New STF Commander Seeks Media Support

By Peter Akpah

The new Commander of the Special Task Force in Plateau State, code named, ‘ Operation Safe Haven’, major general Chukwuemeka Okonkwo has promised to end the incessant killings in Irigwe and other communities in Plateau state. To achieve the feat, the Commander solicited for media support through objective reportage.
The new commander said this during an interactive session today with journalists at the headquarters of the STF in Jos. “We also want to ask that you continue to report objectively. I am not saying you should be biased but national security should be your focus”, the Commander said.
He added that the aim of the Task Force was to restore normalcy and asked journalists to see themselves as stakeholders in this venture. “We are all partners in progress and the aim is to see that peace and normalcy return here. Our intention is to restore peace and it’s possible.”
Gen. Okonkwo further called on journalists to make it a duty to work closely with the task force and also make it a habit to alway seek for clarification from it on security related issue before going to press. “If you have doubt on any issue, please, seek for clarification from the media officer or the Chief of Staff or from whatever channel that has been put in place before now. One thing I would assure you of is that I am going to be media friendly,” he said.
Okonkwo said the issue of returning peace was Paramount stressing that the military would synergize with other security agencies and do all that is within their resources and ability to restore normalcy in troubled areas.
The new STF commander further said that as a strategy from the Defence Headquarters, there is now a single reporting line for kenotic operations, consequently, he said that the task force, unlike before may likely not be given out press releases on kenotic activities. He commended the out-gone Commander, major general Agundo for excellent performance which he described as solid foundation and promised to build on what Agundo has laid. “The out-gone Commander has done very well. As a matter of fact, he has made my job easier and I want to say that I am going to build on the foundation he has laid”, he said.
Major general Okonkwo resumed office as the STF commander on April 7, 2020.

Bagos Demands FG N20,000 Coronavorus Palliative For his Constituents

By Peter Akpah

COVID-19: Rep. Bagos Demands FG N20,000 Coronavorus Palliative For his Constituents

As the World continue to battle with the ravaging impact of the novel coronavirus, the Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Dachung Bagos has called for holistic approach to tackle the dreaded virus globally.

Rep. Bagos said with over 1.5 million total cases and over 89,000 deaths recorded globally, the disease has presented global threat to economic, social, cultural and religious activities worldwide.

While calling on citizens to adhere to all safety, preventive and precautionary measures as well as government directives at all levels, the Federal Lawmaker urged government at all levels to provide welfare palliative to address hunger crisis and malnutrition will be imminent among the poor population.

He challenged the Federal Government to demonstrate fairness, equity and empathy in the distribution of N20,000 coronavirus palliative to vulnerable Nigerians as the gesture is yet to reach his Constituents.
He decried how his Constituents are left out in the disbursement of the Coronavirus Palliative Funds by the Federal Government.

He said having forgone their two Months salaries to the fight against COVID-19 the Members House of Representatives will want to see their Constituents feeling the impact of the palliative by the Federal Government.

He said he has distributed Personal Protective Equipment and Food Items to the vulnerable in his Federal Constituency to assist them in this trying moment.

He called on government to provide PPE and express his willingness and readiness to volunteer as a Driver to distribute any form of palliatives to the people.

He urged the people to have faith in God and pray always saying the coronavirus and the hardships being faced are temporal.

Plateau Citizens Last Minute Shopping Before Lock doywn Social Distance Violated.

By Peter Akpah


The last minute rush in jos Metropoulos mostly in faringada tomatoes market and the terminus market, people are doing the last minute shopping speaking with some of them in an interview with sourcenews24 said the decision of government is a welcome development and is for their own safety since the state has not recorded any case of coronavirus, according to one Mrs chidimma okafor said they have been calling on the governor to lock down every where and even block all the borders and put very strict measures and check everyone coming into the state go back to where they are coming from.

And also a cross section of some individuals who don’t want their names mentioned said government should also make some little provisions to cushion the effects of the lock down as their decision is in order and some said they have not felt any government present at this time of the pandemic, some say the state Uptill now the state can not boast of any testing center and any facility build by them to show their readiness should in case there is an out break.
One Mr George Martins said they need food not fumigation the government should also address the issues of relief materials and food and Sanitizers, some many well meaning individuals have donated items and relief materials and what is the government doing about it, he said government should distribute what ever was given to them after all is for the citizens why keeping them, Mr martins said by way of giving what was given to the government to the citizens it will encourage others to bring according to him people who donated such relief materials will be glad to see it distributed to the public.
And also in an interview with Rev Adams Olu and some other clergys said the idea of the lock down is actually in order because in the festivities of Easter celebration many people will want to come from their various places to the state and is very dangerous because you don’t know who is who or an affected person so for the state to be save is better is lock down for the safety and them as a church they accept it in good faith, and one other reason is because of how the security personnel are compromising and collecting money and allowing visitors into the state and that is very risky, and they also call on the governor in particular to call the security personnel to order and their various heads in the state to stop such as is dangerous to the state and them as well because if the allow an infected persons into the state no one is save.

