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Tag: Plateau State

  • Plateau Attack Victims Receive More Relief Materials From State Government

    Plateau Attack Victims Receive More Relief Materials From State Government


    Sequel to the  broadcast by the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong that places affected by recent attacks in the state will be presented palliatives, the Governor has match words with action as the State Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden today lead a high powered government delegation to deliver relief materials to survivors of the attacks.

    The first port of call by the delegation was Yelwa Zangam in Jos North Local Government Area were scores loss their lives following last week’s attack on the community. 

    The Deputy Governor while presenting the relief materials to the survivors appealed to them to remain calm as government will do everything possible to ensure that they are well catered for. 

    The delegation also paid a similar visit to the Brra Ngwe Rigwe, Reverend Ronku Aka at Miango, where Professor Sonni Tyoden sympathised with the Paramount Ruler over the recent attacks in the locality. 

    He noted that the Governor, Simon Bako Lalong is passionate about peace in the state, stressing that perpetrators of the dastardly act will be brought to book. 

    Also, relief materials were also presented for onward distribution to those affected. The relief materials include, bags of rice, maize, cattons of indomie, Milk, toiletries among others.

  • Plateau State Govt Re-Imposes 24-Hour Curfew On Jos North LGA

    Plateau State Govt Re-Imposes 24-Hour Curfew On Jos North LGA

    The Plateau State government has re-imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Simon Lalong, Dr Makut Macham, announced this in a statement released today Wednesday, August 25.

    The curfew comes hours after a fresh crisis broke out in Yelwa Zangam, a village in Zangam District of the state. Over 30 persons were allegedly killed in the renewed hostilities.

    According to the statement, the 24-hour curfew will come into force from 4pm on August 25 until further notice.

    “The proactive decision became necessary following imminent threat to lives and properties within the local government area and the need to forestall the breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.

    It will also enable security agencies deploy appropriately to maintain security as the search for the attackers of the villagers continues.

    The governor has appealed to the citizens of Jos North to cooperate with the government by abiding by the 24-hour curfew commencing 4pm, 25th August 2021, as security agencies have been mandated to ensure that those who violate the curfew are arrested.”the statement read

    The statement added that the 6pm to 6am curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGAs still remains in place until further notice. It was further stated that those on essential duties such as health personnel, journalists, fire service and paramilitary and others, have been exempted from the curfew. Such persons were, however, asked to ensure they could provide their means of identification at all times.

    “The Governor is calling for calm as he is seriously grieved by the attacks. He again sympathises with the victims but wants them to show restraint and allow the government to handle the matter to disallow hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation to cause mayhem and destruction in the state.”the statement read

  • Eight Killed As Police Engage Gunrunners In Plateau Village

    Eight Killed As Police Engage Gunrunners In Plateau Village

    Eight persons have been killed in a gunfight between a combined team of security operatives and gunrunners at Kwoi Village in Plateau State.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the incident and the number of those killed in a statement on Tuesday.

    “On 23/08/2021 at about 1400hrs, the command received credible information about the activity of a notorious syndicate of gunrunners at Kwoi Village in Mangu LGA of the state,” he said.

    “Because of the tactical operational capability and superior gunfire of the Operatives, six of the hoodlums were neutralized while others fled with various degrees of bullets wounds.

    “Regrettably, one Inspector Abdulrahaman Isah who is the Commander IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) based in Mangu, and one Hassan Mohammed – a local vigilante, gallantly paid the supreme price.”

    Ogaba, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, explained that on receipt of the information, the IRT based in the area, as well as operatives attached to Mangu Police Division, Special Task Force (STF), and local vigilante were mobilised and swiftly raced to the area.

    He added that the hoodlums, on sighting the security team, engaged them in a gunfight but they were forced to flee the scene with gunshot injuries.

    The command’s spokesman disclosed that exhibits recovered from the hoodlums include three AK 47 rifles with breach numbers 868, 106076, and 123487.

    According to him, an investigation has since commenced, and efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.

