NEWS
SEMA, BDIC, Homeland Security Sign MoU to Address Emergency Situations in Benue
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Emergency Management Agency on Monday signed a partnership with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security towards addressing emergency and security situations in the State.
The Executive Secretary of BSEMA, Dr James Iorpuu while signing the MoU, stressed the need for technological innovation in responding to emergencies.
He explained that the immense challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities, and the citizens of Benue State, necessitates innovative, technology-driven solutions that could strengthen capacity to respond effectively and efficiently to emergencies.
“We are setting the stage for a new era in emergency management and humanitarian response in Benue State. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to aligning our services with international standards, thereby positioning Benue as a model for other states in Nigeria.
“The partnership aims to integrate advanced digital tools into emergency management operations, enabling the state to better serve its citizens.
“The initiative is also part of the state’s efforts to align its services with international standards, positioning Benue as a model for other states in Nigeria.
“Your expertise and resources will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this initiative”, Iorpuu said.
He noted that the partnership with these agencies seek to integrate advanced digital tools into their operations enabling them to better serve the people of Benue State.
The Director-General, Homeland Security Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan rtd said the initiative is part of government’s effort to monitor what is happening in all the nooks and cranny of the State, adding that it is an integral system to ensure security of the people.
He said the company’s innovative use of scientific tools will assist in solving problems beyond those faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
On his part, the Managing Director, Bureau for Development and Infrastructure Company Terwase Gbande said plans are on to install surveillance monitors to guard against influx of foreign elements into the State.
He said the partnership will assist in providing quick intervention and timely response in emergency situations, monitoring activities in schools, camps, and other parts of the state for rapid response to security situations.
The Managing Director of BDIC noted that the company will provide solutions to security issues and other challenges facing the state.
He commended the Benue SEMA boss for the initiative for the partnership which he said will enhance emergency management not only of the IDPs but the whole state.
NEWS
FRSC Targets Over Loading, Dangerous Driving During Yuletide Travels in Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Katsina Command says it is targeting drivers who are in the habit of over loading and dangerous driving during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The state FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Aliyu Ma’aji, made this known at a news conference on Tuesday in Katsina.
Ma’aji said that the command was out to ensure zero road traffic deaths and crash-free during the festive period.
He said that the command had organised series of activities at motor parks, Mosques and Churches to enlighten motorists on the risks associated with dangerous driving and over loading.
Ma’aji also reminded prospective
passengers to always speak up against violations of traffic rules, dangerous driving and speeding by drivers in order to save their lives.
“Data indicated more passengers lost their lives than drivers during accidents,” the sector commander said.
He urged prospective passengers to always use faster channels to report road crashes and obstruction to the FRSC for possible rescuing without delay.
According to him, the command light tow truck had been strategically positioned in the event of any unforeseen eventuality.
He also announced that a mobile Court had also been set up for possible prosecution of traffic offenders on the spot.
Ma’aji, however, advised motorists to desist from mixing of goods and passengers in their vehicles, among other traffic violations. (NAN)
NEWS
FCTA to Ensure Effective Utilisation of Operational Vehicles by Security Agencies
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has taken steps to ensure effective utilisation of the 100 operational vehicles donated to security agencies in the FCT.
Mr Adamu Gwary, Director of the Security Service Department, FCTA, stated this during the department’s end-of-year news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike had in July donated 50 operational vehicles, equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies.
On Dec. 12, the minister donated additional 50 new operational vehicles to security agencies, totalling 100 vehicles so far distributed.
Gwary, a fellow of the National Defence College, said that the vehicles were marked to ensure that the FCT Administration gets value for the support given to the security agencies.
“Just yesterday we had a meeting with a service provider, who, through the Presidency, provided a reporting platform of crime statistics format in all our police divisions.
“We looked at it beyond just getting information on crime statistics. We expanded it to cover other components of the FCT Administration’s support to security agencies.
“This will give us a platform to ensure that whatever the administration has provided, particularly vehicular assets to help security agencies to perform optimally, are equally monitored.
“We will put our eyes and ears on those vehicles because they were given to them for the purpose of improving and enhancing the security situation in the FCT,” he said.
He added that when there was a need for the vehicles to be used outside the FCT, it must be connected to security issues affecting the territory, especially cross-border crime.
As Christians around the world prepare for Christmas and new year celebrations, the director called on FCT residents to support and cooperate with security agencies.
He said, “when you see something, say something and we will do something.” (NAN)
NEWS
Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Raping 5-yr-old girl in Gombe
The Nigeria Police, Gombe State Command, says it has arrested a 27-year-old man for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Pindiga community in Akko Local Government of the state.
ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the police’s spokesperson in the state said this on Tuesday in Gombe while parading the suspect and others.
Abdullahi said that the suspect had lured the victim to his parlour where he allegedly committed the crime.
He said that the victim was taken to the hospital for medical treatment where doctor also confirmed that she had been violated.
He said the matter was reported Dec. 15 about 8.30am against the suspect at Pingiga police station.
He said that the suspect (names withheld) had lured the 5-year-old to his home and allegedly had sexual intercourse with her.
“However, upon receipt of the complaint the above mentioned suspect was arrested.
“The victim was rushed to cottage hospital for medical treatment and for doctor’s confirmation,” he said.
Abdullahi stated that during the course of investigation, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime and would be charged to court for prosecution.
Besides, the command spokesman paraded 15 other suspects for various crimes ranging from criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of counterfeit Naira notes, amongst others,
Abdullahi restated the command’s commitment to tackling crimes in the state.(NAN)