Month: December 2021

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Eight suspects arrested in connection to the kidnap of Sum Pyem of Gindiri

Official statement from the command of Operations Safe Haven states that “While the Paramount ruler of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Charles Mato has been with his abductors, the commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali placed the troops deployed at Gyanbus on red alert and a hot trail of the perpetrators followed”

Consequently, “Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap incidence and are being interrogated” 

Following this development, the paramount ruler  early this morning of Friday 31 December 2021 has been released by his abductors. 

Meanwhile Operations Safe Haven is still very much on ground to ensure all those involved in the kidnap of the traditional ruler are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

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Plateau Government stopped purported installation of Alh Maiwada Ya’u as Danmalikin Pengana

Plateau State Government has directed the Chairman of Bassa Local Government and the Chairman of the Traditional Council in the Area to immediately halt the purported installation of one Alh. Maiwada Ya’u Mohammed (CEO Jengre Petroleum Company Ltd.) as Danmalikin Pengana by a non-existent “Emir of Pengana”. 

This was contained in a statement signed by Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun ,commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Plateau State and made available to newsmen in Jos 

The Government frowned at the purported installation scheduled for 2nd January 2022 as contained in invitation cards and posters carrying misleading information about a non-existing “Pengana Emirate” which it said is a clear display of arrogance and an attempt to inflame passions and cause a breakdown of law and order. 

The  statement further reads that Government also views the planned installation of the said beneficiary by this non-existing Emirate as an attempt to disrupt the peace of Bassa Local Government Area and the entire State by using Chieftancy matters which people hold dear to their hearts. 

Government therefore warns those involved in this planned installation by this non-existing entity to desist forthwith as law enforcement agencies have been put on red alert and directed to immediately arrest anyone who contravenes the directive. 

It further mandates traditional rulers and Local Government Chairmen across the State to be proactive and nip in the bud any similar attempt by unscrupulous groups and individuals to disrupt public peace and security through mischief that uses the traditional Institution which is considered a sacred one. 

Government further warns that it will not hesitate to come down hard on any traditional ruler who is found to be negligent or supporting such clandestine activities openly or secretly. 

It also urges the public to ignore the said event as there is no such thing as “Emirate of Pengana” in Plateau State. 

For the avoidance of doubt, the paramount ruler of Pengana Chiefdom in Bassa LGA recognised by Government is the “Ogomo Pengana” HRH. Esau Mamman Shayang (JP) who was installed in 2016.

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

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Gov. Lalong mourns first class traditional ruler, Miskaham Mwagavul

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS FIRST CLASS TRADITIONAL RULER, MISKAHAM MWAGAVUL, DA NELSON BAKFUR.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep sadness over the death of a First Class Traditional Ruler in Plateau State, the Mishkaham Mwagavul, Da Nelson Bakfur who joined his ancestors on Tuesday 28th December 2021

Lalong during a visit to the family of the monarch in Kerang, Mangu Local Government, said he received the news of the  passing of the royal father with shock and grief as the deceased was a peacemaker and a rallying point for not only the Mwagavul nation, but the entire State.

The Governor who was accompanied by First Lady Regina Lalong, said “Da Nelson Bakfur did a lot to promote peaceful coexistence and development in his domain since assuming office as Mishkaham Mwaghavul in 1999. As the Chairman of the Mangu Traditional Council, he was very instrumental to the substantial peace recorded in the Local Government as well as the confidence building that grew among various ethnic groups in the Area. This facilitated the resolution of many disputes which prevented escalation”.

The Governor also paid tribute to the late Royal Father for his passion for economic emancipation of his people as well as paying special attention to educational development. He said the Royal Father also motivated the people to participate in agriculture and produce food for the State and nation at large.

While encouraging the immediate family and the Mwagavul nation to accept the passing of the late royal father as the will of God, Lalong challenged them to keep his legacies alive and continue to embibe his good virtues.

Responding, Da Philemon Mutang, District Head of Kerang said the visit of the Governor to the family is consoling and reassuring which further demonstrates the good relationship that existed between the Governor and the late Royal Father.

Commissioner for Minerals Development Hon. Jude Dakur prayed for the family and for the repose of the soul of the Royal Father.

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Sum Pyem: Kidnappers of Plateau monarch demand N500m ransom

Kidnappers of a Plateau State traditional ruler and paramount ruler of Pyem Chiefdom of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Charles Mato Dakat who was kidnapped on Sunday morning, have placed a demand ransom of N500million for his release.

