Read What Gov Ishaku Said About Gov Fayose Contribution To His Success

Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, yesterday said his Ekiti counterpart, Ayodele Fayose was instrumental to the judicial victory he recorded at the Supreme Court.

In the same vein, his counterparts from Akwa Ibom and Abia States, Hon. Emmanuel Udom and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, respectively, disclosed that Fayose has been a pillar of support to their administrations, adding that the governor played similar role during their travails at the Election Petition Tribunal.

The governors said this in Ado Ekiti while attending the commissioning of some projects executed by the administration of Governor Fayose.

Aside from the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, other governors who graced the ceremony include Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, David Umahi of Ebonyi, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Nyesom Wike of Rivers and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe.

Governor Ishaku, while speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony organised in honour of his judicial victory, said Fayose’s spiritual counselling made him escape the hammer at the apex court.

“After losing at the Tribunal Court, I was in Jerusalem with Governor Fayose; at a time I became burdened and told him (Fayose) that I was prepared to go back to my state. But he advised me to stay back and put all my supplications before God and I did.

“I then promised that if I should win the Supreme Court verdict that I will do my thanksgiving in Ado Ekiti which I am doing today. He told me that God will make way for me and his advice actually subdued my worries and today I am celebrating.

“This is why I am committed to wiping away tears in the eyes of my people in Taraba. As I speak with you, many communities in Taraba has never witnessed development since its creation. I was marvelled when my wife told me that she went to a remote community, and a woman of over 100 years proclaimed that she had not seen a car in her lifetime”.

Speaking on Fayose’s virtues, Ishaku showered encomiums on the governor for his forthrightness, doggedness and bravery, saying these have helped in shaping his political career”, he said.

Ikpeazu also relayed how Fayose stood by him to stay afloat and triumph in his Judicial battle.

Udom, who branded Fayose a dependable pillar of support in the PDP, said “The present crops of governors in the country are committed people who are ready to take Nigeria to the next level”, he said.

Fayose, who attributed his contributions to God’s guidance and powers, urged the victors to continue to serve the people and always seek the face of God in all their dealings.

“Having triumphed over the forces of darkness, I want you to rededicate yourself to the service of God. You must see God as your pillar and be ready to render selfless service to the people,” Fayose counselled.

Among the projects commissioned were:

• Funmilayo Olayinka Women Development Centre, built in honour of the late deputy governor;
• 2000 – capacity amphitheatre built within the precinct of Ewi of Ado Ekiti palace and
• The Awedele road dualisation.

Taraba PDP Ward Congress to Hold on Saturday

All is now set for the ward congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which will be conducted on Saturday 30th April, 2016.

 Public Relations Officer of the party in the State, Inuwa Bakari who made this known while speaking with our  correspondent in Jalingo explained that officials to conduct the election have been mobilized as eighteen executives  and three delegates would be elected during the ward congress.

He also  said every PDP card bearer is free to vote and be voted for in an open ballot election, adding that officials of the party from the National Headquarters and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the state would be present to monitor the congress.

He further stated that PDP believes in internal democracy and would not prevent anyone from contesting any position in the party,hence called on members of the party in the state to conduct themselves peacefully during the congress.

Governor Darius Ishaku to Partner with National Biotechnology Development Center

Taraba State Government has commenced a working partnership with the National Biotechnology Development Agency.

 As a teaser, the State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku has mandated the Bioresources Development Center Jalingo to train One hundred indigenes of the State in various skills within the center.

Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku made the commitment yesterday when he visited the Bioresources development center to familiarize himself with services being offered by the Agency and to seek ways that the state can benefit maximally from such services.

The Governor who was impressed with activities of the center promised to provide the Agency with a transformer to help them in carrying out their activities stressing that electricity is very important in any research based center.

He also made a promise to construct a culvert to link the Agency with the major road and equally assured them that his administration will construct six classrooms for the center when the economy of the state improves, saying that, the Bioresources development center is very critical and it will assist him in his rescue mission in the state.

Governor Darius Ishaku maintained that his Rescue Mission is geared towards making people of the state self sufficient and sustaining so as to reduce dependence on government for the provision of services.

