Taraba State – Channels Television

Declare State Of Emergency On All Flood Affected Areas, Obi Tells FG

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has asked the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on all flood affected areas across the country.

At a visit to flood victims in Ibi local government Area of Taraba State on Tuesday, the presidential hopeful also urged the government to adopt the global best practice of desilting all its waters to avert a reoccurrence of this year’s flood that wrecked havoc across the nation.

“”We are calling on the government to come with interventions, declare all the affected states – a disaster area,” the former Anambra governor stressed.

Adding that, “what the federal government has to do to stop this is to ensure that the waters are desilted.

“The rivers have all been silted and we need to work on them, this is easy, it is done globally, all over the world.”

According to Mr Obi, several contracts have been given out to fix situations like this in Nigeria, however, nothing has been done.

Speaking further on the desilting process, the Labour Party flagbearer said by desilting the water bodies, the rivers begin to contribute to the wellbeing of the people, not to be a source of trouble for the masses.

While assessing the level of damage caused by the flood, Obi interacted and sympathized with the flood victims. He reassured them of his firm support even as they try to stay afloat in this difficult time.

Obi who has been urging other presidential candidates to suspend campaigns and join him to raise awareness regarding the plights of flood victims in Nigeria, insisted that the federal government must send a high powered delegation to evaluate losses because states alone cannot cope with such disaster.

He thanked the Taraba government, traditional rulers and other leaders within the state who are helping to alleviate the situation and are giving the people succor in this time of distress.

One Killed, Many Injured As Two Communities Clash In Taraba

Map of Taraba — A map of Taraba, a state in Nigeria’s North-East region.

One person has been reportedly killed following a disagreement between two communities during a football match in Nukkai, within Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Several others were said to have also been injured, with some receiving treatment at various health facilities in the area.

Police spokesman in the state, Abdullahi Usman, while confirming the incident to Channels Television, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ardo-kola local council was not also spared as he was pelted with stones which led to the breaking of his head as well as other officers when they made efforts to restore peace.

According to Mr Usman. the DPO’s vehicle was also vandalized, with his revolving light and windscreen shattered in the attack.

”This incident started at a football pitch behind the Taraba State Polytechnic, where a disagreement ensued and one of the footballers was killed.

”For peace to reign, the Divisional Police Officer of Ardo-kola local council moved in with his men to ensure safety of lives and property as the other community members identified the killer of their brother and tried to revenge.

”In an attempt to get elders of the two communities to talk to their youths, the youths started pelting stones at the police van and in the process, his head got broken, windscreen and resolver light damaged.

” He and his men are currently receiving treatment at the police clinic in Jalingo. For me, it is a case of two brothers who speak same language (Kona) but live in different settlements,” the police spokesman explained.

He noted that arrests have been made and an investigation into the incident has been fully launched.

Bandits Kill 13 In Taraba, Including Vigilantes

At least 13 persons have been reported killed after a bandit attack in Karekuka village of Gassol local government area of Taraba state.

Many others were also left injured.

A source who confirmed the incident to Channels Television via telephone said no fewer than six local vigilante members lost their lives in the Friday attack.

The source disclosed that the vigilantes also killed six of the bandits.

Meanwhile, the bandits also attacked Garin Gidado community on Saturday morning but met it empty, the source added.

The community had been previously attacked by bandits.

Police spokesperson in Taraba confirmed the attack on Karekuka village and said efforts are in top gear to restore normalcy.

He added that officers have been drafted to the scene to convey the corpses to a nearby morgue as investigations commence.

Police Arrest Boko Haram Bomb Manufacturer In Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has arrested a suspected bomb manufacturer who also is a member of the Boko Haram terrorist group linked to three bomb explosions recorded in the state this year.

The suspect was arrested in his house which he uses as a factory at Tella town within Gassol Local Government area of the state.

He was apprehended with different arms, ammunition, explosives, and devices for manufacturing bombs.

Authorities say the suspect who is from Zamfara State, and is being held at the Taraba Police Command in Jalingo, is also a member of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing, Niger, Kogi and Taraba states for more than a year now.

On April 19th and 22nd this year two improvised explosive devices exploded killing no fewer than 10 persons in two separate attacks in Taraba State, both at drinking joints.

About 18 days after, another explosion occurred at the headquarters of six brigade Nigeria army located in the state capital.

Acting on credible intelligence, the police swung into action leading to the arrest of the bomb manufacturer.

