Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Plateau

Gunmen Kill 12, Injure Five Locals In Plateau Attack
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have killed 12 people in an attack on Kuru community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Eyewitnesses stated that no fewer than five other locals were injured during the incident.
They narrated that the assailants stormed the community at about 9pm on Sunday and began to fire sporadic gunshots.
Residents noted that thereafter, the gunmen went to some houses where they shot at the occupants, leading to the death of some with others injured.
They said following the attack, the injured victims were taken to a primary healthcare facility within the community for medical attention.
Police authorities in Plateau have confirmed the incident, but they gave a lesser number of those killed by the gunmen.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Gabriel Ubah, noted that the command received a report that 10 persons were shot dead.
He explained that the persons were killed at a drinking joint in Sabon Layi in Kuru by yet-to-be-identified gunmen who drove in a Hilux van and shot sporadically.
“Personnel of the command and the military have been deployed to the affected area.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and to bring the perpetrators of that dastardly act to book,” Ubah said in a text to Channels Television on Monday.
Mr Musa Bagos, the lawmaker representing Jos South/ Jos East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was among those who visited the community where residents narrated their ordeal in the unprovoked attack.
He condemned the heinous crime which he described as an attack too many, stressing the need to stop the trend to prevent the further killings of innocent people in villages in the state.
The Management Committee Chairman of Jos South LGA, Gideon Davou, who was also at the scene, appealed to the residents to allow the security agencies to carry out a proper investigation into the incident.
He also urged members of the community to remain calm and not resort to reprisals with an assurance that the state government would ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime were apprehended.
June 14, 2021
LG boss lauds security operatives for rescuing kidnapped victims in Plateau
Mr Lawrence Danat, the Chairman, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau, has lauded the efforts of security operatives for rescuing the remaining two persons kidnapped in Mangu town.
Kidnappers had on May 19 invaded Gaya Layout near Chichim Quarters in Mangu town at 8.30 p.m. and abducted four persons.
The police in conjunction with vigilante group arrested four of the kidnappers while others are still on the run.
Danat told our correspondent on Thursday in Mangu that the rescue effort and arrest of four of the kidnappers by the security operatives was “apt and laudable.
“That is the kind of response we expect from the security agencies whenever there is a security challenge in our communities.
“The entire residents of Mangu town were rattled and shocked over the May 19 attack and kidnap by gunmen, whom we later discovered are neighbours.
“Our joy as a council is that all those abducted have finally been rescued and reunited with their families in good health and conditions”.
Danat called on the security agencies to intensify effort towards tracing and arresting the remaining kidnappers now at large.
“All we want now is to see that the kidnappers are brought to book to serve as deterrent to other youths that might be lured into such dastardly and evil act.
“Mangu Local Government has been so peaceful until that day that the kidnappers struck and disrupted the peace of the citizens,” he said.
He said the incident had caused the council to beef up more security across the area with youths being encouraged to keep vigil over their various communities.
May 27, 2021
Gunmen Abduct Mission School Students In Plateau
Four students of Capro Secondary Mission School located at Gana Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State were abducted in the early hours of Thursday.
However, three of the students have escaped, while one is still in captivity.
The school is an arm of Calvary ministries.
Capro is few kilometres away from the Yakubu Gowon airport and about 60 kilometres from Jos, the state capital.
A global mission leader and President of Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam confirmed that the attackers broke the rear fence of the school where a hole was drilled to gain access into the school compound and abducted the students.
He further stated that the intervention of security agencies prevented what could have been another mass abduction as the assailants took to their heels after realising the reinforcement of security in the area.
Three of the students escaped as the abductors fled.
The Plateau State Police Command is yet to make any statement on the incident as community efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted student still in captivity.
Details Later. . .
April 29, 2021
Plateau Targets Higher Revenues AsA Governor Lalong Inaugurates Revenue Council/ PIRS Governing Board
Plateau State Government is aiming for higher internally generated revenue (IGR) as the State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Thursday 25th March 2021 inaugurated the Plateau Revenue Council and Governing Board of the State Internal Revenue Service.
The Governor described the event as another milestone in the journey of the State towards improved revenue generation and self-sufficiency. He said the inauguration sets the tone for the full implementation of the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which he assented to, in November 2020.