    Monday’s incident comes barely two weeks after gunmen attacked travellers along the Rukuba Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    At least 25 people were confirmed killed and 23 others injured on August 14 when the victims were attacked while travelling through Jos to Ikare town in Ondo State, from Bauchi.

    Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, who condemned the incident had warned those bent on fomenting trouble in the state to desist from such actions.

    According to him, the government will not allow any form of lawlessness to disrupt the peace of the state. He also warned that attacks on innocent citizens will never be tolerated.

  • AUTONOMY: “Many States Are Now Understudying Plateau State”- Governor Lalong

    AUTONOMY: “Many States Are Now Understudying Plateau State”- Governor Lalong

    Two months into the implementation of full autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary in Plateau State, heads of the three Arms of Government have vowed to continue to work together in the interest of citizens of the State.

    This is even as Governor Simon Bako Lalong has disclosed that Plateau has become a model for other States who have sent teams to understudy its operations in order to fine-tune their modalities for implementing autonomy in their States.

    Governor Lalong was speaking when he received the report of the State Accounts Allocation Committee (SAAC) which provided the framework and final negotiations that led to the adoption of the modalities for implementing autonomy in Plateau State.

    Governor Lalong said the implementation of full autonomy for all arms of Government is a clear indication that his Rescue Administration believes in the growth and stability of institutions that are necessary for building democracy and allowing the people to benefit more from good governance.

    He said “right from the onset, we were committed to implementing autonomy because we were never afraid. From the benefit of my experience as a lawyer, legislator and now Governor, I clearly understood that autonomy is a win-win situation for the arms of Government and the people. It will definitely increase accountability and transparency as well as frugal management of resources. Because we were sincere and honest, we had no difficulty in confronting tough hurdles towards reaching a compromise on various issues. Today, many States are coming to learn from us. At the moment, Niger, Adamawa and Nasarawa States have sent their people to come and study what we have done”.

    Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba expressed the appreciation of the House to Governor Lalong for his personal commitment and openness which made him to be the first Governor to implement full autonomy even when many States are yet to fully embrace and implement the idea. He said Governor Lalong has written his name in gold and will remain a shining example for democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

    Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak also appreciated the efforts of the Governor who did not only adhere to legal requirements, but also facilitated political solutions to deal with grey areas that stood in the way of implementing the autonomy in a way to satisfy all the arms of Government. 

    He maintained that the implementation of Autonomy is by no means a divorce among the three arms of Government, but an arrangement to enhance effectiveness of the arms in serving the people. He emphasised that the concept of one Government is superior to that of independence, hence the need for more synergy in the new dispensation.

    Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu who chaired the Committee said the members who were drawn from the various arms worked assiduously to reach an amicable resolution and will continue to work together as the implementation continues, in order to eliminate any challenge that may arise. 

    The Governor will also sign the Funds Management Law which has been passed and is a key component of implementing autonomy as it will guide the management of all funds accruing to the various tiers of Government.

  • Plateau Celebrates Justice Dongban-Mensem At Night Of Glamour

    Plateau Celebrates Justice Dongban-Mensem At Night Of Glamour

    It was a night of glamour, entertainment and tributes as the activities marking the Thanksgiving Mass and Grand Reception in honour of the President, Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem came to a climax with a dinner at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos. 

    The grand reception organised by the Plateau State Government was preceded by a Thanksgiving Mass which took place at the St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Rantiya, Jos. 

    The event attended by the cream of the legal profession from the Bench and the Bar featured the display of the rich cultural heritage of Plateau State with performances of some exotic dances and displays by reknown cultural groups in the State. 

    Governor Lalong while speaking at the dinner said the State Government decided to celebrate Justice Dongban-Mensem not only because she is from Plateau State, but simply to demonstrate that charity really begins at home and also buttress that her journey to the top started from the State. 

    He said “we also want her to know that we appreciate the enormity of the burden laid upon her shoulders in leading her colleagues at the Court of Appeal in the task of delivering justice and interpreting the laws of the land. Ours is to assure her that we shall continue to stand behind her and pray for her to discharge this duty with excellence and the fear of God”. 