Darius Ishaku then made a personal donation of two million Naira to assist the center in its research work and encouraged the Agency to go into partnership with Advanced Manufacturing Technology Programme, Jalingo AMT-P, stressing that with proper partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure NASENI, the Bioresources center will go a long way in meeting its lofty objectives.

The Governor then directed the state Commissioner of Science and Technology to immediately liaise with NASENI so that those that will be trained at the Bioresources center will be presented with relevant implements of their training at their graduation.

Earlier, the coordinator of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa informed the Governor that the Bioresources Development Center was established in the State in 2012 and the basic function of the Agency is research and training, basically in Biotechnology.

Conducting the Governor, Darius Ishaku and his Deputy, Haruna Manu round some of the researches carried out by the Agency, Dr. Jummai Adamu said so far the center has conducted researches on moringa and has developed moringa tea, Shea butter, Jatropha biofuel and cake which is being used as cake for animal feeds as well converting the bye product into organic fertilizers.

Other areas touched by the Agency included the domestication of Grass cutter, which she explained that the meat of the animal is said to be very effective in the treatment Diabetes, Dog breeding, the processing of Yam flour, Plantain Flour, processing and bottling of palm wine, poultry and fish farming all using locally sourced materials.

Dr. Jummai Adamu said the Agency has 217 staff of which 70% of them are indigenes of the state while the other 30% are from other parts of the Country and used the opportunity to intimate Governor on some of the problems being faced by the center which she mentioned to include lack of transformer that will help the center power some of their machines asserting most of their work requires constant electricity.

Other problems included lack of classrooms for both theory and practical and a culvert to immediately help stop the threat of erosion within the gate of the center.

She said the Center has trained over 1600 persons in various skills from 2012 to date and solicited for a harmonious working partnership with state Government positing that Taraba state is fertile ground for the center considering the enormous resources the state is blessed with.

On his way to the National Biotechnology Agency, Governor Darius Ishaku and his entourage briefly stopped over to inspect the on going bridge construction at Mayo Dassa, which is almost 70%, completed   

10 dead as ethnics groups clash in Taraba

At least 10 persons have been feared killed and several houses set ablaze in a renewed violence that broke out in Taraba State.

The bloody clash occurred between the Shumo and Wurkum ethnic groups in Karim Lamido local government area of the state.

The violence erupted around 2am on Friday when Shumo ethnic group was attacked by suspected Wurkum youths.

The attack on the Shumo village led to reprisals attacks on Didango, a Wurkum community.
Joseph Kwaji, who is the Police Public Relations Officer in Taraba confirmed the incident. He, however, said only two persons lost their lives.

He said: “Some suspected Shumo youths invaded and attacked Didango village.“Two people were killed.”

Approval of Appointments: College of Nursing and Midwifery

The Taraba State Governor has approved the appointment of 8 Academic Staff of the College of Nursing and Midwifery.
 
This was stated by the commissioner of Health, Doctor Innocent Vakkai during the inspection of ongoing projects at the  College of Nursing and Midwifery permanent site and level of academic activities in the college.

 During his inspection the commissioner encouraged the students to work hard at attaining their goals. Speaking with our correspondent, the Principal, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kiloh Nfor appreciated the state Governor and the Commissioner for their gesture, saying they will impact more to the students.

While commending the priority given to educational standards, the students disclosed that they are faced with a lot of challenges which include lack of water, power supply and a cyber cafe among others.

Briefing the press on the level of construction, the constructor in charge, Mr Anthony Yakiah of Manorgrove Enterprise Nigeria LTD said the company is fixing pipe lines which by the middle of May 2016 water and power supply will be made available.

Source: Taravoices

Taraba State House Commitee On Security Submits Report On Gashaka Killings

There is possibility that the attackers of some communities in Gashaka and Bali recently, which resulted to so many deaths may have colluded with fulani residents in the affected communities.

 This was made known in the observations and findings of the House committee on Public Petitions, Internal Security, Ethics and Privileges on the killing of villagers by herdsmen in Gashaka LGA.

Presenting the report before the House on Tuesday 19th April, 2016, Chairman of the committee, Charles Maijankai, PDP, Karim 1 constituency, observed that, ‘the village of Dori of Garbabi ward was invaded by fulani herdsmen after murdering a Dori woman who went to the farm between 8th and 9th April, 2016 and that on Sunday when the villagers were worshipping in the church, the herdsmen attacked villagers both in the churches and at home.