Parading the 37 year old native, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Sokoya revealed that the police have sprayed their dragnet and soon operatives will capture two other suspects who are currently at large even as investigations continue.

APC Governorship Primary Committee Member Shot In Taraba – Committee Chairman

A member of the Taraba State APC governorship primary electoral committee has been shot and is in critical condition at a hospital.

Chairman of the Committee, Lawrence Onuchukwu, informed journalists of the development at the Police Headquarters in Jalingo, the state capital on Thursday night.

A protest had erupted after some youths in Jalingo accused the governorship primary committee chairman of presenting fake result sheets for the primary when there was none in the state.

The protesting youths also alleged that the state had difficult-to-reach terrains such as Sardauna Local Government Area which takes seven to nine hours to reach, especially the Mambilla Plateau.

Consequently, they argued that it was not possible to conduct elections in one day and get the results.

The youths are calling on Onuchukwu to address the press on the true situation of things and declare that the primary election failed to hold.

Trouble had initially started after the primary committee said the direct mode of primary would be used for the exercise instead of the indirect or consensus mode that had earlier been communicated to the state chapter of the party by the national headquarters.

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in the state invited all aspirants to the Command’s headquarters in Jalingo, in a bid to avert a breach of the peace.

In reaction to the intervention of the police, many party supporters occupied the Command’s headquarters awaiting the outcome of expected talks.

Taraba Governor, Deputy Cleared To Contest Senatorial Seats

A file photo of Taraba state Governor, Darius Ishaku.

Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and his deputy Haruna Manu have scaled the hurdles of the Peoples Democratic Party’s screening committee to contest for senatorial positions in their separate senatorial districts.

The Governor is the sole candidate of the party to contest the position in the southern senatorial district of the state, while his deputy is to contest alongside other aspirants for the central senatorial district.

Speaking at the government house where the duo were presented with their provisional clearance certificate, chairman of the screening committee, Salihu Suleiman, lauded the peaceful disposition of all aspirants in the process.

According to him, Taraba state is a mini Nigeria and their job was done diligently and thorough.

”Your Excellencies, we were to commence issuing the certificates yesterday, but traditionally you are the leader of the party, hence our decision to start the issuance with you first before others who were screened also,” Suleiman said.

”I must confess that we have been to other states of Nigeria for a similar task like this, but Taraba state is the best and rancour free.”

The state chairman of the party, Agbu Kefas, appreciated them for the hitch-free exercise which he said is unique and urged other parties to emulate.

The state Governor Darius Ishaku while receiving his certificate appreciated the committee for a job well done for the party.

Ishaku revealed that PDP is the only party that Taraba state has as it has done a lot for the state since 1991.

”PDP in Taraba state is the only party we have and it has done tremendously well for the state since 1991,” he said.

”I came in 2015 and I am still on and you can see the developmental strides, from the airport, to the road dualization which is a federal government road but its been dualized by the state government.”

”We want to assure the party headquarters that we will deliver PDP far more than we did before and we will do our best to make sure that the new crop of people coming are people who will work harder than us by putting in their best for the state.”

On his part, the deputy Governor, Haruna Manu while receiving his certificate expressed satisfaction with the process.

Manu assured his senatorial district of quality representation and overwhelming dividends of democracy if elected.

”I am assuring my people greater and quality representation this is because PDP has always delivered and Taraba state has been ruled by the PDP since its creation.

”Dividends of democracy will be brought to their door steps and what is theirs will never be tampered with again ”

”I will assess more of what is lacking in the central senatorial district with a view to improving the situation I will meet on ground ”

”All hands will be put on ground to salvage the situation.”

The southern senatorial zone of Taraba state was previously ruled by the PDP with the former deputy minority leader Senator Emmanuel Bwacha before he defected to the ruling APC and lost his position as the deputy Minority leader to Senator Shuaibu Lau of the Northern Senatorial zone of Taraba state.

The central senatorial zone of Taraba state is currently represented by the opposition APC under the leadership of Senator Yusuf Yusuf, Chairman, senate committee on special duties.

While the PDP is making frantic efforts to do the needful in winning elections, the APC appears weakened by the court injunction restraining the state’s executives from parading themselves as officials of the party for breaching the party’s constitution during its state congress.

Ishaku Orders ‘Operation Stop And Search’ In Taraba After Two Bombings In Four Days

A file photo of Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku. Photo: Sodiq Adelakun/ChannelsTV

Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku on Saturday ordered security agencies in the state to immediate introduce operation stop and search across the state, especially in Jalingo, the state capital.

