NEWS
Mutfwang Vows to Resettle Displaced Persons
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has visited attacked communities of Bokkos and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State and assured affected communities of their resettlement.
Mutfwang stated this while conducting an on-the-spot assessment of communities recently attacked and displaced in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas at weekend.
He encouraged the displaced residents not to abandon their ancestral lands to strangers and land grabbers.
He emphasized the need for unity, resilience, and vigilance in the face of adversity.Addressing youths in the communities, the Governor urged them to resist distractions and channel their energies toward protecting their people and heritage, as they are the future leaders of their areas.
Speaking to displaced persons at Hurti in Manguna District, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding the destroyed communities and ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes. He emphasized that the government is doing everything within the law to provide adequate security, particularly in Bokkos LGA, to allow farmers access to their lands.
He noted that the timing of these attacks, during the farming season, is a calculated attempt to entrench poverty and hunger by denying people access to their farms and destroying their harvests.
“We are here to witness firsthand the devastation caused by these acts of banditry,” Governor Mutfwang said. “This village recorded one of the highest numbers of casualties in this coordinated act of terrorism and genocide. I’ve come not just to sympathize, but to assure you that this government stands firmly with you.
“We must rise above our differences, unite as a people, and resist the agenda of division. God did not make a mistake by planting you in this land. Government will do its part, and I urge the youth to play their role. President Tinubu has extended his condolences and stands with you in the quest for peace and justice.” Mutfwang stated.
At the St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church in Bokkos, where many displaced persons are taking refuge, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the conditions of those affected, while also commending the church for offering shelter. He promised that the government would work swiftly to ensure they are not left displaced for long.
Mutfwang also visited the mass grave site where many community members were buried. He pledged that a memorial would be erected in their honor. Prayers for the repose of their souls were led by Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam.
In his response, the District Head of Manguna, Chief Raymond Alo, thanked the Governor for the visit and for standing with the people in their time of distress. He revealed that some perpetrators of the attacks are known to members of the communities and, if given the opportunity, could be identified and brought to justice.
He also appealed to the Governor to intensify efforts in drawing federal attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for rebuilding their communities.
The Governor visited Tyop community in Mangu LGA which was violently attacked two years ago and expressed dismay that the displaced natives’ lands had been forcefully occupied, with some intruders erecting new buildings using materials taken from properties belonging to the original inhabitants.
Mutfwang directed security agencies to collaborate with community leaders and local government enumeration staff to document all structures in the area, when they were built, ownership of land, duration of settlement, and means of acquisition.
While reaffirming Plateau State’s reputation for hospitality, he insisted that those wishing to settle in any community must do so lawfully. He warned that any form of unlawful occupation or insubordination that could spark further violence would not be tolerated.
The Governor charged security heads to ensure the enumeration exercise is conducted peacefully, fairly, and with a sense of justice to all parties involved.
Mutfwang commended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention during the period of unrest, acknowledged the President’s support and pledged to personally brief him on the dire situation on the ground to facilitate stronger security measures.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Charity Mustapha. Charity was a sister to Boss Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, during Buhari’s administration. This is contained in a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, spokesman to Buhari on Monday in Abuja.
The former president said he received the news of the passing of Charity after a prolonged illness with great sadness. He praised her strength and resilience in the period of her sickness, saying that “such a loss leaves a void that can never be filled. “The warmth and kindness for which she was known and with which she treated everyone will always remain in the hearts of her family and all those who met her one way or the other. “She would forever be remembered with respect and affection by all who knew her.May you and your family find the strength and fortitude to endure this grievous loss,” he said.(NAN
The Kaduna State Government says it will train 8,700 School Based Management Committee (SBMC) members to improve basic education in the state.Mubarak Muhammad, acting Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), disclosed this at the opening of a six-day training of 92 Social Mobilisation Officers (SMOs) on Monday in Kaduna.
Report says that the training is supported by UNICEF in collaboration with the Kaduna Government and the Reaching Out-of-School-Children (ROOSC) project, among other development partners. The 92 SMOs cut across the state’s 23 LGAs and would serve as master trainers who would cascade the training to SBMCs across the LGAs.Muhammad explained that the training, which was part of the ROOSC project, aimed to equip the officials with necessary skills to bridge the gap between the government and communities.He added that the training would cover school leadership, communication skills and resource mobilisation.“The officials will be equipped to mobilise resources and support for schools; ultimately improving education outcomes in Kaduna state,” he said.Muhammad also said it would focus on how to mobilise children back to school, addressing the out-of-school children phenomenon in the state.He stated that Gov. Uba Sani’s administration has been working to reduce the number of out-of-school children, adding the training was expected to have significant impact on the basic education subsector.The KADSUBEB acting boss restated the state government’s commitment to building the capacity of its citizens and ensuring a brighter future for its young people.The UNICEF Education Officer, Kaduna Field Office, Mr Bala Dada, lamented that the state was facing a significant out-of-school children crisis.“According to a 2022 KDBS survey, 768,000 children of basic school age currently not in formal education.“The ROOSC project by Kaduna state government and partners aims to reintegrate at least 200,000 of these children back into school,” he said.Dada stated that through collaboration, UNICEF and other partners leveraged community structures and government support to tackle the root causes of children being out of school.This, according to him, could be poverty, insecurity or lack of awareness.He contended that the SBMCs remained the most powerful community structures for ensuring school enrolment, retention, transition, and effective management of primary education.