News

Fact-Finding Committee Ends Statewide Security Assessment in Pankshin, Pledges Actionable Recommendations

Published

12 months ago

July 29, 2025

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The Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, concluded its statewide assessment of security challenges in the 17 local government areas with a final visit to Pankshin Local Government Area.

Chairman of the Pankshin LGA, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, welcomed the committee alongside his deputy, council secretary, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), other security chiefs, and key council members.

Speaking during the visit, Committee Chairman, Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogers (rtd), reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to gathering accurate, objective insights that would guide the state government’s actions in curbing violence. “We have heard of killings, cattle rustling, land grabbing, and illegal mining. These are serious issues. The governor, in his wisdom, asked for external perspectives to find out why these atrocities persist. Pankshin is special to the Plateau people, and that’s why we’re concluding the assessment here,” he said.

Committee Secretary, Barr. Baba Parlong, noted that as the only Plateau indigene on the panel, his presence signifies the governor’s intent for a neutral, unbiased outcome. “From the onset till today, I have seen the governor’s vision gradually taking form,” he stated.

In his remarks, Hon. Felix Gonung expressed appreciation for the governor’s initiative and praised the committee for its diligence. “This is a timely and intentional step by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to address insecurity. We in Pankshin may not be experiencing mass killings like other LGAs, but we are not immune to threats such as land disputes, cattle encroachment, and illegal mining,” he said.

The council chairman also commended the synergy between traditional rulers, security operatives, and the council in managing security threats. “We have deliberately intensified local efforts to keep Pankshin peaceful,” he added.

The DPO, while describing the area as relatively peaceful, identified growing concerns. “The migration of herders due to crises in other LGAs poses a serious threat. Though kidnapping has declined, land-related tensions and cattle invasion of farmlands remain challenges,” he said.

Deputy Chairman of the council also pointed to a recent anonymous letter threatening an attack in one community. “We mobilized security and traditional leadership to preemptively respond. This collaboration is what’s helping us maintain stability,” he noted, while also commending the strong partnership between the local vigilante and formal security structures.

Addressing the committee at his palace, the Ngolong Ngas and Chairman of the Pankshin-Kanke Traditional Council, HRH Nde Jika Golit, said the zone has remained largely peaceful, though not without isolated incidents. “We have only experienced minor issues like land disputes, chieftaincy clashes, and isolated kidnappings. We thank our security agencies and pray this peace continues,” he said.

While commending the committee’s efforts, he appealed for urgent intervention to stop the ongoing killings in other troubled LGAs. “Just last week, about 50 people were killed in Riyom. The government is trying, but it’s clear more needs to be done. We must stop this bloodshed before whole communities are wiped out,” the traditional ruler lamented.

The committee chairman, Maj. Gen. Rogers, in a closing remark, praised the resilience of Pankshin and Kanke communities. “Apart from some family-level farmland disputes, this place remains calm. We’ve gathered facts that will guide the government in restoring Plateau’s peace and dignity,” he said.

Hon. Gonung echoed similar optimism. “This visit is a blessing. The presence of people who have served the nation and are still contributing even in retirement is inspiring. We believe your prayers and recommendations will usher in a new era of peace,” he said.

With the conclusion of the local government tour, the committee is expected to begin deliberations and present its findings and recommendations to the Plateau State Government. Citizens across the state await the outcome with great anticipation, hoping for decisive action that will halt the cycle of violence and restore Plateau’s reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”

News

‘I will continue to criticise Ebonyi govt where necessary’ – PDP guber candidate

Published

3 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Preport

The 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ebonyi, Chief Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed allegations by the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Mr Chinedu Ogah, that he has been sponsoring cyberbullying campaigns against Ebonyi government.

Odii, also known as “AnyiChuks” in a statement to journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, described the allegation as baseless and an attempt to criminalise legitimate criticism and divert attention from issues of governance in the state.

He maintained that demanding accountability from elected public officials was a constitutional right of citizens and should not be misconstrued as cyberbullying or cyberstalking.

“Since when did asking questions become cyberbullying? Since when did demanding a scorecard become cyberstalking?” Odii asked.

He noted that Ebonyi people deserved to know how public resources allocated to the state had been utilised, insisting that citizens had the right to demand transparency and good governance.

According to him, criticism of government policies and performance is an essential feature of democracy and should not be interpreted as an attack on any individual.

The PDP governorship candidate also denied allegations that he was influencing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register underage voters, describing the accusation as reckless, defamatory and without evidence.

He urged the lawmaker to forward any evidence in his possession to the appropriate security agencies instead of making what he described as unsubstantiated allegations in the media.

The PDP candidate pledged to continue criticising the government in areas requiring improvement and commend it where it performs well.

Odii added that he would continue to advocate transparency, accountability and inclusive development, stressing that responsible opposition was vital to democratic governance.

Odii said he would not be intimidated into silence, adding that the people of the state would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogah, at a press conference recently accused Odii of sponsoring cyberbullying and propaganda against the Ebonyi government led by Governor Nwifuru

Health

Yobe govt approves health insurance enrolment for retirees

Published

3 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Preport

The Yobe State Government has approved the enrolment of state and local government retirees into the Social Equity Programme of its health insurance scheme.

The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), Babagana Tijjani, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Damaturu.

Mr Tijjani said the approval was granted by Governor Mai Mala Buni following a recommendation from the agency.

He said the initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending among pensioners and improve access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services at YSCHMA-accredited health facilities.

According to him, the approval underscores the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees by ensuring they continue to access quality healthcare after retirement.

“This approval is another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents of the state,” he said.

“By bringing retirees under the social equity programme, the government is ensuring that senior citizens can access quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.”

The executive secretary further said that the inclusion of retirees in the scheme aligned with the administration’s healthcare reform agenda and the state’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

He also described the development as a significant step in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening social protection.

READ ALSO: Yobe, Adamawa tighten security to curb illegal mining

Mr Tijjani commended the governor for approving the initiative and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its effective implementation.

He said the YSCHMA would work closely with pension unions, relevant government institutions and healthcare providers to ensure a transparent enrolment process and seamless access to healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the YSCHMA was established under Yobe State Law No. 7 of 2019 to implement the state’s contributory healthcare scheme and promote equitable, affordable and qualitative healthcare services for residents.

(NAN)