By Peter Akpah

*WATCH! AND DO NOT ABANDON YOUR HOME FOR ANYONE – SENATOR JT USENI VISITS AND TELLS TRAUMATISED COMMUNITIES FOLLOWING ATTACKS.*

• Donates 40 bags of rice and N400,000.
• “Your visit proves you really love and care for us” – leaders
• We will not abandon land

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Governorship Candidate of the PDP in the 2019 election Senator Jeremiah Timbut Useni has appealed to Communities in Plateau to raise their level of alertness to pre-empt further attacks on the State.

He was speaking on Friday, January 31, 2020, while leading a special PDP team on a visit to the two communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas earlier attacked by people believed to be herdsmen.

About 22 people died in the attacks in three villages in Bokkos – Kwatas, Marish and Ruboi – and 12 in Kulben in Mangu LGAs.

“We are very saddened by the loss of precious human lives. We are visiting to express our sympathy and to encourage those of you alive to be strong hearted.

“We must show greater wisdom in the way we live as communities. We need to remain alert at all times to thwart the efforts of attackers rather waking up later to react only after the damage has been done.

“We know that vengeance belongs to God. Ours is to stay awake and watch while also praying.”

Senator Useni donated 20 bags of rice and N200,000 eacb at both Kwatas and Kulben.

Responding on behalf of the Saf Forof, De Bulus Ali Magaji, the Saf Tarangol, De Monday Masok thanked Senator Useni for the visit. “We are very elated at your presence here with us. The attack shocked us because our people are peaceful, and there was no previous provocation whatsoever which might have led to the attack.”

Ward Head of Kulben, Da Siman Mangdik, said their hearts were strengthened by Useni’s visit.
“This is the first time we are witnessing such tragedy. And we want to say very strongly that our people and generations after them are determined to remain on this land and not abandon it for any reason.”

The special PDP team with Senator Useni included the PDP State Acting Chairman, Amos Gombi, Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2019 election Dr James Dalok, former State Chairman of the PDP, Hon Damishi Sango, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titus Alams, former Director General of the JT Useni Campaign Organisation, Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia, an Elder, Barr Danjuma Maina, and two party stakeholders from Mangu, Mr Augustine Ngok and Mrs Anna Dadah.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG INSPECTS MORE PROJECTS, INSTALLS MORE CHIEFS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is continuing his inspection of ongoing projects across the State with a stern warning to contractors to ensure that quality work is done and completion period adhered to.
Governor Lalong began his latest inspection with a visit to the Baab-Kurgwi Road under construction in Quan Pan Local Area where he expressed satisfaction on the level of work and urged the contractors to sustain the tempo.
He later visited the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) Kurgwi to inspect the Legacy Projects going on in the Institution.
The Governor was briefed by the site Engineer who explained that the work had reached 60 percent completion and would have gone far if not for some delays occasioned by land dispute.
The Governor frowned at the delay and immediately directed the Local Government Chairman and member of the State House of Assembly to ensure that the dispute is resolved immediately.
He also Inspected the Demshin Road Project also in Shendam local Government where the residents jubilated on the Governor’s presence which they hoped would make the contractor sit up to ensure that the work is done according to specifications and schedule.
During the inspection of Kalong Bridge in Shendam Local Government, the Governor received a tumultuous welcome by a large crowd who said the construction of the bridge would reduce their hardships. They said they have suffered lack of access to markets to transport their farm produce and also link up with other communities around them.
He later performed the Coronation ceremonie of three Chiefs in Shendam. They include the Long Dorok, Long Jaktoe and Long Derteng where he charged them to use their positions for peace, development and mutual coexistence. He said ” I have repeatedly emphasized the need for traditional rulers to be alert to their duties of preserving the culture and traditions of the people and also sensitizing them to live in peace with one another. When there is crime in your domains, you must work with your people and expose the criminals. If you don’t, I will hold you responsible and ensure that you are investigated. That is the kind of thing I directed about the killings in Bokkos where to my dismay, nobody was arrested despite the murder of people. This cannot be allowed”.
The new Chiefs all expressed joy over their coronation and promised to do their best in assisting the State Government fulfill its responsibilities to the people.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS THE FAMILY OF ROPVIL DACIYA

