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Tag: Nasarawa State

  • Catholic priest sponsors 136 couples in Nasarawa state

    Catholic priest sponsors 136 couples in Nasarawa state

    Rev. Fr. Lawrence Soja-Anyembugu, Parish Priest in charge of St Sylvester Catholic Church, New Nyanya, Nasarawa state, has sponsored the marriage of 136 couples within two weeks.

    Soja-Anyembugu, announced this to newsmen on Saturday during the marriage matrimony of 83 couples in commemoration of his 10th priestly anniversary in St Patrick Catholic Church, Akwanga, Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the gesture was extended to the people, who do not marry in the church to enable them to receive the sacrament of holy matrimony.

    According to him, the step will also enable those who did not marry in the church to receive the sacrament of holy matrimony and to get their marriage blessed.

    “I have decided to celebrate my 10th priestly anniversary to sponsored mass wedding for people who indicated their interest to have their marriage blessed in the church as at Feb. 3, I have sponsored 53 couples in St Sylvester Catholic Church, New Nyanya.

    “Today, I have sponsored 83 couples making a total of 136 couples to enable them get the sacrament of holy matrimony as well as to give them a sense of belonging,” he said.

    The priest called on the couples to continue to be patient, tolerate one another for them to have a peaceful home, adding marriage is all about endurance and patience.

    “The importance of church marriage cannot be over-emphasized as it will promote peace among the couples and also will enable them to get more blessings and God’s favour.”

    Soja-Anyembugu, called on the couples and other Nigerians to live exemplary lives by inculcating moral values in their children and for the overall development of the country.

    He also advised Christians and other Nigerians against engaging in unruly behaviours and other sharp practices, so that they can inherit the kingdom of heaven.

    The cleric called on the members of the church and Nigerians to be law abiding and respect constituted authorities and engage in activities that would promote peace and unity of the country.

    Earlier, Prof. Cletus Tanimu Gotan, the Vicar General, Jos Archdiocese, who is also the guest preacher at the occasion called on the couples to live peacefully with each other in order to inherit the kingdom of God.

    He quoted many verses in the bible that preached love, affection, calling on the couples and Nigerians to show love and live in unity with one another in the interest of development.

    The wedding ceremony was attended by many well wishers including the Nasarawa state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Mary Enwongulu, politicians, priests, traditional and religion leaders among others.

    NAN

  • Benue’ll not succumb to any move to repeal law – Ortom

    Benue’ll not succumb to any move to repeal law – Ortom

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom says his government would not succumb to any intimidation or move to repeal the open grazing, prohibition and ranches establishment law.

    Governor Ortom stated this when he visited Three Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camps including Abagena, LGEA Primary School Daudu and United Nations High Commission for refugees ( UNHC ) Shelter.

    He restated his resolve to continue to call on the Federal Government to rise and stop the killings and displacement of Benue people by Fulani herdsmen as such was the lawful thing to do.

    Governor Ortom stated that the federal government with the capacity to stop the killings in the state had allowed People to be playing game with the matter to divert attention by accusing his administration of raising Six Thousand militia men and making inflammatory remarks.

    The Governor directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Cecilia Ojabo to deploy a team of medical personnel to the Abagena IDP camp newly created to provide health services there.

    Governor Ortom also directed that security Personnel be provided at the new Abagena camp housing displaced persons from neighbouring Nasarawa State to ensure adequate security.

    He also called for humanitarian assistance from civil society groups,spirited individuals and the international community,adding that the number of displaced persons and their needs far outweigh resources of the state.

    Earlier, Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. Emmanuel Shior said the Abagena camp has over Six Thousand most of who were from Nasarawa state, adding that relief materials had equally been deployed there.

