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Tag: Nasarawa

  • Lassa Fever: 107 suspected cases in 10 states

    Lassa Fever: 107 suspected cases in 10 states

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has confirmed that Since the beginning of this year, a total number of 107 suspected Lassa fever cases have been recorded in ten States: Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo and Lagos States. As at 21st January 2018, the total number of confirmed cases is 61, with 16 deaths recorded. Ten health care workers have been infected in four States (Ebonyi – seven, Nasarawa – one, Kogi – one and Benue – one) with three deaths in Ebonyi State.

    It stated that Following the increasing number of Lassa fever cases reported from several States across the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response to the outbreak on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health.

    The EOC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to the most affected States- Ebonyi, Ondo and Edo States. The RRTs are supporting the States in response coordination, contact tracing, case management, risk communication and strengthening infection prevention and control practices. Emergency supplies have also been sent to treatment centres in all affected States.

    NCDC stated that it is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, African Field Epidemiology Network, US Centers for Disease Control, University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB), Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) and other agencies, in supporting the response in the affected States.

    Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures. Health care workers in health facilities are particularly at risk of contracting the disease, especially where infection prevention and control procedures are not strictly adhered to.

    Lassa fever can be prevented through practicing good personal hygiene and proper environmental sanitation. Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households, and other measures to discourage rodents from entering homes. Hand washing should be practiced frequently.

    The organisation reminded Health care workers that Lassa fever presents initially like any other disease causing a febrile illness such as malaria; and are advised to practice standard precautions at all times, maintaining a high index of suspicion. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) must be applied to all suspected cases of malaria. When the RDT is negative, other causes of febrile illness including Lassa fever should be considered. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment increase the chances of survival.

    Family members who are providing care for patients with Lassa fever should take extra caution. In addition, States are encouraged to ensure safe and dignified burial practices for patients who die from Lassa fever.

  • Man in court for alleged N211,000 fraud

    Man in court for alleged N211,000 fraud

    A 28-year-old man, Zailani Umar, has  appeared before a Mararaba Upper Area Court, Nasarawa State, for  alleged N211, 000 fraud and phone theft.

    Umar who resides in Karu, FCT, is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and theft.

    The prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, told the court that one Ogwolo Ngbede of Kabayi, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, reported the matter at the Divisional Police Station, Mararaba on Nov. 6, 2017.

    Donald said that the defendant conspired with one Musa Gainu, and Suzzy Okonkwo to steal the complainant’s  Nokia phone worth N5, 000.

    He added that the defendant used the stolen phone to defraud the complainant of N211,000 from his Access Bank and First Bank accounts.

    Read Also: Ex-minister, senator charged with ‘N650m fraud’

    The prosecutor said that in the course of investigations the account numbers were traced to the defendant, and he was arrested on Jan. 4.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 97, 287 and 17 of the Penal Code.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The judge, Ibrahim Shekarau, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000, with a surety in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until Jan. 29 for hearing.

    NAN

  • 18,000 displaced persons in Nasarawa

    18,000 displaced persons in Nasarawa

    The Nasarawa State Government said over 18,000 people had been displaced in Nasarawa State due to spillover of the killings in Benue.

    Special Adviser to Governor Umaru Al-Makura on Security Matters, Mohammed Adeka, stated this at a news conference in Lafia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing had in attendance all the Security Chiefs in the state, the Tiv Development Association (TIDA) and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), among others.

    Adeka explained that the address to reporters followed a decision taken at the state expanded Security Council meeting that was chaired by the governor.

    He added that reports showed that the spillover attacks in some communities of Benue had led to the displacement of so many people in the border towns between the two states.

    According to Adeka, there were over 18,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from various communities of Awe and Keana Local Government Areas taking refuge in 11 camps in the state.

    The security adviser said most of the IDPs were Tiv people, and that their communities were attacked by some unidentified miscreants.

    He said that already security had been beefed up in the affected areas and the government had set up mobile clinics as well as distributed relief materials to the IDPs.

    He assured residents that the government and the security agencies would do everything possible to arrest and prosecute the gunmen that were attacking innocent communities in the state.

