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.

Operation Safe Haven Arrests 17 Suspected Kidnappers, 6 Armed Robbers

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.

Prince Sekat,Jos

Operation Safe Haven, maintaining law and order innplateau state has apprehended 23 Suspected criminals for various offences.

Parading the Suspects at the headquarters of the command on Thursday, Major General Dominic Onyemulu, Commander of the special task force said 17 of the suspects were arrested for kidnapping while others were arrested for armed roberry and possession of illegal firearms

Details to come shortly……..

Prince Sekat,Jos

Unknown gunmen believe to be hired assassin’s attack Hon DT Sango in his residence at Danwal, Ganawuri.two police details attached to him shot with one dead and the other in critical condition including a civilian.

Meanwhile Chief DT Sango is unhurt and more security forces has been deployed to the residence and search is ongoing.

Details soon…

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi Congratulates the New Bishop of Lafiya ,
Monsignor David Ajang

The DVD Movement leader, Nde Victor David Dimka fsi felicitates with the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jos His Grace Dr Matthew Ishaya Audu on the election of Monsignor David Ajang as the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Lafia. The Bishop elect has distinguished himself as an exemplary priest and we remember with nostalgia his inspiring homilies while he served as the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Jos.
We join all Catholic faithful and indeed all Christendom in praying for Monsignor David Ajang as he shepherds the good people of Nasarawa State. May his tenure yield abundant fruits to the glory of God almighty. Meanwhile we wish all Christians joyous Easter Celebrations.

Boniface Kassem
DVD Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG BREAKS 33 -YEAR TRADITIONAL STOOL JINX; INSTALLS 2 2ND CLASS RULERS IN QUA’AN PAN & VISITS BURNT NAMU YAM MARKET.
After about 33 years without a substantive traditional ruler, the people of Kwo Chiefdom in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State now have a traditional head. Similarly, the people of Namu Chiefdom of the same Local Government now have a traditional ruler after about 15 years without one.
This follows the installation and presentation of staffs of office to His Royal Highness, Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru as the 27th Long Kwo (2nd class ruler of Kwo Chiefdom) and His Royal Highness Safiyanu Allahnana Magaji III, (Long Jan of Namu Chiefdom).
Speaking at the event which took place at Ba’ap, Headquarters of Qua’an Pan LGA, Governor Simon Lalong said the installation no doubt evokes a lot of passion and excitement among the people of these two Chiefdoms for the fact that they have been without substantive traditional rulers for a very long period of time. Within this period, the people have yearned for the peaceful resolution of the obstacles to this coronation.
He said his government refrained from interfering with the selection of the two traditional rulers as a way of ensuring that the will of the people prevails and the atmosphere for peace and tranquility blossoms in all Chiefdoms.
He urged them to do justice to all and shun any act that will destabilise the peace that has been restored in the Chiefdoms and the State.
He said “Your Royal Highnesses, as you carry out your responsibilities, I admonish you to be proactive and work with your people to identify and fish out criminal elements not only for the safety of your jurisdictions but the entire State. Government will support you to carry out this task in collaboration with the security architecture and the Local Government Administration. In addition, we expect that the recently trained and deployed Community Police Constables and vigilante groups will be carried along in intelligence gathering that is vital to addressing criminality”.
On some security concerns over activities of criminals in forests around the Local Government, the Governor said, “I am aware of the security concerns about criminal activities in and around the forests in Quanpan LGA and others. Let me assure our people that the Government is working hard to address this situation and enhance security and safety of the people. Already, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the taking over of the Pandam Game Reserve by the Federal Government as a National Park”.
The two traditional rulers promised to work for the unity, peace and progress of their Chiefdoms and be fair to all law abiding citizens residing in their Chiefdoms irrespective of creed, religion or any affiliation.
Earlier, Governor Lalong visited Namu to sympathise with the people over the inferno that destroyed goods worth millions of naira at the Bwall-Namu Yam Market. He urged them not to be deterred as the fire incident is a setback that they have to overcome.
Apart from making an initial donation of 10 million naira, the Governor said the Government will work out a long term plan to create a suitable market and enhance safety of traders and their goods.
Governor Lalong also inspected ongoing construction projects of Shendam bye-pass road, 100-bed mother and child hospital Namu among others.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor, Plateau State
31st March 2021

By Prince Sekat,Jos

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Wednesday reaffirmed that his adminstration remains commitment in completing all the hospitals being constructed under the Lalong Legacy Projects across the three senatorial districts.



He made this known while speaking at the launch of the basic healthcare provision fund in Jos .



Lalong who was represented by his deputy Prof Sonnie Tyoden said “Already, we have completed abandoned hospitals in Riyom, Kanke and Langtang South Local Governments which will soon be commissioned.



