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Tag: Nassarawa State

  • How we survived herdsmen attack that claimed 200 lives in Benue community – Residents

    How we survived herdsmen attack that claimed 200 lives in Benue community – Residents

    The intensity of attacks on Benue communities by suspected herdsmen took a turn for the worse last Saturday with the killing of no fewer than 200 inhabitants of Yelewata, a community at the border between Benue and Nassarawa states situated in Guma Local Government Area.

    Like other Tiv communities, the inhabitants of Yelewata are predominantly farmers. The rich and fertile land is good for cultivation of different kinds of crops, including maize, rice, millet, yams and cassava, to mention a few.

    A farmer in Yelewata, Thomas Iorya, who currently lives in a temporary camp opened for displaced persons at the International Market, Makurdi, the Benue State capital, told our correspondent that Yelewata came into existence more than 100 years ago.

    “Our great grandfathers lived in this town and gave birth to us. So, this is our ancestry home. We have nowhere else to go,” he said as he recalled the bloody incident reckoned to have claimed hundreds of lives.

    Orya said: “On that very day of the attack, it was raining heavily, and shortly after the downpour, at about 11 pm, I heard sounds of sporadic gunshots coming from all directions.

    “Most of the people in Yelewata community are internally displaced persons (IDPs) from other Tiv communities in Nassarawa State, who were driven away by militia herdsmen and forced to camp in Yelewata.

    “I was lucky because that very night, I slept at LGEA Primary School in Yelewata. The place is under the watch of soldiers, and that was what save me as 12 of my relations were brutally killed.

    “The gunmen, some of whom were in army camouflage, set houses on fire, burning the inhabitants, including children aged between five and six, beyond recognition.”

    Attributing his survival to the grace of God, Orya said: “I give God the glory for my survival. But the unfortunate incident is that I lost 12 of my relations in the attack.”

    He, however, said he was not happy staying in an IDP camp in Makurdi. Hence he urged government at state and federal levels to provide him and his people adequate security so they could return to their ancestral homes and farm to feed themselves.

    Orya said even before the attack last Saturday, he had a premonition that herdsmen were coming to attack his people and he was restless.

    “The number of soldiers, policemen and Civil Defence Corps members on ground was not enough to protect Yelewata community. If we have enough security, such an attack would not have occurred, and I pray that God will never allow such attack and killings again,” he said.

    But Orya was not alone. Another survivor, Mrs Stella Anshe, a 40-year-old housewife, has been lived in the emergency IDPs camp provided by Governor Hyacinth Alia for victims of Yelewata killings since last Saturday.

    Recalling the bloody event that culminated in her present condition, she said: “On that Saturday night of herdsmen attack, we were all fast asleep after a heavy downpour.

    “Then at about 10.30pm, we started hearing gunshots from the direction of the warehouse where IDPs from other communities had gathered themselves to sleep.

    “The gunmen must have gotten information about people sleeping in the warehouse. They shot and killed almost everyone that slept inside the warehouse and thereafter set the house ablaze.”

    Mrs Ashe, who claimed to have lost 14 direct relations in the attack, recalled children, women and old men were all gruesomely shot and killed. She also expressed concern over the poor conditions of the IDPs in the camp and called on Government agencies responsible for humanitarian services to quickly intervene to save survivors of the attack from hunger.

    Asked how she escaped the attacks, she said: “I ran out of my house with other relatives, and the risk paid off.”

    Forty-two-year-old Felix Kpum and Doko Ternenge Vitalis, who also shared similar tales, confirmed that “on the day of the attack, it was raining and most people were inside their houses.

    “The gunmen stormed the community with sophisticated weapons at about 11pm, carrying with them petrol which they poured on houses before setting them ablaze.

    “In the melee that ensued, those who attempted to escape were gunned down and cut with machetes.

    The duo of Kpum and Vitalis also said they managed to escape because they ran out of their house and took to their heels.

    Doko Vitalis said: “While I am currently at the camp, my pregnant wife is on admission at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, because after running and trekking many miles, she bled a lot and had to be kept under examination.”

    Read Also: I’m committed to governance – Tinubu

    Mrs. Mnenge Uge, who  was seen feeding a sick baby of between one and two years with garri at about 8am at the Makurdi International Market camp, said her husband and two children were missing, but she was yet to confirm if he was killed in the attacks.

    Her baby was obviously malnourished as a result of lack of food.