    Lalong stated that he had no doubt that she will make her family, Plateau State, Nigeria and above all, God Almighty proud as many who have known her over the years attest to her passion for doing the right thing as well as disdain for cutting corners. 

    Justice Monica Dongban said she was highly overwhelmed by the solidarity and goodwill shown her by the Government and people of Plateau State, revered members of the bench and bar, her colleagues, schoolmates, and well wishers who have continued to pray for her for wisdom and courage to carry out her duties with the fear of God. 

    She promised to do her best and make Nigerians proud as well as usher a new era of service delivery, judicial integrity and transparency. 

    Justice Raphael Agbo of the Court of Appeal and Justice C.C. Nweze of the Supreme Court said the entire Judiciary is proud to have Justice Monica in its fold and will continue to benefit from her forthrightness, passion and experience. 

    Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice Sati Dakwak said having started from a humble beginnings in the Plateau State Judiciary, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem is an inspiration for the Judiciary and a source of motivation for the younger generation. 

    NBA Chairman Plateau Yakubu Bawa said Justice Dongban represents the finest of the Nigerian bench with a rich background of integrity, incorruptibility, intelligence and hardwork. He assured that the Nigerian bar will work closely with Justice Monica and the Justices of the Court of Appeal to strengthen justice delivery and the rule of law. 

  • Mikel Obi Visits Governor Lalong, Promises Investment In Plateau State, To Establish Football Academy

    Mikel Obi Visits Governor Lalong, Promises Investment In Plateau State, To Establish Football Academy

    Former Super Eagles Captain Mike Obi and Stoke City player says he is planning to increase his investment in Plateau State and also engage in other social development activities as a way of giving back to his place of birth and base where his footballing career began.

    Mikel who visited Governor Lalong at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, praised him for his efforts at restoring peace in Plateau State which is promoting development and prosperity for the benefit of the people.

    The former Chelsea star said Jos is his home where he was born and raised and also given the support to develop his passion for football which has taken him to the global stage.

    He said he remembers with fond memories his upbringing in Plateau State and the hospitality and love of the people as well as the beautiful and serene atmosphere that remains an attraction to people from within and outside Nigeria.

    Governor Lalong welcomed the international football star, describing him as a pride to Nigeria and in particular Plateau State which is famous for grooming stars in sports, entertainment and music, academia, banking, administration among others. 

    He urged the footballer to continue to connect with Plateau State and show more presence by contributing to the development of not only sports, but other areas of investment. 

    Lalong told Mikel Obi that the Plateau State will host a Glorious Stars event alongside an Investment and Economic Summit which is meant to showcase the potentials of the State and also reunite the array of stars that have emerged out of the State over the years.

    He said Plateau is still a melting pot for all Nigerians and foreigners and continues to groom stars.

    Mikel is due to visit Jos in the coming weeks. 

  • Plateau State To Benefit From 8billion Naira World Bank Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Fund

    Plateau State To Benefit From 8billion Naira World Bank Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Fund

    In preparation for the implementation of the World Bank funded COVID-19 Action Economic Stimulus Program for Result (NG-CARES), Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has inaugurated a Steering Committee that will supervise the implementation of the program in the State.

    While inaugurating the Steering Committee at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor said Plateau State is fully ready to participate in the implementation of the Program which is financed by the World Bank and has fulfilled the requirements to access to $20 million dollars (over 8 billion naira) from the $750 million dollars granted to the Federal Government to address the negative consequences of Covid-19 on our economy.

    He said “we are all witnesses to the fact that Covid-19 has severely affected the lives of our citizens and that of the State in General. This has exposed poor and vulnerable households to challenges in multiple fronts. These include job losses; losses in business incomes; food insecurity; and general inability to obtain basic services for day to day living. This is even worsened by the drastic fall in Government revenues”.

    Lalong said the programme is commendable as it will assist the State to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. In ensuring that our people benefit, Plateau State opted to implement all the three Result Areas of the programme because of their expected social intervention impacts on the economy.

    The Governor said over 60,129 citizens of Plateau State are expected to benefit from the project which has the potential of transforming the landscape of the State economy.

