News
Plateau Boils Again: Eight Killed, 95 Houses Burnt …‘We ‘ve Lost 20 Persons, 225 Farms In Three Weeks’
No fewer than eight persons were killed and 95 houses burnt when attackers invaded Abonong and Zayit communities in Foron district of Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau.
Spokesman of the Plateau police command, Terna Tyopev, said the attackers hit the community in the wee hours of Wednesday.
He said 310 cows were also rustled, while three other persons were severely injured.
Tyopev said: “When we received information that Abonong and Zayit communities were being attacked, we quickly mobilised and rushed to the affected areas.
“But, when we approached the areas, the attackers sighted us and took to their heels.
“When we eventually entered the attacked settlements, we found that eight persons were killed, 95 houses burnt, while 310 cows were stolen.”
Tyopev said the bandits also stole foodstuff and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
“As we speak, security has been beefed up in the areas to forestall further attacks,” he said.
Earlier yesterday, a Pastor of Church of Christ in Nation (COCIN) LCC Abonong, Foron in Barkin Ladi LGC of Plateau State, Rev Adamu Gyang Wurim, alongside his wife and three children were burnt alive by suspected herdsmen.
Meanwhile, the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO)has called on the government and security operatives to fish out the killer herdsmen who carried the recent attack that claimed the lives of 10 persons, including a pastor and his family members.
BECO equally said they have lost 20 persons and over 225 farms destroyed alongside crops in the past three weeks.
They added that nobody will force them out of their God-given land and territory through conquest.
BECO, which is the umbrella body of all Berom, through its Secretary, Da Davou Choji Davou, said over 100 houses were also burnt within the aforementioned period.
According to Davou, “The past three weeks have been very bloody for the Berom following sustained and coordinated attacks by killer herdsmen, which have left more than 20 of our people dead, so many with serious injuries, large portions of farmlands and crops waiting to be harvested, destroyed and several houses burnt.
“More than 225 farmlands with crops such as maize, guinea corn, sweet potatoes, bene seed, Funio, Finger and assorted vegetables estimated at millions of naira and awaiting to be harvested were within the same period also destroyed.
“These attacks which continued up to Tuesday, August28, 2018 with overnight strike 8 villages of Fan and Foron Districts in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area left 10 persons dead, including Rev. Adamu Gyang Wurim of COCIN LCC Abonong, his wife and three children who were gruesomely burnt in their house.”
“The Berom nation condemns, in totality, the dastardly and unprovoked attacks on their communities and wanton destruction of farmlands and crops by the cruel and heartless terrorists.
“We are more worried that these attacks are taking place at a time security is said to have been heightened within and around the affected communities in the wake of 28 June-2nd July 2018 attacks on communities in Riyom and Barkin-Ladi LGA in which more than 200 innocent souls were murdered.
“The attack is coming at a period the Berom nation and indeed all people of goodwill are still mourning the massacre of their compatriots and exploring ways of returning the more than 38,000 displaced persons to their places of abode.
“To these, rampaging militia, the Berom nation wishes to restate in clear and unambiguous terms that we will not cede an inch out of our God giving territory through conquest. For us, what is playing out at the moment is the dismal failure of government and the security agencies to give our communities the desire security cover against the invaders.
“We equally call on international humanitarian and philanthropic organizations as well as people of goodwill to urgently come to the aid of our people who have been displaced from their ancestral home by providing relief materials and me,” the group said.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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