COVER
Plateau Attack: Natives Dump Corpses at Govt House
From Jude Dangwam, Jos and Vincent Nyinongu, Makurdi
Aggrieved residents of Zangam and Kunga community of Naraguta village, yesterday resisted the urge to put their beloved ones killed by bandits in mortuary.
Rather, the natives deposited the corpses at entrances of Government House and the State Assembly.
The reaction came as a result of the tragedy, which struck in the community of Naraguta village behind the University of Jos permanent site in Jos-North local government area Plateau state, leaving over 35 persons dead.
The incident occurred Tuesday night when the people had slept as the attackers struck killing and burning many to death without recognition.
The killing spree also affected a family of five as well as three others in Yelewata, a border satellite town along Makurdi -Lafia expressway.
The latest attack on Plateau occurred hours after the State Governor, Simon Lalong, had briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the state of insecurity in the state.
Lalong had also requested the President to beef up security in the state as he put it “we have tried our best”.
The attackers also set houses and other properties worth millions of naira ablaze.
Corpses of the victims were deposited yesterday at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
This is coming after security operatives had an encounter with some kidnappers who attacked Kwoi Village, in Mangu LGA of the state this week Monday night.
Six of the kidnapers were killed during exchange of gun battle, which the Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Unit, Insp. Abdulrahaman Isah lost his live in the encounter.
“Exhibits recovered from them include Three AK 47 Rifles with Breach Nos 868, 106076 and 123487.
“Regrettably, one Insp. Abdulrahaman Isah, who is the Commander IGP’s Intelligence Response Team based in Mangu and one Hassan Mohammed a local vigilante gallantly paid the supreme price,” the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Gabriel Ubah, said.
Recall that Joint operation of security operatives along Akwanga Jos road recently arrested one Likita Abubakar, a Fulani man in Akwanga, on Saturday August 21, 2021 by the Join Task Force of Police and Federal Road Safety Commission in Nasarawa state while transporting ammunitions to Jos.
The suspect, according to report, confessed that six of the gangs had, so far, navigated their way to Jos with similar load of ammunitions.
Herders Kill Five Family Members, Three Others in Benue
Herders in the dusk hours of yesterday attacked and killed eight people, five of which were members of the same family at Yelewata, a border satellite town along Makurdi -Lafia expressway.
A member of the community and Principal Special Assistant to Benue State Governor, Comrade Frank Utoo, who spoke with DAILY ASSET said the herders launched attack on Yelewata between the hours of 7-8pm yesterday and conveniently sacked and murdered eight people in cold blood.
During the invasion, five members, wife with four children of the family of one Mr. Peter Akera, who was away from home were murdered leaving him as the only surviving member of the family.
“This is Peter Akera, the young man facing me bare-chested. He is a friend and a brother, and more importantly, a very determined young Nigerian.
“Last night, Fulani herdsmen invaded Yelewata, my village, a border town with Nasarawa State, and killed his wife and his entire four children. The wife was preparing supper for the little kids who were playing around.
“The murdered woman experienced birth difficulties. She had two miscarriages before God finally blessed her womb and she was able to birth 4 children, among whom was a set of twins.
“Unfortunately, last night (Tuesday, 24 August, 2021) armed Herdsmen sneaked into her compound shortly after dusk, around 7:30 PM and shot and butchered her with the kids, while the husband was still in the market place.
“Three other people were also killed, this is the Nigeria we have today,” he lamented
It was learnt that there was no provocation warrant such blood on the people who were comfortably holding their peace.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Command through her Public Relations Officer, DSP Sewuese Catherine Anene confirmed the incident but said the situation has been brought under control as the police has deployed more personnel to cover all the loopholes and assured people of the area of safety moving forward.
Anene added that the commissioner of police had visited the scene of the incident to console with members of the affected family as well as the community even she said no arrest has been made so far.
Natives Dump Corpses at State Assembly, Govt House
Pandemonium rocked Jos the Plateau State capital yesterday when the Anaguta speaking natives of Jos North LGA amongst others resisted the deposition of the bodies of their love ones at the Specialist Hospital, but took them to the State House of Assembly before dumping the corpses at the gate of the new Government House, Little Rayfield.
The State Assembly complex was under lock and keys as members and workers in the complex took to their hills for sfety.
DAILY ASSET gathered that 16 persons were burnt beyond recognition by the attackers and were buried late Wednesday.