    Among other things, the State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC) will be responsible for providing oversight direction to the implementing agencies; approving their work plans and budgets; ensuring that funds are released to delivery platforms in accordance with the funds flow agreement; as well as ensuring that there is full compliance with the Program Appraisal Document.

    Lalong also warned that his administration will not tolerate failure “I shall be personally monitoring your activities to ensure that the State gets maximum benefit from its participation. Any act of non-performance or willful sabotage will not be tolerated in this program. Since this is an emergency operation with clearly spelled out guidelines, each platform should work within the confine of its responsibilities to avoid task conflict which could affect performance” he said.

    He thanked the World Bank Task Team leader Prof. Folosho Okunmodewa and the National Coordinator for NG-CARES Dr. Abubakar Obaje for their commitment and support for the takeoff of the project.

    Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Mr. Sylvester Wallangko while responding on behalf of other members said they will put in their best to achieve the objectives of the programme. He said it is a golden opportunity for the Lalong Rescue Administration to further push forward its vision for Economic Rebirth by promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.

    Members of the Plateau State CARES Steering Committee are:

    1.MR SYLVESTER WALLANGKOHON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF BUDGET AND ECONOMIC PLANNING(CHAIRMAN)

    2.DR (MRS) REGINA SOEMLATHON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF FINANCE(MEMBER)
    3.DR ISTIFANUS FINANGWAIHON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE(MEMBER)
    4.MR JOSEPH ABE AKUHON COMMISSIONER MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES(MEMBER)
    5.DR (MRS) SUMAYE HAMZAEXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/FOCAL PERSON SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME(MEMBER)
    6.SUNDAY BIGGSPERMANENT SECRETARY GOVERNMENT HOUSE(MEMBER)
    7.DR AMOS AKIMSBOARD CHAIRMAN CSDA(MEMBER)
    8.MR DAVID DASERDIRECTOR GENERAL PLATEAU INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY(MEMBER)
    9.MR HAGGAI HARUNA GUTAPHEAD, STATE CARES COORDINATING UNIT(SECRETARY)
    10.SAMUEL DAMLACOORDINATOR, SDGs, PLATEAU STATE (MEMBER)

    The State CARES Coordinating Committee (SCCU) and Technical Implementation Team (TIT) will soon be constituted.

  • Seven Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    Seven Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

    Seven people, including teenagers, have been killed in the Dong area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    Reports had it that the deceased were attacked in their residence around 11:30 p.m on Sunday.

    The incident is coming less than 24 hours after two herders were killed around the Rantya area.

    Two others were killed in Kuru village of Jos South on Sunday afternoon.

    More than 52 cattle were shot dead in separate attacks in the LGAs.

    Commenting on the incidents, a resident said, “The attackers came around 11: 30 p.m, while people were sleeping, and started shooting sporadically.

    “They first killed a family member and later attacked another family and killed six including two teenagers.”

    Contacted, the spokesman of the State Police Command, Ubah Gabriel, said “On Sunday 23/05/2021 at about 2000hrs, the Command received a distress call that yet to be identified gunmen came out suddenly from a near by bush, invaded Dong Village, Jos South LGA and killed seven persons.

    “A combined team of Policemen, STF, Vigilante operatives led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operation, raced swiftly to the scene but the hoodlums had already fled back into the bush.

    “Investigation is ongoing, Frantic effort is on to arrest the fleeing suspects. Meanwhile, Security has been beefed up in that area to prevent escalation of violence.”

  • “Plateau Under-Represented At Federal Level”, Fed. Character Commissioner Tells Governor Lalong

    “Plateau Under-Represented At Federal Level”, Fed. Character Commissioner Tells Governor Lalong

    The Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State at the Federal Character Commission Mr. Steve Jings has decried the low representation of Plateau State at the Federal civil service, urging that this needs to be immediately addressed. 

    Mr. Jings stated this when he led officials of the Commission from the State office on a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield Jos. 

