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RISING SPADE OF KIDNAPPING IN JALINGO AND THE ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE DR AGBU KEFAS’S MOVING TRAIN!
The recent rise in cases of kidnapping for ransom in Taraba State capital Jalingo has been a source of serious concern for Jalingo residents who now sleep with one of their eyes open for fear of being abducted and Tarabans in general. .
As we criticise and condemned the rising spade of kidnapping for ransom in the state capital, we should also recall that Taraba State on record has for 8 years running now transformed into one of the states in the Northeast that has prevalent record of kidnap cases. Several factors where responsible which hitherto was neglected by previous government.
Investigation reveals that from 2015 to date, over 3, 000 people have been kidnapped in Taraba state.
The worst recorded case that has portrayed the state in negative light was the kidnap and murder of the late Hosia Ibi, member representing Takum 1 in the state house of assembly on December 31, 2017.
The late law maker was kidnapped by three unidentified gunmen in his home town in Takum on a fateful Saturday night.
On February 2020 ,one person was confirmed dead in an attempt to kidnap Dr. Mike Dio-Jen, the Provost of Taraba College of Education Zing, at his residence in Jalingo.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, at the Green Beach area of Kona ward, in Jalingo.
On 4th February 2019 ,Uche Obi Igbo business man and three other who live in same area in Mayo Dasa were kidnapped in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. Besides all these high profile cases, many numerous unreported cases abound that made Jalingo almost an uninhabitable town for anyone with alternative choice.
The previous government for whatever reason completely ignored this debilitating security challenges and vacated the town with no even street lights or patrol vehicles for security agents. It will therefore be unfair for anyone to begin to criticise a 100 days old government who inherited this behemoth rot without taking into consideration the meticulous processes that goes into reconstructing a foolproof security Web, building from scratch bottom up.
To fully understand what’s happening in Jalingo and why it requires a national, or if possible international collaboration, you need to understand the topography of the state capital which long neglected beautiful landmarks that should have saved as a tourist attraction been transformed to safe havens and dens of kidnappers, fleeing terrorists and disgruntled local elements.
Jalingo’s rings of beautiful mountains bordered to the north by Lau, East by Yorro, south, and west by Ardo-Kola LGAs with a total land area of about 204,073 km nestled in a valley with an altitude of 351 meters above sea level offers a convenient hiding base for crime kingpins. Local collaboration should not be discontinuance in this scenario.
This relief configuration consists of high peak undulated and unexplored mountain ranges extending from the Kona area through the border between the state capital itself and Lau LGA down to Yorro and Ardo-kola LGAs in a circular ring form to Gongon area. Two major rivers; Mayo-gwoi and Lamurde drain the study region, which takes their source from the mountain ranges in Yorro LGA and emptied their content into the Benue river in the bushes of Tau.
This very challenging topography that have for years offered a safe haven for the criminals and how to take it over has been the source of sleepless night for His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas and weekly meetings from Jalingo to the highest level of security echelon in Abuja. Many not familiar with security matters had wish to see Dr Agbu Kefas gesticulating on television giving away important security secrets to criminals in the name of doing “something”.
Many are unaware that these new government is confronting a complex Web of various categories of criminal gangs ranging from fleeing terrorists from Borno and Yobe on one side , illegal miners and their bosses that have been driven from their illicit activities by the Taskforce set up by His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas, and local Indigenous criminals emboldened by the duo.
The new 100 days old Governor who is a very experienced Military officer is by nature and training a man of few words full of action, wisdom and courage, and is on top of the situation. Did anyone notice that it is wherever Dr Agbu Kefas rolls out some magical programs that makes the people of Taraba State to jubilate happily and praise his name that kidnappers will strike? What a coincidence! There’s no doubt that the opposition up to date has refused to accept the fact that the elections has been won and lost!
There’s no iota of doubt whatsoever on our mind that Dr Agbu Kefas shall ultimately emerge as the best Governor in history of Taraba state in terms of performance. All well meaning Tarabans must remain focus and loyal to enjoy the new Taraba never seen before.
We must also conclude that the grievances and murmuring being nurse by certain individuals who call themselves “Stakeholders” and “Professional Politicians” is unfounded , selfish and self-serving. Politics can never be a profession, but a means through which to serve the People. Politicians must have something to do and earn their livelihood besides politics!
One group cannot remain on the corridor of power permanently for 30 years: doing what? The queue has to move for new generations to take over with fresh new ideas.
Bako Benjamin is a Community Leader and Supporter of His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas, he writes from Lagos.
Fellow Nigerians, and friends of Nigeria abroad,
They said the APC was not popular with the people. They said its strength was only in government houses, not in the marketplace, not in the villages, not in the hearts of men and women who rise each day to labor under the hot sun. Yet the people have now spoken, and their voice is louder than the rumors of social media, stronger than the whispers of drawing rooms.
In the bye-elections of this past weekend, sixteen seats were set before the people. Out of these, the APC took eleven, stretching across Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Taraba, Ogun, Kogi, Edo, Adamawa, and Niger. One more stands in contest, and there too the APC leads.
APGA secured two seats in Anambra. The PDP held one in Oyo. The NNPP claimed one in Kano. But the others—ADC, SDP, Labour—were nowhere to be found. Not a single seat fell their way.
So I ask: how do you define popularity? By the clamor on Facebook? By the trend on Instagram? By the fury of TikTok or the storms of X? No. Popularity in a democracy is measured by ballots cast, by hands inked, by real people walking to the polls to say with their vote: this is who we trust.
In America, they speak of midterm elections, a verdict passed halfway through a presidency. There, such elections measure the strength of the president and the staying power of his party. Nigeria has no midterm Congress. But these bye-elections, spread across thirteen states and five geopolitical zones, are our closest equivalent. And their meaning cannot be ignored.
Many thought the ADC, older in years than the APC, would rise with its new converts and prove itself a rival. Many thought the PDP would mount a strong wave. But the verdict of the ballot tells a different story. The PDP lives, but it fights to hold ground. The ADC, SDP, and Labour remain shadows, not yet substance. The NNPP, for all its color, remains a Kano river, not a national sea.
The APC, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not only stood but has been endorsed. For all the cries, for all the bitter words against his reforms, the people have answered with their votes: they are willing to endure the hard medicine if it promises a better tomorrow.
What then is the road ahead? It is clear. The APC stands as the party to beat in 2027. The opposition must gather itself, must bind its wounds, must cease from fighting in fragments if it wishes to rise as a true alternative.
But for now, let it be recorded in the annals of our young democracy: that on the 16th of August, 2025, the Nigerian people spoke with ballots, not hashtags; with votes, not noise; with courage, not despair. And their verdict was plain.
The APC is not a party of rumor, but a party of the people.
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
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