The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI) to tackle insecurity in the North-Central region of the country.

The Tide source reports that the initiative is the brainchild of Mrs Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement in charge of north-central.

Speaking at the event in Jos, yesterday, Essiet said that the initiative aimed at promoting peace and security in states within the region.

“This initiative is an innovative peace network aimed at driving the peace agenda and promoting social cohesion across the region.

“In recent times, these have witnessed troubling violence such as banditry, farmer-herder clashes, insurgency, kidnapping, among others.

“The challenges before the region are more serious and far reaching; the security situation has led to the tragic loss of lives and property.

“This incident demands a proactive and intriguing response, one that places communities at the corner of peace.

“This is why we are gathered here today to launch a new pathway through the Presidential community engagement on peace initiative,” she said

In his remarks, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba, called on Nigerians to pass down historical antecedents to the upcoming generation.

He said that such a move would give a better perspective towards addressing the lingering conflicts in the region.

Inaugurating the initiative, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau said that the initiative would go a long way to promote peaceful coexistence in the region.

Mutfwang added that the initiative would also empower communities to take the lead in the peace building process of the Tinubu-led administration.

“This initiative is driven by the belief that peace is not only a goal, but a shared responsibility.

“We gather here at a critical moment in our national journey across our communities

“This initiative aims to empower communities to take the lead in conflict resolution and peace building, recognising that sustainable peace must be local.

“It will also build bridges of trust between citizens through shared commitment and dialogue,” he said

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recalled an entire patrol team following allegations of bribery reported by an online media platform.

Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, directed the recall to allow for a thorough investigation and possible disciplinary action.

According to a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, yesterday, the corps expressed its commitment to upholding discipline with a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and misconduct.

He noted that if the operatives in question are found guilty, they could face dismissal and criminal prosecution.

The statement read in part, “The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps Shehu Mohammed has taken decisive action in response to a viral publication by Premium Media outlet alleging bribery by some of the patrol operatives of the Corps; by ordering the immediate recall of the entire patrol team mentioned in the report for thorough investigation and necessary sanction.

“Being an organisation that uphold standards at all times, with established procedures to check indiscipline, corruption and patrol misconducts, if found guilty of bribery or other forms of corruption, the operatives will face severe disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where necessary.”

The Corps also responded to claims in the report concerning a 2021 arrest of FRSC officials by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

It clarified that while corruption is a nationwide challenge, FRSC has consistently taken proactive steps to rid its ranks of unethical behavior.

Highlighting past efforts, the Corps said it has worked closely with the ICPC and the Department of State Services to conduct joint surveillance operations targeting corrupt officials.

According to a statement, these operations reportedly led to the arrest of “over 70 personnel in one year,” with many facing internal sanctions and prosecution.

Further strengthening its anti-corruption measures, FRSC partnered with the Akin Fadeyi Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation to launch the Flag-It app, a digital platform that enables the public to report cases of extortion and misconduct by FRSC officers.

A newly launched internal mobile app also allows for real-time reporting and recognition of officers who uphold the Corps’ standards.

The corps marshal encouraged the public and the media to remain vigilant and continue supporting FRSC’s efforts by using available tools to report any observed misconduct on roads.

The suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has denied any connection with a viral audio and video purportedly featuring her in a conversation with a journalist where she claimed that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, blackmailed President Bola Tinubu to have her imprisoned.

In a statement personally signed and released in Abuja, last Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan categorically dissociated herself from the contents of the recordings, urging the public to disregard them entirely.

She described the viral materials as “a deliberate act of misinformation” crafted with malicious intent to tarnish her reputation and destabilise the leadership of the National Assembly.

Her statement partly read, “I categorically and unequivocally dissociate myself from this video and audio recording. At no time did I grant such an interview or hold any such conversation with a journalist or anyone else. The voice in the recording is not mine — it has been cloned and manipulated with clear malicious intent.

“This is a calculated attempt to mislead the public, damage my reputation, and stir division within the leadership of the National Assembly and the Federal Government. It is not only mischievous and criminal but also a dangerous abuse of technology to spread falsehood.”

Continuing, the Kogi politician reaffirmed her commitment to truth, justice, and responsible democratic engagement.

She further disclosed that her legal team and relevant security agencies have been instructed to investigate the origin of the doctored content and ensure that those behind it are held accountable.

“The general public is advised to treat the circulating video and audio as entirely false and misleading. This is the work of desperate individuals intent on smearing the image of a law-abiding, peace-loving public servant.

“I remain steadfast in my service to the people and urge Nigerians to remain vigilant against coordinated campaigns of disinformation and digital impersonation aimed at creating unnecessary political tension.”