    Our correspondent gathered that there are about 5,000 persons in the camp because the entire survivors in Yelewata killings have been moved to the temporary camp in Makurdi.

    The number may be more as more victims were still coming into the camp on Friday. The Nation observed that the camp’s environment was very neat, but the IDPs were more in number than the market could accommodate.

    Humanitarian agencies like UNICEF and Red Cross Society have set up their offices at the camp to help the victims with essential services.

    While there was anxiety on the part of the IDPs, the timely intervention of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia calmed the situation as the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Aondowase Kunde, in company of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, brought truck loads of relief materials.

    But how long would the IDPs remain at the camp, especially now that the rains have set in for farmers to go back to the land? This is the question on the mind of every IDP, which only government can answer.

    Governor Alia condemns massacre

    Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has condemned in strong terms the attacks and massacre of innocent citizens at Yelewata by suspected criminal herders, saying nothing should warrant taking of life.

    The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Sam Ode, who visited the scene of the heinous act earlier on the directives of Governor Alia, delivered the message, saying the governor was not resting on his oars in ensuring that the state experiences peace.

    He said: “Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pains and grief caused by the attacks on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen.

    “The state government is consistently engaging with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.

    “We assure citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas.

    “Response squad teams are also deployed and will be in Benue from Sunday. Strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing.

    “The state joint operations units are also being strengthened, and government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents.

    “In the spirit of peace and unity, we call on religious, traditional and political leaders across the state to sensitize and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control.

    “We appeal to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources.

    “Benue State remains committed to justice, peace, and security for all.”

    Benue CP confirms two bandits neutralised, one arrested

    The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has disclosed that two of the bandits responsible for the deadly attack on Yelwata community were neutralised by security forces during a confrontation.

    Another suspect, he said, was arrested and was providing valuable information to the police.

    CP Ifeanyi made this known while addressing journalists at the Police Command headquarters in Makurdi on Thursday.

    Providing an update on the attack, he reassured residents of ongoing efforts to prevent a reoccurrence.

    While local sources reported more than 200 casualties in the massacre, CP Ifeanyi confirmed 47 deaths, acknowledging the devastating impact of the attack.

    He revealed that the bandits had planned to overrun the community but were repelled by the swift intervention of Police Tactical Teams and other security operatives deployed in the area.

    “The situation in Yelwata is now under control,” the CP stated, adding that the Inspector General of Police had deployed additional personnel to hotspots across the state to bolster security and avert future attacks.

    CP Ifeanyi reiterated the commitment of the police and other security agencies to remain vigilant and protect lives and property across Benue State.

    Meanwhile, Yelewata, the community where the incident occurred has been turned into a Mecca of sort as many prominent Nigerians have visited the community.

    At the last count, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse and former Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam, have all visited Yelewata on condolences.

    The mood around Yelewata community is sober and pensive while security has been beefed up around those who are still living in Yelewata. However, half of the community’s population has moved to temporary IDPs camp at the International Market in Makurdi.

    There has also heavy presence of security agents within and around Yelewata since the attack.

    Catholic Bishops Conference declares nine-day national prayer

    The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) yesterday declared nine days of national prayer for the country on account of the Benue killings.

    The CBCN, in a statement signed by its President and Archbishop of Owerri, the Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and the Secretary, the Most Rev. Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, condemned the spate of insecurity in the country.

    “The renewed wave of killings in Benue State and other parts of our country continues to wound our collective spirit,” they said.

    Continuing, the bishops said: “It is our fervent hope and prayer that we will not have to issue sorrowful statements again.

    “We commend all individuals, communities and organisations who continue to speak out against these heinous crimes.

    “We are also grateful to our brother Bishops who have already called for prayers in response.

    “In union with these efforts, we now call on all Catholics in Nigeria and all people of goodwill to observe a nine-day prayer, beginning from Saturday, 21 June 2025.

    “Each day, we ask individuals, families, parishes and communities to recite the Rosary, followed by the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress.

    “On the final day, Sunday, 29 June 2025, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Holy Mass should be offered across all dioceses and parishes for peace and healing in Nigeria, the repose of the dead, the comfort of victims, divine protection, and for the conversion of those responsible for the barbaric massacre of unarmed fellow citizens, including women and children.

    “To our suffering brothers and sisters in Benue State and across Nigeria wounded by violence, we assure you that the Church stands with you.

