By Prince Sekat, Jos

Troops of the Special Forces deployed by the Defence Headquarters arrive Southern Kaduna on August 14, 2020.


The Special Forces approved by the Defence Headquarters to halt the senseless killings and restore peace in Southern Kaduna have arrived Kafanchan ahead of their deployment to the various flashpoints in the area later today.

The Special Forces were drawn from the Nigerian Army.

They were received at Sector 7, the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven, by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan.

Addressing the troops, the Commissioner charged them to take the battle to the bandits and ensure that peace and security are restored to southern Kaduna.

He also thanked the Defence headquarters for graciously approving the deployment of the troops to Southern Kaduna, and however, assures the support and cooperation of the state government in making the operation a huge success.

Aruwan also called on non-state actors, especially residents of the affected communities to give their maximum support to the troops during the period of the operation through intelligence sharing mechanism.

Kaduna has been experiencing a series of attacks with a recent one carried out four weeks ago.

On July 19, 21 people were killed while 28 others sustained various degrees of injuries when gunmen attacked Kukum Daji Village of Kaura Local Government Area of the state.

According to the President of the Community, Mr. Yashen Titus, the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, invaded the venue of a wedding party in the community at about 10 pm.

Similarly, on July 7, no fewer than 38 persons lost their lives in separate attacks on two villages in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna state on July 7.

The Council Chairman, Emmanuel Adamu, who confirmed the attack, said the gunmen unleashed mayhem on Ankpon Village in Nandu and Kabamu Village in Fadan Karshi, all of Numana district.

While describing the incident as unfortunate, he said the gunmen killed 38 persons including women and children.

A BLISSFUL BIRTHDAY WISHES TO A RESILIENT AIDE

On this auspicious occasion of the birthday of Pharm Mizhim, I join thousands of relations, friends and well wishers in celebrating a perfect gentleman and true definition of a loyal and dogged aide.

For the past one year I have worked closely with you as my most senior aide, I can’t but appreciate your humility, loyalty and commitment to duty. You are everything a principal would desire in his aide; and given the opportunity, I will choose you a million times again to head my aides.

The dexterity you have exhibited in the discharge of responsibilities assigned to you has brought to bear the immense leadership qualities you are imbued with. I am glad to have brought out your innate personality traits to the public glare, by choosing you to work for the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the capacity of Senior Legislative Aide.

As you celebrate with friends and family today, I pray that celebration shall not depart your household.

Happy birthday and more prosperous years ahead!

Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi
NASS Abuja, Nigeria.

PRESS STATEMENT

The attention of the Jos Joint Traditional Council has been drawn to a misleading publication carried on page 23 of the Daily Trust Newspaper of Friday 7th August 2020 over an online invitation to the installation of one Alhaji Samaila Abdullahi as the Sarkin Kerana 4 in Bukuru, despite the numerous interventions, clarifications and the press statement issued by Plateau State Government that had doused the tension caused by viral circulation of the material on social media.

These claims to non-existent Traditional Council Stools are very vexatious and aimed at disrupting the peace the state government and all institutions have worked tirelessly to ensure.

For the further avoidance of doubt and in addition to the earlier statement issued by Government in response to this move, the Palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos wish to make it clear that there has never ever been any stool within the Jos Joint Traditional Council known or addressed as Sarkin Bukuru or Sarkin Kerana 4 as purported in the said edition of Daily Trust Newspaper reported by Dickson S. Adama in the Benue/Plateau Trust column.

Furthermore, the claims by one Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed to have played a major role as Sarkin Bukuru to avert the crisis as well as the claims to Bukuru Emirate Council are baseless, unfounded and criminal.

While His Majesty the Gbong Gwom Jos is appreciative of the role of the Governor of Plateau State, Rt Hon. (Dr.) Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, top Government Officials and Security Agencies in stopping the event and dousing the tension generated by the online invitation letter, would wish to as Chairman Plateau State Council of Chiefs bring to the knowledge of the general public that all traditional council stools that have been established by government follow due processes and are gazzetted accordingly.

And in the same regard want to warn all those in the habit of laying false claims to non-existent traditional stools to be aware that it is criminal and Council will not fold its arms while such unlawful deceits continue, while also appealing to all citizen of Jos South Local Government to remain calm as all necessary steps are being taken to avert future reoccurrence of such mischief.