Covid-19 Last Minute Rush Social Distance Violated

By Peter Akpah


The last minute rush in jos Metropoulos mostly in faringada tomatoes market and the terminus market, people are doing the last minute shopping speaking with some of them in an interview with sourcenews24 said the decision of government is a welcome development and is for their own safety since the state has not recorded any case of coronavirus, according to one Mrs chidimma okafor said they have been calling on the governor to lock down every where and even block all the borders and put very strict measures and check everyone coming into the state go back to where they are coming from.

And also a cross section of some individuals who don’t want their names mentioned said government should also make some little provisions to cushion the effects of the lock down as their decision is in order and some said they have not felt any government present at this time of the pandemic, some say the state Uptill now the state can not boast of any testing center and any facility build by them to show their readiness should in case there is an out break.
One Mr George Martins said they need food not fumigation the government should also address the issues of relief materials and food and Sanitizers, some many well meaning individuals have donated items and relief materials and what is the government doing about it, he said government should distribute what ever was given to them after all is for the citizens why keeping them, Mr martins said by way of giving what was given to the government to the citizens it will encourage others to bring according to him people who donated such relief materials will be glad to see it distributed to the public.
And also in an interview with Rev Adams Olu and some other clergys said the idea of the lock down is actually in order because in the festivities of Easter celebration many people will want to come from their various places to the state and is very dangerous because you don’t know who is who or an affected person so for the state to be save is better is lock down for the safety and them as a church they accept it in good faith, and one other reason is because of how the security personnel are compromising and collecting money and allowing visitors into the state and that is very risky, and they also call on the governor in particular to call the security personnel to order and their various heads in the state to stop such as is dangerous to the state and them as well because if the allow an infected persons into the state no one is save.

Lalong And Family Test Negative To Coronavirus

By Peter Akpah

COVID-19: GOVERNOR LALONG, FAMILY TEST NEGATIVE TO VIRUS.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and members of his family have tested negative to the Corona Virus disease after carrying out the test.
The samples of the Governor and members of his family were taken 2 days ago by health officials and forwarded to the NCDC laboratory in Abuja for examination.
The results came back today, 9th April 2020 and indicated negative for the Governor and members of his family.
Reacting to the results, Governor Lalong said he and his family decided to take the test in order to help in tackling the rising stigma that is gradually building up on the disease and making people reluctant of coming out even when they notice any symptoms.
He said “Corona Virus is not a death sentence and if we are not careful, people can die out of fear and stigma. I call on all our citizens particularly those who notice any symptoms of the disease including difficulty in breathing, fever, cough, sore throat, headache and general fatigue, or have had contact with any infected person to report to health officials and submit themselves for examination”.
Lalong said the Plateau State Government has continued to take proactive measures including a one week total lockdown beginning midnight Thurday 9th April to prevent movements that could expose the State to the disease.
Lalong also assured the people of the State that the NCDC has already approved the establishment of a corona virus testing centre in Plateau State which will take off very soon and reduce challenges associated with the shuttle to Abuja for testing.
He thanked the citizens of the State for their cooperation and compliance to Government directives in curbing COVID-19, assuring them that his administration will not subject them to any unnecessary hardship and losses.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th April 2020.

Covid-19 Lock Down 10 Mobile Court To Try Violators.

By Peter Akpah

PLATEAU STATE COVID-19 TOTAL LOCKDOWN: 10 MOBILE COURTS TO TRY VIOLATORS

As Plateau State goes into a total lockdown from midnight Thurday 9th April to Wednesday 15th April 2020, the Government has set up 10 mobile courts to try violators of the order.
The establishment of the mobile courts is meant to ensure enforcement and compliance to the directive of Government which is aimed at protecting the citizens from the Corona Virus Pandemic and also ensuring that the entire State is fumigated.

Members of the public are therefore advised to comply with the “no movement” order while those exempted because of their essential services are to carry their identify cards at all times.
Meanwhile the State has given out situation room Emergency response numbers for members of the public to call should the need arise. The numbers which will be available 24 hours are :

GLO: 07057326212.

