Essiet, a senior special assistant on community engagement in the North Central Zone, spent two days in the state.

She met Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders.

The efforts culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos.

Delegates from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders gathered to discuss ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and promote coexistence among diverse communities.

Essiet paid a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC), in Barkin Ladi, where discussions centred on faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development.

Along with Dachomo, she addressed some widows and conveyed President Tinubu’s message of fostering ethnic reconciliation in the state.

Dachomo has been the loudest voice of Christian communities in the state.

She also met with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement.

Later in the day, she conducted a workshop on establishing a community peace structure for the 17 local government areas in Jos.

Dr Essiet also held a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah group, and representatives from the Youth Council of Bassa local government.

They focused on sustaining peace and discussed how the 17-member peace committee strengthens dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence between the two communities.

Dr Essiet reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance, noting that the Community-Based Peace Structure serves as a key instrument for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region. ‎

A quick win in the peace efforts was the resolution of the conflict between David Toma, the owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district of Jos South and some herdsmen.

Toma seized two cows following the destruction of his farm.

On November 15, the MACBAN chairman of Bassa local government area, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid a compensation of N500,000 to Toma, who subsequently released the cows.

All parties signed an undertaking to embrace peace in the state.

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From an early age, Prof. Yilwatda demonstrated a keen intellect and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He attended the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Electronic and Computer Engineering.

As a scholar, Prof. Yilwatda’s brilliance and dedication earned him a place at his alma mater, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over 26 years. His expertise and leadership propelled him to the position of the University’s pioneer Director of ICT, a role in which he led transformative digital reforms that automated key institutional processes. His outstanding contributions earned him multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.

Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is not just a leader, but he is a catalyst for change, a bridge between technology and governance, and a beacon of hope for millions striving for a better future.

Beyond academia, Prof. Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. His consultancy work spans multinational organizations and global development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA. His ability to merge technology with governance has made him a sought-after expert in digital innovation and policy development.

READ ALSO: Cholera outbreak claims 12 lives, 230 hospitalised in Niger

In 2017, his expertise and integrity led to his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During his tenure, he championed groundbreaking reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system. In 2021, he courageously stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serving as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.

These diverse experiences have equipped Prof. Yilwatda with an exceptional network spanning government, the private sector, and international development organizations. His ability to build strategic collaborations has been instrumental in advancing policies that drive sustainable development and social impact.

Today, as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Yilwatda brings to the table a wealth of experience, innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility. His appointment is a testament to his lifelong commitment to service, his passion for leveraging technology for good governance, and his unwavering dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in society.

In addition to his ministerial role, he serves as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.

Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is not just a leader, but he is a catalyst for change, a bridge between technology and governance, and a beacon of hope for millions striving for a better future.

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Dakum, while speaking with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja, said he was yet to recover from the shock, days after the remains of his late father was found and buried.

He said the octogenarian was kidnapped on November 18 at about 7 p.m. in their village, Matelem, in Bokkos local government area of Plateau State, and his dead body was discovered on Saturday.

“I am a Principal Partner in B. I. Dakum & Co which is based in Abuja.

“My Dad, Deh Idi Dakum, was the Galadima Nyam in Tangur the District of Bokkos local government area in Plateau State.

“He was about 85 years old.

“On November 18, he was kidnapped at about 7 p.m. in our village, Matelem.

“His phone and that of my mother were taken away.

“Unknown to us that the abductors had killed him just about a kilometre away from the house that same day, my brother, Moses, kept calling his phone,” he said.

“Moses eventually established contact with our father’s abductors on 19th November, 2024.

“The abductors demanded for ransom and we paid same on November 20,” he said.

READ ALSO: Police rescue two female kidnap victims, arrest four suspects

Dakum explained that prior to the payment of the ransom, Moses, whom the family had mandated to speak with the abductors requested to speak with his dad.

According to him, they (the abductors) claimed they left him (father) with some of their men close to the village but they went back to a place close to Daffo (also within Bokkos LGA).

“When my brother paid the ransom, they assured him they’ll communicate to their gang whom they claimed my dad was in their custody to drop him close to the village.

“My brother left with the hope that my dad will return before day break but to no avail.

“On 21st of November, he called the abductors and they assured him that they’ll release him.

“My dad did not return on 21st November, 2024. On 22nd November, 2024, my brother called again, but could not reach the abductors.

“On 23rd November, 2024, my brother called the abductors again, but this time, one of the abductors, who spoke to him, was hostile and asked my brother if he’s taking him cheap.

“He (kidnapper) said the ransom paid was inadequate and demanded for more money but we didn’t pay any ransom again because at this time, we began to suspect that they were not being honest.

“However, few hours later, at about 9 a.m., my dad’s death body was found in a farm just about a kilometre away from the house where he was abducted.

“From the state of his body, he had been there for days. His remains were buried immediately on 23rd November, 2024 in Matelem Village, in the presence of the District Head, Deh Sati Nder; the  Bokkos LGA Chairman, Hon Amalau, and members of the STF who are also stationed about a kilometre away from the house.

“We communicated with the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Plateau Command and he sent the DPO to the house who came and condoled us and assessed the area.

“He promised to report back to the CP for immediate action,” he said.

He said Matelem Village, which was earlier attacked by unknown gunmen in February, this year, is at the border and it has a large expanse of forest which is about 100 kilometres.

“The forest makes the village open to attack and there are no adequate security covering the community knowing that the same community is porous.

“The people of Matelem Village, who are basically farmers, now live at the mercy of these criminals who can come in any time, attack and escape into the forest.

“Also as a result of this, many people are relocating from the community in fear.