The Governor said “even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration has continued to make frantic efforts towards improving the revenue profile of the State by looking inwards for more internally generated revenue. Instructively, experts’ projections indicate that Plateau State has an internal revenue capacity of more than N5 Billion Naira per month.
This explains why before the disruption caused by COVID-19, our administration was able to jerk up its Internally Generated Revenue from about six hundred million naira monthly in 2015 to about nine hundred million in 2019. This shows that the projection by experts is in the right direction and we can actually do far more than we have been doing if we put our house in order”.
The Governor explained that in line with his resolve to improve the revenue profile of the State, his administration engaged Compliance Professionals Plc. (CPP), a reputable tax consortium, to help steer the transformation of revenue administration across the State, including at Local Government levels.
This engagement led to the development and implementation of the plan to effectively transit from the current state to a harmonized internal revenue generation and collection system, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness and significantly increasing bottom lines.
He charged the 18-man Revenue Council which he Chairs to ensure that it works within its terms of reference to ensure that the revenue of the State is improved. The Council shall be responsible for Coordinating all revenue activities in the State; Making policies, regulations and guidelines on revenue matters; Setting up structures for whistle blowing; Reviewing revenue rates; As well as identifying other sources of funding for the state.
Similarly, the Governor inaugurated the Governing Board for the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service.
Lalong appealed to all citizens to cooperate with the new revenue drive as the State has a lot of projects to carry out but needs resources. The days of looking up to Abuja according to him are over because the national purse is also depleted.
The Governor assured that every kobo will not only be accounted for, but used for projects and programmes that have direct impact on lives of the people.
March 25, 2021
Plateau Exco Approves Livestock Transformation Bill; Moves To Commence Ranching, End Open Grazing
Plateau State Government is set to domesticate the National Livestock Transformation Programme by approving a bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Livestock Transformation which when passed into law, will promote livestock business anchored on ranching.
The State Executive Council at its weekly meeting approved the transmission of the bill to the Plateau State House of Assembly for consideration by the legislature.
Briefing journalists after the EXCO meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang said the bill is to facilitate smooth transition from open grazing to ranching.
Manjang said the State has been working assiduously to put in place all necessary requirements for the take off of the model ranching programme at the Wase and Kanam Reserves which are wholly owned by the State Government.
He assured that once the programme takes off and alternatives are provided, people will no longer be allowed to move around with livestock in the State. Already, local and international investors have shown interest in putting their money in the pilot phase of the livestock transformation program.
Secretary of the State Livestock Implementation Committee Prof. John Wade said the programme has zero land grabbing as nobody’s land will be appropriated for ranching. The Government he said will put into use its gazette reserves in Wase and Kanam for the take off and thereafter, anyone who wants to go into ranching will follow the guidelines provided by the law.
He said the State is approaching ranching strictly as a business hence the directive by the Governor for robust sensitization to enable more citizens key into modern livestock business. He said the notion that one ethnic group has a monopoly of the business is incorrect and such must be discountenanced in the new development.
Wade said the ranching policy will also accommodate other species of livestock aside from cows to bring in more diversification of the agriculture sector.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed law takes care of herders, farmers and other interests in the livestock value chain. He said in ranching, there will be dairy and beef production, fodder production, marketing and associated businesses that will employ many.
He said it will also go along way in ending destruction of farmlands by livestock, clashes between farmers and herders and unnecessary violence that is rooted in the unsavoury relationship between them.
The people of Plateau State have therefore been reassured that no land will be grabbed by anyone as there is already an anti-land grabbing law signed by the Governor which prescribes stiff penalties for violators.

March 3, 2021
Plateau needs healing says Gov Lalong
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has said that despite the successes made in ensuring peace and stemming the tide of ethno religious violence, the state is still in dire need of healing.
He said the healing was necessary considering that indigenes have remained divided along ethno religious or tribal lines as a result of their experiences of the recent past.
Lalong stated this on the occasion of the commemoration of “Plateau Forgiveness Day” 2021 and inauguration of the Inter-Religious Council held at the Victoria Gowon hall, new government House little Rayfield, Jos, the State Capital.
The governor said the state has ”a golden opportunity to open a new leaf by consolidating on the gains of its efforts within the last six years”.
