Two killed, two injured in Plateau mining route ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast two killed and two others injured in an early morning ambush along a mining route in Rafin Bauna, Jos South Local Government Area of the state, plateau state.

Zagazola Makama was informed by sources that the incident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, when the victims were reportedly heading to a mining site near the Mai Farin Mota area.

Police sources confirmed that two corpses were discovered at the scene one identified as Kabiru Mohammed, and the other as David Danlami.

Two other victims, identified as Bilal Ibrahim and Ayobene Ahile, sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and were immediately evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.

The police sources said preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were on their way to a mining site when they were ambushed and shot by yet-to-be-identified assailants,” the police said.

The sources further disclosed that a search and combing operation is ongoing in the surrounding bush areas to apprehend the attackers.

Two killed, two injured in Plateau mining route ambush

Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba

By: Zagazola Makama

The Taraba State Police Command has arrested two pastors and several members of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria/Global Mission Church of Nigeria (UMCN/GMCN) for allegedly violating an executive order banning their religious activities in the state.

The arrest, according to police sources, followed a reported defiance of the state government’s directive ordering the closure of all UMCN/GMCN church premises pending the resolution of leadership and security concerns linked to the factional crisis within the denomination.

A police sources who confirmed the development said the arrests took place at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Kasuwan Bera in Kofai Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.

According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sunkani Division led personnel to the church premises based on credible intelligence that members of the banned faction were holding an early morning service in defiance of the closure order.

“Upon arrival, the officers met some GMCN members actively engaged in religious activity. Despite repeated warnings, they defied police directives and were subsequently arrested,” the PPRO said.

The situation escalated when one Rev. Beziel Yayuba Yoila and another unidentified pastor arrived at the scene and allegedly incited members to resist the police.

“The group started pelting officers with stones, prompting the DPO to call for reinforcement from the Department of Operations (DOPS). The reinforcements arrived swiftly, and both Rev. Beziel and the second pastor were arrested,” he said.

Items recovered from the vehicle of Rev. Beziel include a cutlass, a canister of Police Body Guard Tear Gas, and a rearing stick, all of which have been taken into custody for further investigation.

The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jalingo for discreet investigation, the PPRO added.

The Taraba State Government had earlier issued an executive order temporarily shutting down all UMCN/GMCN churches due to protracted leadership disputes and concerns over public safety.

Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba

NIMC Sets to Commence Ward NIN Enrollment at Ward Level Nationwide

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that all is ready for the commencement of enrollment into the National Identification Numbers (NINs) at ward level across the country.

This is in furtherance of NIMC’s plan, which has registered no fewer than 120 million Nigerians and given NINs to them, to get all Nigerians enrolled before the end of this year, 2025.

The Commission in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke on Monday, said: “NIMC is set to commence ward-level enrollment across the country, a key component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen the National Identity System.
 
NIMC DG/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has emphasized that the Commission aims to work with strategic partners to enrol and issue NINs to all Nigerians and legal residents in every ward, ensuring no one is left out.
 
Meanwhile, the Commission has successfully enrolled and issued National Identification Numbers (NINs) to 59,786 inmates across correctional centres in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to ensure inclusivity.
 
Adegoke said, “This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to enrol all Nigerians and legal residents.”
 
He noted that: “To date, 74% of inmates have been enrolled and issued NINs, with the remaining inmates to be enrolled in the ongoing inmate enrollment. NIMC appreciates the support of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Comptroller-General, Mr. Nwakuche Ndidi, and the NCoS management and staff.”

NIMC Sets to Commence Ward NIN Enrollment at Ward Level Nationwide