With a very weighty heart, but total submission to the almighty will of Allah, I sincerely commiserate with the people of Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, the immediate family of Late Hon. Haruna Maitala Jingir, friends and associates of the late parliamentarian over his demise, following a ghastly autocrash along Abuja-Jos road yesterday 2nd April, 2021.
His demise was sudden to us, but who are we to question the will of the Supreme Being?
While praying Almighty Allah to grant his soul and those of his son, Jaafar Haruna Maitala, Danladi majority Wase, who was my Personal Private Aide and the driver, who lost their lives in that accident Jannatul Firdaus. I pray Him to grant the family and all those affected by these great losts the fortitude to bear this irreparable losts.
My heart is heavy, but I take solace in the Almighty as my comforter at this trying moment.
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam) Member Representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
On behalf of my family and the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I extend my profound Easter felicitations to all Christians around the world on this auspicious occasion of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This event is of paramount significance to the Christian faith. It is on this note that I call on all Christians to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to the redemption of mankind and to imbibe His teachings of peaceful living and unconditional love to fellow humans.
My earnest prayer is that we do not just merry on the event and forget to inculcate its significance in our daily lives.
Once again, happy Easter Sunday!
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam) Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
GOVERNOR LALONG SHOCKED OVER DEATH OF REP. HON. MAITALA
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong says he is shocked over the death of Member, House of Representatives Hon. Haruna Ibrahim Maitala who until his demise represented Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.
Governor Lalong described the death of the law maker as tragic and a big loss to his immediate family, Jos North/Bassa constituency and the entire State.
He said “I am deeply saddened by this tragic development for Plateau State and Nigeria where we lost another legislator in the National Assembly currently representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. The late Member was a passionate politician who served his people with zeal and compassion. He did a lot to project and protect the interests of not only his constituency, but the entire State at the parliament. He will be missed greatly”.
While comforting his family and the entire State, the Governor said his contributions to the successes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau as well as his efforts at consolidating democracy in Nigeria will also be remembered for a very long time.
He urged the family, close associates, constituents and the entire State to accept the unfortunate development as an act of God and pray for the repose of his soul.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 3rd April 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS FAMILY OF LATE UJAH ANAGUTA, HRH JAURO MAGAJI
Governor Simon Lalong has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Ujah of Anaguta, HRH Jauro Magaji, describing him as a peacemaker and committed leader.
Governor Lalong accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Atu, and some Commissioners visited the residence of the late monarch in Nasarawa Gwong, Jos North Local Government Area.
The Governor said the State has lost a very humble and kind traditional ruler who worked hard to ensure that people of the Chiefdom lived in peace and harmony.
Receiving the Governor on behalf of the family, the District Head of Nabor, Pozo Agwom Dauji expressed gratitude to the Governor and Government of Plateau State for honouring the late monarch while he was alive and even in death.
He said apart from upgrading the Anaguta traditional stool to first class, the Governor ensured that the late royal father got the best medical care at home and abroad while he battled with ill health.
Son of the deceased Prince Johnson Magaji told the Governor that his late father had tremendous goodwill and respect for Governor Lalong for his benevolence and kindness to him and citizens of the Chiefdom.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd March 2021.
EASTER: GOVERNOR LALONG CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION AGAINST INSECURITY AND DISUNITY.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Chairman of the Northern State’s Governors Forum has rejoiced with Christians in Plateau State and across the Nigeria for marking another Easter.
Governor Lalong in a message of felicitation said there is every reason for Nigerians to appreciate God for his mercies over the nation throughout the difficult period of lockdowns and other disruptions occasioned by the corona virus pandemic.
He said the period of Easter calls for deeper reflection on the grace of God and the strengthening of faith in his love for mankind which is the essence of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Governor therefore urged Nigerians to put aside differences of faith, ethnicity, political and ethnic affiliations in order to forge a common front in defeating various forms of criminal activities that continue to pose serious threats to the nation.
He said it is only when Nigerians work together in unity and support security agencies and relevant government bodies that insecurity can be overcome to enable the people pursue their lawful businesses in peace.
On Covid-19, Governor Lalong urged the people of Plateau State to work assiduously towards overcoming the pandemic by availing themselves to be vaccinated and also observing all laid down protocols.
He said “last year, we marked Easter under a lockdown because of COVID-19. However, we now have some relief with the availability of vaccines and more awareness on prevention. We need to redouble our efforts in making sure that we participate in the vaccination exercise and also sensitise our people to adjust to living under the new normal”.
While wishing the people of Plateau State and Nigeria a successful Easter celebration, Governor Lalong called on Christians to continue to demonstrate the love of God to one another and people of other faiths and let the light of God manifest in all their activities in order to drive the desired change in the nation.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd April 2021.
The missing Alpha jet of the Nigerian Air Force has been found. It was found to have crashed at Abba-Jille in Konduga LGA of Borno State.
The location of the crash is approx 30Kms outskirt from the city of Maiduguri.
PR Nigeria reported that the fighter jet was seen flying around Goni Kurmiri and Njimia villages after attacking terrorist locations at the Sambisa axis.
There was no word yet on the fate of the pilot and co-pilot, whether they ejected safely or have been captured by insurgency fighters.
The plane was reported to have lost contact with the radar on Wednesday evening, according to Air Force spokesman, Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
He said the plane lost contact with radar in Borno State, while on interdiction mission in support of ground troops.
“The mission was part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East.
“The loss of radar contact occurred at about 5:08 p.m. on 31 March 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS FIRST CLASS TRADITIONAL RULER, UJAH OF ANAGUTA
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described as a big loss the death of the first class ruler, the Ujah of Anaguta Chiefdom.
Governor Lalong said the death of the Royal Father is a great loss not only to his immediate family and people of Anaguta Chiefdom, but to the entire State and Nigeria.
He described the deceased royal father as a peacemaker and unifier who did everything possible to support the peace initiatives that led to the restoration of harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic and religious groups in Jos North.
He said since his coronation, the Member of of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs has left no stone unturned to assist Government in implementing its agenda on reconciliation and healing which has provided the right atmosphere for dialogue, interface and sustained conversion for peace.
Lalong also appreciated the late Ujah of Anaguta for facilitating the creation of jobs and skills acquisition for the youths in his domain as well as collaborated with security agencies to adress criminal activities in the Chiefdom and the entire State.
While praying God to grant him eternal rest and comfort the family as well as the entire Anaguta nation, Lalong said his legacies of peace, tolerance and economic development will continue to be remembered.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 1st April 2021.
The Ikot Akpan community in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been deserted by natives fleeing for fear of being caught in the crossfire of reprisals after a soldier was killed by some gunmen.
Nerves became frayed on the heels of the ongoing operation by the Nigerian Army moving to dislodge men of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from parts of Akwa Ibom, where they have set up camps with flags hoisted.
Newsmen report that one soldier was reportedly shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with the ESN militia even as the operational van of the military Joint Task Force (JTF) was razed.
An alleged ESN attack on Monday saw the resident of one police Inspector Aniekan at Ikot Afanga community in Essien Udim Local Government Area set on fire by the group.
Reports said Aniekan himself was killed,
According to a local resident who would not want his name in print, “Soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) were drafted in to contain the hoodlums when police operatives who tried to storm their camp at Ikot Akpan Akpan community were repelled by the militia group.
“The entire community of Ikot Akpan has been deserted by the local residents who have since fled to the neighbouring Ikot Ekpene, Abak and Uyo local government areas for fear of being caught in the crossfire when the soldiers would regroup to launch counter-attacks,” Chief Effiong Inyang, a community leader in Essien Udim lamented.
He however called on the state government to take decisive action to address the security challenge facing the local government.
Chief Inyang, who lamented that the palace of the village head was torched, recalled that, “In recent times, hoodlums have launched series of attacks, targeted at police in the local government, killing two police inspectors and razing a section of Essien Udim Divisional Police Station with several cars, tricycles and motorcycles destroyed by the inferno.
Following the killing of the Police Inspector on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Odiko Macdon, a Police Superintendent (SP), was quoted as having assured that the security situation in the troubled zone was under control following a swift action by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Amiengheme Andrew.
He said the CP immediately dispatched security operatives to contain the hoodlums, who were repelled before the military JTF were drafted in.
“There is an ongoing operation there as the CP has drafted our personnel to deal with the problem,” he assured.
He stressed that the remote and immediate causes of the fracas would be established as soon as investigations were concluded.
As Operation Safe Haven continue to work assiduously to achieve its mandate of restoring peace and security across its Joint Operation Areas of Plateau State, parts of Bauchi State and Southern Kaduna State in line with the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff to sustain tempo and momentum to curb the menace of criminals activities within the country, the Special Taskforce has arrested 17 Suspected kidnappers and 6 other criminal elements who are into armed robbery as well as in possession of dangerous weapons.