    “As a concrete sign of our support, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has already provided emergency assistance to some affected communities, and a CBCN delegation will soon pay them a solidarity visit.

    “We ardently pray that the day will soon come when such sorrowful interventions will no longer be necessary, and our voices may instead rise in thanksgiving for a land healed and at peace.”

    How to end killings by herdsmen – Fulani Leaders

    In their own reaction to the wave of killings, Fulani leaders from the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State said yesterday that the only way to put an end to the problem was for the federal and state government to revive the nomadic school programme.

    They advised Fulani cattle breeders and pastoralists to live in peace and harmony with other Nigerians.

    They spoke in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital during a stakeholders engagement organised by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO), and tagged “Consolidating The Outcomes of The IDRC-SPARC GES Research Findings On The Economic Empowerment of Pastoralist Women in Nasarawa State.”

    Speaking at the event, the Nasarawa State Chairman of FUDECO, Muhammad Habib Hussaini, expressed deep concerns over  the persistent disagreements between farmers and herders in several states of the country, and called on the government at all levels to work towards peace building in rural communities.

    Hussaini, who spoke for the Fulani leaders, said reviving the abandoned nomadic education programme would go a long way in educating cattle breeders and pastoralists in the rural areas.

    He said lack of education was a major cause of the lingering conflicts.

    “Most of the things happening in our pastoralist communities can be traced to ignorance, so promoting Nomadic education is very important,” he said.

    He added: “We want the children of Pastoralists to be educated and enlightened. This will enable them understand the dangers of engaging themselves in any form of crisis in the society.”

    Works Minister apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge

    Works Minister David Umahi yesterday apologised to President Tinubu and Nigerians over the disruption caused by flooding on the recently completed Lafia-Makurdi highway.

    He described the incident as an embarrassment resulting from the negligence of the road concessionaire.

    Umahi, who praised the President for his fatherly intervention over the recent events in Benue State, noted that his visit had brought reassurance and hope to the people.

    “We apologise very profusely to Mr. President and Nigerians for the embarrassment this unfortunate incident caused him and Nigerians.

    “We also commend Mr. President very highly for his fatherly role in Benue State.

    “His visit there has made a lot of impact on the lives of the people of Benue State and everyone living in that place.

    “With God on his side, Benue people shall see sustainable peace and progress,” said.

    The minister’s media aide, Uchenna Orji, said the minister had since directed the immediate deployment of officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company, the firm responsible for the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), to the affected section of the road.

    The intervention followed flooding on June 18, which disrupted traffic due to debris clogging an existing culvert.

    The Minister said that both the Ministry and the concessionaire teams cleared the blockage and restored the section, but warned that a long-term solution must now be implemented.

    He tasked the company with identifying the root cause of the flooding and taking decisive steps to prevent recurrence.

    “We must avoid a repeat of such an incident on a tolled and completed road. The concessionaire is responsible for maintaining the carriageway, and they must do so diligently,” he said.

    In a separate meeting with Citibank Nigeria executives, Umahi sought private sector support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Legacy Projects, four major infrastructure initiatives aimed at economic revitalization.

    He commended the President’s reform efforts, which he said were attracting international investor confidence while emphasising that partnerships are crucial to realising the administration’s infrastructure goals and delivering long-term benefits to Nigerians.

    Citibank’s Managing Director, Nneka Enwereji, expressed the bank’s interest in supporting impactful infrastructure projects in Nigeria and praised the administration’s efforts to improve transparency and infrastructure delivery.

    Again, Gunmen kill 13 persons, injure scores in Plateau

    Gunmen have reportedly launched another deadly attack on innocent villagers, killing 13 persons in Juwan village of Tangur District in Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

    According to eyewitnesses, the victims were mostly women and children.

    Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos Local Government Area, Mr. Kefas Mallai, confirmed the killings to newsmen in Jos yesterday.

    “The attack occurred around 8.30 pm on Thursday night,” he said.

    “People were going about peacefully when suddenly, gunmen appeared and started shooting.

    “The men tried to respond but could not defend themselves. Some had to hide.

    “The women and children, being more vulnerable, were mostly the ones killed.”

    Mallai added: “Thirteen bodies were found this morning.

    “They didn’t burn any house; they were just shooting.

    “Anyone vulnerable they came across was targeted.”

    The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, confirmed the sad incident in an interview with our correspondent.

    He said the attackers came late at night and started killing innocent persons.