Alex Rwang-Pam
Head of Media and Public Relations

PRESS STATEMENT

OSIWA DONATES AMBULANCE, MEDICAL CONSUMABLES TO PLATEAU STATE

The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) has donated an ambulance and medical consumables to Plateau State Government to assist in the fight against COVID-19.
Presenting the ambulance to Governor Simon Lalong at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, Country Director of OSIWA Jude Udo Ilo said the donation is in recognition of the efforts of the Plateau State Governor towards halting the pandemic.
Mr. Udo noted that the Government has done a lot in the area of testing and sensitization hence the decision of OSIWA to support the capacity of the State to respond to those affected and improve contact tracing by donating the ambulance.
He assured Governor Lalong that OSIWA is willing to collaborate with Plateau State in the areas of gender and child rights as well as economic governance, democracy, transparency and accountability.
Governor Lalong appreciated the gesture by OSIWA saying it has come timely as Plateau State has increased its capacity for testing and now clearly understands the magnitude of the disease.
He said the donation will go a long way in facilitating contact tracing and evacuation of those infected by the disease to treatment centres for proper attention.
He assured OSIWA that his administration was more than willing to partner in areas of peace building, inclusive and transparent governance as well as gender related matters.
He invited them to Jos for further engagement with relevant MDAs towards achieving set targets.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th August 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CALL FOR INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGATIONS BY DR. OBADIAH MAILAFIYA.

The Northern Governors Forum has called on security agencies to investigate the allegation by a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Obadiah Mailafiya in which he alleged that “…one of the Northern Governors is the Commander of Boko Haram in Nigeria”.
In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong, said the Forum is concerned about the weighty allegation made by Dr. Mailafiya which must be thoroughly investigated.
He said the Forum which has been working with the Federal Government, security agencies, community, civil society, traditional and religious leaders as well as development partners to defeat terrorism, banditary and other forms of crimes in the region, finds the allegation by Dr. Mailafiya very weighty which deserves further investigation.
Lalong said “we as Northern Governors have met severally to discuss insecurity in the Northern Region and the nation at large where we did not only condemn the activities of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals, but also engaged the President and all heads of security agencies in finding solutions to the problem. To now say that one of our members is leading Boko Haram in the Nigeria is a serious allegation that cannot be swept under the carpet. We demand immediate and thorough investigation”.
He also urged Dr. Mailafiya and indeed all citizens with useful information on the activities of criminals and terrorist groups to assist security agencies and Governments at all levels with such intelligence for proper action.
The Governor also hopes that such allegations are not smear campaigns or attempts to discourage the Northern Governors who are putting in their best to bring and end to insecurity in the region.
He reiterated that the Forum does not, and will not support the activities of any criminal group, because they as Governors and their families are also not spared as was recently witnessed when the convoy of Governor Babagana Zullum of Borno State was attacked.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
12th August 2020.

COLONEL. SAMUEL GULONG FWANJE CONDOLES WITH THE FAMILY OF LATE. GROUP CAPTAIN DY. BALTU who has answered to the call beyond.

On behalf of myself and family, I sincere share in the pain of the death of a father and friend who diligently had served the nation gallantly in the Nigerian army before his retirement and dead.
I pray that the Lord comforts the immediate family and relation though his demise as a father on the Plateau and a retired senior personnel in the Nigerian army is a huge one that leaves the state and the country in deep tears.
May his soul and that of the other faithful departed, rest in peace with the Lord.

LT. COL. CHIEF S G FWANGJE Rtd. FSS, MSS, PSC

Barden Mangu
Rimin Langai

Chief Ayuba Burki Felicitate with Chief George Micheal Maqual on his Birthday.

11th August 2020.

I join friends and well wishers to felicitate with Chief George Micheal Maqual on the auspicious occasion of his Birthday.

I recognize and appreciate Chief George Micheal Maqual whose contributions as a community leader and patriot to the growth and progress of Nigeria is immeasurable.

As we celebrate God’s faithfulness in his life, I urge him to continue to use his wealth of experience in pushing for good governance, mentoring of the younger generation and the propagation of peace and unity in the society.

It is my earnest prayer and wish that God Almighty will shower him with sound health, love, grace and many happy years.

Signed.
Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan.
Makaman Langai and Talban Panyam.

Chief Ayuba Burki Felicitate with Chief George Micheal Maqual on his Birthday.

11th August 2020.

I join friends and well wishers to felicitate with Chief George Micheal Maqual on the auspicious occasion of his Birthday.

I recognize and appreciate Chief George Micheal Maqual whose contributions as a community leader and patriot to the growth and progress of Nigeria is immeasurable.

As we celebrate God’s faithfulness in his life, I urge him to continue to use his wealth of experience in pushing for good governance, mentoring of the younger generation and the propagation of peace and unity in the society.

It is my earnest prayer and wish that God Almighty will shower him with sound health, love, grace and many happy years.

Signed.
Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan.
Makaman Langai and Talban Panyam.

Col Samuel Gulong Fwanje, Salutes A General In The Comradeship of Chief Michael Makwal George Kuba On His Birthday.