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has paid a personal visit to the family of the late Ropvil Daciya Dalep who was recently killed by terrorists in Borno State.
The Governor in company of his wife, Regina and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden arrived the family house in Jing village, Pankshin Local Government to condole with the family of the deceased.
Lalong who had earlier sent a delegation to the family said he was highly distressed by the murder of the student who was on his way to seek knowledge and did not commit any offence apart from being a Christian and a citizen of Plateau State according to his murderers.
He said ” If the killers of Ropvil justified their act on the fact that he is from Plateau State and a Christian, then it means he died for Plateau and Plateau State will not forget him. We will soon do something to keep his memory. His killers will never have peace and one day, they will pay the price of their evil whether here on earth or in the life after. Definitely their reward is hell, while his own reward is heaven”.
The Governor asked the family to take solace in the fact that God who is the ultimate judge knows everything and will avenge the killing of Ropvil.
The Mishkaham Mupun Mishkom Yusuf Wale Fwangbring who responded on behalf of the family thanked the Governor for personally visiting the family even after he had sent a delegation.
He said though the community was devastated by the gruesome murder of their son, the outpouring of love and support from all citizens of Plateau State and Nigerians at large has strengthened them because the action of the terrorists has been condemned by many.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS
STAKEHOLDERS/SECURITY CHIEFS OVER BOKKOS KILLINGS, INSISTS THAT KILLERS MUST BE
PRODUCED.

Incensed by the murder of villagers and destruction of properties
in Kwatas Village of Bokkos Local Government Council, Plateau State Governor
Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has met with stakeholders which include heads of
security agencies, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders and Ardos representing
the Fulani community at the government house where he insisted that the perpetrators
must be fished out immediately.

The Governor who addressed the stakeholders at the Government
House, Little Rayfield-Jos expressed anger over the incident which he said will
not be allowed to degenerate further and make nonsense of the efforts put in to
restore peace to the state, insisting that nobody is above Government.

He said “how can they say that people are killed and there is
no arrest. Are those killing others spirits? I don’t think you can kill 15 human
beings and claim you are spirit and there is not arrest. Commissioner of
Police, you should take the community leaders and the Ardos with you so that
they can tell you those behind these killings. By the time you go to cell, you
will bring out those people that are doing it. If you want to give evidence,
give it to the commissioner of police. We are not afraid of criminals.”

“Some community leaders and Ardos have done their best but
within us, there are criminals. We must expose them no matter how high. If you
are one of them, you better take yourself to the police station. The Army is
here, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Operation Rainbow. I want those people today.
They should not sleep in their houses. By the time they are arrested, we will
solve this problem”. The Governor said.

Commissioner of Police in Plateau State Isaac Akimoyede
earlier briefed the Governor on the crises and the efforts to contain it explaining
that he had held a meeting with the community leaders last Saturday based on
intelligence where he warned against any breach of the peace.

“Since I have been in the state since February, no event of
this magnitude have happened. We have been investigating the incident in Mangun
and then this. We cannot continue in this situation in the State. The security
agencies have resolved that those people killing must be arrested no matter how
highly placed. Peace must return to this state as we cannot continue in this
situation. If anyone has grievances, he should come up and say it so that we
can find solution, not to take the laws into his hand and kill. We will not
allow it” the CP said.

He assured the Governor that the security personnel have been
deployed in the troubled areas to forestall any spread of the crises beyond the
initial areas.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR

Director of Press & Press Affairs to

the Governor of Plateau State.

28th January 2020.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS
STAKEHOLDERS/SECURITY CHIEFS OVER BOKKOS KILLINGS, INSISTS THAT KILLERS MUST BE
PRODUCED.

Incensed by the murder of villagers and destruction of properties
in Kwatas Village of Bokkos Local Government Council, Plateau State Governor
Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has met with stakeholders which include heads of
security agencies, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders and Ardos representing
the Fulani community at the government house where he insisted that the perpetrators
must be fished out immediately.

The Governor who addressed the stakeholders at the Government
House, Little Rayfield-Jos expressed anger over the incident which he said will
not be allowed to degenerate further and make nonsense of the efforts put in to
restore peace to the state, insisting that nobody is above Government.

He said “how can they say that people are killed and there is
no arrest. Are those killing others spirits? I don’t think you can kill 15 human
beings and claim you are spirit and there is not arrest. Commissioner of
Police, you should take the community leaders and the Ardos with you so that
they can tell you those behind these killings. By the time you go to cell, you
will bring out those people that are doing it. If you want to give evidence,
give it to the commissioner of police. We are not afraid of criminals.”

“Some community leaders and Ardos have done their best but
within us, there are criminals. We must expose them no matter how high. If you
are one of them, you better take yourself to the police station. The Army is
here, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Operation Rainbow. I want those people today.
They should not sleep in their houses. By the time they are arrested, we will
solve this problem”. The Governor said.

Commissioner of Police in Plateau State Isaac Akimoyede
earlier briefed the Governor on the crises and the efforts to contain it explaining
that he had held a meeting with the community leaders last Saturday based on
intelligence where he warned against any breach of the peace.

“Since I have been in the state since February, no event of
this magnitude have happened. We have been investigating the incident in Mangun
and then this. We cannot continue in this situation in the State. The security
agencies have resolved that those people killing must be arrested no matter how
highly placed. Peace must return to this state as we cannot continue in this
situation. If anyone has grievances, he should come up and say it so that we
can find solution, not to take the laws into his hand and kill. We will not
allow it” the CP said.