Secondly, the attackers of the village of Dori are Fulani herdsmen from outside the village. They were mostly in military uniforms, shooting guns, the type of which could not be ascertained.

The committee does not rule out collusion by the Fulanis residing in the village.       
In its findings the committee noted that the refugees both at Mayo Salbe and Kungana were mainly non-fulani and that there were no Fulani refugees found in any of these camps or anywhere else in the  affected areas.This indicates that the attacks were aimed at the non-fulani residents of these communities.                                  

 The committee therefore recommended that security be ‘beefed up in Gashaka and Bali Local Government Areas’, and that traditional rulers be called to order by the executive arm. Also the issue of influx of strangers,  the need for vigilante groups, the need to restore security votes of local governments, and the plight of the refugees form part of the recommendations.

The committee was made of the following:  Charles Maijankai as Chairman, Hamman Adama Abdullahi, Vice Chairman, Hosea Ibbi, Douglas N.Yahaya, and Bashir Mohammed as members while Jeheziel M.Hivi was Secretary.

 However it was observed that a member, Bashir Mohammed, APC, Nguroje constituency,  did not sign the report. While the Chairman was presenting the report he skipped the name of the member who refused to sign, but was called to order by the Speaker who stated that for the fact he did not append his signature did not exclude him as a member of the committee and would not effect the report.


Source: Taravoices

Taraba Govt, Police Debunk Killing of 50 Cattle Breeders

Taraba state government and police authorities in the state have described the purported killing of 50 cattle breeders in the state as a misleading falsehood and calculated attempt to heighten the scourge of violence in the state.

The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Taraba state chapter, Alhaji Sahabi Mahmud was said to have alleged that 50 Cattle breeders were killed in a fresh crisis in the state.

In a statement made available to journalists in Jalingo which was signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Sylvanus Giwa, the state government described the report as a calculated effort by the leadership of Miyetti Allah to make mockery of the recent killings of 44 people in the state by Fulani herdsmen.

In the same vein, the state police command has equally described the report as complete falsehood as it declared that there was no record or report of the purported killing, saying it was a figment of the imagination of the authors.

Debunking the report credited to Mahmud, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, said there was no such incident in the state, and wondered why such a sensitive report would not be cross checked with the police before publication.

According to him, “The report is not true. There is no such incident. I want to advise journalists to always cross check with the police before publishing such sensitive reports in the interest of peace and security.”

The statement issued by Giwa stated that: “The attention of Taraba State Government has been drawn to a publication captioned: ‘50 cattle breeders killed in fresh Taraba crisis’ dated April 13, 2016, in the Daily Trust newspaper and credited to the chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Taraba State chapter, Sahabi Mahmud.

“As a matter of fact, the report is not only misleading, false and mischievous but an attempt to scale up the promotion of crisis in the state. The purported publication is also a calculated effort by the leadership of Miyetti Allah to make a mockery of the victims of the recent attacks by the Fulani herdsmen who allegedly carry sophisticated weapons and use same to unleash terror on the harmless and helpless innocent people of Dori, Maisuma,Angai, and Fali villages in Gashaka and parts of kurmi Local Government Areas of the state.”

The state government further noted that the position of Miyetti Allah as captured by the paper could best be described as a ploy to shield its members who are strongly suspected to be responsible for the attacks on the aforementioned communities.

To further puncture the allegations, Giwa noted that the Miyetti Allah chairman failed to present the photographs of his members who were purportedly killed in the crisis as was done by the police and the state government while presenting the gory details of the 44 people killed by the herdsmen.

He equally stated that it is unfortunate and disheartening that an association like Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria is not looking at the need for oneness irrespective of background but weeping up religious sentiment into the recent attacks on the innocent villagers who have lived for decades without any crisis.

Taraba Goverment Tackles Miyetti Allah over Allegations of Killing

‎Following the recent claims by the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders of Nigeria that 50 of its members were killed in fresh attacks, Taraba State government has refuted the claim by the state chapter of the association, describing it ‎as complete falsehood.

The stated government also said it was a ploy by the association to shield its members who are strongly believed to have carried out the attacks.

