Two persons have been killed in the Akate area of Taraba State.

  

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Gunmen on Tuesday morning attacked Gbuo village in Akate Ward of Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State killing two persons.

Chief Ugondo Uma, the Traditional Ruler of Tiv in Donga LGA who confirmed the attack to newsmen, accused the Jukun militia of the attack.

Chief Uma said that the attack came at a time farmers when going about their normal farm work in the area.

He also said that no house was burnt, and called on the security to be vigilant, especially at the Donga-Wukari border.

The monarch condemned the attack and condoled with the families of the bereaved. 

He appealed to the people to remain calm and encouraged them to go about their normal farming activities.

"We have recorded several unprovoked attacks on the axis of Gbuo and Akinde villages.

"It has become a common occurrence in recent times without security checks.

"We are calling on all the security agents and the state government to ensure that this ugly trend does not continue anymore.

"Our people are predominantly farmers and peace-loving. We are therefore appealing to the security agencies to intensify checks on the Donga Wukari border to ensure it does not reoccur,'' he said.

Police nab 28 suspects for various crimes in Taraba

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Operative of the Nigeria Police Force, Taraba State command, has paraded 28 suspects for various crimes across the state from March to April.

The suspects include a fake police officer, who was arrested for involvement in aiding criminals in the State.

Taraba State Commissioner of Police, David Iloyonomon on Thursday disclosed this while parading suspects in Jalingo, the State capital, appealed to residents of the State to cooperate with the police and other security agencies in the fight against crime by providing credible information to enable the force to serve them better.

"On 22/03/2024, Police operatives attached to Gembu Division arrested one Abdulkarim Ibrahim at Perogal Tunga village in Sardauna LGA. The suspect who has been terrorizing villages in the Local Government confessed to having been involved in several kidnappings. 

"On 01/04/2024 at about 2246hrs, one Ahmed Debat 'm' of Federal University Wukari, reported at Wukari Division that, on same date at about 2130hrs, unknown gunmen invaded one Eatery belonging to one Moses Innocent Lyntapwa 'm' of Ranok Estate along Zaki-Biam/Wukari road and kidnapped two of his workers namely; (1) Joshua Sardauna 'm' and Chichi 'f all students of Federal University to unknown destination.

"On 04/04/2024 Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping team arrested one Garba Yahaya 'm' of Ali Yola village, Gassol LGA and one Abdullahi Usman Mohammed 'm' of Angwan Galadima, Yola town. The suspects confessed to having been involved in a series of kidnappings in Gassol LGA and have collected six million nine hundred naira from one Alhaji Bugga. The sum of eight hundred and fifty thousand and two live cartridges was recovered.

"On 11/04./2024, a team of Police detectives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID), Taraba State Command arrested one Mohammed Ismail 'm' 32years old, for posing as a police officer and defrauded, by way of extorting gullible and high-profile personalities. 

"Investigation has also revealed that his phone contains police signals of postings and transfers of both junior and senior officers which he uses to deceive unsuspecting victims. Other indicting evidence against the suspect is the pictures in his phone gallery, where he dressed in police uniform, mostly camouflage, posing with AK47 riffle, Berretta, Pistol and other police accoutrements to intimidate people. A toy gun was recovered. The case is still under investigation to arrest his collaborators within and outside the Police Force.

"Taraba State Police Command will remain committed to upholding law and order. We commend the dedication of our officers and men and also urge the public to continue to cooperate with the police at all levels and volunteer vital information to aid the fight against crime", he said.

Let's build a society of our dreams- Gov Kefas tells NYSC

From Godwin Agia, Jaling

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas on Tuesday, urged newly sworn-in corps members posted to serve in the State to join hands and build a better society where peace and harmony can prevail.

Kefas gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch 'A' stream 2 orientation course, at the Sibere permanent orientation camp in Ardo-kola local government area of the State. 

Represented by Mrs Indo Markson, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Kefas urged Corps members to see themselves as a solution to Nigeria's myriad challenges.

"Let me stress here, that the role of Corps Members in the development of our dear Nation especially, the rural and semi-urban communities cannot be overemphasized.

"Therefore, as the Government works towards the improvement of the living standard of the people of the State, I urge you to join hands with us to build a society of our dreams. It is imperative to state that your mobilisation at this critical point in our nation's history is a worthy challenge, as the nation sees in you, the solution to its myriad problems.