  • No confirmed case of Lassa fever in Abuja – Director

    No confirmed case of Lassa fever in Abuja – Director

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA ) said it has not yet recorded any case of Lassa fever in the territory. The FCT’s Director of Public Health, Dr Humphrey Okoroukwu made this known in an interview with reporters in Abuja on Friday.
    He dismissed the speculation on the reported case of Lassa fever in Asokoro General Hospital as “false”. Okoroukwu explained that some samples of the suspected cases were taken to Irrua Laboratory in Edo State and the result was negative, while that of another suspected cases admitted in one of the hospitals in FCT was being awaited.
    According to him, the FCTA has deployed its Health Promotion Education Team to sensitise residents in markets, motor parks, schools and streets on the causes and symptoms on Lassa fever for them to take proactive measures against the deadly disease. He said that his department had begun Facility-Based Clinical Sensitisations in hospitals to educate medical personnel and other health workers about Lassa Fever which had been reported in some states across the federation.

    READ ALSO: NESG canvasses reforms to improve access to education, healthcare

    Okoroukwu noted also that the sensitisation was because some doctors had died as a result of the disease outbreak in other states.
    “We have been going from one hospital to the other to sensitise our medical professionals on how they can identify and handle suspected cases.
    “We have Disease Surveillance Structure in communities, wards and area councils, we have sensitized them and they are on red alert,” he said.
    The director stressed that the proactive measures were necessary because of the territory’s proximity with Kogi and Nasarawa states where cases of Lassa fever had been reported.
    Okoroukwu assured the residents that the administration was doing everything possible to prevent Lassa fever outbreak in the FCT.

    NAN

  • NSCDC arrests man for defiling minor in Nasarawa

    NSCDC arrests man for defiling minor in Nasarawa

    The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) on Monday arrested Haruna Abdulkadir, 30,  from Daddare, Obi Local Government Area, for allegedly defiling a 13-year old girl.

    Mohammed Mahmoud-Fari, the State Commandant of the NSCDC told newsmen in Lafia that the suspect had on Jan. 20 allegedly defiled the minor and fled the community.

    He was, however, arrested from his hideout in Daddere village on Monday following a man-hunt by security operatives.

    According to Mahmoud-Fari, when the news of the defilement broke, family and relatives of the victim went in search of the suspect and in the process, there was a free-for-all  between the two groups.

    “Friends of the suspect inflicted bodily harm on the relatives of the victim and were arrested by the NSCDC, following the report of the incident,” Mahmoud-Fari said.

    Mahmoud-Fari said the suspect who confessed to the crime during interrogation, however,  pleaded for mercy.

    He said preliminary investigation and medical observation of the victim revealed that there was penetration, saying she however, tested negative to sexually transmitted infections.

    Mahmoud-Fari said the command would ensure that justice was done by prosecuting the suspect in order to serve as a deterrent to other pedophiles.

    Meanwhile, the commandant also paraded 12 suspects arrested for various offences including theft, assault and conspiracy to purchase stolen properties.

    He said all the suspects would be arraigned appropriately as soon as investigations were concluded.

    The NSCDC boss warned those with criminal tendencies to desist from them or  be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

    NAN

  • Buhari to visit Nasarawa on Feb. 6

    Buhari to visit Nasarawa on Feb. 6

    Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State said on Friday that arrangements have been concluded for the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state on Feb. 6.

    Al-Makura disclosed this in Lafia while receiving reports of fact finding and investigative committee set up to look into the activities of tertiary institutions in the state from 2014 to 2017.

    ‘‘I am happy to announce that Mr President has graciously accepted to visit Nasarawa State on February 6,” he said.

    He said that during the visit, President Buhari would inaugurate various projects initiated and completed by the current administration for the benefit of the people.

    The governor urged the people of the various communities where the president would visit to cooperate with the committee constituted by the state government to ensure a successful outing.

    One of the projects slated to be inaugurated by the President is the Comprehensive Special School, Lafia.

    The school was built to cater for the educational needs of the physically challenged children.

    NAN

  • Court remands two men over impersonation, possession of weapons

    Court remands two men over impersonation, possession of weapons

    Court remands two men over impersonation, possession of weapons. A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State, on Friday ordered the remand of two men over alleged impersonation, extortion and possession of dangerous weapons.

    The Judge, Ibrahim Shekarau, who ordered the remand of Pius Wuyab, 18, and Emmanuel Aboh, 30, in Keffi Prison custody, adjourned the case until Jan. 29, for trial.