The kidnappers were arrested in Jingre Bassa LGA, Plateau State. The Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Dominic Onyemulu said the renewed vigor with which the troops of the outfit have been conducting their operations is yielding positive result.
The Outfit said the stringent measures adopted have incrementally led to curtailing and containing various criminal vices that has the tendency of derailing the achievement actualized so far.
Maj. Gen. Onyemulu lauded the cooperation and support from all security agencies, the citizens of Plateau State and Operation Safe Haven Joint Operation Area towards achieving lasting peace.
Maj. General gave hints of some breakthroughs recorded since he assumed office as Commander Operation Safe Haven.
He said his troops in conjunction with the personnel of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on routine Patrol along Lafia-Shendam Road in Shendam LGA intercepted Mr. Wisdon Amos Dunyel who was caught with a Harrisburg Pistol with 7 Rounds of 9mm ammunition.
He said troops of Operation Safe Haven again in collaboration with Vigilante Members and locals on 16th March, 2021 after receiving a distress call were able to foil an attempted kidnap of Alh. Gambo Yaauro from his residence at Lishin Village Jingre Bassa LGA, Plateau State which led to the arrest of 17 persons in connection to the foiled kidnap.
Of those arrested 11 are from Kaduna State, 4 are from Bauchi State, 1 from Kano State and 1 from Plateau State. Items recovered from the suspects are 7 Motorcycles, a Fabricated Rifle, 2 Live Cartridges, 13 Cutlasses, 3 Daggers, 15 cellphones and assorted Charms.
Those arrested were Mallam Yunusa Sale, Mallam Ibrahim Usman, Mallam Abdullahi Ya’u, Mallam Yakubu Buba, Mr. Azikwe Ishaya, Mallam Mohammadu Bello, Mallam Inusa Abubakar, Mallam Idi Audu, Alhaji Jeji, Mallam Muhammadu Ishaku, Mallam Rabiu Abdulkadir, Mallam Kabiru Adamu, Mallam Amadu Yunusa, Mallam Alhassan Ibrahim, Mallam Umar Bello, Mallam Alhassan Mato and Mallam Bawa Idi.
Troops of the Outfit on 22nd March, 2021 arrested 4 members of a syndicate along Haske-Lamingo Road Jos North LGA after a distress call. Those arrested were Stephen Fehintola, Michael David, Benjamin Babalola and Ibrahim Umar who had robbed a woman and thrown her out of a moving tricycle. Items recovered were a tricycle, a matchet, a knife, 2 mobile phones and some substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.
Troops of Operation Safe Haven also raided hideout of suspected Sara Suka members in Rikkos Jos North LGA which led to the arrest of Mr. Mohammed Mustapha with a fabricated rifle.
The Outfit reassured the citizens of its determination and commitment towards protecting lives and property of all law-abiding citizens across the Joint Operation Area.
He reiterated the mandate of the outfit which is geared towards the restoration of permanent peace as they continue to operate professionally with other security agencies in a joint environment to eliminate all acts of criminality or acts inimical to the general well-being of law-abiding citizens.
Maj. Gen. Onyemulu said those arrested have been investigated and found guilty as prima facie cases have been established against them and they would be charged to court.
He urged the public to disclose any information that could be inimical to peace and security of lives and property to Operation Safe Haven response numbers 08021212139, 08149000091, 08090498333 & 08074633336.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES CHAPLAIN, GOVERNMENT HOUSE RT. REV. MSGR. DAVID AJANG OVER HIS APPOINTMENT AS BISHOP-ELECT OF LAFIA.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has received with delight the appointment of the Chaplain, Government House Chapel, Rt. Rev Msgr. David Ajang as Bishop-elect, Catholic Diocese of Lafia by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Governor Lalong said he is excited about the news because of the suitability of Fr. Ajang to carry out the assignment. He said apart from working closely with Fr. Ajang as Chaplain of the Government House, he has followed closely his exploits as a member of the College of Consultors of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Jos, and Pastor of the Immaculate Conception and Dean of Zarmaganda in Jos.
Governor Lalong said he has no doubt that the newly appointed Bishop-elect will take the Catholic Diocese of Lafia to greater heights as he shepherds the faithful and leads them in the path of righteousness, truth and love.
While thanking Fr. David Ajang for his prayers, counsel and spiritual guidance over the years, Governor Lalong said the new Bishop-elect of Lafia will be remembered for his role in the restoration of peace and prosperity to Plateau State under the Rescue Administration.
He assured him of the prayers and support of the people and Government of Plateau State in his new assignment, promising to stand by him at all times.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 1st April 2021.
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