    Mr Boniface Iter, TIDA President blamed the killings of some Tiv people in some communities of Awe and Keana local governments on the activities of ‘Terrorist Group’’.

    Mohammed Hussaini, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), said the Fulani and Tiv people in Nasarawa State were living peacefully.

    He added that the Fulani in the state were determined to stay in peace and harmony with other tribes for the development of the state.

  • Senator donates relief materials to displaced persons in Nasarawa

    Senator donates relief materials to displaced persons in Nasarawa

    Following the attacks on some communities along the  Nasarawa/Benue border by suspected herdsmen, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe has donated relief materials to displaced persons in the area.

    Adokwe, who represents Nasarawa South Senatorial District, made the donation on Wednesday at the Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs )  camp at  Awe,  Awe Local Government Area of the state.

    The senator  described the attacks as unfortunate and urged the IDPs to be patient and law abiding in the interest of development.

    The lawmaker, who was represented Mr  James Agbo,  donated over 1,000 tubers of yam, 20 bags of rice, 20 jerrycans of palm oil, 20 bags of salt and  20 cartons of  soap among others.

    Read also: Nasarawa increases retirees’ pension to N5, 000

    “ We are here to sympathise and to donate relief materials to the IDPs  who are taking refuge as a result of the recent killing in Nasarawa/Benue border communities.

    “The killing is  unfortunate  in an area where  people that have been living and  farming together wake up and find  themselves in this kind of situation.

    “It is very sad that this  farmers/herdsmen crisis is no longer  localised, but a national issue.

    “I wish that the Federal Government takes  a measure quickly in order to find a way of stopping this  crisis in the interest of peace and development.

    “I will use my position as their representative at the upper chamber of the National Assembly to liaise with the government to provide adequate security for the protection of lives and properties of my constituents, the state and Nigeria at large,” he said.

    Adokwe, who is  also  the Chairman of the  Senate Committee on Information and Culture,  assured the people of his constituency of   robust and quality representation.

    Mr  Charles Gusa, who spoke on behalf of the IDPs,  lauded the humanitarian gesture of  Adokwe and called on other politicians and individuals to emulate him.

    Gusa also urged the government to provide adequate security in  the affected communities to enable IDPs  return home.

    The senator’s delegation had earlier paid  homage to the Emir of Awe, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, who had commended the humanitarian gesture.

    Reports say that there are more than 15,000 IDPs camped in different  locations in the state.

    NAN

  • Plateau United FC ready for 2017/2018 NPFL season

    Plateau United FC ready for 2017/2018 NPFL season

    Defending champions, Plateau United Football Club of Jos on Wednesday said they were fully prepared for the new 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) season which begins on Sunday.

    Albert Dakup, the club’s Media Officer, said in Jos that the management has put in place all necessities for a successful outing.

    He recalled that the club had shortly after the end of last season released 12 players whose service were no longer needed.

    “In their stead, the club has recruited 12 new players to strengthen the team for the new NPFL season, as well as its continental engagements.

    Read also: Ikoyi Club fetes ‘Elders’ for 2018

    “Experience was a key factor which was considered in the recruitment of new players, taking into cognisance the continental matches.

    “Based on that, some experienced players like Terna Suswam from Enyimba, Amos Gyang from Kano Pillars, Charles Henlong from Rangers of Enugu, Raphael Ayagwa of Lobi Stars, amongst others, were recruited,” Dakup said.

    The spokesman said also that Plateau United played two pre-season tournaments and some friendly matches as part of its preparations for the new season.

    “We played the NPFL invitational tournament and the Ahlan pre-season tournament.

    “The club began closed camping in Abuja on January 2 and played a friendly match with a Nationwide League One side, Water FC of Abuja.

    “Our first match of the season is away to Nasarawa United of Lafia on Sunday and we are confident that with our level of preparations, we will get a positive result,” he said.

    NAN

  • Lawmaker seeks more support for Buhari, Al-Makura

    Lawmaker seeks more support for Buhari, Al-Makura

    Alhaji Hashimu Jibrin-Gurku, representing Karu/Gitata constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has appealed to people of the state to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Tanko Al-Makura to succeed.

    Jibrin-Gurku made the call on Friday while speaking in Karu Local Government Area of the state.

    He stressed the need for the support to enable them succeed in the delivery more dividends of democracy to the citizens.

    According to him, sustained prayers by adherents of the two major religions in the country will definitely assist the President, Al-Makura, other elected and appointed leaders to achieve growth and speedy development of the country.

    “Praying and supporting our leaders will bring more good things and will also bring peace, unity and national development.

    “President Buhari and Al-Makura have done a lot by initiating policies and projects that had impacted positively on the lives of the people of the state and the country as a whole,’’ he said.

    Read also: Ekere hails Buhari for refineries, board appointments

    Jibrin-Gurku also lauded Buhari and Al-Makura for doing well in the areas of infrastructure development, youth empowerment, security, fight against corruption, peace promotion among others.

    The lawmaker also promised his constituency of a robust and quality representation, and solicited for their support and cooperation to enable him succeed.

    “Everybody in my constituency can testify to what I have done towards improving the standard of living of the people and the state at large.

    “I will continue in that direction as it is good to always show love, affection and to extend hand of friendship to the needy and other people in the society so as to better their standard of living,” he said.

    The lawmaker advised Nigerians to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities, shun negative tendencies and to live in peace with one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

    NAN

  • Maku urges Nasarawa Govt to revive cultural festivals

    Maku urges Nasarawa Govt to revive cultural festivals

    Former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran  Maku, on Tuesday urged the Nasarawa State Government to revive the cultural festivals in the state in order to promote peace among the communities.

    Maku, a 2015 governorship candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance ( APGA ) in the state, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Wakama in Akun Development Area of the state.

    According to him, the promotion of cultural festivals of the various tribes in the state would promote peace and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.

    The former minister urged the state government to emulate Egypt in developing its tourism sector.

    Read also: Maku urges restoration of Customary Court of Appeal

    “Egypt is getting more money from the tourism sector than it gets from oil. So let us promote our cultural festivals.

    “Cultural festivals among the various ethnic groups will promote unity. Peace is the necessary requirement for the development of any society. Peace is priceless and non-negotiable.

    “Cultural festival will generate huge income for the state, considering our closeness to Abuja. People will come, watch and spent money during the events if properly organised,” he said.

    Maku, however, promised to revive the state cultural festival if elected into power in 2019.

    The former minister also renewed call for the restoration of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal in order to resolve many traditional issues in the state.

    NAN

  • Group frees six prisoners to celebrate members’ birthdays

    Group frees six prisoners to celebrate members’ birthdays

    A group, under the aegis of Business and Professional Women (BPW), on Thursday secured freedom for six prisoners in Keffi, Nasarawa state, after paying their fines as part of activities to mark some of its members’ birthdays.

    The Coordinator of the group, Mrs Ada Bisong, told newsmen that the gesture was part of the group’s corporate social responsibilities considered necessary in honour of Mrs. Christie Obinatu, Controller of Prisons of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and others.

    “Obinatu, a leading member, has a tradition of visiting inmates on her birthdays with items to felicitate with them.

    “So this year, we decided to join her with some of our other sisters marking their birthdays to feed the inmates and secure the release of six by paying their fines,” Bisong added.

    She explained that the group would uphold the gesture regularly to de-congest the prisons and give a second chance to mostly the young convicts to make amends.

    BPW is an affiliate of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) championing the course of women and the less privileged in the society.

    “Part of our mandate is to ensure that more women and the less-privileged are given opportunities for economic empowerment as a safeguard for societal peace,” Bisong said.

    In her remarks, the celebrator, Mrs. Obinatu, condemned the attitude of the youth indulging in criminal activities often resulting in their imprisonment.

    She said it had been a tradition for her as a mother to reach out to the inmates, especially on her birthday to feed and present them some gifts.

    The prison controller admonished the ex-convicts to strive towards becoming responsible citizens when resettled in their communities.

