Tag: Plateau

The Plateau State Government has refuted allegations that a total of N3.9 billion, representing 47% of the capital expenditure budgeted, was allocated for the purchase of official vehicles in the first quarter of 2024.

Reacting to the publication, its Commissioner of Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, said in reality, the N3.9 billion figure was part of the N152.8 billion total budgeted for this expenditure item for the entire year, representing approximately 2.5% of the first quarter of 2024.

 He pointed out that the report in the media (not The Nation ) was a gross misrepresentation of the percentages involved, not just the first quarter, adding that the allocation for official vehicles in the first quarter of 2024 was only a fraction of the annual budget.

 The state government enumerated that on assumption of office, Governor Caleb Mutfwang inherited a lack of functional official vehicles, adding that the previous administration left with all functional vehicles despite the Committee for the Recovery of Government Assets recommending their return.

 He added that the governor used second-hand cars for nearly a year, and ministries, departments, and agencies of the government had no functional vehicles to operate effectively until the budgetary provisions for new vehicles were met.

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 “The procurement of vehicles was significantly influenced by the high inflation rate, which rose from 24.66% at the end of 2023 to 33.9% by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

 Additionally, the exchange rate surged from N903 to N1,600 per dollar within the same period, greatly affecting the prices of imported goods, including vehicles.

 “The state’s capital expenditure budget for the first quarter of 2024 encompassed a wide range of critical projects, including infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and educational advancements.

 “The expenditure on official vehicles is a necessary part of ensuring efficient operation and service delivery across various government departments, but it does not overshadow other essential capital projects.”

 He explained that the procurement of official vehicles is part of a broader strategy to enhance the functionality and efficiency of state operations, which ultimately benefits the citizens, adding that all expenditures undergo rigorous scrutiny and are aligned with the state’s development goals.

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has declared three days of mourning in response to the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained by teachers and students of Saints Academy, Jos following the school building collapse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government confirmed 22 persons dead and 154 injured in the collapse that took place on Friday morning.

Mutfwang on Saturday declared July 13 to  15, 2024 as days of mourning, directing that during the period, all flags would be flown at half-mast to honor the victims of the school building collapse in Jos.

A statement by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Musa Ashoms, said that the governor made the declaration shortly after he visited the scene and hospitals where the injured were recuperating.

Mutfwang, who extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the devastating incident, urged citizens to strictly follow building codes and ethics to prevent such tragedies.

“There is an  urgent need for all developers and property owners to submit their building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation, as part of the enforcement of Executive Order 003.

“We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to those affected during this difficult time.

“We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority.

Read Also: First lady sad over loss of lives in Plateau building collapse

“We urge all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure the necessary approvals from the JMDB before beginning any construction projects,” he said.

The governor also extended his deepest gratitude to the people of Plateau for their tremendous support and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy.

He thanked the first responders for their swift action and commended the many citizens, who donated blood and other resources to aid the injured.

“As of the time of this release, 58 individuals are still hospitalised, while 74 have been treated and discharged.

“Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has six,  Plateau State Specialist Hospital has six  undergoing treatment,  Bingham University Teaching Hospital has 14 and Our Lady of Apostles Hospital has 32 patients,” he added.

(NAN)

Personnel of Operation Safe Haven have killed a 23-year-old herder, Abubakar Musa, in Donkasa community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred around 2:00am while members of the community were sleeping.

According to the Fulani community, the incident happened when personnel from the operation arrived in the area and started shooting sporadically in an attempt to make some arrests, but shot Abubakar to death without any justification or reason.

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Father of the deceased, Jibrin Abubakar, said: “I was at home when a call came in that soldiers came to the community, arrested three persons and shot dead Abubakar.

“This is not proper because Abubakar, being an innocent person, doesn’t deserve this. We don’t know our offence. Those who have committed this dastardly act have committed a big mistake.

“If someone has committed a crime, the person should be investigated before any action is taken against him. It is a crime against humanity to the highest order.’’

Mother to the victim, Asiya Muhammad, condemned the killing, adding the three persons arrested are from the community.

Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang has lifted the curfew imposed on Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State in the wake of the violent attacks on communities by suspected gunmen.

Mutfwang, in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the decision was after a careful consultation with the State Security Council, following the restoration of normalcy in the area.

He added that the gesture would pave way for residents to engage in agricultural and economic activities.

Read Also: Mutfwang disburses N278.6 million to 179 Project-Affected Individuals in Plateau

He encouraged community leaders across the divides of faith and ethnicity, to continue with strategic dialogue aimed at nurturing trust, fostering tolerance, and promoting better understanding among the people.

While urging the residents of Mangu Local Government Area to embrace peace, unity and remain their brother’s keepers, Governor Mutfwang said his administration would continue to be fair and just to all.

He expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support received so far and urged the community to maintain their collaboration with the security agencies to ensure the complete restoration of peace and order in the Local Government Area.

Mutfwang also expressed gratitude to all the security agencies for their sacrifices and tireless efforts towards addressing the issues and urged them to continue monitoring and maintaining law and order across the 17 Local Government Areas.

The military taskforce responsible for maintaining the peace in Plateau State has declared 11 persons connected with various attacks wanted.

The Deputy Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Tezungwe Iyua, made this known in a press conference in Jos yesterday.

According to him, the persons declared wanted were all males. They include Muhammadu MP, Muhammed MOPOL, Rabiu Ibrahim, Buba Sobe, Senfos Gaine, Nahaska Boderi, Dudi Mohammadu, Habu Mohammadu, Ja’afaru Matakala, Hassan Waje and Sanusi Dafor.

Iyua said the suspects were declared wanted in connection with various attacks that left several persons dead and properties destroyed in various parts of the state.

The Deputy Commander said: “Operation SAFE HAVEN has continued to take proactive steps towards securing lives and property in the Joint Operations Area.

“These efforts have been occasionally derailed by the activities of enemies of peace. The attack on parts of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, on the Christmas Eve of 2023, is a case in focus.

“Also, while concerted efforts were being made to restore peace and stability in the area, some other criminals struck in parts of Bokkos and Mangu local government areas on 19 – 20 April 2024 and 8 May, 2024 which resulted in the loss of lives and property.

“In line with the mandate of Operation SAFE HAVEN, we have not rested on our oars in the efforts to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to face justice.

“In this regard, we have sustained intelligence-led operations which led to the neutralisation of contact with some of the perpetrators as well as the arrest of most of the criminals who participated in the attacks.

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“For those still at large over time we exploited the use of technology to conduct forensic examinations which revealed their identities. Consequently, the nine persons are wanted for questioning for their complicity in attacks at different locations in Plateau State.”

The Deputy Commander urged anyone with useful information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to kindly contact Operation SAFE HAVEN, the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services

He said a handsome reward awaits any person or group of persons who provide relevant information leading to the arrest of any of the wanted suspects.

“Let me also seize this opportunity to reiterate that security agencies will not leave any stone unturned in their quest to bring perpetrators of violence to face justice in line with extant laws.

“We therefore urge the public to continue to collaborate and avail security agencies with credible information that will aid in securing law-abiding citizens in Plateau State and environs.