ETISALAT: 08186015907.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has in the meantime appealed to citizens to bear with this unusual situation and make sacrifices because the problem is not peculiar to Plateau State, but is a global challenge as the world battles this pandemic.

While urging security agencies to be firm in enforcing compliance, the Governor wants them to remain professional and observe all rules of engagement warning that any security personnel who overreaches his mandate by engaging in corrupt conduct or brutality will be held accountable.

that The Chinese Doctors Has Arrived Nigeria to assist in treatment of coronavirus.

The much talked about coming of a Chinese medical experts to Nigeria to help Nigerian medical team combat the deadly coronavirus pandemic, had become a reality today; for the plane conveying them to Nigeria had just touched down the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja this evening.

The 15-man medical delegation from China on arrival to Nigeria, were expected to be quarantined for 14 days before they will be allowed to carryout their one month medical assistance to Nigeria, in the fight against COVID-19.

The Chinese medical team who arrived Nigeria, came with varieties of medical kits and equipments such as: ventilators, disposal medical masks, drugs, infrared thermometers, disinfection machines and other medical kits and gears.

The honourable Minister of Health, Mr. Osagie Ehanire

was also on ground at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, to receive the Chinese medical team.

In a related development, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Lawmakers in the country, are seriously against the coming of the Chinese medical experts

to Nigeria, citing waste of resources, lack of trust in the medical prowess of Nigeria doctors, nurses and health-care workers who had sacrificed a lot since the outbreak of the virus in Nigeria, and the bitter reason; why Chinese Doctors of all countries.

Nevertheless, Nigerians are anxiously pondering what to expect from the Chinese medical expatriates, now that they had arrived Nigeria, against all odds and objections from Nigerians.

But in retrospect, the arrival of the Chinese medical expatriates to Nigeria promises to bring good tidings than harm to Nigerians. For one, the Chinese are zealous people whose resilience can surmount daunting situations no matter how tall the issue may be.

Secondly, their coming to Nigeria to help fight COVID-19

is truly borne out of a true desire to help; this gestures is seen in their interest to go to other countries and give an helping hand to any country that ask for their help, because their approach in combating the virus is amazing. Their zealousness in combating COVID-19 had made China to resume gradually to normal daily activities, especially in Wuhan were the virus originated from.

Nigerians medical personnels are at an advantage also to learn first hand the know-how of curing the coronavirus disease as fast as the Chinese does. Nigerians can also benefit from the low cost of Chinese services compared to other advanced countries.

There is more to the Chinese

NCDC Confirms 22 New COVID-19 Cases, Nigeria’s Total Infections Rise To 276

By Peter Akpah

NCDC Confirms 22 New COVID-19 Cases, Nigeria’s Total Infections Rise To 276

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 22 new cases of the COVID-19 in Nigeria, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 276.

According to the NCDC, 15 are in Lagos, four are in the FCT, two are in Bauchi, while the other is in Edo.

Details to follow…

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 22 new cases of the COVID-19 in Nigeria, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 276.

According to the NCDC, 15 are in Lagos, four are in the FCT, two are in Bauchi, while the other is in Edo.

Details to follow…

Hon Gwottson Provide Palliative To poor Citizens To Cushion The Effects of Their Livelihood.