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Silvanus Giwa said‎: “The claim by the leadership of Miyetti Allah was a mockery of the victims of the recent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen who allegedly carried sophisticated weapons and used same to unleash terror on harmless and innocent people of Dori, Maisuma, Angai and Fali villages in Gashaka and parts of Kurmi local government areas of the state.”

He explained that the chairman of the association who addressed a press briefing in Jalingo on the incident failed to present evidence (photographs) of his members that were purportedly killed in the crisis.

Giwa stated: “The police and state government on the other hand presented gory photographs of the victims to buttress every point on the matter. Therefore, looking at the scenario, who is telling lies to cause harm than good in this matter?”

The governor’s aide noted that it was disheartening for the chairman who is a civilian to assume the position of a security chieftain by suggesting which measures should be adopted by the commissioner of police on how people believed to be culpable in the crisis should be treated; “simply because his member, one Ardo Ayuba, was arrested in connection with the crisis.”

“Intelligence report has it that the crisis started in the area when some suspected herdsmen killed a woman believed to be Ndoro by tribe when she resisted to be raped by them on her farm, contrary to what Miyetti Allah said”, Giwa said.

He said‎, “Taraba state governor, Arc Darius Ishaku has continued to emphasise the need for harmony and peaceful coexistence among the various communities in the state since he assumed office”.
The State chapter of the association had reportedly said at least 50 of its members had been killed in the current crisis between herdsmen and Ndoro people in Gashaka Local Government Area of the State.

Source : Thisday

Dominic Bukuni, Gov. Ishaku's Aid, Gets 2 Years Jail Term

A Jalingo chief magistrates’ court on Friday sentenced Dominic Bukuni, one of the aides of Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba state, to two years imprisonment for criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery.

Bebeto Haruna, 32, who was arraigned along with Bukuni, also bagged nine years jail sentence.

In his judgment, which lasted three hours, Yusuf Babasoro, chief magistrate, said the prosecution had proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt that the two accused were guilty of the offences as charged.

Babasoro said Haruna was guilty on the 1st and 2nd counts for impersonation and cheating, which were contrary to sections 132 and 322 of the penal code.

He said the offences attracted a fine of N5,000 and N10, 000 or jail terms of six months and one year respectively.

The magistrate also convicted Haruna on a three-count charge of fraud to the tune of N3.5million and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.

According to Babasoro, Haruna defrauded 28 unsuspecting victims of the amount on the pretext that he would assist them to secure employment at the Taraba State University, Jalingo.

He sentenced them to two years’ imprisonment with an option of a fine of N20,000.

Babasoro said the offences contravened section 597 of the penal code.

Mohammed Ibrahim, the prosecutor, had earlier told the court that Haruna and Bukuni committed the offences sometime between June and December 2013.

Ibrahim said the two men conspired and impersonated Emmanuel Bwacha, a former senator, and Sani Yahaya, vice-chancellor of the Taraba State University.

The prosecutor told the court that Haruna and Bukuni, using a telephone number- 08108989687, defrauded one Philomena Umaru and 14 others: all of Jalingo, of N2, 245,000 under the pretext of offering them employment with the state university.

He said the two of them also defrauded one Bala Yakubu and 12 others of N1, 420, 000 on the pretext of presenting their names to the vice-chancellor as candidates of Bwacha, seeking to be offered employment.

Ibrahim alleged that in December 2012, the men used GSM number 08108989887 to impersonate Bwacha and defraud one Ishaku Adamu, the suspended chairman of Ibi local government council of the state.

The prosecutor said they also collected N500,000 and a cattle worth N95,000 from the council chairman to plead with members of the state house of assembly so that they can revoke his suspension.

Ibrahim had urged the court to give the convicted persons “the highest punishment”, saying the offences contravened the provisions of sections 97, 179, 322 and 364 of the penal code.

Jukun and Tiv Communal Clash; Many Feared Killed, Scored Injured

Several persons were feared killed with many injured and houses razed after a heavy fighting eruptd yesterday between the Jukun and the Tiv at Angbaye Community, a Jukun settlement along Markurdi/Gboko road, in Benue State.

It was gathered that the crisis, which started as a result of disagreement over a farm, degenerated to ethnic war as both tribes pick up arms against each other.