Ealier in the day, youths in the state proceeded to the new Government House with the corpses loaded in a van insisting that the Governor should take them.
The protesting youths were carrying leafs, wearing blacks and furious be could not be intimidated by the heavy presence of security personnel stationed at the Government House gate.
The National President of Anaguta Development Association (ADA) Hon. Sunday Bunu in an interview with DAILY ASSET yesterday expressed shocked over the killings of his people whom he said has always been accomodetive and peace loving.
Bunu gave some build-up to the devastating killings which he said they have never envisaged any conflict that would even led to lost o lives.
“As a community leader I am shocked, when I received the news this morning. For killing people just like chicken without any provocation is unacceptable.
“In fact we started this thing on Thursday the 3rd of this month, issue came up about grave yard and the Ujah now called the two parties (Muslim and natives) after intensive discussions he directed them to go and iron things and bring back the report to him.
“If not for the unfortunate happening along Rukuba road, the report of the resolutions reached could have been given to the Ujah last week, so, we were surprised.”
He further explained the lingering burial ground issue thus; “the issue of the burial ground where the Muslims normally buried their corpses there is that, there has been a road that passes by the burial ground and that road has eroded seriously by erosion.
“So, the road has been diverted close to the burial ground and they (Muslims) when a dug a pit on the diverted road. When asked why will they dig the road and they told the community to go and repair the eroded one and that was just it”, he narrated.
The Military Information Officer Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Major Ishaku Gaji Takwa had earlier on said security intervention on the attacked community was slow by the vandalisation of the only bridge leading to the village by the attackers.
In his words, “Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN mobilisation to save the community was slowed down by the destruction of the bridge by the marauders.
“Troops eventually got to the scene of the attack by navigating through other villages and met some houses already burnt and casualties recorded.”
Lalong Briefs Buhari, Wants Culprits to Face Justice
President Muhammadu Buhari met behind closed doors with Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong at the Presidential Villa, Abuja,
The meeting was not unconnected with the recent killings of innocent indigenes of the state by bandits.
Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the governor said he updated the president on the security situation in Plateau state.
He said President Buhari pledged that support would be given to victims of the violent clashes in the state.
“I also made a request to the President about relief materials and also still re-echoed the issue of resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“We have a lot of IDPs in my state, we have a lot on our hands already and when such happens, you expect the state to seek support for relief materials.
“We are doing our best, but the President said he will talk to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, so that attention would be given to those who are displaced as a result of this crisis.
“For over six years now, we have been enjoying peace in Plateau state so, anybody that wants to take Plateau back to those old days of crisis, it is not only me as governor, but all Plateau people will resist that.
They have said ‘‘we don’t want to go back to the crisis again, we are enjoying peace, and we want to continue to enjoy our peace,’’ Lalong said.
On recent killing of travellers at Rukuba, near Jos, and other violent clashes in the state, the governor vowed that all those implicated would be prosecuted irrespective of their background or “connections” in the society.
According to him, the security situation in the State has greatly improved and very soon, the curfew imposed on troubled areas will be further relaxed.
“What we are doing is to ensure that there is proper investigation and prosecution.
“You know, both the Soldiers and Police are controlled by the Presidency and right now they are diligently working in my state on a daily basis”, he added.
Re-imposes 24-hour Curfew on Jos North LGA
The Plateau Government has re-imposed the 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area, following growing tensions arising from fresh attacks in Yelwa Zangam community in the area.
Lalong in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham,yesterday in Jos, said the 24-hour curfew would take effect from 4 p.m. on Aug. 25 until further notice.
He said the proactive decision became necessary following imminent threat to lives and property within the Local Government Area and the need to forestall the breakdown of law and order.
Lalong said the decision was also to enable security agencies to appropriately control the situation, as the search for the attackers of the villagers continued.
He appealed to the residents of Jos North to cooperate with the Government by complying with the 24-hour curfew, as defaulters would be arrested.
The governor said that the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Jos South and Bassa local government areas remained in force, until further notice saying, only people on essential duties were exempted from the curfew.
He called for calm, saying he is seriously grieved by the attacks.
He sympathised with the victims of the attacks, while appealing to them to show restraint and allow Government to handle the matter.
Lalong said the action was also to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation to cause mayhem and destruction in the state.