According to him, “While we cannot claim that all issues in the heart of the crises have been resolved, we have in our hands the tools that can help midwife the rebirth of a new and united Plateau that is at peace with itself and neighbours.
“As a state emerging from the ashes of violence, our Rescue Administration decided to set aside February 7 of every year as Forgiveness Day.
“This day reminds us to imbibe and promote the culture of forgiveness as enunciated in the Holy Books.
“The cardinal objective of this day is to achieve enduring peace and harmony as opposed to hate, bitterness, resentment and vengeance which only leads to a vicious cycle of violence”, Lalong explained.
Recalling the first Forgiveness Day commemorated in the state in 2019, the Governor said “if we imbibed forgiveness, it will eclipse and bury all the wrongs of the past and move us to new dawn by restoring confidence in our future and ensuring that generations unborn do not repeat our mistakes.
“Let me reiterate that the idea behind the Forgiveness Day is for us to reflect on where we have been; the human tragedy that befell us; the need to appreciate our present situation; and our resolve to craft the kind of a peaceful and secure society we desire.
“My administration clearly understands that many of our people have been hurt and could have also caused pain for others. Many cannot seem to erase the hurt from their mental hard drive and continue to harbour bitterness, resentment, and anger.
“The choice before us is to either continue in our anger thus spending the rest of our lives in pain and bitterness, or we can choose to be released, healed, and be set free. That is where forgiveness becomes inevitable”.
“The stakes are quite high and the need to work in concert through the forging of robust alliances has never been this urgent.
“The age-old maxim says we either work together as a united front to win or we perish as fools. We have no reason to choose anything below peace”, he maintained.
“That is why today we are inaugurating the reconstituted Plateau State Inter-religious Council, a body made up of highly respected religious leaders and experts in the field of conflict mediation and peacebuilding.
“The inauguration of this non-partisan body is a further demonstration of our administration’s commitment to repairing the broken social fabric of our society through the provision of a structured platform for religious, community, youth and women leaders to play active roles in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between citizens regardless of ethnic and religious differences.
He stressed that working closely with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the State Inter-religious Council will critically think through issues and build consensus on challenges that threaten “freedom, tolerance and peace”.
February 8, 2021
Governor Lalong Charges Nigerians To Forgive One Another As Plateau Marks forgiveness Day
Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Sunday 7th February 2021 said unless Nigerians learn to forgive one another and avoid revenge and reprisals, the nation will continue to witness needless bloodshed and destruction of properties.
Governor Lalong was speaking at an inter-denominational church service to commemorate the 3rd Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation at the St. Louis Catholic Church Jos.
Lalong said although acts of criminality must be swiftly investigated and punished by Government and its relevant organs, the long term ambition of every Nigerian who desires peace is to tore the path of reconciliation and forgiveness.
He said “As a Government, we are very conscious of the fact that the process of restoring peace and confidence among the people cannot succeed without forgiveness and reconciliation. On this day therefore, we do not try to trivialize or gloss over the trauma, pain and agony that many people have undergone on account of the various crises that took lives and properties. Others are still bearing physical scars of their experiences. What this day rather emphasizes is how to make the best of the past ugly experiences and chart the way forward. If truly we want to move forward, then there is every need to encourage healing that makes us do things differently.”
Lalong said the Plateau Peace Agency has held over 87 multi-level dialogue sessions with conflict parties across 17 Local Governments of the State in order to promote the culture of Peace through forgiveness and reconciliation.
This has led to the signing of several Peace Agreements and Commitments to the pursuit of Peace agreement with various fighting communities in the last five years.
He frowned at the exploitation of the social media by crises merchants who generate and circulate unfounded posts suggesting that there is no peace in Plateau State and that this Government has not achieved anything.
In his homily, Catholic Archbishop Mathew Ishaya Audu said the failure of individuals and communities to forgive one another increases the burden of strife, bitterness, anger and violence which provides the ready flame for crises.
He said Christ has demonstrated forgiveness by not only laying down his life for humanity, but admonishing his followers to do same and live in peace. He said Plateau State is experiencing gradual healing and peaceful coexistence because of the efforts of the Government to set the right examples and administer justice to all.
Chairman Christian Pilgrims Commission Rev. Yakubu Pam said the Day for Forgiveness and Reconciliation is a great initiative by Governor Simon Lalong that celebrates the good of humanity rather than the embers of hatred, bigotry and mediocrity.