“SBMCs bring together parents, teachers and local leaders to support schools.“They bridge the gap between communities and the education system, helping to keep children in school and learning.“In the push to reduce out-of-school children, our greatest asset is community involvement through these SBMCs,” he said.Dada submitted that during the training, the master trainers would empower the SBMC members with the skills and knowledge to mobilise their communities.He added that it would also help identify out-of-school children and support the children’s enrolment and successful progression through school.According to him, UNICEF is counting on SBMCs to transform community attitudes and ensure every child is welcomed into a safe learning environment.The education officer said UNICEF’spartnership extends technical expertise, funding and monitoring support, while the government provides the policy backing and personnel to drive change on the ground.The Coordinator of the ROOSC project, Mr Ezra Angal, said the training was a strategic investment in community-led school management.He added that SBMCs serves as a bridge between schools and the communities they served, ensuring that every child especially the most marginalised, has a voice and pathway into inclusive and quality education.He said that building resilient and responsive school systems starts with empowering local actors by equipping master trainers with the tools and knowledge to train others.Angal, therefore, said UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government were reinforcing the ROOSC project’s shared commitment.This, he said, was to increase access, participation, and learning outcomes for all children including girls, children with disabilities and out-of-school children.He urged all the participants to approach the training with dedication and a sense of purpose.(NAN)
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The people of Effium autonomous community in Ohaukwu local governmnet area of Ebonyi State have rejected the demarcation of land and creation of autonomus community by Govenor Francis to non-native Ezza people in Effium.This was disclosed yesterday during a world press conference held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
President General of Effium Town Union, Agena James, who briefed journalists, said the renaming of parts of Effium land with non-native names and creating autonomous communities for the Ezza people undermines the authority of Effium traditional rulers and disrespects to their cultural identity. Agena said, “We welcome you all to this important press conference, convened on behalf of the Effium people under the aegis of the Effium Town Union. This gathering has become necessary in light of recent pronouncements and actions by the government of Ebonyi State regarding the Effium crises, which threaten the peace, unity and heritage of our community.”We, the Effium people, wish to categorically state our vehement opposition to the proposals announced by the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, regarding the demarcation of Effium land to cede a portion to the Ezza people.”These proposals, which also include the creation of two autonomous communities for the Ezza people, the renaming of the area to be ceded with a non-native name, and the reorganization and renaming of electoral wards, are provocative, unjust, and counterproductive to the ongoing peace efforts in our community”, he said.The Effium Town Union President, Agena James further disclosed the position and grievances of the Effium people.”Forceful Seizure of Effium Land; Effium land is the ancestral heritage of the Effium people. The Ezza people historically came to Effium as settlers, and their presence in our community does not grant them co-ownership of our land. The proposed demarcation and ceding of our land to the Ezza people amount to a forceful seizure of our ancestral land, which we will never accept. This action is unjust and undermines the sanctity of our heritage.”Rewarding Crisis and Violence. The Ezza people have been at the centre of the crisis in Effium, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives and properties worth billions of naira. By proposing to allocate land to the Ezza people and creating autonomous communities for them, the government is inadvertently rewarding them for orchestrating this crisis. This sets a dangerous precedent, as it signals that violence and aggression can be used to achieve political and territorial gains.”Neglect and Desecration of Traditional Institutions. Effium has a rich cultural and traditional heritage that has been safeguarded by our traditional institutions for centuries. The proposals by the Governor neglect and desecrate these institutions by disregarding the historical and cultural significance of Effium land. Renaming parts of our land with non-native names and creating autonomous communities for the Ezza people undermines the authority of our traditional rulers and disrespects our cultural identity.“Counterproductive to Peace Efforts. The Governor’s proposals are counterintuitive to the ongoing peace efforts in Effium. They lack fairness, equity, and justice, which are essential ingredients for lasting peace. Rather than fostering reconciliation and harmony, these actions will create chaos, confusion, and exacerbate the crisis, leading to further instability and unrest.”Disruption of Political Structures. The reorganization and renaming of electoral wards as part of the proposed actions disrupt the political structure of Effium and alienate the Effium people. Such actions are provocative and will only deepen divisions within the community.He further made appeal to the governor to put a stop to the action.”On behalf of the Effium people, we make the following appeals to His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State: Halt the Proposed Actions: We urge the Governor to immediately halt the proposed demarcation of Effium land, the creation of autonomous communities for the Ezza people, and the reorganization and renaming of electoral wards.”Withhold Assent to the Bill: We appeal to the Governor to withhold assent to the bill passed by the State House of Assembly, which seeks to give legal effect to these proposals.”Conduct Wider Consultation: We call on the Governor to engage in broader consultations with all stakeholders, including representatives of the Effium people, the Ezza people, traditional rulers, and other settlers in the community. This public hearing will ensure that any resolution reached is fair, equitable, and sustainable.”Adopt Inclusive Peacebuilding Measures: We urge the government to prioritize inclusive peacebuilding measures that address the root causes of the crisis. Peace cannot be imposed through unilateral actions; it must be negotiated through dialogue, mutual understanding, and compromise.He said the people of Effium were committed to peace while calling on the international community for intervention.”The Effium people remain committed to peace, coexistence, and the development of our community. We believe that true peace can only be achieved through fairness, equity, and justice. We call on the government of Ebonyi State to act as an impartial mediator and work towards a resolution that respects the rights and heritage of all parties involved.”We also appeal to the global community, human rights organizations, and all well-meaning individuals to intervene in this matter and ensure that justice is upheld. The proposed actions by the Ebonyi State Government threaten to destabilize our community further and must be addressed with urgency”, he said.
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