The directive comes after two bombings were recorded in the state within four days.

The latest bombing was recorded at Nukkai Market area in Jalingo metropolis on Friday.

Terrorist group ISWAP has taken responsibility for Tuesday’s bombing which killed at least six persons.

“Governor Ishaku described the incident as ungodly, inhuman, barbaric and a deliberate attempt by evil people to distabilize the state,” a statement signed by his spokesperson, Iliya Bekyu Akweh, said.

“He directed Security Agencies in the state to network through proper investigation to fish out the terrorists whom he said are working relentlessly to destabilize the peace of the state

“The Governor further directed Security Agencies to immediately introduce operation stop and search across the state especially in the State Capital to check mate the nefarious activities of terrorists and their cohorts who have infiltrated the state recently

“According to the Governor, it is disheartening for lives of innocent citizens and their properties be destroyed without any act of provocation by criminals who do not have an iota of regard for the sanctity of human lives and assured that no stone will be left unturned to unravel the mystery surrounding their heinous and dastardly act

“The Governor however advised people of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons in their midst to Security Agents for immediate action with a view to averting a recurrence of the ugly incident

“Ishaku particularly implored the people of the state to avoid public places such as recreational centres and other crowded areas which are possible soft targets of the terrorists, emphasizing that Taraba State needs peace to develop and not bombers to distabilize the state

“He further frowned at the recent happenings in the state and pointed out that his administration would not allow evil people and their sponsors including those harbouring them to destabilize the peace he had worked hard to restore in the state.

“The Governor directed the Ministry of Urban Planning and Environment to ensure that hawkers and traders who have establish mini markets at unapproved places in the state capital to evacuate those areas forthwith or have themselves to blame

“Ishaku further assured the people of the state of his administration’s readiness to rid the state of criminality and advised them to go about their lawful duties stressing that the government was on top of the situation

“He commiserated with those injured in the blast and are receiving treatment in the hospitals and promised Government assistance to ameliorate their suffering.”

At Least Five Injured As Explosion Rocks Taraba Again

An explosion has occurred in Jalingo the Taraba State capital, leaving at least five persons injured.

The incident is said to have taken place at the entrance of the district head’s house where local gin (Brukutu) is being sold.

Although no life was lost in the explosion, some of the victims are reported to have lost consciousness.

An eyewitness who spoke to Channels Television said the explosion happened shortly after a suspected suicide bomber arrived at the spot, dropped a polythene bag and disappeared.

He added that some of the children around who saw the suspected suicide bomber could not speak, until after the explosion.

The victims have, however, been rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

Neither the police or the state government has made any statement regarding the incident.

However, intelligence reports revealed earlier that suspected suicide bombers will attack any of the drinking joints in Kasuwan Bera, Nukkai, Mayo Dasa or mile six market.

The incident comes just days after a bomb explosion rocked a drinking joint at a cattle market in Iware Community, a suburb of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of the state.

While six persons were confirmed dead, at least 19 others were said to have been injured.

Meanwhile, jihadists affiliated to the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

Death Toll In Taraba Bomb Blast Rises To Six As ISWAP Takes Responsibility

Six persons have been confirmed dead with an unspecified number injured following a bomb explosion that rocked a drinking bar in Mashaya market, Iware Community located in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The blast occurred on Tuesday.

A visit to the scene of the incident by Channels Television revealed blood stains on the floor and a shattered local drinking joint.

The Anti-bomb squad of the Nigeria Police Force were also on ground combing the area for a possible bomb detonation.

Meanwhile jihadists affiliated to the Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement released in Arabic on Wednesday, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) said it had detonated the bomb, “killing and wounding nearly 30 Christians and damaging the bar.”

The statement, translated by SITE Intelligence which monitors jihadist activities worldwide, said the attack was “revenge” for the death of two of the group’s leaders, without giving further details.

The blast occurred in a crowded open-air moonshine bar in the town of Iware.

ISWAP has become the dominant threat in the northeast since the death in May 2021 of Abubakar Shekau, the former leader of rival group Boko Haram.

More than 40,000 people have died and around two million have fled their homes since the insurgency began in 2009.

The military has scaled up its offensive ahead of the rainy season which starts next month, killing high-profile commanders in recent air strikes on the group’s camps.

Taraba has not experienced any jihadist attacks since 2014.

