News

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

Published

10 months ago

July 29, 2025

vicky

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.”

Business

Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has paid over ₦5.5 billion in claims to policyholders as at April 2026, reaffirming its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dependable and customer-focused insurance brands.

The claims payout, according to the company cuts across both General and Life businesses, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises to customers promptly and consistently, even as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to evolve amid recapitalisation and increased market scrutiny.

A breakdown of the claims settlement shows that the sum of ₦3,668,742,117.69 was paid under the General Business portfolio, while ₦1,914,029,614.93 was disbursed under the Life Business portfolio, covering Group Life and Retail Life policies.

The payouts covered a broad spectrum of claims including motor, engineering, marine, life protection, death benefits and other insured risks.

Equally important, Mutual Benefits has consistently earned commendation from policyholders for its responsiveness during difficult moments.

A retail customer whose motor insurance claim was recently settled by the company described the experience as reassuring:“You never truly know the value of insurance until something goes wrong. What stood out for me was how quickly Mutual Benefits responded and resolved my claim without unnecessary stress.”

Another Group Life beneficiary noted: “At a very difficult time for our family, Mutual Benefits came through professionally and compassionately. The support made a real difference.”

Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Olufemi Asenuga described the payout as more than a financial transaction.

“Insurance is ultimately about trust. At Mutual Benefits, we understand that our relevance is not measured merely by policies sold, but by our ability to stand by customers when they need us most.”

He noted further that the consistent settlement of genuine claims reflects the company’s strong operational structure, disciplined underwriting approach and enduring commitment to policyholders across Nigeria.

Industry analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of prompt claims settlement in deepening insurance penetration and restoring public confidence in the sector.

A Lagos-based insurance and financial services analyst, Chinedu Okafor, stated that: “In a market where customers are increasingly demanding accountability and proof of value, insurers that consistently pay claims promptly will continue to earn long-term trust and market relevance.

Claims payment is the strongest form of marketing any insurance company can undertake.”

The latest payout comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, as operators continue to position for stronger financial capacity, operational efficiency and increased consumer confidence in line with ongoing recapitalisation conversations across the sector.

Mutual Benefits noted that while financial strength remains important, long-term sustainability in insurance is ultimately built on trust, service delivery and the ability to honour obligations consistently.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, deepening insurance awareness and delivering innovative products tailored to the realities of individuals and businesses.

With over three decades of operations and a growing footprint across Nigeria, Mutual Benefits continues to position itself as a reliable partner for protection, wealth creation and peace of mind.

The post Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust appeared first on Business Today NG.

News

Plateau Govt Declares War on Terrorists, Tightens Security Measures

Published

3 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has declared that the state is “at war with terrorists and enemies of the state” as it vowed to intensify efforts to tackle the wave of coordinated attacks recorded across the state over the past four months.

The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted fresh measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

Jatau said the emergency session brought together members of the State Security Council, chairmen of the 17 local government areas and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

According to him, the council concluded that Plateau had come under sustained attacks in recent months, with clear signs of coordinated assaults across communities.

“The council identified and unanimously agreed that the state has been under siege in the last four months with evidence of coordinated attacks unleashed on the state,” he said.

To curb the insecurity, the council resolved to intensify enforcement of the ban on motorcycles, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which it described as factors fuelling insecurity.

The government also directed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned areas and public spaces across the state.

Jatau disclosed that the government would immediately boost logistics support for security agencies through the provision of additional motorcycles and operational vehicles to strengthen security operations.

The council further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between local government security structures and host communities, noting that intelligence sharing and synergy must be improved.

On public order, the government warned that any group found blocking highways would henceforth be treated as engaging in criminal activity and would face the full weight of the law.

The council also pledged to ensure the protection of farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee the safety of farmers and agricultural activities.

Traditional institutions were equally urged to tighten control over cultural groups and associations operating under their supervision.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Jatau declared, “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”

He added that the government remained fully committed to protecting lives, property and communities across the state.

As part of broader security measures, the council also resolved to launch a crackdown on drug dealers, traffickers and substance abusers operating within Plateau State.