"You are thus, expected to rise to the challenge by exhibiting the time-tested ideals of patriotism, commitment, and discipline values which you are expected to imbibe during this three-week Orientation Exercise.

"I want to reassure you that my administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the welfare and security of corps members in the state is guaranteed during and after the Orientation Course. The government will continue to synergize with the NYSC management to support the realisation of the laudable. programmes and activities of the Scheme in the State.

"The Peoples of Taraba State are welcoming, peace-loving and accommodating. You will in no time, discover that Taraba State is "a home away from home." I, therefore, entreat you to remain in the State", he said.

In his address, the newly appointed Taraba NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Ella Aji Williams, said the orientation course would create an opportunity for the Corps members to be inducted into the policy guidelines of the NYSC scheme and to also prepare them on the best way to render their selfless services to their fatherland.

Mr Aji said 1042 corps members were fully registered and sworn in for the next service year by Justice Nuhu Adi.

According to him, "I must confess that as the new State Coordinator of the NYSC scheme in Taraba State, I am amazed at the level of support the scheme had enjoyed from the State Government, prominent among which include the donation of Mattresses and Construction of a state of the art parade ground which is unarguably one of the best In the country among other gestures too numerous to mention. I equally look forward to maintaining a harmonious relationship with the state government for the development of Taraba State. 

"I wish to reassure the governor of our readiness to always play our role in the implementation of the "Moving Forward" Agenda of his administration. To this end, a good number of these corps members will be posted, after the orientation course to the Educational, Health, Infrastructural, Engineering, Tourism, and Agricultural sectors to add value, ingenuity, and creativity to the growth and development of the State".

Gen. TY Danjuma: The whole country is a war front

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) has said that the whole of Nigeria is a war front of people killing people and the urgent need to address it.

Danjuma made this known on Friday in Nwonyo village in the Ibi Local government area of Taraba State during his speech as the Chairman of the annual Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival.

The elder statesman disclosed that Nigeria is regrettably a war front and theatre of absurdities that leaves a sour taste in the minds of people in every sane society.

He maintained that Nigeria as a country must put its house in order and put a check on the glaring insecurity and other vices that are bedevilling the country.

According to Danjuma, "The festival stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Taraba State that we cherish and celebrate with great pride. It showcases our cultural values and serves as a symbol of our unity. Let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of the occasion. It is a symbol of the resilience and determination of our people in the face of daunting challenges.

"Let us renew our commitment to promoting peace, and harmony and celebrate the bonds that unite us as one family. May this occasion be a reminder of who we are and the strength that lies in our unity.

"We must put our own house in order and have peace in our state and throughout the country if we want this to be truly an international festival. There is no sane foreigner who will come to celebrate with us if we continue to disgrace ourselves as we do.

"As we are today in Nigeria, we are a disgrace to the whole world. The whole country is a war front of our people killing our people. We are a laughing stock to the rear of the whole world. We must put our house in order. We must make our roads safe and stop kidnapping people. We must learn to live together as a country and as a people" he said.

In his remarks, the Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas said that his government is committed to ensuring justice and peace so that development can take its rightful course. 

Kefas maintained that Taraba State, as a nature's gift to the nation, must be showcased to the rest of the world so that the enormous potential of the state could be fully utilized.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Governor of Adamawa State Governor Ummaru Fintiri commended the Taraba State government for reviving the festival after Ten years of negligence and urged the people to use the occasion to unite and live harmoniously.

The3rd class chief of Sansani has been murderd by Gunmen

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Unknown gunmen on Thursday night invaded the palace of the third class Chief of Sansanani in Gassol local government area of Taraba State and killed the traditional ruler Alh. Abdullmutalib Jarkada. 

Our correspondent also gathered that the gunmen while on their way out of the palace shot and broke the leg of a motorcyclist.

Although the details of the development remained sketchy at the time of filing this report, the State government has yet to release an official statement regarding the killing.

Meanwhile, the deceased brother, Mr Salihu Yusuf Sansanani Confirmed the incident Friday morning to our correspondent and described the murder of his brother as shocking, unfortunate and indeed a great loss to the family.

"The Monarch was reportedly shot dead in his palace on Thursday night by some unknown gunmen, who also on their way shot and broke leg the leg of a motorcyclist," he said.