“My father was the pillar and the beacon of hope for the village. His demise leaves everyone in that community in abject fear of being attacked any moment,” he concluded.

NAN gathered that his late father was earlier kidnapped in February, 2023.

Source: NAN

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A member of the community, Mr Jerry Datim, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Monday in Jos, that the incident occurred on Sunday night.

“Last night, at about 8:40 p.m., some gunmen attacked Kulben community, killed 10 persons and injured one.

“The criminals invaded the village and started shooting sporadically. People started running for safety but the bullets killed some whose bodies were later found.

READ ALSO: Tinubu gets landmark deal with UAE, visa ban on Nigerians lifted

‘’We alerted the security personnel, but before they got there, the attackers had moved from the community,’’ he said.

DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state was not available for comments when a NAN correspondent visited his office.

However, a senior Police officer, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that the command had launched a manhunt with a view of making the attackers face the full wrath of the law.

Source: NAN

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This is according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, on its Twitter handle: @ NigeriaGov.

#Nigeriansinukraine https://t.co/yKnPRRwlEb stated that the evacuees boarded Flight AZM2351 with AzmanAir from Budapest, Hungary.

It stated that the evacuees arrived the Nnamdi International Airport at 8.50 p.m. local time, of which the majority of the returnees are the #SumyStudents from Ukraine.

Many Nigerians and other nationals have fled Ukraine into nearby countries since Russia launched a full-scale war on its neighbour on February 24.

The Nigerian government approved the release of 8.5 million dollars for the immediate evacuation of at least 5,000 Nigerians fleeing the Russian-Ukrainian conflict zone to Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia.

Source: NAN

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ASP Ubah Ogaba, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

Ogaba said the meeting followed the incident where the dead body of a young girl was found in a hotel room in Jos.

The lifeless body of the young lady, identified as Jennifer Anthony, a 300-level student of the University of Jos, was found at the hotel on January 1, with her eyes removed.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police sent a team of detectives to the scene where photographs of the deceased were taken and the corpse was deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

“Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstance surrounding her death in order to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“Consequently, the commissioner held an emergency meeting with all hoteliers in the state where he exposed them to various workable security tips on how to secure their hotels to avert the recurrence of such ugly incident,” he said.

Ogaba advised residents of the state to be vigilant and security conscious, particularly on places they visit at night.

He also called on the residents to avail any useful information that will lead to the arrest of those behind the death of the student to security agencies.

Source: NAN

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The bandits were said to have pretended to be on a visit before they opened fire on reaching the gate of the correctional facility.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau command of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCS, were unsuccessful.

However, a senior official of the Service, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on condition of anonymity, said that five inmates attempted to escape but were stopped by armed personnel of the service.

“Five inmates had tried to escape during the exchange of gunfire but were promptly resisted and re-arrested by our armed men,” he said.

There is currently heavy presence of joint security personnel around the correctional center.

The Jos Correctional Centre is located near the headquarters of the Plateau State Police Command as well as the Department of State Services (DSS).

Source: NAN

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The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, ASP Uba Ogba, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Jos, Plateau State.

Ogaba said that the Commissioner of Police in the state had moved to the scene of the incident.

He explained that 30 houses were completely razed down in the area.

He added that the commissioner had deployed more personnel to curb further breakdown of law and order in the area.

In his reaction to the incident, Danjuma Auta, the Secretary General of Iregwe Development Association, IDA, expressed concern over the incident .

“Once again the Irigwe nation has to write this statement stating our pain concerning the renewed orchestrated attacks on our people for no reason, having enjoyed some relative peace that lasted for some weeks now.

“This morning gunmen attacked the village of Ta’agbe and as at now we have already established the death of 10 people while the search is ongoing,” he said.

Auta called on security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the lives and property of the people.

He said that the Iregwe people had embraced peace and would continue to be law abiding.

Source: NAN

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Dr. Makut Macham, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

According to Macham, the development followed COVID-19 test conducted on the governor and members of his family.

He said that the governor had gone into isolation, adding that members of his family all tested negative.

“The results indicated that the governor’s test returned positive while all members of his family tested negative.

“Consequently, the governor who is asymptomatic has gone into isolation while his close aides are being tested.

“As a result, the governor will henceforth work from home during the period of treatment.

“All state matters requiring the governor’s physical presence will be handled by his deputy,” Macham said.

He said that the governor urged citizens of the state to observe all COVID-19 protocols, adding that the pandemic was still prevalent.

Macham said that the governor advised citizens to apply all precautionary measures especially during the festive period, by avoiding large gatherings and ensure the use of facemasks.

He said Lalong also encouraged residents to ensure regular washing of hands with soap under running water and maintain personal hygiene.

Source: NAN

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The minister made the remark on Monday at Mangu Permanent Orientation Camp of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Plateau State.

After reviewing the COVID19 control protocols with camp officials, the minister took the test at the station where arriving corps members were screened.

Dare called for the strengthening and experience expansion of the testing capacity at NYSC orientation camp while urging for people to strictly observe the preventive measures put in place to slow down the spread of the virus.

His words: “I want to make sure that the testing station is properly set up and working the way it should.  The same should go for all our orientation camps across the country.

“There is a second wave of COVID-19 being reported and testing is one of the measures to curtail the spread. Even if someone tests positive it will only help ensure the person gets timely medical attention.

“I urge corps members and Nigerians in general to take the test especially when showing symptoms or they have been in areas where there is a high incidence of the virus,” he charged.

Meanwhile, the minister has urged corps members across the country to sign up for the initiatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development that are aimed at investing in Nigerian youth.

While addressing the corps members at Mangu Orientation Camp, the minister stressed that programmes like the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, NYIF, had already rolled out alongside the training opportunities provided under the DEEL initiative.

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