He assured the Governor that the security personnel have been
deployed in the troubled areas to forestall any spread of the crises beyond the
initial areas.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR

Director of Press & Press Affairs to

the Governor of Plateau State.

28th January 2020.

By Peter Akpah

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NOT AN HINDRANCE TO THE SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME SAYS HON EZEKIEL VULGAP.Local government not hindrances to SIP says ALGON chairman Hon Ezekiel Vulgap the executive chairman of Mikan LGA, Vulgap made this known in an interview with journalist at the ALGON office in jos the plateau state capital, he said the local government are ever ready to assist and cooperate with the focal person Dr Sumaye Hamza the special assistant to the governor on SIP, and also the programme because they are the direct beneficiaries.

By Peter Akpah

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NOT AN HINDRANCE TO THE SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME SAYS HON EZEKIEL VULGAP.

Local government not hindrances to SIP says ALGON chairman Hon Ezekiel Vulgap the executive chairman of Mikan LGA, Vulgap made this known in an interview with journalist at the ALGON office in jos the plateau state capital, he said the local government are ever ready to assist and cooperate with the focal person Dr Sumaye Hamza the special assistant to the governor on SIP, and also the programme because they are the direct beneficiaries.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG FUMES ON ATTACK ON KWATAS IN BOKKOS LGA, ORDERS SECURITY AGENCIES TO TRACK DOWN KILLERS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed fury over Sunday’s attack by yet to be identified gunmen on innocent people in Kwatas village, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State leading to deaths.
Lalong in a statement described the attack as yet another attempt by criminals who do not mean well for the State to take it back to the dark days of insecurity that it has substantially overcome.
The Governor while commiserating with victims and families of those killed, directed security agencies to go after the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure their arrest and prosecution as the State will no longer tolerate the wanton loss of lives.
He said “my heart again bleeds by this tragedy as lives of innocent citizens are cut short for no reason. Security agencies must go after those who are behind these attacks and their sponsors so they can face the law and be taught a lesson. We do not need another circle of bloodshed in Plateau State as all well meaning citizens have committed to peaceful coexistence and tolerance. My administration will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed to jeopardize this peace”.
The Governor again restates his determination to work with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders in strengthening community policing architecture in the State with robust intelligence gathering and early intervention to forestall reoccurence.
He again called for calm as the government and security agencies will ensure that justice is done to those affected.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
27th January 2020.

By Peter Akpah

MCC begs Nigerian leaders not to leave legacies of violence, selfishness

The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Nigeria, a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) has begged Nigerian leaders to be prudent not to bequeath legacies of violence and selfishness to the youths.

Mr. Matthew Tangbuin, MCC Country Representative in Nigeria, made the call on Saturday in his welcome address during the organization’s centennial celebration held at Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT), Jos.

Tangbuin, who expressed worry over increasing cases of violence, kidnapping and killings in the country said, ” my heart bleeds as are tilting toward leaving for our children legacies of violence and selfishness in a country where religion is valued above lives of citizens.”

“What MCC expects from our politicians and religious leaders is to change the tide and narration by turning Nigeria into a country that will be the envy of all.

“It’s our hope and prayers that our beloved Nigeria, endowed with so much wealth, both material and human resources, will grow out of the political, economic, tribal and religious violence that had thrown its brothers and sisters out of their homes.

“The impact has also forced able and productive men and women out of jobs, impoverished intelligent youths, made them drug addicts, armed robbers, kidnappers, sex workers and orphans,” he stated.

He commended and pray for many Mennonites and brethren in Christ in North America, “who have been and still sacrificing their resources, deny themselves certain pleasures to support those we have neglected and don’t value, to continue with the good works.”Also speaking, Mrs. Ruth Clemens, MCC Director of Programmes, said that the organization began its humanitarian services in Russia far back as in 1920 and is now operating in 55 countries across the globe including Nigeria.

Clemens said that MCC would do more for Nigeria as the NGO was out to give hope to hopeless and those that society has not treated them well in spite of tribal, religious, political and cultural differences across the globe.

She called for more synergy with governments of all nations toward changing the lives of those who are one form life challenge or the other so as to make the world a peaceful place.

Our Correspondent reports that MCC began in Nigeria in 1963, when invited by the then Northern Nigeria Government to bridge the educational gap that existed between the South and the North.

But when Nigeria began to roll out trained teachers from colleges in Gindiri (Plateau), Benue, Akwanga, Zaria, Kano, Kogi etc, MCC moved into providing services in sectors like afforestation, Agriculture, Health, income generation, relief, Peace building and sustainable livelihood amongst others.

Nevertheless, the MCC centinual celebration was capped with the cutting if centennial Cake, drama by school children and the Unvailing of the centinual celebration Banner.