A source in the traditional Council (name withheld) told New Telegraph yesterday evening that the abductors spoke to some members of the traditional Council through the phone of the paramount ruler.

“Yes, we were able to communicate with them. It was the paramount ruler who first called and spoke to us. Thereafter, the abductors equally talked to us using the paramount ruler’s telephone.

They told us that the paramount ruler is being treated well and is okay adding that they don’t have the intention of harming him, but all they were demanding is the sum of N500million for his release.

That is all I can tell you for now.” It would be recalled that the traditional ruler was abducted from his Palace in the early hours of Sunday December 26, 2021. Since the abduction, there has not been any statement from the Plateau State government on the issue.

Spokesman of the Operation Safe Haven, Major Ishaku Takwa had confirmed the incident on Sunday and promised that the troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN at Gyambus have been mobilised to the area and are on the trail of the kidnappers.

However, the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) to which the traditional ruler is a member has called on its members to sustain prayers for his release A statement signed and issued by the spokesman of the Association Yakubu Taddy said GOSA received with shock and sadness the kidnap of the paramount.

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Union Bank, Titan Bank in surprising merger

Banking giant, Union Bank of Nigeria PLC has announced the acquisition of its majority shares by Titan Trust Bank Limited, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing and customer-centric financial service providers.

Union Global Partners Limited, Atlas Mara Limited, and other majority shareholders agreed to sell their 88.39 percent stake in Union Bank to Titan Trust Bank in an announcement on Sunday, December 26.

In a notification to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the Securities Exchange Commission, the board of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc explained that the agreement, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other financial conditions, will transfer 89.39 percent of Union Bank’s issued share capital to Titan Trust Bank upon completion.

“On behalf of the Board, we congratulate all parties involved in reaching this level of the transaction, and the Board looks forward to supporting the next stages to guarantee a seamless completion of the process after regulatory approvals,” Union Bank Chairman Mrs. Beatrice Hamza Bassey stated.

“The Board of Titan Trust Bank and its key stakeholders are happy as this transaction marks a critical step for Titan Trust in its strategic growth journey and takes the institution to the next level in the Nigerian banking sector,” said Mr. Tunde Lemo, OFR, chairman of Titan Trust Bank.

Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, said, “This transaction marks an important milestone in the path of our 104-year-old Bank.” We thank our present investors for their loyal support over the years, and we welcome TTB as our new main investor. We acknowledge the strategic alignment between the two organizations and anticipate that this transaction will benefit our workers, customers, and stakeholders. We’re looking forward to working together to write Union Bank’s next exciting chapter.

Mr. Mudassir Amray, Titan Trust Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “After completing over two years of operations with rapid organic development, we are excited to have an opportunity to take a substantial step forward in market share.” Our coordinated modular strategy complements UBN’s widespread presence, cutting-edge technological platform, high-quality workforce, and strong brand loyalty. For the benefit of our employees, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders, we look forward to producing exceptional results.”

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Man chokes to death in Christmas day eating contest

A man has inadvertently choked himself to death while participating in a eating contest organized to celebrate Christmas.

The deceased was identified as Gad Sentekola, a resident of Kibimbiri cell, Kabuga – Kihihi Sub County in Kanungu District; the Ugandan Monitor reports. His body was taken to Kihihi Health Centre IV, where it was established that he choked to death.

Further, the medium revealed that police in Kanungu District in south-western Uganda are investigating circumstance under which the deceased; a 56-year-old man, died after an amateur eating contest on Christmas Day.

“The public should know that such contests are risky and can be life threatening.  The common type of contests, are eating and alcohol drinking contests. Under normal circumstances, the organizers of the event should have the competitors informed about the risks and also put measures in place to protect them, like having medical personnel on board,” said police spokesperson, CP Fred Enanga.

“In this very case, the organizers were amateurs, who conducted an eating competition for the contestants to eat so much food within a very short time without any safety precautions,” Mr Enanga said.

Additionally, he said the organizers of the contest are on the run. However, the Police boss affirmed that upon their arrest; the organizers, who include one Salvan from Kibimbiri cell, will be charged with doing negligent acts likely to cause death.

The Police in Adamawa have denied an online report that Boko Haram insurgents and bandits attacked the hometown of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha.

This was disclosed by DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, spokesman of the Adamawa Police Command.

Nguroje stated that there was no truth in the report that the people of Dabna and Kwabre villages in Dugwaba District of Hong Local Government Area had abandoned their homes as a result of alleged attacks.