    “Some of the victims are receiving treatment in different hospitals,” he added.

    Mallai noted that security personnel were alerted of the attack but, unfortunately, they arrived after the perpetrators had fled the scene.

    Efforts made to reach security operatives for more details had yielded no result at the time of filing this report.

    • Ternenge and • Mrs Ashe

  • Minister to monarchs: work with government

    The Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello has called on traditional rulers to work with government for the overall development of their subjects and areas of domain.

    Bello made the call when he received the Estu of Karu,HRH (Dr) Luka Panya-Baba who paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in his office.

    The Minister also said the FCT Administration was working with all stakeholders inclusive of traditional rulers in states neighboring the FCT to ensure the mutual growth and development of both the FCT and those areas.

    The Minister commended the leadership of Karu Chiefdom for ensuring that the ingredients needed for growth were present in Karu.

    The Minister said: “Karu Chiefdom is a community that is destined to grow because you have opened your arms to people from all over the country. They are bringing development to your place and thus, it is a vibrant economic community.

    He continued: “all that is needed is minimum intervention with respect to needed infrastructure and then it will be like any other developed community because the ingredients for growth and prosperity (which include) solid and focused leadership, an open minded community… and more importantly, peace are already there in your kingdom and I congratulate you for that,” he said.

    Bello expressed confidence in the leadership of Nasarawa state, adding that the FCT was willing to interface with the state government for the mutual benefit of both the FCT and Nasarawa State.

    Earlier, the Etsu of Karu who came with a delegation made up of distinguished Karu indigenes had solicited the help of the FCTA for intervention projects aimed at reducing the strain on existing infrastructure, occasioned by sharp increase in population in Karu Community.

    He attributed the population increase to the proximity of the community to the FCT and the relatively cheap accommodation cost in the area.

  • Nigeria elections: Observers hail INEC over credible, transparent polls

    Election observers under the platform of Independent Foreign Observers have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Nigerians for transparency and credibility of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    They gave this commendation at a press conference this afternoon in Abuja. The team leader, Dr. Stuart Young, an academic and diplomat spoke on behalf of other members of the team at its presentation of preliminary report.

    The observers in the text  entitled, “A Preliminary report on the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Nigeria” described the conduct of the elections as as fair and an indication of non-interference by the government or any of its agents.

    The text reads, “In the build-up to the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria, the Independent Foreign Observers mission, a team from the United States of America, United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU), visited Nigeria with a view to observing the elections, in line with best global practices. Consequently, more than 200 local observers were recruited and trained to monitor the polls, with a view to ascertaining if the elections were free, fair and credible.

    Observations:

    From the reports filed in by our observers deployed all around the country, it was recorded that the turnout of voters across the country was impressive, as supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were active in casting their ballots for their respective candidates.

    The conduct of the electoral officials appeared to be consistently fair and an indication of non-interference by the government or any of its agents.  There were, however, some polling units that experienced late arrival of voting materials.

    In both Abuja and Nassarawa state, observers witnessed polls opening late, and voting beginning after the scheduled start.  In Abuja we saw voting begin as late as 9:30am, and in a Mararaba polling station in Nassarawa voting did not begin until 1pm.

    Observers in Asokoro 1, Abuja witnessed a situation where there was confusion over the exact location of a polling station, because of the previous demolition of a Total service station that had been used to identify the location for voters.  INEC officials set up at the nearest Total service station where they performed their duties for citizens who had lined up there.  Upon discovering there was a collection of voters in a different location, where the former service station was located, INEC officials moved their voting materials to this location.  Some citizens were worried that the votes that officials brought to the new station indicated ballot box stuffing, but were eventually mollified when officials explained the confusion over the location.

    There were also reports of unruly behaviour at some polling units that required the immediate deployment of security to restore order. An example was in Kaduna state where voters attempted to provoke security personnel of which a senior military officer quickly resolved the situation. There were additional reports of scattered violence in Lagos, Obu state, River state and Bayelsa state.

    Incidences of votes buying were dealt with by surveillance mounted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other security agencies that consisted of the Army, police, and the civil defence.

    The various security agencies were professional in handling incidences of ballot box snatching and other forms of electoral malpractices. Worthy of mention is the professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Army.

    The security agencies were on top of the situation in areas that were hitherto known for election-related violence and the other regions as a whole.

    Observers watched votes being counted at polling stations, noting that the announcement of the vote from each ballot was announced clearly, and citizens were monitoring the process along with officials and party monitors.

