace and prosperity of the State, but also offering valuable counsel to the Government.

    Lalong also congratulated the Archbishop for the miracle of healing having been declared cancer-free after undergoing treatment for close to a year.

  • Plateau State Executive Council Rejoices With First Lady Regina Lalong On Her Birthday

    Plateau State Executive Council Rejoices With First Lady Regina Lalong On Her Birthday

    The Plateau State Executive Council has expressed warm felicitations to the First Lady of Plateau State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Regina Simon Bako Lalong on the occasion of her birthday.

    The Council rejoices with the Mother of the State for marking another year, describing the occasion as an auspicious one that calls for Thanksgiving to God for his faithfulness in her life and her family.

    It particularly expressed delight that the First Lady has over the years devoted her life to the service of humanity by focussing on the welfare and wellbeing of women, children and the vulnerable.

    Using her non-governmental organisation, SWITCH Foundation, the First Lady has trained and empowered thousands of women and youths, including the girl child. This has reduced poverty, provided social education and emancipated them from some negative societal practices that impinge on their rights.

    Her Excellency has also offered assistance to many indigent girls by sponsoring their education and also ensuring that they choose career paths that will give them a brighter future and make them good citizens of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

    The First Lady’s passion for fight against drug and substance abuse among youths has similarly received tremendous accolades as she has done so much to support relevant government agencies through her foundation to discourage access, abuse and distribution of drugs in Plateau State, Northern Nigeria and the entire country. She has also made afforts at ensuring the rehabilitation of those under the influence of harmful substances.

    Apart from her role as the Public Relations Officer of the Northern Governors Wives Forum, the Plateau State Government is also appreciative of Her Excellency’s support to the Executive Governor who has been holding forth at the family front and giving moral and spiritual backing to her husband to continue with the Rescue Mission and taking Plateau State to greater heights.

    The Exco wishes her a joyous celebration and prays that God will give her many more years of good health, peace and divine protection.

  • ABU 1990 Law Class Donates Relief Items To Plateau State

    ABU 1990 Law Class Donates Relief Items To Plateau State

    The Ahmadu Bello University Law Class of 1990  who are coursemates of the Plateau state Governor Simon Bako Lalong, have donated relief materials to assist in addressing the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) affected by the recent crisis in the State. 

    The classmates were at the Government House, Rayfield-Jos  to make a symbolic presentation of the items to the Governor. Leader of the delegation Sylvanus Tahir said they came to commiserate with the Government and people of Plateau over losses incurred during the attacks which left many survivors stranded and in pains. 

    Tahir said the ABU class of 1990 were greatly moved to act and show support to the Governor who is their coursemate because he has  always embraced everyone irrespective of class, social status, religious or ethnic affiliations. 

    The team leader recalled with nostalgia their days in school where they worked as a team and loved one another. He described the Governor as a humble and accessible personality who is a rallying point for the set, a virtue he has exhibited for many years. 

    They commended the Governor for his efforts of making Plateau a peaceful state, Tahir called for unity and the spirit of oneness among citizens of the State irrespective of tribe, religion, and other differences praying that the peace being experienced will be consolidated.  

    Governor Lalong while appreciating the  gesture said he is very proud of his class for their solidarity, show of love and brotherliness which has been demonstrated in their support to people in need. 

    He recalled how the class encouraged him to come out and contest the Governorship elections in 2015 by contributing in kind and financially which assisted his campaign. 

    Lalong disclosed that the set is blessed with many high standing personalities in the society including 5 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), 15 Court Judges among others adding that the gesture done for the people of Plateau will go a long way in relieving those  distressed by the crisis. 

    Among relief items presented were detergents, wrappers, blankets, vegetable oil, noodles, spaghetti, rice, Semovita among others 

  • Four Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    Four Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    Four persons have been killed in a fresh attack in Plateau State.

    The victims, who are all male, were killed by suspected herdsmen on Monday at Renwienku village of Miango District in Bassa Local Government Area of the North-Central State.

    President of Irigwe Development Association Mr Robert Ashi Dodo said the assailants invaded the village in the early hours of the day and inflicted injuries on the victims – who were mainly middle-aged –  which led to their death

    The incident, according to the Irigwe leader, was compounded when the mourners were attacked on their way to bury the dead.

    He, however,  said they buried the victims following the intervention of security agencies.

    But the Fulani community has denied any involvement in the incident, and accused their Irigwe neighbours of killing a herder  –  who was pasturing –  during the weekend.

    The Miyetti Allah leader in the state, Nura Mohammad described the incident as unfortunate in spite of the ongoing peace efforts in the state.

    The police in a statement from the command Public Relations Officer Gabriel Ubah confirmed the unfortunate incidents at Kpachudu and Reweinku villages in Miango district that led to the death of four persons.

    He said more personnel have been deployed to the areas to restore peace.

    According to him, investigations have commenced to fish out perpetrators of the dastardly act.

    The recent incidents are the latest in renewed clashes in Plateau State. Last month, there was tension in the state after some travellers were killed, a development which prompted the Plateau government to impose a curfew on the state.

    But critics say Governor Simon Lalong is not doing enough to tackle insecurity in the state.

    “When I say enough has not been done, I mean, how many people, how many assailants – whether herdsman or gunmen, whether marauders or miscreants; how many have the state government arrested in the last six years?

    “How many assailants have the state government prosecuted and even if they have not prosecuted, how many have they made public to say that we arrested A, B, C, D in X, Y, Z places; how many?” a former member of the House of Representatives, Bitrus Kaze said.

    In the wake of the conflict, various states started evacuating their indigenes from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) over fears the situation could worsen.

  • Nasarawa Governor Visits Governor Lalong Over Recent Attacks; Says Plateau Remains A Home For All

    Nasarawa Governor Visits Governor Lalong Over Recent Attacks; Says Plateau Remains A Home For All

    Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule has led a high powered delegation to Plateau State to commiserate with the Government and people over the recent attacks in the State. 

    Governor Sule who led the delegation comprising of traditonal, religious and Government officials from Nasarawa State said the visit was necessary because Plateau State remains a natural home for all Nigerians, especially the people of Nasarawa State who were part of the old Plateau State. 

    He sympathised with the people of Plateau State particularly those who lost loved ones, properties, animals and farm crops. On behalf of the Nasarawa State government, he delivered an official condolence letter and an undisclosed cash donation to assist those affected. 

    The Governor said it was painful to see the rich history of Plateau State known for its hospitality, serenity, tolerance and excellence being jeopardized by criminal activities using religion, ethnicity and politics. 

    Sule recalled with Nostalgia his growing days in Jos where people were united and loved one another irrespective of their differences. He wondered how people allowed politics of hatred and religious bigotry to take pride over peaceful coexistence and humanity. 

    Responding, Governor Simon Lalong thanked the Government and people of Nasarawa State for their support and solidarity which affirms the eternal bond that exists between the two States. 

    He told Governor Abdullahi Sule that what happened in the recent attacks was pure criminality which must not be given any other name for convenience or cover up. He said the security agencies have made arrests and those arrested will be diligently prosecuted. 

    Lalong decried the misuse of the social media and some part of the traditional media by some citizens particularly the youth who propagate falsehood, panic and hate speech. He said this has led to the de-marketing the State. 

    He however expressed appreciation to good Nigerians and people of Plateau State who contributed to dousing tensions and ensuring the return of calm. 

    Thereafter, the meeting went into closed door session where further deliberations were held with traditional, religious and community leaders and the two Governors.