Source around the area told our correspondent that there was heavy shooting in the area, even as they feared that many people might either been killed or injured in the encounter.

Following the crisis, many members of the warring communities which is not far from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base are now fleeing their homes for fear of reprisal attacks. However, security operatives have waded into the matter.

The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the report said mobile policemen had already been deployed to the area. He said reports at his disposal about the cause of the crisis was still sketchy at the time of filling this report.

He noted that the police would ensure peace and order was restored in the area while anyone found to have fanned the embers of the discord would be made to face the wrath of the law.

Meanwhile, the police command said that no life was lost in the communal fracas.

By Rose Ejembi

Perm Sec, Ministry Of Information And Orientation, Amos Wanmi Retires

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation Mr. Amos Wanmi has retired from the State Civil Service.

During his handing over at the Sani Abacha Secretariat yesterday, He lauded the state government for giving him the opportunity to contribute his quota in that capacity.

He handed over the affairs of the Ministry to the most senior Director, Taninga Danjuma. Staff of the Ministry noted that he was always early to work, usually the first to report to work, always transparent in the discharge of duties, down to earth and extremely hardworking. They will definitely miss him; most staff said.

Amos wanmi appealed to the staff of the Ministry to accord his successor same cooperation to enable him succeed.

In his acceptance speech Taninga Danjuma promised to continue with the good works of the outgoing Permanent Secretary describing him as an icon of inspiration to his staff.

Fulani herders kill 15 in Taraba — police

Suspected ethnic Fulani herders killed at least 15 villagers and burnt down homes in Taraba state in a dispute over grazing rights, police said on Wednesday.

State police spokesman Kwaji Joseph told AFP the incident happened on Sunday when the herdsmen stormed Dori and Mesuma in the Gashaka local government area.

“A group of people numbering about 20, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, invaded and attacked Dori and Mesuma villages via Garbabi ward and burnt some thatched houses, forcing the villagers to flee into the villages of Mayo-Selbe and Sabon Gida for safety,” he added. “Eight people were killed in Dori while seven were also killed in Mesuma.”

Police have been drafted to the area to contain the violence and “normalcy has since returned to the two villages”, Joseph said, adding two people have been arrested. Local media put the death toll higher, saying 44 people were killed and dozens of houses razed in the clashes.

The attack is the latest in a long-running dispute over grazing rights in Nigeria. In the nearby central states of Benue and Plateau, deadly ethnic clashes are common. Recent violence in Benue is said to have killed hundreds of the ethnic Agatu community.

 
The largely agrarian Christian communities maintain the Muslim Fulani herdsmen are engaged in a prolonged battle to gobble up land from the areas of so-called indigenous people. Fulani leaders counter their people face discrimination and are deprived of basic rights, including access to land, education and political office, despite having lived in the area for generations.

State police spokesman Kwaji Joseph told AFP the incident happened on Sunday when the herdsmen stormed Dori and Mesuma in the Gashaka local government area. “A group of people numbering about 20, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, invaded and attacked Dori and Mesuma villages via Garbabi ward and burnt some thatched houses, forcing the villagers to flee into the villages of Mayo-Selbe and Sabon Gida for safety,” he added. “Eight people were killed in Dori while seven were also killed in Mesuma.” Police have been drafted to the area to contain the violence and “normalcy has since returned to the two villages”, Joseph said, adding two people have been arrested. Local media put the death toll higher, saying 44 people were killed and dozens of houses razed in the clashes. The attack is the latest in a long-running dispute over grazing rights in Nigeria. In the nearby central states of Benue and Plateau, deadly ethnic clashes are common. Recent violence in Benue is said to have killed hundreds of the ethnic Agatu community. The largely agrarian Christian communities maintain the Muslim Fulani herdsmen are engaged in a prolonged battle to gobble up land from the areas of so-called indigenous people. Fulani leaders counter their people face discrimination and are deprived of basic rights, including access to land, education and political office, despite having lived in the area for generations.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/fulani-herders-kill-15-taraba-police/

Barr. Ishaku Meets With Stakeholders to Strategies On Community Development

In her continued efforts to better the lives of the less privileged in the State, the Wife of Taraba State Governor, Barr. Anna Darius Ishaku yesterday met with stakeholders from the Northern Senatorial Zone to sensitize and map out strategies for the development and empowerment of indigent groups in the Zone.