    From reports collated from our field officers, the 2019 general elections to this point seem free, fair and credible as neither party can fault the transparent process that occasioned accreditation and voting.

    In Area 10, Garki, Abuja, observers noted a disabled (blind) person, who was given assistance in entering the polling station, allowed to progress to the front of the line unimpeded by the voters present, and was able to cast his ballot with relative ease.  Observers were impressed that it was common citizens, not officials, who took the initiative to help their fellow citizen exercise his democratic right.

    Suggestions:

    The 2019 general elections in Nigeria, though appearing to be free, fair and credible at this juncture, using our international set parameters and the feedback gathered from the over 200 observers deployed to the various states, there are a few areas that need to be looked into in the conduct of elections in the future.

    The functionality of card readers must be fully tested and properly calibrated before deployment to the polling units, before the elections to reduce the use of manual voting which takes time and might be exploited.

    Improvement is needed in the areas of logistics and training of electoral officials.  For example a digital voting system, perhaps using mobile phones, tablets and/or voting cards embedded with codes that can be swiped to register a voter’s choice, should be explored.

    A stronger effort to start voting on time would make the process more comfortable and healthy for voters, as well as improving voter turnout.

    Continuing voter education beyond the election period should focus on efforts to identify and weed out Fake news in order not to mislead the public.

    Nigerians should be able to vote in their current place of residence, provided they have lived there for a designated minimum amount of time. A mechanism should be put in place to cancel their registration in their home state, when they register in their new home area.

    Conclusion:

    The elections appear to have been free, fair and credible to this point. It is therefore advised that winners and losers should see beyond themselves and their political aspirations, to promote the unity of Nigeria as a country.

    Worthy of commendation are the staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for maintaining orderliness and contributing to a sense of calm and security which enabled domestic and foreign observers to efficiently carry out their duties, and voters to exercise their democratic right and responsibility.

    We would like to congratulate the Nigerian government and Nigerian citizens for their enthusiasm, perseverance and fair play in pursuing their democratic ideals through this election.

  • FG to supply implements, aid to IDP bean farmers

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development on Tuesday promised to provide farm implements such as hulling machines, threshers, jute bags, and tractors to IDP bean farmers located at Auta Balefi, Karu LGA, Nassarawa State.
    The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, said this during an official visit to the IDP bean market in Nassarawa.
    He expressed fascination at the level of development and orderliness of the market, describing it as the largest bean market in Nigeria.
    “Here is a group of people essentially from Borno State who found refuge here and created a industry of their own,” he stated.
    “This is one of the biggest bean markets I have ever seen in Nigeria.
    “This shows that Nigerians have resilience in spite of their challenges, see what they are doing for themselves. This is quite surprising and indicative of what we can do even in adversity.
    “We will send them pre-cleaners and threshers. From next year they will be using jute bags instead of polypropylene bags for the health of Nigerians.
    “Before the next planting season we will send two or three tractors here and also create bigger markets for them and give them all the support they need, including providing civil defense security for the farms and the market.”

    Read Also: Army Donates Relief Materials to IDPs in Delta

    “We will also work with the rural development agencies to ensure that adequate roads are constructed for easy transport between the farms and the market.”
    The Minister also suggested that the beans could also potentially put an end to the violent clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the nation.
    “I have also seen the bean wastes that they are bagging and we will work to give them to the herders so they can feed their livestock and end the clashes between herders and farmers.”
    “As members of food security council, we will buy from these depots for supply to secondary school feeding programs.
    “According to the Central Bank, Nigeria has saved $21 billion in food imports in the last 34 months.
    “This is the evidence that Nigerian farmers are actually working hard and the government is very proud of them.”
    He implored to members of other IDP camps to not wait around grumbling, but rather to follow suit in making strides.
    Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who was also present at the IDP market, praised the initiative of the displaced persons and encouraged them to continue persevering.
    “In the promotion of good and viable agriculture, you cannot beat what they are doing here. And they organized themselves in terms of marketing and storage and basic processing. They even have different grades of beans.
    “We have been having problems with IDPs as a result of insurgency. These people who have produced these crops are still in IDP camps but they are no longer dependent on anybody.
    “They are taking care of themselves, building their own little houses, sending their children to good schools, and looking forward to returning home when that section of Nigeria is liberated from insurgency.
    “They are not waiting for foreign bodies to feed them when they can feed themselves here in Nigeria and that is commendable.”