Col.Samuel Fwangje,Founder,Samuel Gulong Fwanje Foundation,A Philanthropist and Mentor of Plateau youths celebrates a youth Mentor,leader, teacher, Seasoned comrade,Veteran and a stakeholder in Plateau Central Zone and Plateau as an entity,,Chief Michael George Makwal Kuba on the special occasion of his birthday today.

“As you add another year to your days on Earth,I pray the good Lord will continue the to give you the strength and wisdom to continue impacting you wealth and knowledge in The affairs of mentoring the youths on the Plateau and beyond.

You are indeed a role model in every sense of the word.

Cheers to good life,success and prosperity.

Lt Col.Samuel Gulong Fwangje(Rtd).
DSS,MSS Psc
Barden Mangu
Rimin Langai

SPEECH BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG AT THE PUBLIC DESTRUCTION OF FORFEITED DRUG EXHIBITS BY THE NDLEA (PLATEAU STATE COMMAND) HELD ON THE 11TH AUGUST, 2020 AT NANFANG MOUNTAIN, OFF SHEN ROAD, DU DISTRICT OF JOS SOUTH LGA, PLATEAU STATE.

1. It is with mixed feelings that I address you today at this event where a large cache of illicit narcotic drugs seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are being destroyed. My mixed feelings stem from the fact that while I share in the delight that these drugs were intercepted, the development underscores the danger that we face as a State.
2. Nevertheless, the people and Government of Plateau State are proud of the tireless efforts of officers and men of the Plateau State Command of the NDLEA for their diligence that resulted in the seizure of these illicit drugs.
3. The menace of illicit drug production, trafficking, distribution and consumption is not new to our country and indeed to our State. What has continued to raise concerns is the fact that despite concerted efforts by Government, Development Partners, Religious, Traditional and Civil society Organisations, this dangerous trend has continued to grow.
4. Today, many of the security challenges that we are confronted with such as kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, rape and other associated problems such as road accidents are associated with the illicit drug business.
5. This is why my administration considers this event very key to the progress and development of Plateau State, and is therefore committed to ensuring that the efforts of NDLEA are strengthened towards frustrating and halting the activities of drug peddlers.
6. With the collaboration of all security agencies and the citizens of the State, the Rescue Administration has worked assiduously to bring to an end recurring crises and criminal activities in this State. We remain committed to consolidating on the gains recorded in order to give our people the right environment to prosper.
7. I wish to again warn all miscreants and criminal elements that under my watch, Plateau State will remain a no-go-area for them as we shall not rest until we defeat them. We shall use all the resources and instruments available to us to deal decisively with anyone found threatening the peace of our people whether under the influence of drugs or otherwise.
8. I have been reliably informed that we are today destroying various drugs weighing over 16.697Kg which were seized by the NDLEA at various times in the State. They have equally succeeded in apprehending dangerous drug peddlers and their collaborators, some of whom have been tried and convicted and others still undergoing prosecution.
9. At this juncture, I wish to stress that the fight against illicit drugs and illicit substances is not the responsibility of the NDLEA alone but of all stakeholders. All of us must play our parts in bringing this menace to an end in order to save our present and future generations from destruction.
10. I am worried that despite all efforts, these drugs continuously find their way onto our streets, homes and society at large. This calls for more vigilance and proactive engagement of parents, guardians, community and traditional rulers in curbing this ugly trend.
11. Like I have always maintained, traditional, religious and community leaders have a very crucial role to play in ensuring the security of lives and property of the people of our State. I therefore expect them to rise to the occasion by exposing criminal elements within their communities to assist the government maintain peace.
12. I have directed the Commissioners of Secondary and Higher Education to ensure that they encourage and sustain sensitization and education of students against drug abuse and associated crimes. We need to work ahead by adopting preventive measures that will keep our children away from the damaging impact of drugs.
13. Using such approach, we shall not only save the lives of many, but also recruit ambassadors and advocates that will help propagate the campaign against this monster which is now threatening our collective existence. A stitch in time they say saves nine.
14. As for those who are addicted to drugs and have been adversely affected, Plateau State Government shall continue to work with the NDLEA and development partners towards ensuring the rehabilitation of victims. We cannot allow them to waste away because they have God-given endowments that can impact our society positively.
15. At this point, I wish to commend the synergy among security agencies in the State who have collaborated with the NDLEA for the successes we are celebrating today. I urge you to sustain this robust partnership particularly in intelligence gathering and response.
16. This call also goes to all voluntary and non-governmental bodies who are always doing their part in assisting the law enforcement agencies with information and resources. This will help us have a peaceful, serene and happy society that we all desire.
17. Finally, let me appreciate the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA for his doggedness in getting rid of drugs from our country. Plateau State remains grateful to this agency and its hard working officers and men for their sacrifices to the safety of all.
18. We assure you of our support and partnership always. Thank you for your attention and God bless you all.

Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State &
Chairman, Northern Governor’s Forum