NAN recalls that the State Government had on Aug.15 imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Jos North Local Government Area, following the killing of at least 22 travelers passing through the area by hoodlums, but relaxed it to 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Aug.18
By David Torough, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said even though citizens of Nigeria have the constitutional right to carry out peaceful protest to express their feelings, it would not allow anarchy to destroy the country by some unscrupulous elements.The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.
-Gen. Edward Buba said this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces yesterday in Abuja. Daily Asset reports that on Oct. 20, 2020 soldiers opened fire on End SARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate (Admiralty Circle Plaza) in Lagos State causing the death of protesters.Buba alleged that the planned nationwide protest has the potential of degenerating into anarchy and reign of terror based on the situational analysis by the military high command.He said the military had thoroughly examined several factors such as whether or not the planned protest was motivated by opposition politics, independent parties, sovereign interference or terrorist groups amongst others.He said it was also examined to ascertain whether or not other organisations had fed on the frustrations of Nigerians to create the situation.“However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved.“The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces.“On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy in order to unleash terror.“The contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow happenings in Kenya which has so far been violent and unresolved to date.“Given the situation, there are already indicators that unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes,” he said.Buba revealed that there were signs of status related violence such that persons with things as basic as smart phones and cars were targets, not leaving out those that own houses and shops.Other targets, according to him include: places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups and members of opposing political parties among others.“Based on the foregoing, the level of violence envisaged is best described as a state of anarchy.“It is for this reason the armed forces will not watch and allow the nation spiral out of control to such low levels.“Basically, the military has been exposed to wars and has witnessed situations of anarchy in countries ravaged by war, particularly during ECOMOG or during peacekeeping operations.“It is for this reason that troops will act dutifully to forestall such ugly occurrences from happening in our nation,” he added.Buba urged the citizens to note that both the timing and the atmosphere of hardship in the country had made the planned protest different from others in the past.He added that it was incumbent upon all to quench the fires of violence rather than ignite them.“It is time to let cool heads prevail in order for the government to further remedy the situation and make our nation flourish again,” he added.On the operations of the military across the country, Buba said troops eliminated 106 terrorists, apprehended 164 others and rescued 103 hostages in different operations in the last one week.He said the troops recovered 125 assorted weapons and 1,522 ammunition, comprising 41 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 24 locally fabricated guns, 28 dane guns and one pump action gun.Buba said the troops recovered 755 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 623 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 102 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 63 live cartridges and 247 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.“Others are: 22 AK47 magazines, one baofeng radio, 22 vehicles, 31 motorcycles, two bicycles, 10 mobile phones and the sum of N2.9 amongst other items,” he said.In the North-east, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded successes leading to the surrendering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families within the week.He said a total of 1,760 BH/ISWAP terrorists’ fighters and family members consisting 117 male adults, 345 adult females and 628 children surrendered within the week.According to him, troops neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.In the North-central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 12 insurgents, arrested 39 violent extremists and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages within the week.According to him, troops neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.In the North-central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 12 insurgents, arrested 39 violent extremists and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages within the week.He said the troops recovered several arms and ammunition comprising 21 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated pistols, 15 dane guns, 285 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.In the North-west, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms.Under Operation Whirl Punch, he said the troops neutralised eight terrorists, arrested 20 suspects and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered arms and the sum of N2.9 million amongst others.In the Niger Delta, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil thieves, destroying several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.He said the troops recovered 802,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 121,900 litres of illegally refined AGO and 450 litres of DPK within the week.According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 24 boats and 34 storage tanks, as well as recovered 56 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 14 pumping machines, 18 drums, 22 vehicles and motorcycles.He added that a total of 36 illegal refining sites were destroyed while a total of 32 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists were apprehended in the region.In the South-east, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised three terrorists, arrested 22 violent extremists and rescued four kidnapped hostages.“Troops recovered one pump action gun, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 cartridges, one baofeng radio, six mobile phones amongst other.“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action,” he said.
By David Torough, Abuja
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has solicited the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in streamlining the state’s economy to engender economic growth, employment, the development of vital infrastructure and technology, as well as enhance financial inclusion.