Barr. Ishaku met with the stakeholders at  her Hope Afresh Foundation Office in Jalingo. According to her, every Government delights in seeing the development of her people as such is  interested in understanding the challenges of their various Communities.

She said all her programmes were hitherto confined to Jalingo due the numerous court cases that punctuated the administration earlier, however, now that it is over, she feels no one can forcefully help someone who is not interested, hence the need to call them and hear their challenges as well as ways the Foundation can be of help.

The Governor’s Wife further stressed that Government can not give everyone job, therefore the need for trainings in skills acquisition, urging the groups to be honest in suggesting areas where her NGO could come in and be of help to the Local Governments concerned, adding that they should be ready to partner with her in development of the areas as they also have a part to play.

In his address, the Chairman, Jalingo LGA, Hon.Hassan Bappa commended the efforts of her Excellency at such an initiative pledging the support of all the Chairmen to the programme as well as made donations on behalf of his family.

One of the Resource persons,Yahaya Salihu Emije appreciated the Governor’s Wife for her zeal at helping the various Communities, urging the people to pray for God to grant her and the Governor sound health to continue the good works.

He also called on citizens to encourage the present Government by bringing ideas that will build the State instead of depending on them for everything, as he promised to use his wealth of experience for the success of the mission.

Mrs. Martha Habushita, also a resource person emphasised the need for mothers to teach their children how to be resourceful rather than depending on parents and the Government for their needs.
 She pointed out that every  man you hear of today started from the scratch, therefore the need for youths to be empowered instead of becoming beggars, adding that rather than becoming dependants every youth should struggle to show himself approved and be a channel of blessing to others.

A session of contributions, as well as questions and answers were also entertained.
Those invited from each of the six zones include; Chairmen and their wives, Women Leaders,Special Assistants to the Governor,Youth Leaders,Women Wing CAN (WOWICAN), Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) and Community Leaders.

By taravoices

'Be Fair In Your Criticism'; SSA Media To Governor Ishaku Tells APC Taraba State Chapter

Taraba State Government has challenged the All Progressive Congress, APC Taraba to be sincere and factual in its criticism of the PDP led Government in the State.

 The challenge was made by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, Mr. Sylvanus Yakubu Giwa today in his office in Government House Jalingo, while making clarifications on issues raised in its eleven point communique in a recent meeting which was marred by  unbalanced criticism.

Sylvanus Giwa maintained that no civil servant is being victimised in the state and challenged the APC state chairman to mention any civil servant that was victimised based on party affiliation and equally pointed out that there is no law in the country that allows a civil servant to be a member of any political party or to be sympathetic to a political party.

The Governor’s spokesman said, the Darius Dickson Ishaku’s led administration has been liberal and all encompassing since inception, stressing that the divisive tendencies being used by the APC to create a divide between religion and ethnicity has failed woefully and asserted that no amount of divisive sentiments as being championed by the APC will draw the administration back because it is focused and resolute.

Speaking on the ongoing restriction as purported by the APC, Sylvanus reiterated the present administration’s determination to protect and preserve life as well as secure all property of Taraba indigenes and averred that no amount of propaganda by the APC would deter the present administration in the state from fishing out faceless groups that are bent on causing hardship to innocent people of the state.

The SSA Media to Governor Ishaku maintained that the present administration will not relent in its systematic scrutiny that is ongoing in the state to ascertain the genuineness of people that would want to live in Taraba state and to safeguard the people of the state from attacks which is becoming prevalent in some communities in the state.

Sylvanus Giwa however commended the leadership of APC for calling on the Federal Government to immediately commence work at the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station at Gembu maintaining that such call is for the collective benefit of the people of the state devoid of any form of party colouration.

He further said the position taken by the APC to impress on the Federal Government to initiate road construction to link all communities in the state shows that the APC is in tandem with Governor Ishaku’s vision to fast track socioeconomic development of the state.

