Featured
Miyetti Allah Fingered In Plateau Mayhem: As Police Investigate ID Card Fund At Incident Scene …Army Smashes Killer Herdsmen In Benue, Bauchi …Obaseki Issues Arrest Order On Killers In Edo
An identity card belonging to the Deputy Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Zakariya Ya’u Idris, is now a subject of controversy.
The police authorities said they had commenced investigation into the matter.
While the Irigwe Development Association alleged that the document was recovered at a scene where some persons were recently killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen, MACBAN said the ID card was stolen by Irigwe youth who attacked the house of Idris while he was worshiping in the mosque.
The President of IDA and former member, Plateau State House of Assembly, Sunday Abdu, said, “The identity card was seen at the scene of an attack where people were killed.
“The issue of identity cards is a small matter. We also recovered telephone handsets.
“We have reported the matter to the Police and the items have been taken for investigation.
But when contacted, the Chairman of MACBAN in Plateau State, Muhammad Nuru Abdullahi, insisted that the ID was stolen along with other personal documents.
He said, “The owner of the ID card is the deputy chairman of MACBAN in Bassa LGA. He was chased out of his own house.
“He left this document inside his own house, and they entered and picked it and then went away with it. The man was running for his life.
“The incident happened on Wednesday morning. You know they were attacked very early in the morning before 6:00am. He was in the mosque when they were attacked and he was unable to come back to his house.
“That was how they picked the documents, including the school certificates of his children, indigene’s certificates of his wife and children, his (MACBAN) identity card, vehicle documents and other personal items.
“He has reported to the Police and the report has been documented.”
When contacted to find out whether any report was lodged by either parties, the spokesperson of Plateau State Police Command, ASP Matthias Tyopev said, “It is a sensitive matter; no comment for now, until after diligent investigation.”
However, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, yesterday, said the arbitrary arrest and persecution of its members by the police and the Takum Council Chairman, Hon. Shiban Tikari, was inimical to peace.
The Northeast Zonal Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Mafindi Danburam, stated this at a press conference in Jalingo.
According to him, some Miyetti Allah members had on Wednesday, March 14, went to Bantaje Cattle Market to sell their cows and while on their way back, 52 of them were arbitrarily arrested by the police under the instruction of Takum Council Chairman, Hon. Shiban Tikari, and were later transferred to the state police command in Jalingo.
“We have visited the command and demanded for reasons for their arrest, charges against them and the complainant statement which have not being made available to us,” he said.
The zonal chairman called on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to intervene in the matter.
“We are really in the hands of elements of destruction who believe that a Fulani man has no right to live and enjoy his right as a citizen in Taraba State.
“Takum is now a no-go area for us. Our people are being killed, their animals maimed but nobody has been arrested for these crimes”, he said.
But when contacted, Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Akinremi said 54 persons were arrested following information the police received that there was a mass movement of people suspected to be the perpetrators of some violent attacks at Bawe, Panshen, Muji 1 and Muji 2 villages in Takum.
He explained that his men acting on intelligence intercepted four vehicles loaded with herdsmen, adding that some natives alleged that the suspects had positioned themselves to launch an attack in the area.
Akinremi said he ordered his men to bring the suspects to the state command in Jalingo for interrogation to determine their innocence on the allegation.
The commissioner said even though nothing incriminating was found on the suspects, the police had already conveyed 41 of them to Kashimbilla who claimed to have cows domiciled in the area for further investigation.
“About 41 of the suspects claimed they have cows at Kashimbilla. So, we need to verify if there is any evidence that they took cows to Bantaje for sale. We may probably find out from the native and middlemen if they had performed any transaction with them.
“Five of the suspects confessed to be cattle rustlers, while six were believed to be among the perpetrators of the violent attacks in Takum and its environs in recent times,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman Takum, Hon. Shiban Tikari told journalists that as a council chairman, he was duty bound to report suspected criminals to the security operatives for necessary action.
Takari said the number of herdsmen spotted, coupled with the fact that they were not grazing cows, raised suspicion because herdsmen normally troop into the area with their cattle on their way to Kashimbilla around November and December not in March, more so that we are currently being attacked by herdsmen.