However, the state is a hotspot for kidnappings for ransom by criminal gangs, known locally as bandits.

There has been growing concern about increasing ties between jihadists and bandits who are motivated by financial motives with no ideological leaning.

Bomb Explosion Rocks Cattle Market In Taraba

No fewer than three persons have been confirmed killed following a bomb explosion that rocked a drinking joint at a cattle market in Iware Community, a suburb of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

At least 19 other persons have also been confirmed injured and receiving treatment at various health centres within the community and beyond.

The Police Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Usman confirmed this to Channels Television via a telephone interview.

He noted that this is the second time such explosion is taking place with the first at a catholic school in Mutum Biyu, the headquarters of Gassol Local Government Area, 30 kilometres away from each other a month ago.

Usman added that security operatives have been drafted to the scene to commence investigation as well as douse the tension already created.

Iware Community is known for its cattle market and attracts buyers from all over Nigeria and neigbouring Cameroon who storm the market every Tuesday to make purchases at affordable prices.

An eye witness Sunday Pantuvo, who narrowly escaped with injuries said the alleged bomber came to the drinking joint with a friend as customers, ordered for a drink and left in separate ways.

The alleged bomber later returned, paid for the drink and dropped a polythene bag which is said to contain the explosive and stepped aside.

Few minutes later, he said he was going in search of his friend and seconds after the bomb exploded.

Pantuvo said one of the suspected bombers was later caught and killed by the angry residents who cut his body into parts in anger.

Court Nullifies Taraba APC State Congress

Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) meet over the contentious national convention of the party. — A logo of the APC.

Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital, has declared the state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as illegal and null.

This follows a suit filed by aggrieved members of the party who approached the court sighting irregularities such as violation of the party’s constitution and the amended electoral act.

The defendants in the case included the APC, INEC, former Chairman of the party Elsudi Ibrahim, Rachel Akpabio and several others.

According to the plaintiff, the party did not hold its state congress at the state seceteriat, failed to inform aspirants on the would-be congress and misled its national headquarters after holding the purported congress in a farm located at Jauro Yinu village of Ardo Kola, belonging to a chieftain of the party in Taraba, Ali Sani-Kona among several allegations.

In his ruling, Justice Simon Amobeda ruled that the party ridiculed the court by disobeying its order of halting the purported congress, insisting that those claiming to be officials of the party should stop parading themselves as one.

The judge also ruled that by not allowing other members of the party to take part in the congress as well as not announcing a date, the congress, which took place on October 24, was undemocratic.

He instructed that another state congress be organised to carry every member along.

Speaking shortly after the judgment, counsel to the defendants John Odekina stressed that they will approach Court of Appeal and Supreme Court to ensure justice.

Meanwhile, counsel to the plaintiffs, Joy Ezekiel, is basking in the euphoria of the judgment, saying that they are ready to go to any lengths to if the defendants approach an appellate court.

Gunmen Attack Travellers, Kill Two In Taraba

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed two travellers along Wukari Tsokundi expressway in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The incident occurred this Tuesday at about 12:00 pm.

Chairman of the council, Daniel Grace, confirmed the incident to Channels Television via a telephone interview shortly after the incident.

According to him, the travellers were ambushed while returning from Wukari town on motorcycle to their houses in Tsokundi Village unprovoked.

He added that this is not the first of its kind in the area in the year 2022 as no fewer than 10 persons have so far been killed via ambush on farmers and travellers alike.

He insisted that a stakeholders meeting will be held soon to curtail the continuous loss of lives and property as well as urge those masterminding the killings to come forward and state their reasons or demands.

Tag: Taraba State

Declare State Of Emergency On All Flood Affected Areas, Obi Tells FG

One Killed, Many Injured As Two Communities Clash In Taraba

Bandits Kill 13 In Taraba, Including Vigilantes

Police Arrest Boko Haram Bomb Manufacturer In Taraba

APC Governorship Primary Committee Member Shot In Taraba – Committee Chairman

Taraba Governor, Deputy Cleared To Contest Senatorial Seats

Ishaku Orders ‘Operation Stop And Search’ In Taraba After Two Bombings In Four Days

At Least Five Injured As Explosion Rocks Taraba Again

Death Toll In Taraba Bomb Blast Rises To Six As ISWAP Takes Responsibility

Bomb Explosion Rocks Cattle Market In Taraba

Court Nullifies Taraba APC State Congress

Gunmen Attack Travellers, Kill Two In Taraba

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