  • Nigeria to phase out non-bio degradable plastics – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday said that the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with critical stakeholders, has developed a national strategy for the phasing out of non-bio degradable plastics in Nigeria.

    Osinbajo disclosed this while speaking on Tuesday at an event to mark the 2018 World Environment Day at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He also said that the ministry was working in partnership with the state governments to develop a national plastic waste recycling programme involving the establishment of recycling plants across Nigeria.

    According to him, eight of the plastic waste recycling plants have been completed and handed over to the states, while 18 others were in various stages of completion.

    “In addition, the federal government is also collaborating with the state governments to establish plastic waste recycling plants under the community-based waste management programme in the ministry,” he said.

    The Vice President said that two plants have been completed in Ilorin, Kwara State; one in Lokoja, Kogi State; while work was ongoing on another in Karu Local Government Area of Nassarawa State, all in North Central geopolitical zone.

    He said that there were two privately-run plastic recycling plants in Gombe and Kano States that work for the recycling of plastic.

    He said questions have been raised about limited options for cheap packaging of food and drinks, especially where consumers are relatively poor; micro marketing methods of fast moving consumer goods in sachets; and the retailing of detergents also in sachets.

    Read Also: Nigeria on right path – Osinbajo

    Osinbajo challenged multi-national corporations that produce fast-moving goods in plastics to take action towards managing plastic wastes.

    “It is my view that for controlling the proliferation of plastic sachets, we must go back to the major producers of fast-moving goods to put in place recycling programmes that could effectively ensure that while we seek environmentally-friendly options for packaging, we are keeping the environment as free of plastics as possible,” he said.

    Professor Osinbajo said that Nigeria expects multi-nationals like Coca Cola, which has committed to collecting and recycling the equivalent of all drink containers it ships, including  110 billion plastic bottles; and Unilever and Procter and Gamble, which have begun recycled plastics; would make and fulfill the same pledges in Nigeria.

    He also called on the multinationals to partner with governments at the states and local governments “to ensure that we maintain the critical balance between economic growth and a safe and livable environment.”

    “Nigeria is in a good place to lead Africa and indeed the world in beating plastic pollution,” Osinbajo said.

    He pointed out that there are a good number of effective initiatives that are being considered towards develop policies.

    Speaking at the event, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, represented by Senator Victor Umeh, said the Senate would continue to support the Ministry of Environment “by providing robust laws that would ensure healthy and sustainable environment.”

    Speaking earlier, the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibrin said the ministry has done quite a lot in the area of pollution and waste management.

    He said the ministry has formulated and articulated policy targets and regulatory benchmarks that end at reducing plastic pollutions in Nigeria.

  • We will continue to wage war against Corruption – Ganduje

    Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has declared that his government will continue to wage war against corruption and graft in the state.

    Ganduje who spoke through the state’s Head of Service, Muhammad Awwal Na’iya during the graduation of Course One Trainees at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Keffi, Nassarawa state, said his government will remain committed to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) transparency in governance.

    According to him, “to further consolidate our commitments to transparency and accountability in government business, the Kano State government has signed the Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles with the State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission serving as the implementing agency, in collaboration with the Office of the State Head of Service.”

    Read Also: Ganduje reaffirms commitment to anti-graft fight in Kano

    He added that, part of the main objectives of the OGP Partnership is to strengthen the crusade against corruption, to make it people-oriented, which further entails working with citizens, civil society organizations, development partners and non-governmental organizations with the intention of entrenching the noble objective.

    Governor Ganduje advised the trainees to remain committed in the fight against corruption, noting that, “it is therefore incumbent on the graduating students to take up the challenge and reciprocate the confidence repose in you by the government, as well as strive to sustain the effort of this crusade.

    “You must justify the investment made to put you through the rigours of this course by ensuring government and its citizens get value for money through efficiency, hard work and dedication to duty; while being mindful of the task at hand is for the overall good of our country.”

    On his part, the Acting Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Usman Abubakar, after thanking all the participating agencies and the Nassarawa state government, he specifically commended Ganduje, that, stating that, “I wish  to  thank  the  Executive  Governor  of  Kano  State,  His Excellency,  Dr.  Abdullahi  Umar  Ganduje  for  his  relentless  effort at  entrenching  ethical  values  of  accountability  and  transparency by  sponsoring  officers  of  Kano  State  Public  Complaints  and  Anti-Corruption  Commission.  It  is  our  hope  that  more  participants will  be  sponsored  for  the  next  programme programme.”