By Peter Akpah

Covid-19: Hon. Fom Gwottson Urges Plateau Govt to Provide Palliative to Poor Citizens & Ensure Accountability in SpendingsHouse Member representing, Jos South in the Plateau assembly Hon. Gwottson Dalyop Fom on Wednesday called on the state Government to provide some palliative to the poor in the state to alleviate their sufferings during the one week lock down declared by the state governorIt could be recalled that Governor Simon Lalong had said that the state Government has concluded plans to carry out a State-wide fumigation exercise which will cover Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and all the 17 Local Governments Areas of the State and directed a total lockdown, effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020.In a open letter address to the Governor of Plateau state and a copy made available newsmen in Jos , Fom said Plateau people needs to know if the government has fully considered what the Corona Virus situation will portend and how it will affect the Plateau people especially the poorest of the poor amongst us?He said “What other measures and plans does the Plateau State government have to ensure that if there is a real danger of disease and hunger in Plateau State that we are prepared to deal with the situation in a very transparent and forthright manner?”“Is there a list of those who have enjoyed the twenty thousand naira palliative from the Federal Government? If yes I will like to know which of my constituents got the money if any.The statement further reads that “MY TAKE: The pandemic stares at all of us in the face and we need to be united in purpose and also be our brothers keepers at this time.I believe that monies that are used at this time should be judiciously used with due respect to the Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The Plateau people have great need of food at this time. While we say God forbid it, we must also be realistic and prepare.We need to have an isolation/treatment center with equipment’s and medication to cater to any cases that may be confirmed in the coming days; accounts of funds used during this pandemic must be rendered to the citizenry periodically. We all need to be on the same page and by the grace of God we will beat this pandemic.Mr. Governor Sir, we are happy with your confirmation of not being in any danger yourself after the scare of a few weeks back.May God continue to grant you heath and wisdom, especially at this time, to effectively pilot the affairs of state with wisdom and the fear of God. I wish to use this medium to ask Plateau people to please adopt the social distancing and hand washing advisory of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Long live Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.The letter also reads that “Your Excellency it is with every sense of responsibility that I write you this letter during the times that the entire globe is afflicted by the Pandemic of COVID 19 popularly known as the Corona Virus.Allow me to congratulate you on the action that your Government took to make sure that suspected cases were closely monitored and based on your last admission there are about eight individuals that are still persons of interest in the state and no confirm cases as of today. It gives me joy and an uneasy calm that of the 254 cases in Nigeria, we still do not have any known case in Plateau State.”Two days ago we woke up to the information from your Government that directed that that there will be a lock down for seven days, ostensibly for the purpose of fumigating the entire state.While on the face of it, this seems like a step in the right direction I am constraint to ask a few questions which I do believe the people of Plateau State will like to get answers to as well:
Plateau people will like to know what areas will be subject to the fumigation.It is necessary to know which parts will be affected directly so as to better prepare citizens who are going to be affected.
What is going to be the medium of fumigation and what chemicals will be used in the exercise? Will the rains that has started becoming constant, not adversely affect the fumigation?This need to fumigate must have been informed by a clear and present danger that the Plateau citizens must have been laboring under. We will like to know how eminent the threat was and how the proposed fumigation will address the danger posed to the populace.How much has been approved for the exercise and who or which body made the approval? Was the Plateau State House of Assembly involved in the approval of a supplementary budget approval or did the money come another source that the Plateau people should be informed about?

Hon Bagos Distribute Relief Materials And Sanitizers To The Less Privileged In His Constituency.

By Peter Akpah

Hon Dachun Musa Bagos distribute relief materials to the less privileged in his constituency speaking in an interview with his senior legislative Aid Mr Langs Pwajok during the distribution he said initially they are planning to distribute relief materials next week but due to the lock down order by the governor they have to do it today, according to him this is to reduce the suffering and cushion the effects of the lock down.

Part of the items distributed are rice, maize, Indomie, gari, milk, sugar, bread, and senitizers and face mask, and also a little orientation on the coronavirus and some preventive measures and safety tips by some health experts, and the Hon member Bagos also call on them to adhere to the government directives and lock down order.

Mr Langs also said why he was around to monitor the distribution is to ensure the poorest and the less privileged who are their targeted persons got the relief materials, and also they have to distribute the items ward by ward this is to reduce the crowd and keep the social distance, and also the distribution is door to door distribution and according to him every ward cordinators come to collect for their wards reason being that they are the once in the community and the grassroot so the know the vulnerable in the community that are to benefit.

Sanitizers

Mr Langs said the distribution is also on going in jos east with over 700 senitizers and food stuffs, this he said the Hon member is doing to torch the lifes of the people of his constituency, according to Hon Bagos in an interview on the phone with sourcenews24 he said government alone can not do this that was why they have to give the relief materials to alleviate the suffering of the people during the time of the lock down and the coronavirus covid-19 that has bedevil the nation and the world at large, he also call on the state government to try and get some testing centers across the geopolitical zones, and he also commended the government for the wonderful steps they have taken in preventing the possible out break of the virus in the state.

One of the beneficiary Mrs Lami John a charcoal seller said she have beeing thinking of what to eat during the lock down as is only when she sales that she get money to buy food and with this relief and food items she got she is ready for the lock down at list she and her children will get food to eat and she thank the Hon member Musa Dachun Bagos for this kind and timely intervention , and also call on the plateau state governor to do same as it well help in reducing the hardships most of them face.

And another beneficiary Mrs kachulum Gyang also recieved some food stuff and senitizers said it was quite timely and appreciated the Hon member for coming to their rescue at this hard time.
A beneficiary a widow with 6 children Mrs Sharon David said is like God has answered her prayers she have no food and senitizers, where she work and get her daily pay have been closed and she only look up to God for help and such is one of them she thank the Hon member and according to her she said that is now that she is enjoying the benefits of democracy because she voted for him and now in return he has torched her life at this difficult moment, she said other politician should follow suit for the people to have confident in them.
And senitizers was also distributed in Holwshe market, and some parts of the state .
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