“The recent attacks on Panshen, Bawe, Muji 1 and 2 villages, and the information at our disposal that marauders were planning more attacks in Mudi, Tati and Manya made us to be security conscious. So, there my alarm was in order. We must as leaders make efforts to promote peace and not give criminals room to operate,” he said.
It could be recalled that the recent crisis between Fulani and natives in Takum and Ussa LGAs as well as Yanghtu Special Development area killed seven people while property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Meanwhile, troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade have arrested 6 herdsmen, caught in the act of farmland destruction in Kwata, Benue State.
This is contained in a statement, yesterday, by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu.
It explained that troops on patrol in the general area of Kwata Sule on Saturday, March 17, encountered the herdsmen.
After initial interrogation, the suspects were handed over to the police for further action.
Also, troops on patrol in the general area of Chembe, Tse-Gundu, Tse-Iordye and Shaor settlements sighted two herdsmen on a motorcycle along Kwata Shaor river bank.
“Herdsmen abandoned their motorcycle and fled. In search of the general area, one round of 7.62mm special was discovered.
“Troops continue to dominate the general area with patrols,” the statement concluded.
Similarly, the Nigerian Army said its troops have killed four armed militiamen in Ningi Local Government Council of Bauchi State.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, in a statement issued, yesterday, said that nine militiamen were also arrested.
Chukwu said that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade of Operation “Lafiya Dole”, on patrol on March 17, were attacked by the militia group at Burra Junction in Ningi.
He stated that the militiamen fired at the troops on patrol.
Ckukwu added that the troops, thereafter, engaged the militias, killing four of them.
He explained that the troops also recovered five Dane guns, 38 motorcycles, and nine bicycles.
The army spokesman said that one soldier was wounded in the attack and referred to a medical facility for treatment.
“Troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in the ongoing operation Lafia Dole, on March 17 at about 12:30 p.m. encountered members of a militia group, massing up at Burra Junction in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
“The militiamen on sighting the troops, opened fire on them while the troops reacted immediately by engaging them.
“At the end of the encounter, four militias were killed, troops recovered five Dane guns; 38 motorcycles, nine bicycles, and nine militiamen arrested.
“One soldier, who sustained gunshot wounds is stable, having been evacuated to the hospital and receiving treatment,’’ Chukwu said.
In the same vein, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the arrest of the suspected herdsmen responsible for the death of two adults and a minor in Ugboha, Esan South East Local Local Government Council of Edo State, at the weekend.
Recall that at least five persons, including a first year student of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo S tate, Collins Ojierakhi, were reportedly killed by herdsmen in Ugboha, Esan South-East Local and Odiguete Ovia North-East Local Government Areas of Edo State.
He condemned the unwarranted killings by the bandits under the guise of herdsmen, in contravention of government’s directive that cattle should not move in Edo State at night.
Speaking, yesterday, the governor ordered that the culprits must be apprehended within seven days.
He directed the committee made up of the police, officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to work with members of all associations of cattle dealers and people who have information regarding the activities of the bandits to fish them out within the stipulated period.
Obaseki condoled with families of the victims and pledged his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of all Edo people and residents in the state as well as their property.
He enjoined members of the affected communities to keep the peace, assuring them that the culprits will be apprehended and that justice will be served.
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Nigeria needs God-fearing leaders for the nation to move in the right direction and make meaningful progress.
The Governor stated this yesterday when he received in audience, the World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler; his wife, Andriene Marques Kohler; daughter Mariana Marques Kohler and a retinue of ministers of the church at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara who hailed the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its contributions to education and the grooming of future leaders in Nigeria, expressed delight that the Church had over the years, been investing in education at various levels and currently runs two universities in the country.
He commended the church for not only using its institutions to spread the gospel of Christianity but to groom future leaders for the country.
According to him, religion should not be just about defending one’s faith, but also making meaningful impact on the lives of the people.
He said that by floating these educational institutions, the church has demonstrated capacity to support Nigeria in the task of producing not only educated people but a breed of God-fearing leaders.
“Our country is where it is today because we lack the fear of God. If you have the fear of God, there should be a limit to what you can do because you understand the supremacy of God. But when God is not in your equation, you’ll go beyond the line and that is what has brought us to where we are today.
