News

2023: Plateau Police warn politicians to abide by the Electoral Act

Published

4 years ago

September 29, 2022

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As political campaigns officially commence, the Plateau State Police Command has cautioned political parties against employing local security outfits to provide security during political activities, stressing the State Police Command has put in place robust arrangements to ensure surficient security and safety during campaigns in the State.

The Command also admonished political parties to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and play the game by the rules, calling on party leaders and candidates to prevail on their supporters not to engage in any conduct that would incite violence.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka who addressed Heads of Security Agencies, the leadership of political parties, State Resident Electoral Commissioner and other stakeholders in an interactive session held on Wednesday in Jos reminded them that a hitch free 2023 general elections can only be possible if all stakeholders play their part in maintaining peace during the campaigns.

In his remark, the CP said, “… Political activities are no doubt associated with lots of problems and challenges that are capable of threatening national security hence there is a need for collective efforts to ensure that campaigns are conducted in the peaceful, serene, conducive and secured atmosphere, devoid of rancor, mischief, misgivings, and thuggery. As the lead internal security agency in the state, it is the primary duty of the Police to ensure that all electoral activities are conducted without any hitch or security threat in any part of Plateau State.

“As the countdown to the Political campaigns draws near, the Plateau State Police Command has put in place robust security arrangements and measures to ensure adequate security and safety for electioneering campaigns and rallies throughout the state. The Police Command is poised to protect and safeguard all venues of campaigns and rallies as well as other INEC-approved electioneering activities and all political parties throughout the state from now to the end of the campaign period for the 2023 general elections.”

“We have also carried out discreet threat assessments and pre-campaigns evaluations and have commenced deployment of our personnel to passive flash points and vulnerable areas to prevent and nip in the bud any form of inter-party frictions, political thuggery, clashes, and acts of lawlessness that can lead to the disturbance of public peace anywhere in the state. This meeting also provides a unique opportunity to dissect current law enforcement realities and engage an all-inclusive approach to re-evaluate our security policing strategies against the backdrop of the dynamics of crime on the Plateau.

“All Political parties are hereby advised to abide by the provisions of Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and INEC guidelines and play the game according to the rules. Party leaders and chieftains are to prevail on their flag bearers, members, supporters, and fans not to engage in any act or conduct that can incite violence or constitute a breach of the peace anywhere on the Plateau, before, during, and after the campaigns…”

He added, “Note and be strictly guided by the fact that all quasi-security outfits that were established by the state government and local communities and which are operating under different nomenclatures, structures, and orientations have no legal rules under the Electoral Act, 2022 and within the electoral process.”

“Hence you are charged to ensure that they are not in any way or manner used by any political or community actor for any role during the electioneering campaigns and other electoral processes in the count down to the 2023 general elections.”

News

NPFL: Bendel Insurance warn Boboye over unruly behaviour

Published

6 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Preport

Bendel Insurance management have cautioned technical adviser, Kennedy Boboye against a repeat of his misconduct in the matchday 32 encounter with Plateau United.

They said such behaviours will not be tolerated as they remain a disciplined and law-abiding club.

DAILY POST recalls that Boboye received heavy sanctions for attacking a match official after the game.

The Benin-based club also apologised to the Nigeria Referee Association (NRA) for the incident.

“After a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the consequences there-in, the management expressed disgust and condemned the action of head coach Kennedy Boboye and described the incident as ugly and unfortunate,” Bendel Insurance were quoted by the NPFL media.

‎”The management has also cautioned coach Kennedy Boboye and his crew against a repeat of such action(s), insisting such behaviours will not be tolerated as Insurance FC remain a disciplined and law abiding club.”

News

UN pledges support for displaced Yelewata residents

Published

7 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Preport

The United Nations has assured Yelewata and other victims of conflicts and disasters of its support to return not only to their ancestral homes but also with dignity.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, gave the assurance on Friday when she visited the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Yelewata community was attacked on June 13, 2025, during which scores were killed and many properties were destroyed.

Mrs Mohammed stated that the people of Benue and other Nigerians must live and work in a safe and secure environment.

The UN deputy secretary-general said that her visit was to stand in solidarity with the state, especially women and children who suffer the most in times of conflict.

She added that her visit was in solidarity with the Yelewata community, which experienced a terrible and tragic day.

Mrs Mohammed described the June 13 Yelewata attack as a painful moment that must never be allowed to happen again.

She said that the government must do everything possible to ensure that farmers continue their farming in a safe environment.

“It is not right that you must farm in unsafe conditions.

“Instead, we must find ways to bring farming closer to you and ensure that your produce reaches markets that reflect your dignity, markets befitting of the people of Yelewata and Benue,” she said.

According to her, Benue has always been known as the food basket of the nation, and she hoped that the state would reclaim that identity.

“I have listened carefully to all that you have said about your hopes and needs. Ultimately, I know that many of you wish to return home, because home is truly where the heart is.

“We face challenges in our country. I remember coming here when it was Benue Plateau before the divisions into Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau. There were no boundaries; it was one community.

“Back then, even as a Fulani woman among Tiv people, we lived more closely and harmoniously than what we see today. It pains me to witness how things have changed.

“We must return to that unity as Nigerians, embracing the richness of our diversity in religion and culture. It is not impossible.

“For those of us who remember the Nigeria we inherited at independence, we must speak to our young people about what this country once was and what it can be again.

“Without that shared vision, we risk losing our collective future,” she said.

Mrs Mohammed also said that she was deeply committed to amplifying the voices of the voiceless, especially those of women and children.

She said across the Sahel, West Africa, Sudan, Gaza and other conflict-affected regions, conflicts have continued to cause pain and suffering for innocent people.

“Let this be our tribute to those who lost their lives: that we will build a better community, a better Benue, and a better Nigeria. A country where all citizens are equal. That must remain our goal.

“As a Nigerian, I am committed to this. As the UN Deputy Secretary-General, I am committed to amplifying your voices and ensuring that your struggles and those of many others across the country are heard.

“Across the Sahel, in West Africa, and in places like Sudan and Gaza, conflict continues to cause suffering. We must prioritise peace. Without peace, we cannot return to our farms.

“Without peace, our economy cannot grow. Without peace, the 70% of our population who are young people will have no future.

“We must also hold our politicians accountable. Peace is what we demand. That is why we vote,” she said.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia directed the immediate reopening of the Yelewata Market for commercial activities.

Mr Alia acknowledged the contributions of the UN and its agencies for their efforts towards the plight of all IDPs in Benue.

The governor said that insecurity was threatening the peace and unity of the country and Benue in particular and commended Mohammed for visiting the state.

(NAN)