    Shekarau said that the defendants should be in prison to enable the police conduct proper investigation.

    The defendants who reside at Aso, Mararaba, are facing a three-count charge bordering on impersonation, extortion and being in possession of dangerous weapons.

    They however pleaded not guilty to the chrges.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, told the court that one Asp. Hamen Gabriel reported the matter at the “A” Police Division, Mararaba on Dec. 20, 2017 at about 10:a.m.

    Donald said that the complainant alleged that the accused persons committed the offences at Calvary Road, Aso, Mararaba on Dec.19 at 10.30 p.m.

    “The complainant said that while a team of police officers were on patrol around Calvary area in Aso, Mararaba, they seized an unregistered Baja motorcycle on their way to the station

    “They defendants intimidated the officer and collected the motorcycle from him, saying that they were serving with the Nigerian Army,”

    “They conspired and disguised themselves in army uniform (camouflage), armed themselves with dangerous weapons and stopped the officer who was taking the motorcycle to the station.

    He said that the suspects were pursued and arrested by other police officers.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 95, 132 and 292 of the Penal Code.

    The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty.

    NAN

  • FMC Keffi records three suspected cases of Lassa fever

    FMC Keffi records three suspected cases of Lassa fever

    Dr Giyan Joshua-Ndom, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa State, says the hospital is currently handling three cases of suspected Lassa fever.

    Joshua-Ndom told our reporter in Keffi on Thursday that the hospital had taken the patients’ blood samples for test to ascertain whether or not they had the disease.

    “The patients have been separated from other patients.

    “There are three suspected cases and we have taken adequate measures in order to tackle the situation because the health of the people is our concern.

    “I want to use this medium to appeal to patients and members of the public not to panic, but to remain calm.

    “Necessary steps have been taken to avert the spread of the virus in case there is any,” he said.

    The medical director also restated the commitment of the centre to good policies and projects that had direct bearing on the lives of Nigerians.

    Lassa fever is transmitted to human through contamination of broken skin via direct or indirect contact with the excreta or urine of infected rat.

    One can also contract it through the consumption of contaminated rat.

    NAN

  • Not time for bickering

    Not time for bickering

    Two governors of neighbouring states, both elected on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have different ideas of the cause, and thus solution to the herdsmen crises ravaging various parts of the country. Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Tanko Al Makura of Nasarawa State are at war over the location of the killer herdsmen who have invaded and murdered many farmers and innocent residents of Benue State. Ortom accused the neighbouring Nasarawa of harbouring and, perhaps, supporting the herdsmen who allegedly strike from Tonga and recoil there to avoid being apprehended by the security forces. But, Al Makura has expressed angst that his colleague could make an allegation he regarded as wild. The Nasarawa State governor explained that he was so concerned about the crisis that he had to cut short his vacation to lend a helping hand. He said many of the displaced Benue residents have been accommodated in the same Awe Local Government that Ortom claimed hosts the murderers.

    The tango is uncalled for. The two gentlemen are supposed to share and compare notes with a view to finding a lasting solution to what has become a major plague. If Gov. Ortom could be running to Abuja so frequently to seek support and solution to the crisis, it is surprising that he never considered visiting neighbouring states with a view to finding and tackling the problem at its root. What would Gov. Al Makura gain by being a source of Benue’s pain? Why would the [people of Nasarawa be allies of the marauding herdsmen who are not doing the same in their own state?

    We understand the pressure under which Governor Ortom is operating and the likely consequences. However, it is the mark of leadership that a man weighs his words and actions because of the likely effects. Utterances have been known to set communities and countries ablaze. At this point what Benue needs are friends, not enemies. If Gov. Al Makura were to react to the allegations by his Benue counterpart, he would send the displaced persons back to their state of origin and that would not only deepen the woes of the people, but is capable of exacerbating the crisis.

    We are surprised that the security forces are yet to get to the root of a crisis that has festered for so long. Had the Police and the Department of State Services responded promptly and professionally to the crisis when it began, there would have been no controversy over the location of the purveyors of death and their modes of operation. The Federal Government should be reminded again that the primary purpose of governance is two-fold -security of lives and property and welfare of the citizens. Any government that fails in these respects does not deserve the support and respect of the people. So far, government agencies have failed the Benue people and, by extension Taraba and other states. It was this failure that led to the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law and increased tension between farmers and the herdsmen.