    He said there is poor representation of Plateau State in many Federal Government MDAs as some either have no Plateau indegenes or very few who are far and between. This he said is not fair to the State as it does not have a voice in such system and will eventually not share in the experiences that accrues from such service. 

    Jings said many factors are responsible including recruitment done without advertisements, inability of the recruiting MDAs to pass timely and relevant messages through relevant channels, and sometimes deliberate efforts to scheme the State out. 

    He also identified the lack of curiosity and struggle by applicants from the State to prospect, apply and follow the guidelines for such recruitments which makes it difficult to have them employed. 

    Mr. Jings also said the Commission is looking at the distribution of projects and programmes across the country in order to ensure that Federal Character is observed. 

    Governor Lalong said he was impressed by the efforts of the Federal Commissioner who has demonstrated capacity and has been very proactive since his appointment in trying to address such issues that leave the State shortchanged. 

    The Governor said though the State was grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Plateau sons and daughters into some Federal positions, the State still needs more because of its support for the Government and its performance during elections 

    On employment into Federal Government MDAs, Lalong said the State will no longer sit and watch its citizens being left out from Federal job opportunities as this is a right that accrues to every State. 

    He asked the Federal Commissioner to liaise with the Plateau representative at the Federal Civil Service Commission for the possibility of having some State civil servants moving to the Federal civil service for more experience and contributions to the nation. 

    The Governor however advised the citizens of the State to be ambitious and also put their efforts in applying for vacancies when they arise and also see moving out of Jos when they are given the opportunity as a step forward which will not only benefit the State, but the nation at the long run. 

  • INSECURITY: Plateau To Procure 50 Patrol Vans And 200 Security Motorcycles

    INSECURITY: Plateau To Procure 50 Patrol Vans And 200 Security Motorcycles

    Towards responding to crime and insecurity in Plateau State, the State Executive Council has approved the procurement of 50 patrol pickup vans and 200 security motorcycles for distribution to security agencies in the state.

    Briefing newsmen after the weekly State Executive Council Meeting held at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, Commissioner for Information and Communication Mr. Dan Manjang said the decision was taken to strengthen the capacity of the security agencies to respond to various challenges across the State.

    He said the patrol vehicles and motorcycles will be deployed across the State and utilised for the purpose of proactively tackling kidnapping, banditry and other crimes. He said there will be increased intelligence gathering particularly in the rural areas.

    Manjang also said that Council approved the scrapping of Plateau Agric Mechanization and Supply Company because it doesn’t have a law establishing it and its functions have been subsumed under the ASTC. The staff according to him will be redeployed to relevant MDAs and their parent ministries.

    Council also approved the report of the economic and financial sub-councils as well directed for a draft white paper on the relationship between ministries and parastatal in the execution of their statutory functions. Having an approval of 3 sub councils last week.

    The Exco also approved the construction some roads in the State. They include Aliyu Makama – Muslim Pilgrims Board to Plateau Hospital Link Road; Joe Garba and Wamba Close roads to be executed through direct labour. It also approved the rehabilitation and construction of NDLEA – Zarazon-Fobur Road Phase One phase 1 road also through direct labour.

    Also approved is the execution of constituency projects under the supervision of the Plateau State Road Maintenance Agency. The projects are for Bokkos, Pengana, Pankshin North, Riyom, Langtang, Pankshin South, Mangu South, Kanke, Rukuba/Irigwe constituencies to the tune of 91million naira.

    Some road projects were also terminated. They include Mangu bye-pass road project of 13km that was first awarded to PW and re-awarded to Sky Technical and Construction Company. The 18.4km Mai Juju-Zandi road was also terminated and the contractor is to make a refund of N68, 870, 350.18 naira.

    Commissioner for health Dr. Nimkong Lar also gave an update of COVID-19 cases with 64,894 persons tested and confirmed cases standing at 9,052. Number of persons administered with the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine so far at 40, 625.

    While the Commissioner for Finance Mrs. Regina Soemlat explained the finding for all the projects and procurement approved by the council, her Housing counterpart Barrister Zulfa Rimven gave an update on the hosting of the 9th Council for Lands and Housing