Plateau State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Rev. Fr. Polycarb Lubo, Deputy Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque Sheikh Ismail Adam and the representative of the Gbong Gwom Jos all called on the citizens of Plateau State and Nigerians in general to learn to embrace one another inspite of differences in religion, ethnicity or status.
Prayers were offered for the perpetuation of peace and reconciliation in Plateau State and Nigeria.
February 7, 2021
Two die in fresh Plateau bandit attack
Two persons have been feared died in a fresh bandit attack in Dundu Village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Nation had reported three of clashes between Irigwe natives of Miango and herders in Duste, Bassa Local Government left over 12 persons dead and several injured.

The Dundu attack occurred on Wednesday evening, The Nation learnt.
It was further gathered one of the victims died immediately after he was shot in an ambush while the second person, who sustained injuries, died on the way to the hospital.
Those killed during the attack were 39-year-old Raphael Bawa, who has two wives and four children as well as 40-year-old Mabo Agah, who died before reaching the hospital.
He had a wife and five children.
The spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, ASP Gabriel Ubah and National President of the IRIGWE Development Association, Sunday Abdu, confirmed the incident in Jos.
Abdu condemned the attacks, calling on the security agents to protect the people from further onslaughts.
February 5, 2021
Fulani man in Plateau goes missing after conversion To Christianity
lkassim Adams, a Fulani man, who converted to Christianity in Plateau State, has gone missing days after visiting his family house in Rankum Village.
Adams went home for the first time in months for the burial of his father on Monday, October 5, 2020, along with two of his friends and fellow Fulani converts but never returned.
The three were abducted and threatened with death to renounce their faith.
When they resisted, the two were shot on the spot while Adams was taken away.
Adams, a student of COCIN Bible School, Zaria, Kaduna State, has however remained in captivity and is only likely being spared for being a native.
His lines were only reachable for the first two days and the police are yet to trace his whereabouts nearly two weeks after his disappearance.
Officials of the COCIN Bible School in Zaria said before he vanished, Adams took permission to attend his father’s funeral.
They added that in the early days of his conversion, he was almost lynched — only narrowly escaping death.
This is not the first time the herdsmen will attack one of their own for converting to a different faith.
A young man was abducted and killed in Rankum Village about five years ago for converting to Christianity.
October 28, 2020
Plateau State Govt. relaxes curfew
The Plateau State Government on Thursday relaxed the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North and South Local Government Areas.
The announcement Followed resolutions reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, one of which is the need for stakeholders to immediately engage their communities across the state in systematic Peace dialogues aimed at de-escalating tension in the state.
According to Lalong, the government decided on Thursday to relax the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North and South Local Government Areas from 6 am to 8 pm as from Friday, October 23, 2020, until further notice.
This decision was reached after painstaking deliberations with critical stakeholders and careful assessment of the security situation that led to the skirmishes in some parts of the affected local government areas, last Tuesday.
Lalong said “Please note that the government is not unmindful of citizens’ Constitutional Rights to hold a lawful assembly or stage peaceful protests as long as these are carried out within the extant laws of Nigeria.
“As a Government, we also appreciate the fact that these are the variables that further deepen our democracy.
“However, as a deliberate approach to prevent a repeat of last Tuesday’s ugly incident where precious human lives and property were lost, the Government has for now also resolved to ban forthwith any processions and protests under whatever guise in order to safeguard the lives all citizens of the state.”
The Secretary to State Government, Prof. Danladi Atu in a statement on Thursday, said, this is to enable the Government to isolate and deal with those who are bent on disrupting the peace of the State.
“By this notice, we urge all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation as the government has put all necessary measures in place to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the state,” he explained.
He said for the avoidance of doubt, the Plateau State government has already set machinery in motion to address the demands raised by the protesters.
He added, “In this light, the government has constituted a committee headed by a retired High Court Judge, Justice Philomena Lot which has since swung into action and ready to receive petitions from those who have cases.
“We sue for understanding and patience from all and sundry as the government takes decisive steps to address the demands of the protesters in the coming weeks.
“We, therefore, call on all citizens to avoid any action that is inimical to the overall development of the state especially those that threaten the peace and unity of our people.”
October 22, 2020