“So, I feel very happy that you are contributing to the development of our future leaders in this country. We need the right people being in the right place; prepared properly with good minds; that is what we need, not just in Nigeria but round the whole world.,” he said.
Governor Fubara further observed that the absence of God-fearing people in high places to take the right decisions that could impact positively on the society, has also given rise to other problems such as social inequality, poverty, corruption and criminality. According to him, Nigeria needs a system where the average parent could afford quality education for their children and a guarantee that upon graduation, the average child will have the capacity to compete favourably with anybody, anywhere in the world.
“If we have a situation where the little money that you’re being paid as wage can also afford you quality healthcare and after working at least for 15-20 years, you have a roof over your head, tell me why you should be involved in any kind of crime? At that point, you’ll feel secured and this attitude of insecurity about the future that leads to all the social vices we have today won’t be there,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and for their prayers for Rivers State, assuring them of his continued support for their programmes in the state.
Leader of the delegation and World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler said he was in Nigeria for a special conference of the church during which thousands of the church’s ministers will be undergoing an empowerment programme to further equip them for the task of herding their flocks and serving the society.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception accorded his entourage, saying the memory of the visit will linger in his mind for a lifetime.
Kohler disclosed that the Church has over twenty -four million (24,000,000) members and more than 182,000 places of worship, spread across 212 countries of the world.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This reaffirms the lawmakers’ commitment to enacting laws and taking legislative actions geared towards the overall development of the State.
The Assembly gave the approval during its Second Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session held last Friday.
Speaking on the MTEF document during plenary, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, noted that by the provision of Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, the MTEF ought to have been laid before the House in September 2025.
Amaewhule explained that traditionally, the document is expected to be presented four months before the commencement of the next financial year and immediately after the expiration of every three-year fiscal cycle.
He, however, stated that in the interest of the State and its people, the House considered it necessary to deliberate on the document, describing it as a precursor to the 2026 Budget Estimates.
The Speaker expressed concern that the year had already progressed significantly before the presentation of the framework.
During deliberations on the document, members examined the assumptions and projections contained in the MTEF and observed that strict adherence to the outlined fiscal parameters would ultimately serve the interest of Rivers people.
The lawmakers maintained that effective implementation of the framework would promote prudent financial management and enhance developmental planning across the State.
Following the debate and positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question to the House and members voted overwhelmingly in support of the approval of the MTEF.
Meanwhile, during the same sitting last Friday, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu.
The petition was presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi.
According to the petition, concerns were raised over an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and alleged forceful takeover of property by some lawless persons within parts of the Local Government Area.
Presenting the petition before the House, Hon. Amadi appealed to the lawmakers to revisit the matter and take necessary steps aimed at safeguarding lives and property in the affected communities.
The House is expected to further deliberate on the petition and consider measures to address the concerns raised in order to sustain peace and security in the area.
King Onunwor
Featured
JUNE 12: Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Path To Unity, Progress, Says Fubara ….Extols Abiola, Wife
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, given the country’s rich diversity of ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said June 12 represents far more than a historic date; as it embodies the enduring struggle, sacrifice, and collective aspiration of Nigerians for freedom, justice, and representative governance.
The Governor extended warm felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others whose courage and sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, “June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today. The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and many other patriots who laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy today. Their commitment to the principle that power must ultimately reside with the people remains a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians.”
Governor Fubara noted that thirty-three years after the historic June 12, 1993 election, Nigeria’s democratic experiment has continued to evolve despite challenges and setbacks.
“Our democratic journey has not been without difficulties, but the resilience of our institutions and the determination of our people have kept the nation moving forward. The ability to express differing opinions, engage in constructive debate, and peacefully choose leaders through the ballot remains one of the greatest achievements of our nation,” he said.
Governor Fubara stressed that democracy provides the best framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity and transforming it into a source of national strength.
“Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity, and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at economic revitalization, strengthening security, and deepening democratic institutions across the country.
He reiterated the readiness of Rivers State to continue partnering with the Federal Government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure development, job creation, enhanced security, quality education, healthcare delivery, and good governance.
The Governor further called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or religious belief, to use the occasion of Democracy Day to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project and the ideals that underpin democratic governance.
“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise. It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership. As citizens and leaders, we all share a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to remain united, hopeful, and committed to the values of peace, dialogue, and national development.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” he said.