    “For those of you lucky to be freed today, if I ever hear that you return, I would personally ensure that you are locked up in a secluded cell for one month and I guess you know what that can do to you,” Obinatu said.

    Similarly, another member of the group, Mrs Yemisi Bankole, expressed fulfillment for celebrating her birthday with the inmates and touching lives in her own way.

    She advised the ex-convicts to move closer to God and pray for His intervention in their lives, to enable them to turn a new leaf.

    Responding, the Deputy Controller in charge of Keffi Prison, Mr James Lander, commended the group’s gesture, saying that their show of love would go along way in rehabilitating the inmates.

    DCP Lander explained that the 160-capacity prison currently had more than 560 inmates, saying the facility was overstretched as 350 of them were awaiting trial.

    The prison chief said nearly 100 inmates had been set free since September, expressing optimism that more would regain their freedom before the end of the year.

    One of the freed inmates, Ibrahim Garba, thanked the group for its magnanimity.

    Garba assured the philanthropists that they would strive to live a responsible life to justify the gesture.

  • I have not been endorsed by Al Makura for 2019 – Silas Agara

    I have not been endorsed by Al Makura for 2019 – Silas Agara

    Mr Silas Agara, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, says he has not been endorsed by Gov. Umaru Al Makura as his successor in 2019.

    Agara, in a statement issued in Lafia on Monday by his media aide, Mr Godspower Ede, dismissed the reported endorsement as “speculative journalism.’’

    “The attention of the deputy governor has been drawn to a publication in a newspaper captioned:  “2019: Al Makura gives nod to deputy.

    “He would have ignored the publication for what it is – speculative journalism– but for the damage the story is capable of doing to the excellent relationship existing between him and his hardworking principal.

    Read also:  Gov. Al-makura to renovate more schools in 2017

    “For the avoidance of doubt,  Al Makura has never given such nod or endorsement to his deputy to succeed him and any such insinuation should be dismissed as a figment of the writer’s imagination,” he said.

    “The governor as the father of the entire All Progressives  Congress ( APC ) members in the state  appreciates the aspirations of some members to succeed him and treats them equally without giving any slightest hint of having a favourite.

    “Knowing the antecedents of Al Makura as a champion of the promotion of rule of law and due process, the deputy governor is at a loss  over the intentions of the writer,’’ he added.

    NAN

  • Gunmen kill two policemen in Nasarawa

    Gunmen kill two policemen in Nasarawa

    Gunmen killed two policemen in Nasarawa State on the Akwanga -Keffi federal highway, it was learnt yesterday.

    Police spokesman Kennedy Idirisu confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia.

    According to Idrisu, the policemen were stationed at Kubere village, some few kilometres from Gudi, on the Akwanga-Keffi highway, when the gunmen attacked them from the bush.

    He said the command had deployed officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the mobile police detachment alongside the vigilance group to comb the forest for the suspects.

    According to him, the spot had been identified as a flashpoint for kidnapping and other crimes, hence the decision by the command to station its officers in the area.

    Idrisu said the command will not be deterred from performing its constitutional responsibility of protecting life and property.

    His words: “The hoodlums, by this act, wanted to dampen the morale of the police, as we approach the yuletide, so they can have their way.

    “However, the command remains resolute and determined to tackle crime as the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Uba-Kura, has ordered the deployment of more officers and men to identify flash points across the state.”

    Gunmen have attacked Dong and Lawaru villages in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, it was learnt yesterday.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy Ahmad Sajoh, who confirmed the incident, described it as “unfortunate”.

    Sajoh said the government held an emergency security meeting on the incident and took measures to contain the situation.

    He added that military personnel and policemen have been deployed to contain the attackers.

    “I can’t tell the number of casualties for now as security men are still there chasing the attackers,” he said.

    Police spokesman Othman Abubakar said mobile policemen, soldiers, Air Force and other security personnel from sister security agencies had been deployed to contain the situation.

    Abubakar added that extra highway patrol teams were drafted on the Yola–Numan–Gombe road to ensure safety of travellers.

    Residents of Numan, the third largest town in Adamawa, are fleeing for safety as rumours continue to spread that the attackers are heading towards them.