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Author: Martins Abochol

  • Troops arrest fake army recruitment officer in Taraba

    Arrest
    By Martins Abochol
    Jalingo, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Troops of  6 Brigade, Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirle Stroke (OPWS), have apprehended Mr Young Danladi, who is alleged to have been posing as its recruitment officer in Taraba.
    This is contained in a statement by Lt. Olubondunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of Information of the brigade, issued on Sunday in Jalingo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect had made several attempts to scam innocent Nigerians aspiring to join the army.

    Oni said that the arrest followed a visit by the Commander of the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa to the recruitment center at 114 Battalion Jimilari, to assess the ongoing exercise.
    “The imposter was arrested yesterday, June 22, while making attempts to collect money from aspiring recruits and promising them guaranteed entry into the Nigerian army.
    “The swift action of the troops thwarted his plans, protecting the candidates from falling victim to his fraudulent act.
    “During his visit, Uwa assured the candidates of a fair and transparent recruitment process.
     “We are committed to maintaining a level playing field for all candidates; our recruitment will solely be on merit, and we will not tolerate any fraudulent activities,” Oni said
    Oni added that the brigade commander, who told the candidates that the recruitment was voluntary and free, warned them not to give money to anyone promising to help them to pass the screening.
    ” I commend the vigilance of the troops for the arrest of an imposter because the integrity of the recruitment process is a top priority for the army.
    “The suspect will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
    ” I urge all candidates and the public to report any suspicious activities related to the recruitment exercise to the authorities.
    ”This will help ensure that only the most qualified candidates are inducted into the Nigerian army,” Oni quoted the commander. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
    MK/EBI/AZA
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    Edited by Benson Iziama/Polycarp Auta

  • Troops arrest alleged mastermind of attack on  Taraba community  

    Troops arrest alleged mastermind of attack on  Taraba community

    Attack

    By Martins Abochol

    Jalingo, June 20, 2024 (NAN)  Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has arrested  the  alleged mastermind of  the  deadly attack on Mararaban Azagwa village,  in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that scores were killed last week, including a 92-year-old man at  Mararaban Azagawa village of Bali.

    This is contained in a statement by Lt. Olubondunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Information of the brigade in Jalingo on Thursday.

    He said the troops acted swiftly following the attack on June 16, which resulted in the tragic loss of five lives and numerous injuries.

    Oni said that the troops of 20 Model Battalion Sub-Sector 3A OPWS, stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bali Local Government Area, launched a special operation to arrest the suspects.

    He said that based on credible intelligence, the troops were able to arrest the ringleader, Hassan Ibrahim, also known as Godu, 39 years old.

    Oni said that during the arrest, a Dane gun, cartridges and a motorcycle belonging to one of the victims were recovered from him.

    “Ibrahim has admitted his involvement in the heinous act and has provided valuable information to the troops.

    “He is currently in custody, cooperating with authorities to help arrest his collaborators.

    “The commander of 6 Brigade Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, has applauded the public for providing useful information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

    “He urged the public to continue to support the Brigade’s efforts to eliminate criminal activities in Taraba.

    “The successful arrest of the terrorist mastermind is a significant achievement for the troops and a step towards restoring peace and security in the affected community.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the lives and property of the citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Taraba ,” he  said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MK/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Group urges Gov. Kefas to probe alleged diversion of FG palliatives

    Group urges Kefas to probe alleged diversion of FG palliatives in Taraba

    Palliatives

    By Martins Abochol

    Jalingo, June 9, 2024 (NAN) A group, Taraba Concerned Citizens (TCC), has urged Gov. Agbu Kefas, to investigate alleged diversion of Federal Government (FG) palliatives to 16 local government areas (LGAs) and two development areas of the state.

    The group, through its coordinator, Mr Timothy Gayus, and the secretary, Hamisu Salejo, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.

    TCC called on Kefas to probe the local government council chairmen saddled with the responsibility of distributing the palliatives to the vulnerable.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that there have been widespread allegations of diversion of food palliatives sent to Taraba by the Federal Government, to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.

    The items include bags of rice, maize, sorghum, garri and fertilisers, which were allegedly found on sale in major markets in the state.

    “We demand to know why the palliatives meant to be distributed free to the masses have dominated all the major markets in the state without getting to the locals.

    “Our question is that who sold them to the marketers? The palliatives were given to the state to cushion the present hardship the people are passing through, and not to be sold.

    “The people are hungry, but the local government council chairmen chose to sell the palliatives.

    “The people behind the diversion of the palliatives must be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law, in order to serve as deterrence to others,” the group said.

    When contacted by some of the journalists on phone, Mr Saviour Nokun, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, said that it was the LGAs that first got the allocations.

    Nokun assured that the allegations would be investigated and the culprits brought to book.

    “Due to widespread outcry of alleged diversion of the commodities, I personally visited the Jalingo main market and found the commodities in some market stalls.

    ”This is sad and I want to assure you that the government will do everything possible to unmask those behind the diversion,” the commissioner vowed.

    Available records from the ministry indicate that Wukari, Sadauna, Jalingo and Gasol LGAs, were given 850 bags each of rice, maize, milet and sugar; while the rest of the LGAs were allocated 800 bags of each of the items. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MK/TOA/DOR
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    Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Labour strike records 70 per cent compliance in Taraba- NLC Chairman

    Labour strike records 70 per cent compliance in Taraba-NLC Chairman

    Compliance
    By Martins Abochol
    Jalingo, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Jediel, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Taraba Chapter on Monday said that the organised labour  had recorded 70 per cent compliance for the strike.
    Jediel made this known while briefing newsmen shortly  after going round to monitor compliance in Jalingo.
    He said that the cooperation from trade union leaders  by mobilising fellow unionists for the strike was impressive.
    He said that the compliance became necessary due to directives from their national body to down tools.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unionists were seeing driving workers, who earlier reported at their duty posts out of offices.
    The state secretariat where majority of the state workers report to work  became deserted on Monday morning ,although commercial banks and private schools were seeing operating.
    NAN recalls that the organised labour had earlier embarked on an indefinite strike beginging from Sunday Midnight to press home their demands.
    These demands borders on non conclusion of negotiation  for  the National Minimum Wage and the hike in electricity tarrif. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.
    MK/YGA
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    Edited by Gabriel Yough