    What has the government done to rein in and bring the murderers to book? What, too, has been done to ensure that the herdsmen have access year-round to water and grazing for their livestock? Do we have a virile policy that would promote livestock farming in the most conducive environment? It is unfortunate that the President had to wait for the sacrifice of about 73 lives in the latest round of butchery before he realised the need to dispatch the Inspector General of Police to the State, and send the Interior Minister to assess the situation. Mr. President should realise that the whole country is his constituency and injury to one is injury to all. He has to learn to respond more swiftly to crisis. It is his predilection for slow reaction that has given rise to allegations that he supports crimes committed by the Fulani. Indeed, this is a wakeup call to him and his government.

  • Father, daughter arraigned for ‘cheating’

    Father, daughter arraigned for ‘cheating’

    A 60-year-old man, Inusa Aliyu, and his daughter, Jamilia, were yesterday arraigned at a Masaka Upper Area Court, Nasarawa State, for alleged cheating.

    The defendants, who live at Luvu Masaka, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, breach of trust and cheating.

    The prosecutor, Frank Swem, told the court that Yusuf Mamuda, a resident of Kurudu, Abuja, reported the matter at the Divisional Police Station, Masaka, on January 4

    Swem alleged that in September, a man simply identified as Haruna, now at large, conspired with Aliyu to persuade Mamuda to marry Jamilia.

    He told the court Haruna and Aliyu capitalised on the fact that Mamuda was searching for a wife. They asked him to pay N650,000 for the marriage rite.

    Quoting the complainant, Swem said: “When it occurred to me to investigate, to avoid taking an already married  woman, I requested her divorce certificate, since they claimed Jamilia is a divorcee.

    “They were unable to produce the certificate as claimed; they asked me to give them N60,000 to enable them travel to Zamfara to bring the certificate,” Swem said.

    The prosecutor said the complainant gave them the N60,000, but they failed to produce the certificate.

    However, he said Jamilia later told Mamuda that she won’t marry him, as everything was a conspiracy between her father and Haruna, to defraud him.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    According to him, the offences contravened sections 97, 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

    The judge, Yakubu Ishaku, granted the defendants N500,000 bail each, with a reliable surety each.

    He adjourned till January 19.

  • Troops arrest gunrunner, arms manufacturer

    Troops arrest gunrunner, arms manufacturer

    Troops in Nasarawa State have arrested a gunrunner, Mohammed Bello, and arms manufacturer, Dan Asabe Audu.

    The troops, on internal security operations arrested the gunrunner at Akwanga, Nasarawa, on his way to Saminaka, in Kaduna State, on Wednesday.

    A statement by the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brig. General Sani Usman, said through the gunrunner, troops arrested the manufacturer at Angbo in Wamba Local Government.

    Usman said: “Troops of Nigerian Army on internal security operations deployed at Akwanga highway Nasarawa State, on Wednesday arrested a suspected gun runner, Mohammed Bello, in an Opel Vectra Saloon Car with the fabricated guns heading to Saminaka to link up with his gang leader Damina Saminaka.

    “During interrogation, the suspect claimed to purchase the weapons for N30,000, from a blacksmith gun fabricator named Dan Asabe Audu, who lives at Angbo Village, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    “Determined to get to the root of the matter, the troops further went to the village where they found out that indeed Dan Asabe Audu has been in the business of illegal arms manufacturing for criminals for quite some time. They found a complete arms factory with equipment and the products at various stages of production.

    “Specifically, the troops recovered three completely locally fabricated guns, 20 locally fabricated guns at various stages of production, seven units of 9mm empty cases, one 9mm blank ammunition,  two drilling machine, one power generating set and three mobile telephone handsets. The suspects would soon be handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and prosecution.

    “The public is kindly requested to provide useful information that will assist the military and security agencies in apprehending such criminals to make our society safe”.