JUKUN WOMAN TRAINS FEMALE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN WUKARI IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

By Henry Agbu 

A day programme for public and private secondary schools for science students known as Science Technology Engineer and Mathematics STEM  has been held in wukari town.

 The program which was organized by the Jukun woman is to provide resources that equip the Jukun woman to find her voice and empower her to break every gender limitation the society has placed on her path.

The founder of the Jukun Woman Favour Wazota Agbu who spoke through telecast said she introduced the STEM programme to give a proper orientation and guide to students for them to succeed in choosing their future careers.

She explained that the program is directly to the girls because most of the girls were lacking in science. 

She indicated her interest in science subjects and encouraged girls to go for science stressing that if she was guided properly could have been a medical doctor or pharmacy.

Also speaking, the program officer, Dorcas Elisha said what they actually want to achieve is to expose the girls to STEM careers.

She noted that there is a gender gap in STEM careers where men are much more represented than female.

Elisha pointed out that through the program girls will be inspired and encouraged to join the STEM career as they want to succeed in life.

She assured that the program would continue to move forward for the betterment of the girls and sought collaboration with other stakeholders in the educational and nonprofit sectors to create more awareness of the STEM education need in the region.

Earlier the Wukari education secretary Daniel Yohanna Gambo Basuna commended the effort of the founder of the Jukun woman said the introduction of the program is an added advantage to the community.

In her presentation, Chinwendu Evian Madubueze a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture Benin, encouraged the girls to study Mathematics adding that there are benefits and a lot of opportunities for female mathematicians.

Our correspondent reports that there were different telecasts from different resource persons who spoke on girls in STEM.

Also, the Provost of the Taraba State College for Health Technology Takum, Wam a Binga spoke during the event

Similarly, many science students who were interviewed expressed happiness in encouraging them to study science subjects in school.

Tiv Community in Bali Taraba State Seeks Security Amid Land Dispute

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Residents of Piou Community in Bali, Taraba State, are urgently requesting security protection from the state government. Mr. Michael Dadu, the leader of the Tiv community in Piou, addressed the press in Jalingo on Saturday, expressing concerns about threats of violence from buyers who acquired their farmlands, previously seized and sold by Piou's traditional leaders.

Dadu recounted that the Chairman of Bali Local Government, Hon. Aboki Dauda, had instructed the traditional ruler of Zudai, Mallam Mijinyawa Mohammed, to return over 4,000 hectares of farmland seized from the Tiv community. Despite this directive, the Tiv community now faces serious threats to their lives and safety, with some buyers occupying the land and carrying various weapons.

These illegal occupants are even demolishing existing structures to build their own houses. Dadu emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that if any harm befalls members of the Tiv community in Piou, the Kindred Head should be held accountable.

"We are constantly threatened with violence by those who purchased our farmlands," Dadu stated. "They brandish weapons and intimidate us with the prospect of violent attacks. They have destroyed our homes, wells, graves, and trees, and are now erecting buildings on our land."

He called on the state and local governments, as well as security agencies, to swiftly intervene to restore peace in their community. Dadu emphasized the community's commitment to the law and expressed confidence in the government's ability to resolve the situation.

"Our daily reality resembles 'Nightfall in Soweto,' where fear and tribulations dominate the environment," he added.

Our reporter says the Bali Local Government Council had previously instructed the traditional ruler of Zudai to return the seized farmlands within two weeks.

The Kidnapped students of Federal University Wukari have regained freedom

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The two students recently kidnapped at the Federal University Wukari (FUW) in Taraba State, Joshua Sardauna and Onianu Elizabeth, have regained freedom.

The Institution's Head of Information and Protocol, Ashu Agbu, confirmed their release to our correspondent over the telephone on Friday.

Mrs Agbu said the students regained freedom Thursday night after the payment of an undisclosed amount of money to their abductors.

Mr Sardauna, a student of Economics, and Miss Elizabeth of the Microbiology department were earlier this month kidnapped by unknown gunmen from an eatery on the university premises.

The kidnappers eventually contacted the university authorities and demanded the sum of N50 million as ransom for their release. The ransom was later renegotiated down to N12 million.

Our correspondent learned from sources in the Institution that N700,000 was paid after a series of negotiations to secure their release.

The unknown gunmen were said to have abducted the students after missing their target, the CEO of the eatery.