The governor made the appeal when he paid a courtesy visit to the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso in Abuja. This was contained in a Statement on Thursday by the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy, Bridget Tikyaa. He said that Benue State has vast opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, and other areas which it wanted the CBN to support the government to fully harness for local and international markets.Alia also urged the apex bank to support the state with its expertise in developing appropriate data in all the key areas of development for proper planning and strategic engagement with investors.Alia told the CBN Governor that the state’s newly created Bureau of Statistics aims at enhancing the state’s statistical systems, boosting our economy through job creation and foreign exchange activities and supporting agricultural sector.The governor said, “We seek your support in providing system strengthening and equipment infrastructure for the Benue State Bureau of Statistics.“This support will not only benefit the Benue State Government but will also enhance the capabilities of the CBN and Nigeria at large.“A well-supported statistical system ensures we have reliable data to guide our economic policies and development strategies.”Alia reeled out other areas of support and collaboration with the CBN to boost the economy of Benue State.These include support for the Benue State Bureau of Statistics to generate accurate data and conduct analysis.The governor sought CBN’s support in implementing favourable monetary policies to stabilise the economy and control inflation.He also sought for the training and capacity-building programmes for financial managers and policymakers in the state to enhance their ability to manage the state economy more effectively.The governor requested the CBN to facilitate partnership with development finance institutions to fund large-scale projects such as agricultural mechanization, industrial parks, special economic zones, and major infrastructure projects to spur economic development across the state.Alia urged the apex bank to work with the Benue State Government to develop and implement policies that improve the business environment, reduce bureaucracy, and attract domestic and foreign investments.Other areas, he said, were in providing technical assistance and support for economic planning, budget management, and the implementation of economic reforms to strengthen the state’s economic framework.He said there was a need to encourage the adoption of digital finance solutions and innovations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and broaden access to financial services across the state.The governor appreciated the CBN for its support to the state, including the release of 60 trailers loaded with fertiliser, which was distributed to farmers to boost food production and achieve food security.In his remarks, Cordoso commended Alia for the visit and thanked him for the initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy.Cordoso noted that prevailing insecurity in food producing areas and high cost of transportation of farm produce are also contributing to the rise in food inflation in the country.He said the increasing activities of middlemen who often finance smallholder farmers, aggregate, hoard and move farm produce across the border to neighbouring countries, has contributed to the problem of scarcity of foodstuffs across the country.The CBN governor said there was a need to check such activities in order to address the food supply deficit in the Nigerian market and moderate food prices.The CBN governor assured the Governor that the bank would ensure credit development financial institutions, the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture partner the state for more grants and loan facilities for effective growth and development in various sectors.He assured the governor that the CBN was ready to work with the Benue state government in various areas to boost the state’s economy.
By Lubem Myaornyi, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt commiserations to the family of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who passed away yesterday.Chief Iwuanyanwu who was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.
Tinubu condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss. The president affirmed that the departed elder statesman will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy and prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort to his family. The son of the deceased, Jide Iwuanyanwu announced his demise in a statement yesterday in Owerri.The statement read, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82.“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife Lady Princess Iwuanyanwu many children and grandchildren including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa Managing Director Champion Newspapers. Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultations.”
Tinubu Approves Management Unit for Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative
SharePresident Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) domiciled in the Office of...
FG Denies Slash in Students’ Allowances
Share The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently projected in the media.The...
Planned Protests: CAN calls for calm and patience
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, has urged Nigerians to calm and patient with...
Senate Consultant Scores Benue LG Bureau High on Projects Execution
ShareThe Consultant for Senate Standing Committee on States and Local Government Administration, Engineer Kayode Adegbayo has described the quality of...
Doctor Mark Ogbodo: A Man Destined for Success
ShareBy Paul Ugah Henry Miller once said, “Every man has his own destiny, the only imperative is to follow it,...
Ignore Anti -government Protests, Wike Begs Abuja Residents
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has called on residents of the...
Reps Commit to Ensure Legislations for Better Skills Acquisition, Management
ShareBy Ubong Ukpong, Abuja The House of Representatives on Thursday pledged its continuous commitment to ensure legislations that would align...
Economic Sabotage: Senate Summons Petroleum Minister, NNPCl, CBN, NPA, Others for Interrogation
ShareBy Eze Okechukwu, Abuja The Senate is blowing hot over alleged economic sabotage by stakeholders within the petroleum sector, thus...
Dialogue with Organisers of August 1 Protest, AANI Urges FG
ShareBy Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has advised the Federal Government to dialogue with...
Stigmatization: CSO Urges Kogi Gov to Assent Bill Protecting HIV Patients
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja Civil Society Organisation, Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), has called on the Kogi State...