Source: taravoices

Taraba Residents Flee As Fulani Herdsmen Attack Villages, Kill Scores

Residents of Angai and Ndole villages in Gashak Local Council area of Taraba State have reportedly fled to neighbouring communities in the Republic of Cameroon and nearby local council areas after Fulani herdsmen invaded the areas on Monday, killing scores of persons.

No fewer than 44 persons were allegedly killed with several numbers of houses and domestic animals set ablaze, the Guardian is reporting.

Although the exact cause of the mayhem is yet to be ascertained, reports allege that some residents who narrowly escaped the attack said the herdsmen ignited the crisis when one of them was prevented from raping a woman.

The herdsmen, displeased by the actions of the communities, were said to have staged a terrorist attack on the people and this eventually led to the death of several persons. The residents have, however, called on the state government to checkmate the activities of the herdsmen which they said have caused them sleepless nights in the area.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the attack. He said, “It is true that there was an attack by the herdsmen, but for now, I don’t have the full details of the crisis, so I cannot tell you the number of persons killed.”

Source : Dailypost

Taraba APC endorses Buhari for 2019 Presidency

Despite spending less than a quarter of his tenure in office, President Muhammadu Buhari has been endorsed for a second term by theTaraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

This was part of the 11 resolutions unanimously agreed by the stakeholders of the party at a meeting convened at the weekend in Taraba

While reading the communiqué of the meeting to journalists on Saturday night, the state chairman of the party, Hassan Ardo, said APC members in the state “unanimously declared a vote of confidence on the leadership of both the state and national executives of the party.”

“The APC members declared their total and unconditional support for all the policies and programmes of the Federal Government and endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for second tenure if he is interested in contesting in 2019,” Mr. Ardo said.

” It urged all APC members to remain loyal to the Federal Government to enable it to successfully deliver on all its campaign promises.
“The meeting noted with great concern the continued victimization of APC members in the state especially civil servants on their perceived sympathy to the APC.

“The meeting condemns in strong terms the politics of religion, ethnicity and other divisive sentiments by the PDP led government and calls on all Tarabans to remain united.
“The APC has resolved to engage the Taraba State Government constructively on all its policies and programs,” the chairman said.

Source : Premiumtimeng

6 People Died From Auto crash in Taraba

 Six persons have lost their lives in an auto crash along  Sunkani-Jalingo road in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The incident involved a commercial vehicle with registration number JAL 953 PX coming from Baissa, the headquarters of Kurmi Local Government Area, to Jalingo the state capital. 

An eyewitness told our reporter that the accident occurred when the rear tyres of the vehicle burst and the driver who was on high speed lost  control of the vehicle.

The witness who gave his name as Musa said the driver and five passengers, including a child, died on the spot while five others sustained serious injuries.  

Confirming the incident to newsmen yesterday in Jalingo, the Taraba   State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Godwin Omiko said the incident occurred due to over-speeding by the driver. “As I speak with you, their corpses are yet to be claimed by their family members. The driver of the vehicle from all indications picked the passengers from the road, not from the main park,” he said.

Source: Dailytrust

10 Health Benefits of Aya (Tiger Nuts)

Tiger nuts, popularly known as “aya” in Northern Nigeria. The Yorubas call it “Ofio”. Tiger nuts are one of nature’s super foods. They are high in fibre, nutritious, and are believed to contain ingredients that help prevent heart attacks and improve blood circulation in people.

It is has high energy content (starch, fats, sugars, and protein). These small round tubers (either fresh or dried) are rich in minerals such as phosphorous, potassium, and vitamin E and C.

Benefits of Tiger Nuts include the following:

1. High Fibre: Tiger nuts are very rich in dietary fibre. Over 30% of a tiger nut is made of fibre and that is more than oats, bran and most vegetables and fruits. We all need to keep our digestive system in good working order with fibre. It could also be an aid to weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer.

2. High amin0 acids: Another wonderful health benefit of tiger nut is that the nut is high in amino acids, especially one called arginine, which is beneficial to those suffering with high blood pressure. Arginine has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure.

3. Magnesium: They are a good source of magnesium.  It is needed by the body to help the muscle and nerves function and for the proper function of the immune system. Magnesium also helps to regulate heart beat and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

4. Rich in protein: Protein is a vital ingredient used in building of muscle, skin and bone, and tiger nuts are in fact one of the best, non-meat, source of protein that there is.

