Police constable arrested over attempt to transport pistol, Indian hemp to NYSC camp in Jos

By: Zagazola Makama

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a serving police constable in connection with an intercepted consignment containing a locally made pistol, gunpowder, suspected Indian hemp, and other items allegedly intended for delivery to a corps member at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Jos, Plateau State.

Zagazola Makama gathered from a Police sources that the incident occurred on June 21 at about 2:30 p.m. following a distress call from a security personnel.

According to a police sources, a yet-to-be-identified young man had brought two sacks containing tubers of yam, suspected Indian hemp, a locally made pistol, and gunpowder to the park for shipment to one Gedor Justice, an Idoma indigene said to be serving at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Jos.

However, when Justice noticed there was trouble with the delivery, he allegedly contacted his friend, Police Constable Ageli George, attached to the X-Squad unit in Makurdi, to intervene and ensure the items were sent successfully.

Before PC George could arrive at the park, the sender, sensing danger, fled the premises and has since gone into hiding.

The police sources confirmed that the constable, along with the recovered locally made pistol and other exhibits, is currently in custody. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter.

The sources said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspect, as well as establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted shipment.

The police sources said that the command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and criminal collaboration by any serving officer, promising that justice would be served.

Police constable arrested over attempt to transport pistol, Indian hemp to NYSC camp in Jos

Death toll in Plateau bus attack rises to eight, 22 suspects arrested

By: Zagazola Makama

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects in connection with the deadly attack on passengers in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of the state, bringing the death toll to eight.

Zagazola Makama report that the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, has visited the scene of the incident as part of intensified efforts to apprehend all culprits and bring them to justice.

An updated eyewitness account revealed that the targeted vehicle was conveying 31 passengers from Zaria to Qua’an Pan for a wedding ceremony not 28 passengers as initially reported. The witness further disclosed that three persons are still missing as of the time of reporting.

Police authorities through its Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, confirmed that 22 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the attack. Meanwhile, efforts are being redoubled to track down other fleeing perpetrators and to ensure the safe rescue of the missing persons.

One of the injured victims, earlier receiving treatment, was confirmed dead in the early hours of Saturday, raising the official casualty figure to eight.

In a show of leadership and empathy, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, contacted his Kaduna State counterpart, Sen Uba Sani and engaged directly with the bereaved families. Following consultations, the families agreed that the remains of the victims be buried in Mangu, Plateau State.

The Plateau State Government and security agencies have assured that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring justice for the victims and in preventing further escalation of violence in the region.

Death toll in Plateau bus attack rises to eight, 22 suspects arrested

NUJ Awards Zulum Media Friendly Governor

…Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian Union of Journalists has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with the prestigious media friendly award.

The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.

Governor Zulum is a multiple award recipient owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership including the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among several others.

In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.

“This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish,” Zulum stated.

He remarked that the NUJ, for seven decades, has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.

“In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience,” he stressed.

Zulum described the media as an ‘indispensable ally’, emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration’s effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.

“On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity,” the governor added.

The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.

“I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country,” he promised.

The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.

The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.

NUJ Awards Zulum Media Friendly Governor