In his words” There is no doubt that out-of-pocket payments for health services have been considered a highly regressive method of healthcare financing globally and it greatly deepens inequity in access to healthcare.

As at today, it constitutes over 70% of the methods of healthcare financing in Nigeria. The inequity in access negatively affects the poor and vulnerable among us to a greater proportion. This is because at their point of seeking healthcare, they are squeezed between seeking the care that they need and meeting other basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.



Operating at such a low financial level has a propensity to tilt them towards choosing other needs rather than healthcare. Such a delay in seeking care can increase the incidence of complications and mortality. Thus, poverty magnifies the predicament that ill-health places on them.

This has over time led to unnecessary deaths among our citizens and has placed Nigeria low in health rankings globally. There is no doubt that out-of-pocket has immensely decelerated Nigeria’s aspiration to attaining Universal Health Coverage.



He said that ” The creation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) through the National Act 2014 and its subsequent operationalization by the current administration signifies Nigeria’s commitment more than ever to the realization of Universal Health Coverage.”

” Indeed, this yearning of ensuring that all citizens of Nigeria wherever they live are able to access the quality healthcare that they need – whenever they need it – without being subjected to financial hardship is viewed by the Rescue Administration as not just a fundamental human right but also a noble task that governments across the federation should embrace and invest in.



Lalong further said that The BHCPF, an invaluable initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria has laid a solid foundation for our goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. The creation of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) as an implementing institution of the NHIS gateway in Plateau State in the year 2019 presented the Government of Plateau State an opportunity to benefit from the laudable initiative.



This Agency is also structured to entrench a more progressive system of health care financing in the State. Together with the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, the bedrock of health system solidly in place, I can say without an iota of doubt that Plateau State has commenced the journey to attaining Universal Health Coverage.



Among other things, the BHCPF seeks to reduce to the barest minimum out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare; increase fiscal space for healthcare; as well improve the life expectancy of the citizens of Plateau State. With this social investment leaning in the direction of providing succour for the poor and vulnerable population, the Rescue Administration strongly subscribe to it.



Already, 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State and the 17 Local Governments is being set aside as Equity Fund by Law. This is a deliberate effort by the government towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and contributing to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.



This has tremendously increased the fiscal space for health in the State in a greatly sustainable manner through legislation. With this increased expenditure on health in Plateau State and the provision of premiums by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, it is our undying hope that maternal mortality rates will precipitously decline, and our children will no longer die from preventable childhood illnesses through robust immunization, provision of vaccines, essential medicines and management of these ailments at the Primary Healthcare Centres.



He also said that The Plateau State Government will ensure appropriate and strict management of the BHCPF in accordance with the provisions of its establishing Act and operational guidelines. This will justify the confidence reposed on the State Government by the Federal Government and donor Agencies.



With the Covid-19 pandemic and dwindling resources, this initiative has come to help the government of Plateau State increase the fiscal space for health generally; health system strengthening, particularly at the Primary Health Care level, and ensuring access to healthcare for Nigerians particularly the poor, thereby contributing to overall national productivity. It is therefore, only pertinent that the resources committed to this course are utilized efficiently and with results to show.



In conclusion, the launch of the BHCPF today marks a boost to our journey towards ensuring equity and reduction of inequality in use and access to health services particularly among the most vulnerable group who live with us. It is our concrete believe that this initiative will lift the people of Plateau State out of poverty and guarantee access to quality health services across the 325 PHCs accredited, one in each of the 325 State Wards and other private Primary and Secondary health care facilities across the seventeen Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Nde VICTOR DAVID DIMKA fsi COMMISERATES WITH VICTIMS OF THE BWALL-NAMU YAM MARKET FIRE OUTBREAK, CALLS FOR SPEEDY INTERVENTION.*

Wed. 31 March, 2021.

The leader of the DVD Movement, nde Victor David Dimka fsi has expressed shock over the recent fire incident that engulfed and destroyed yams in the early hours of Sunday, March 28, 2021 worth millions of naira at Bwall-Namu Yam Market in Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State.

He commiserates with the marketers, the Namu Community and entire Qua’anpan LGC over the huge loss.

In his words, “this is a huge setback not only to Namu community but the entire Plateau State and Nigeria at large especially now that the country is making efforts to diversify and strengthen its agricultural sector”.

Recognising that Qua’an Pan LGA is one of the commercial nerve centers of the State in terms of agricultural products, nde Victor David Dimka said the incident was devastating to the people who struggle on daily basis to make ends meet.

He therefore, called on those affected to remain calm and appealed to government and other spirited individuals to come to the aid of the victims in order to cushion the effect of the loss caused by the fire.

DVD Media Team.