Eid-el-Fitr: ALGON chairman tasks Muslims to extend goodwill beyond Ramadan

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Taraba State chapter has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the completion of the Ramadan fast.

In a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo by the ALGON chairman and Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Council, Alh. Aminu Jauro Hassan has urged Muslim Ummah to extend good conduct beyond the Holy month of Ramadan.

According to the statement, "To the Muslim Ummah across the state, let us reflect on the profound significance of this spiritual journey in Islam as we bid farewell to the sacred month of Ramadan and celebrate the completion of fasting.

"Ramadan has been a time of self-reflection, devotion, and renewal of faith. It is a period when Muslims around the world strive for spiritual purification, seeking closeness to Allah through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity.

"We have fasted from dawn to dusk, refraining not only from food and drink but also from negative thoughts and behaviors, in obedience to Allah's commandments.

"Let us extend this good conduct even as we exit the month of Ramadan and continue with our daily lives. 

"let us reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence with our brothers and sisters of other faiths. We must continue to foster mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance among all religious communities. 

"We reflect on the significance of this celebration for the Muslim Ummah worldwide, we want to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas as he witnesses his first Ramadan Celebration in office.

"As you join in the festivities of this celebration, may Allah continue to guide and bless you with wisdom, strength, and compassion in your service to the people of Taraba State. 

"We commended the governor for his commitment to fostering harmony, understanding, and development in Taraba State is commendable and deeply appreciated," the statement added

Gunmen have kidnaped two students of Federal University Wukari, Taraba State

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Gunmen suspected to be  Fulani herdsmen on Monday invaded Federal University Wukari, Taraba state, and abducted two students.

Mr. Sule Gani, the chief security officer of the university who confirmed the incident in a phone conversation with our reporter said that the kidnapped students a male and a female had already graduated but were in the school to rewrite examinations for courses they failed.

Gani said that the kidnappers abducted the victims in a restaurant on the campus.

"Yes, Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded the university yesterday and abducted two of our students. 

"They were eating at one of the shops within the university when the armed herdsmen invaded. Both the food sellers and other eye witness of the incident confirmed to us that the attackers were Fulani.

"We have mobilized both the military and police who are doing their best to ensure the rescue of the students" The University chief security officer confirmed.

Gun powder killed 3 kids, injures four in Taraba- Police

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba state police command has on Sunday debunked claims of an improvised Explosive device explosion or Dynamite explosion that has led to the death of three children in Didango Geita village of Karim lamidLamidoo local government area of the state.

The State Commissioner of police David Iloyonomon while refuting the claims asserted that the three children who died were playing with a dane gun that exploded.

According to him, the four other children playing under the tree were injured with one affected and receiving treatment at the state's specialist hospital located in Jalingo, the state capital. 

''One Danjuma Audu gave the information to the police that there was an explosion which resulted in the dead of three youngsters and the injury of four others ''

''On the receipt of the information, we deployed the anti-bomb unit of the Nigeria Police Force who rushed to the  scene, conducted a professional and thorough search and discovered that no exhibit is related to dynamite or IED recovered from the scene ''

''Instead, they recovered pallets from a dane gun which was evident in the bodies of the casualties and suspected to be responsible for their dead ''

''Since there was no assailant, it is suspected to be an accidental discharge.

The commissioner of police further revealed that the scene of the incident has been condoned and the investigation is still ongoing to unravel more facts. 

''Further findings by the E.O.D unit revealed that the three pallets recovered are used in conjunction with gunpowder to prepare ammunition for Dane guns.

''Thereafter we went to further interview Mallam Danjuma Audu who reported the incident to the police, revealed that the three children that died were the ones on top of the tree on the farm, while the other four that were on the ground sustained injuries and that's a very clear evidence to show that it is not an IED explosion, because if it were to be IED or dynamite explosion, those children on the ground and on the tree would have been shattered beyond recognition,'' he said.

The police commissioner identified the three deceased children as Miracle Danjuma 11 years old, Liyacheyan Bitrus 12 years old, and Kefas Bitrus 11 years old, with the first casualty Miracle Danjuma the son of the man who reported the incident. 

Others that sustained varying degrees of injuries include Joseph Danjuma 8 years old,  Leah Aluda 8 years old, Godbless Hassan 7 years old, Christian Hassan 7 years old who happen to be the grandchildren of Danjuma Audu, the owner of an irrigation rice farm whom the children followed to assist in his farm.