Tinubu Condemns Killings in Plateau, Kaduna, Vows Justice

  President Bola Tinubu has condemned recent attacks by gunmen in Plateau State and Kaduna State, describing the incidents as barbaric and unacceptable. The attacks occurred in Angwan Rukuba district in Jos and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area, where several people were reportedly killed and others abducted, including wedding guests. In a Tuesday statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President assured Nigerians that those responsible would be brought to justice. He said, “Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward. By attacking soft targets in Jos, their objective is not only to cause harm but also trigger a spiral of reprisal attacks and further bloodletting.” Tinubu directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and curb the spread of misinformation capable of escalating tensions. He also cautioned sections of the media against suggesting that the attacks were religiously motivated. The President reaffirmed that security agencies were actively addressing the situation and stressed the importance of public cooperation. “I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees from Kahir village must be rescued immediately,” he said. He also commended the efforts of the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in managing the crises and supporting rescue operations. “I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his efforts in containing the situation in Jos and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for supporting the rescue and containment efforts. I assure the people and government of the two states of my support,” the President said. Tinubu expressed condolences to families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening security operations across the country. “Our government is currently acquiring more sophisticated equipment to enable our security agencies to track and smash criminals, in real time, wherever they are,” he added.  

2027: Sani, Abbas ask Kaduna APC to Deliver Two Million Votes

  Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday charged the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress in the state to deliver no fewer than two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The directive came as Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged as the consensus chairman of the party during the state congress held at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna. Sankay, born in 1983, is the current Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution to the Governor and was adopted by stakeholders after consultations across the 23 local government areas of the state. Addressing delegates at the congress, Sani described the exercise as a defining moment in the continued consolidation of the APC in the state. “This congress reflects our internal cohesion and democratic discipline. It shows that Kaduna APC is united and prepared for the future,” the governor said. He disclosed that 6,885 ward executives were elected across the 255 wards in the state during the ward congresses. According to him, 621 local government executives also emerged from congresses conducted across the 23 local government areas. “At the state level, 36 executive members have been affirmed and sworn in. This underscores the strength of our party structure and our presence in every community,” Sani added. The governor maintained that the adoption of consensus candidates was not a sign of weakness but an indication of political maturity and unity. “Our focus is governance, development and electoral victory. We must begin mobilisation from the polling units and ensure alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated. In his remarks, Abbas urged the new executives to immediately swing into action and unite all factions within the party. “You must deliver over two million votes for President Tinubu and the same for Governor Uba Sani in 2027. That is the task before you,” the Speaker said. He commended the outgoing leadership for securing victories for the party in the 2015 and 2023 elections, expressing confidence that the 2027 target was achievable. In his acceptance speech, Sankay thanked God and party leaders for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the trust. “I will serve with discipline, courage and measurable results. We will strengthen internal democracy, deepen grassroots mobilisation and create opportunities for youth and women participation,” he said. The outgoing State Chairman, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd.), thanked party faithful for their support during his eight-year tenure, noting that he was leaving behind a more united and formidable APC in Kaduna State.

Kidnappers Kill Kaduna Catholic Priest

  A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Okechukwu until his murder was the Priest in charge of St Mary Catholic Church, Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area. The Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Archdiocese, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, disclosed this in a statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Wednesday. Shanet said Okechukwu was kidnapped at his residence on Tuesday at around 9:15 Pm, but was confirmed killed on Ash Wednesday morning. He added that the reason why he was killed is yet to be determined. “This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope. “He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him. “Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity. “We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, warning that no one should take the law into their hands. The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course,” the statement added. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, could not be reached for confirmation as of the time of filing this report. Punch

LG Poll: Kaduna Residents Comply With Movement Restrictions

  Kaduna State residents on Saturday complied with the movement restriction imposed by the state government to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of the local government elections. The usually bustling streets of Kaduna metropolis were deserted as eligible voters cast their ballots across the state. Shops and fuel stations were shut to residents. PUNCH Online reports that the Kaduna State Security Council had announced a restriction of movement from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, to prevent potential security breaches. The commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, had explained that the restriction was necessary to guarantee the success of the elections. “The restriction of movement is aimed at preventing any individual or group from disrupting the electoral process. We want to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully and without any incidents,” Aruwan had said. Residents heeded the warning, staying off the streets while those eligible and willing to exercise their civic responsibility went to their voting centers to cast their votes. However, some voting centres experienced delays, with officials and materials yet to arrive as of noon. A troubled voter lamented, “Up till now, no SIECOM officials and voting materials for votes to commence. We have been waiting since morning, and it’s disappointing to see that the officials are not here yet.” James Alechenu, another voter, expressed frustration over the delay. “They (SIECOM) know what they are doing. The next thing we will hear is that the ruling All Progressives Congress has cleared all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.” Despite these challenges, the elections took place across 255 wards and 23 local government councils. Road users, especially those travelling from other parts of the state, were stopped and searched by police. However, there was scant police presence in major areas such as Barnawa, Narayi, and along the Kachia roads. The elections are crucial for the state’s development, and the government is committed to ensuring their success. The security situation was generally peaceful, with no major incidents reported. Punch