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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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Stop the killing of Christians or you face spiritual battle,prophet Ikuru sends a strong Easter message

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By Collins Nkwocha

The prophetic hall of fame and Ambassador of peace, prophet Godwin Ikuru of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry has sent a strong warning to those killing Christians in Nigeria to stop it or face spiritual consequences and battles

Speaking to newsmen today in Lagos about Easter celebration, the prophet of the nation condemned the killing of Christians nationwide ” I want to ask, what do you gain from killings, what is the joy you derive from making people widows and widowers, making children orphans,it’s a pure act of wickedness and cruelty, how will you be killing because you want to draw the attention of the government,if there’s anything, meet the government and dialogue with the government because there’s punishment for those that kills people, because the prison is meant for them, killing should not be encouraged because it’s an evil act”

I want to enunciate that those killing Christians should desist from it because grave doom and calamity awaits them “it’s barbaric, devilish and satanic to shed blood,God is against it, humanity is against it, let’s use the reconciliatory spirit of Easter to foster national unity and togetherness to promote love and peace in our country so that we can remain an indivisible entity ”

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Tinubu for 2027,Atiku is an expired politician,Obi is a joke,Amb.Okoro drops a bombshell

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The Director General of Importers Association of Nigeria Taskforce, IMAN Amb.Chijioke Okoro John has accused the Nigerian Customs service of being responsible for the insecurity that has been ravaging the Nigerian nation.

Speaking to newsmen today during a press briefing alongside with a senior member of the organisation, Chief Ikenna Mbamara in Gbagada,Lagos, the DG reiterated that the customs should be held responsible for the lingering and persistent security threat that has crippled and ravaged the nation “nobody should blame president Tinubu for insecurity, the Nigeria Customs is responsible for it,they mortgaged the peace and happiness of the country, the Nigerian Customs have an organised crime system, they do a lot of dubious and shady deals and nobody watches over them ,we must be truthful and tackle the problem of insecurity from the root, it’s the customs that allowed several arms and ammunitions to enter the country and they pretend not to be aware, without the customs allowing arms to infiltrate the country, there will be no insecurity, Nigeria is in this terrible situation because of the customs,I can tell you confidently that the customs are not remitting half of what they are generating to the government, that was why they fought me openly and tried to use the judge against my organisation but the truth prevailed at last”

He advised the president to reform the customs in order to have a genuine and sincere fight against insecurity “the major solution to the insecurity in Nigeria is customs reform,I can tell you emphatically,if not that,any fight against insecurity will never be meaningful or fruitful,if the customs decide to work effectively, insecurity will reduce drastically ,the most corrupt institution in Nigeria is the customs”

Amb.Okoro enunciated that president Tinubu is a political genius and insisted that he claimed power despite the fact that Buhari never wanted him to become the president “I am for Tinubu,I have always supported him and I’m still supporting him ,all those plotting to oust Tinubu are joking,the coalition they are forming in order to dislodge him will be a futile one,Atiku should forget about ruling Nigeria because he’s an expired politician,Atiku’s political glory expired immediately former President Obasanjo secured his second term.,we the members of IMAN have given our unmitigated support towards Tinubu’s 2027 ambition ”

Amb.Okoro commended the DSS for doing a good job in Nigeria,he also applauded Rear Admiral John Okeke for doing a good job ,reducing bunkering activities by 80% in the Niger Delta region.

In conclusion,Chief Ikenna Mbamara advised Nigerians to give Tinubu the needed support in order to end insecurity in the country reiterating that the president inherited the problem of insecurity and he’s doing everything possible to quell the scourge

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Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla Emerges PDP Southwest Ex-Officio, Appreciates Stakeholders, Supporters

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Following his recent election as the Southwest Ex-Officio of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Ambassador (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla has extended a heartfelt message of appreciation and goodwill to key stakeholders, leaders, and supporters of the party across Lagos State and the Southwest region.

In a public statement released shortly after his election on April 16, 2025, Prince Ewenla, a proud son of the Baaki Adedipe Royal Family of Lagos, expressed profound gratitude to all party leaders and faithfuls who contributed to his emergence as a key figure within the PDP’s Southwest leadership structure.

“I extend special appreciation and greetings to the leadership and executives of the Lagos State PDP,” he said, singling out notable party elders including Chief Olabode Ibikunle George, the Atona Oodua, and Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu for their unwavering support and leadership.

He further acknowledged the roles played by Lagos State PDP Chairman, Dr. Phillips Aivoji, and Chair of Chair, Mr. Adegboyega Adegbesan, in fostering unity and organization among party executives and local government leaders.

Turning his attention to the women of the party, Prince Ewenla gave special praise to respected party matriarchs such as Chief Mrs. Aduke Maina, State Woman Leader Alhaja Idowu Akinsanya, and Chief Mrs. Yeye Oge Alhaja Mojisola Kariola Balogun, stating, “When it is time to celebrate your children, none of you will be left out.”

He also lauded the contributions of Lagos PDP Youth Leader Agboola Akinpelu and Olabinjo Ibrahim (BJ), extending warm regards to all youth leaders and members across the state.

A native of Alimosho, Prince Ewenla paid tribute to his political roots by appreciating the Alimosho PDP leadership, especially Hon. Shodiya Isiaka and Elder Council Chairman Hon. Alani Ige, for their financial, moral, and physical support.

He also recognized personal allies and team members, including Evangelist Shodiya Adebayo, Ologundudu Rotimi, Omisope Adewale (Champion), Hon. Femi Awodeji Smart, and other close supporters and staff of Adedas.

In closing, Prince Ewenla extended special thanks to two prominent Southwest PDP leaders—His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State—for their confidence in his leadership.

“Your leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to the unity and progress of the PDP have been the foundation upon which our successes are built,” he stated. “Thank you for this great honor. I will serve with dedication, humility, and integrity.”

With renewed commitment to the growth of the PDP in the Southwest and across Nigeria, Prince Ewenla concluded by wishing continued unity and progress for the party and all its stakeholder.

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