  • Ganduje reaffirms commitment to anti-graft fight in Kano

    Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration toward the fight against corruption in the state.

    A statement by Malam Abba Anwar, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor issued on Tuesday in Kano, said Ganduje made the remark at the graduation ceremony of postgraduate students of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria ( ICPC ), in Keffi, Nassarawa State.

    He said his administration would continue to prioritise the fight against corruption which had been identified as the bane of development in the country.

    According to him, the state government would also continue to support the anti-graft agency with a view to enabling it to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

    The governor, who was represented at the occasion by the Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Awwal-Na’iya, however, said the pursuit of this cardinal objective required collaborative efforts between the Federal, States and local governments.

    Read Also: Kano restructure Kwari Market to world standard

    “We must tackle this menace to ensure good governance through prudent management of resources, transparency and accountability.

    “The meaningful development projects and programmes are made possible through blocking of leakages and optimum utilisation of the meager resources, as opposed to what was obtained in the past,’’ he said.

    The governor urged the participants to make the best use of the knowledge they acquired to ensure the success of the crusade in the state and the country at large.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, Mr Muhiyi Magaji, reiterated his commitment to build a strong institution.

    He pledged to continue to give priority attention to training and retraining of staff of the commission, in addition to providing adequate facilities to enhance their performance.

    A staff of the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Isa Mansur-Bello, emerged the best student in the recently-concluded one month training programme at the Academy.

    NAN

  • Nasarawa Fire Service emergency numbers for fire outbreaks

    Alhaji Dalhatu Dogara, the Chief Fire Officer of Nasarawa State, has called on residents of the state to immediately call the service in case of any fire outbreaks.

    Dogara made the call in an interview with our correspondent on Friday in Lafia.

    He gave the numbers which members of the public should call during emergencies as: 08130652025, 07030158046 and 08039669127, respectively.

    He said that the service has embarked on a sensitisation exercise to educate members of the public on fire safety tips and it was yielding results.

    The Chief Fire Officer attributed the reduction in cases of fire outbreaks to the level of synergy the service has entered into with stakeholders by sensitising them on fire safety rules.

    Dogara urged Nigerians to put off all electronic appliances whenever they were leaving their homes or offices, in order to stem fire disasters.
    He said the call became imperative due to the attitude of some Nigerians who were careless about putting off electronic appliances, even when they are travelling to spend weeks.

    According to him, “this careless attitude by some people often resulted in avoidable fire disasters that claim people’s lives and property, worth several millions of naira.

    “Even if you are at home, there is no point putting on appliances that are  not being used at that particular point in time, in order to prevent fire outbreaks,” he added.

    Dogara explained that lack of access roads was one of the problems hindering the effectiveness of the service in responding to distress calls in the state.

    He also advised members of the public to adhere strictly to fire safety rules, in order to curtail the cases of fire incidents in the state.

    NAN

  • Two men remanded in prison for beating security guard to stupor

    Two men remanded in prison for beating security guard to stupor

    A Mararaba Upper Area Court, Nassarawa State, on Wednesday ordered the remand of two men in prison for allegedly beating up a security guard into stupor.

    The judge, Ibrahim Shekarau, ordered that Badamasi Sani, 25 and Salisu Nura, 23, be remanded in Keffi prison pending further order of the court.

    The accused are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, criminal force and causing grievous hurt.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Steve Kwaza, told the court that the defendants conspired and mercilessly beat up one Namakka Danjuma, a security guard at Alfarma Quarters, Mararaba on March 24.

    “Apart from beating the security into an unconscious state, the defendants used a stick on the victim and as a result, he had a fracture on his right shoulder.

    “The injury was so bad that Mararaba Medical Centre and Keffi Federal Medical Centre rejected him and referred him to Orthopedic Hospital, Dala in Kano State.

    “As I speak now, the victim is diagnosed with internal bleeding and is still on admission with no hope of when he will be discharged or recover,” Kwaza told the court.

    The prosecutor also pleaded with the court to put on hold sentence of the accused pending when the victim would be out of the hospital to determine possible compensation.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 97, 263 and 247 of the Penal Code.

    The defendants pleaded guilty to the three-count charge.

    The case was adjourned until April 10 for ruling and sentencing.