News

Shettima to visit Plateau Today Over deadly attacks

Published

9 months ago

April 21, 2025

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is set to visit Plateau State, today following a wave of attacks and killings by gunmen in the Bokkos and Bassa communities, which have claimed many lives over the past two weeks.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed this during a visit by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to the affected communities in Bassa on Saturday.

“My heart is with you, and I convey also that of Mr President, who is so concerned that he asked us to come here — not just me alone, but also the Minister of Defence.

“Last week, the NSA was here, and on Monday, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be here to engage the stakeholders of Plateau State because Mr President said these killings must come to an end,” Nentawe stated.

PUNCH Online gathered that, during the visit, the Vice President will convene a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss strategies for enhancing security and promoting peace in the state.

The Defence Minister, who was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, and other security chiefs, assured the people of the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the killings.

He emphasised that the government would take decisive action to address the security challenges in the state.

Badaru said, “Mr President is committed to this, and he has directed that we must find the perpetrators of this evil and bring them to justice. The security agencies are investigating the matter seriously. God willing, we will get to the root of it, the perpetrators will be apprehended, and they will face justice.

“The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs has already provided some support, and together we will continue to assist them. He has just announced a planning programme that will address the welfare of widows, and the Federal Government is determined to alleviate the suffering of the victims.”

Meanwhile, the Plateau Youth Council, Northern Zone, has raised concerns over the wave of violent attacks on rural communities in Bassa and Riyom Local Government Areas, which coincide with the start of the wet farming season.

Addressing journalists in Jos, the PYC Northern Zone Coordinator, Comrade Samson Chiroma, described the attacks as “acts of genocide” rather than communal clashes.

He argued that the timing of the attacks — just as the farming season begins — suggests a calculated attempt to prevent the people from cultivating their land and to plunge them into economic hardship.

Chiroma rejected the Federal Government’s classification of the violence as communal clashes, accusing armed Fulani militias of orchestrating the attacks.

He expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s inadequate response and failure to acknowledge the true nature of the crisis.

The youth leader affirmed the Council’s support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent statewide broadcast, stating that the governor’s message captured the mood and pain of Plateau citizens.

“The governor spoke the minds of Plateau youths. We are ready to use all legal means to seek justice for our people. We will no longer fold our arms and watch our brothers and sisters being slaughtered without provocation.

“Garba said peace will continue to elude Plateau until certain conditions are met. Just days later, our people were attacked. Is that a coincidence?

“If the authorities are serious about ending these killings, they must start by questioning those who make inciting statements. Otherwise, it will appear that some people are above the law,” he stated.

Chiroma called on the Plateau State Government to strengthen Operation Rainbow — a local security outfit — by recruiting more personnel and equipping them with modern tools.

He also urged the government to take decisive action against those making inciting statements, warning that patience is wearing thin in the affected communities.

Chiroma stressed that the people of Plateau State would no longer fold their arms while their loved ones are being killed, and warned that if another attack occurs, the youth should not be blamed for the consequences.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

12 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

12 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

12 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor