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RISING SPADE OF KIDNAPPING IN JALINGO AND THE ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE DR AGBU KEFAS’S MOVING TRAIN!

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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.

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Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, and Council Endorse Balogun ATM for Senate 2027

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His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadri Momoh, The Olukare of Ikare Land, alongside his Oba-in-Council of chiefs and elders, has endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare, for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2027.

The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Olukare’s Palace during Chief ATM’s courtesy visit. Oba Akadri Momoh described ATM as “a true son of Ikare” with the character and competence to represent Ondo North. “He respects tradition and has never turned his back on our people. He has our royal blessing,” the Olukare said.

Chiefs present echoed the monarch, citing ATM’s consistent support for education, healthcare, and empowerment in Akoko land as proof of his readiness.

Chief ATM thanked the Olukare and Council for the “sacred mandate,” pledging to make the welfare of Ikare and Ondo North his priority in the Senate. “In Abuja, the voice of Ikare will be loud, clear, and respected,” he said.

*Signed:*
ATM Campaign Media Team

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Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA) Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Senate, Cites Youth Capacity to Lead

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The Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA), under the leadership of its President, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe, has formally endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) as its consensus candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was announced at the Alliance’s expanded executive meeting held in Ikare-Akoko, with youth leaders drawn from all six Local Government Areas of Ondo North in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe declared that the decision was driven by ATM’s clear vision for youth empowerment and economic transformation. “Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed is not just another politician. He understands that the youth are not leaders of tomorrow – we are leaders today. He has the capacity, the network, and the will to convert our energy into productivity,” Eniafe said.

*Youth Capacity to Lead, Not Just to Clap*

ONYA praised ATM’s blueprint for tackling youth unemployment and rural-urban migration. Central to his agenda is the establishment of *skill acquisition and ICT training centers* across Akoko land, Owo and Ose to equip young people with 21st-century skills in tech, agriculture, fashion, welding, and digital enterprise.

The Alliance also highlighted ATM’s plan to *attract and facilitate factories and agro-processing zones* in Ondo North. “For too long, our brothers from the North have moved to Lagos and other states in search of jobs that don’t exist. With factories here, we keep our youth here. We build our economy here,” Comrade Eniafe stated. “ATM’s background in Finance, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development gives us confidence that this is not empty talk.”

ONYA further noted that ATM’s track record of quietly supporting student groups, artisans, and young entrepreneurs proves he is youth-friendly and results-oriented. “He doesn’t wait for elections to show up. He has been doing the work,” the President added.

In his response, Chief ATM expressed deep appreciation to ONYA, describing the endorsement as “a call to greater service.” He pledged to sponsor bills and attract federal interventions that will prioritize youth employment, technical education, and industrial growth. “We will build the training centers. We will bring the factories. We will stop the forced migration of our youth. Ondo North will work, and our young people will lead that transformation,” ATM assured.

The Ondo North Youth Alliance called on all youth groups, student unions, and first-time voters across the senatorial district to unite behind ATM, describing him as “the candidate with the brain, the heart, and the blueprint for the youth.”

*Signed:*
Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe
President, Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA)

*For ATM Campaign:*
[08038554184]

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Former Ondo Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Ondo North Senate

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*Akure, Ondo State* — In a major boost to his senatorial ambition, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed, popularly known as ATM, has received the endorsement of His Excellency, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

The elder statesman formally adopted ATM’s bid to represent Ondo North Senatorial District during a courtesy visit to his Akure residence last week. The meeting, described by attendees as “warm and strategic,” saw Olanusi throw his political weight behind ATM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Alhaji Olanusi is a towering figure in Ondo politics and a respected APC chieftain from Akoko, Ondo North. His political résumé spans decades: former Member of the House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees. His voice carries weight across party lines and within grassroots structures in Ondo North.

Speaking during the visit, Olanusi commended ATM’s character, capacity, and commitment to the people. He also paid glowing tribute to the legacy of ATM’s late father, Alhaji Kunle Abdul, whose philanthropy and community development efforts remain reference points in Akoko land and Ondo State.

“The good work of your late father is still speaking well for you,” Olanusi said. “You have shown the same heart for service. Ondo North needs a Senator who understands the people and has the competence to deliver. I believe you are that person.”

Responding, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing Olanusi as “a father, a leader, and a compass for many of us in Ondo politics.”

“This endorsement is humbling. It strengthens our resolve to offer Ondo North a new model of representation — one that is accessible, developmental, and people-driven,” ATM said. “We will not betray this trust.”

Political observers say Olanusi’s endorsement is significant. As a bridge between the old guard and the new generation, his backing is expected to galvanize support across Akoko, Owo, and Ose — the key blocs in Ondo North.

With endorsements now coming from traditional leaders, youth groups, and elder statesmen, ATM’s senatorial ambition continues to gather momentum as the 2027 political calendar draws closer.

Signed
ATM Media Team

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