The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, has called for transparency, factual reporting, and responsible public discourse amid growing discussions surrounding the council’s budgetary allocations and development projects.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kum Precious, the chairman appreciated residents of Langtang North for their interest in governance and commitment to accountability, describing public participation as an essential part of democratic governance.
The statement, however, expressed concern over what it described as misinformation and misleading interpretations of budgetary provisions and project implementation circulating on social media and other public platforms.
According to the chairman, citizens have the constitutional right to ask questions and seek clarification on government activities, but cautioned that public conclusions should be based on verified facts and proper understanding of official records.
He noted that the approved budget of Langtang North Local Government Council remains a public document accessible to interested residents through the Plateau State Government transparency platform.
The chairman explained that a budget is primarily a planning and appropriation document outlining proposed projects, anticipated revenues, projected expenditures, and developmental priorities for a fiscal year.
He stressed that the inclusion of projects in a budget does not automatically imply that such projects have been completed, abandoned, or fully funded, noting that projects usually pass through stages including planning, procurement, mobilization, implementation, supervision, and completion.
The statement further clarified that several projects currently being discussed publicly are part of the 2026 fiscal framework and are presently at various stages of implementation.
Among the projects highlighted was the construction of the Supervisory Councillors Office within the Local Government Secretariat, which the council said is ongoing.
The chairman also disclosed that the procurement process for the solar streetlight initiative had been concluded, while arrangements were underway for shipment, installation, and deployment.
At Zamko Market, the statement revealed that fencing works were ongoing, while boreholes had already been drilled to support the construction of sanitation and toilet facilities aimed at improving hygiene and commercial activities within the market.
The council urged residents to distinguish between proposed, ongoing, and completed projects in order to avoid misconceptions and inaccurate public perceptions.
Hon. Tyem also reminded residents that he assumed office as Executive Chairman in October 2024, urging the public to distinguish between projects and obligations inherited from previous administrations and those undertaken under his leadership.
The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem
The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent management of public resources, transparency, and delivery of projects across key sectors including education, agriculture, security, water resources, infrastructure, healthcare, youth development, and community advancement.
According to the statement, the administration has initiated several interventions since assuming office aimed at improving the welfare of residents and laying the foundation for sustainable development across the local government area.
The chairman further announced plans by the council to commence regular public updates in the coming weeks detailing ongoing and completed projects within Langtang North.
The updates, according to the statement, will include photographs, project locations, implementation status, timelines, and other relevant information to enable residents track progress and remain informed about developmental interventions.
Hon. Tyem assured residents that his administration remains focused on delivering impactful projects and sustaining transparency and accountability in governance.
He also appreciated the people of Langtang North for their vigilance, participation, and continued interest in governance, pledging to continue serving the area with integrity and responsibility.
The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains active, with sustained transmission driving increases in reported cases and deaths.
As of 15 July 2026, a cumulative total of 2,124 confirmed cases, including 828 deaths, have been reported from the DRC.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) made this known in a statement on Friday.
Also, the WHO said German authorities had reported a laboratory-confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola case in a humanitarian worker from the US who was medically evacuated from the DRC on July 13.
“It is the second US citizen treated in Germany.
“In Uganda, no new BVD cases have been recorded since June 21,” it said.
According to it, the latest patient was discharged on 16 July after testing negative twice, allowing the country to begin the mandatory 42-day enhanced surveillance period before declaring the outbreak over.
The statement said that health authorities in the DRC and Uganda, working with WHO and partners, were continuing extensive outbreak response measures, including surveillance.
Suspected member of a kidnap gang believed to be behind a series of attacks and abductions along the Jos–Makurdi highway has been arrested by troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, in Plateau State. The arrest was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama on Friday night.
According to the post, the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 16 during a targeted operation carried out by troops deployed at the Sector’s Standing Operating Base (SOB) in Bangai Village, Riyom Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect is a member of an armed criminal syndicate accused of terrorising commuters and residents along the Jos–Makurdi road corridor through kidnappings and other violent attacks.
Security sources quoted in the post said the suspect is currently in military custody and is assisting investigators with information that could help security operatives dismantle the criminal network and arrest other members of the gang.