5. Regulates blood sugar: Another one great health benefit of tiger nuts is that they are helpful in regulating blood sugar levels. The insoluble fibre found in the tiger nut can be of great help to diabetics because, unlike other carbohydrates, it does not cause peaks and troughs in the blood sugar levels.

6. Tiger nut milk can be used as cow milk substitues: Tiger nut milk contains no lactose but plenty of calcium, so it makes a great alternative to cow’s milk, for people who are lactose intolerant.

7. Tiger nut is a good source of vitamin E: Tiger nuts are also a good source of the antioxidant, vitamin E, which helps to protect against the damage caused by free radicals in the body. Vitamin E can help prevent both cancer and coronary disease, as well as slow down the onset of the sign of ageing.

8. They contain healthy fats: Another health benefit of tiger nut is that it contains the healthy oils that are very similar to olive oil. The oil extracted from tiger nuts consist of around 80% unsaturated fats and only 18% of the cholesterol causing saturated fat.

9. Tiger nuts are a good source of vitamins: Recent studies revealed that tiger nuts are brimming with vitamins and minerals. They are a super source of vitamin C and E and minerals such as potassium and phosphorous. Some yoghurts now contain tiger nut milk to boost their nutritional content.

10. Tiger nuts help fight malnutrition: Tiger nuts are packed with nutritional goodness that they are being considered as an alternative staple food in some developing countries. A study in Egypt found that tiger nuts are more nutritious and less expensive than some other staple food.

Source : Taravoices

Wife of Gov. Ishaku Joins Her Benue Counterpart In Prayers to God

Wife of Taraba State Governor, Barr. Anna Darius Ishaku today joined her Benue counterpart, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom to pray for State and National issues declaring that nothing is impossible with God, therefore nothing can be impossible to those who believe in God.

Fear as ‘mystery stone’ falls from the sky in Taraba

About 10:45 am on March 12, farmers and hunters in Tse-Agena area of Mbatyula in Takum local government area of Taraba State heard a loud sound from the sky and then an object, suspected to be meteorite stone, landed. The landing of the white object created panic.

Women and children were asked to vacate the farms immediately while men went to pick the object. Mr. Shausu Agena, a farmer and an eye witness, said the object landed on a big tree in an empty farm land. Agena, while speaking to Taraba Square team inside his hut in the village, said heavy sound accompanied the falling of the object from the sky. 

The clan head of Mbatyula, Zaki Bem Tom, also disclosed that the object landed with a sound that was heard in several communities. “It was in the morning. People were in their various farms when the object landed within our community. 

It was very shocking because some of us that witnessed it descending from the sky thought it was the end of the world,” Ben Tom said. “It took our brave men to go closer to the object so that we will know what it was. Initially when the object landed, it was pure white in color. Human faces were reflecting on the object like mirror. Then it turned pure black. “We have been living in fear because we don’t know what will follow”. 

The village head said the community reported the incident to the state government immediately and the Director of Minerals Resources was sent to Mbatyla. “Before the official came, we had already removed the stone for safe-keeping and the person who kept the stone was not around when the Director visited. Therefore, the Director could not see the stone. “We are calling on government to commission a study of our area following the incident because we may be affected one day by nature”.

When contacted, Taraba State Commissioner for the Environment, Mrs. Rebecca Manasseh, pleaded with the community to release the stone to the state government so that it could study it. Rebecca, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on phone, confirmed that the state sent its Director of Mineral Resources to the area after the incident was report to ascertain the nature of the ‘mystery stone’. She promised that her ministry was ready to investigate the issue as soon as the stone was released to the state government.

By John Mkom

About 10:45 am on March 12, farmers and hunters in Tse-Agena area of Mbatyula in Takum local government area of Taraba State heard a loud sound from the sky and then an object, suspected to be meteorite stone, landed. The landing of the white object created panic.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/suspected-meteor-unease-mystery-stonefalls-sky-taraba/

About 10:45 am on March 12, farmers and hunters in Tse-Agena area of Mbatyula in Takum local government area of Taraba State heard a loud sound from the sky and then an object, suspected to be meteorite stone, landed. The landing of the white object created panic.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/suspected-meteor-unease-mystery-stonefalls-sky-taraba/