Metro
Makama alleges complicity in Plateau insecurity crisis, urges FG probe into Christmas killings
In Plateau State, insecurity has transformed into a monthly nightmare for residents, with the recent Christmas Eve attack in 2023 heightening concerns. The assault led to a substantial number of casualties, the death toll now exceeding 200, and numerous others sustaining injuries.
Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and current Coordinator of Operation Rainbow in Plateau State, AIG Dabup Makama rtd, has accused the state’s formal security architecture of complicity and failure in fulfilling their primary responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
During an interview with CEOAfrica, monitored by Mega Icon Magazine on Saturday, AIG Makama rtd shed light on the complicity contributing to the current insecurity in the state.
He emphasised that Operation Rainbow’s primary role is to complement the efforts of formal security forces by providing timely intelligence through desk officers at the local government level, subsequently channeled to the appropriate authorities.
‘It is a very sad situation because, before this massacre of our people, the Operation Rainbow intelligence report alerted the formal security forces in the State of what was about to happen; regrettably, our people were killed in hundreds, and the formal security forces did nothing to avert this killing.
“I commend President Bola Tinubu who sent Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for an on-ground assessment of the level of destruction and killing of innocent people carried out in our dear state.
“This is terrorism at the highest level, and perpetrators must be brought to book. According to intelligence gathered from some displaced persons among the victims, alleged that some military personnel were seen firing at innocent persons during this killing.
“For us to have a lasting solution to the insecurity that Plateau State is currently facing, President Tinubu should mandate holistic investigation of the complicity of the security forces in the State, and the finding should be made public,” he stated.
AIG Makama rtd further stated that “The promise of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, before and after assuming office, if you recall, is to revamp Operation Rainbow which was approved by the Nigerian President and created by the enabling Law of the Plateau State House of Assembly to further complement the formal security forces in the state. The Governor, His Excellency, Dr Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the deployments of the trained 600 people, who are going to be identified by their uniforms as Operation Rainbow’s Neighbourhood Operatives, to commence the internal first-line defense of their various Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the state.”
In a strong show of support for Operation Rainbow, the governor has also assured of his government’s readiness to acquire gadgets to boost the efforts of Operation Rainbow in combating insecurity and ensuring the safety of the good people of Plateau State.
With the increasing death toll in the recent attacks, the state government and security forces are striving to bring to an end the nightmare of insecurity that has plagued Plateau State.
The deployment of Operation Rainbow, along with the additional officers, signifies a united front against the threat to the peace and well-being of the residents. As the call for a full investigation into the Christmas killings takes Centre stage, it is hoped that those responsible will be brought to justice, and measures will be implemented to prevent future tragedies.
AIG Dabup Makama Rtd. is a man with an impressive track record, having served in various capacities since he joined the Police force in 1986. He has served patriotic and risen as far as the Commissioner of Police in states like Anambra, Ogun, Benue, Kware, and Akwa Ibom, and the enviable Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 2020 before he retired.
He belongs to the International Association of Chiefs of Police USA, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and has attended various on-the-job courses outside the country.
He has also competently participated in various high-profile investigations and operations within and outside the country including the United Nations mission in Haiti, suppression of the Niger Delta Insurgency, and active participation in the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, and sundry crimes in the South East, Nigeria.
Little wonder he is assuming his current role as the coordinator of Operation Rainbow in Plateau State. His commitment to restoring peace and tranquility to the region is evident in the operational strategy of Operation Rainbow.
AIG Makama rtd has just been announced as His Royal Highness in Mikang Local Government of Plateau State.
Customers of Zenith Bank have taken to social media to voice their frustration over difficulties encountered during online banking transactions.
Reports emerged on Tuesday of challenges related to payments and various features, leading to widespread discontent among users on social media platforms like X.
In a statement shared on X on Saturday, Zenith Bank announced that routine maintenance would commence on September 29 and conclude on October 1, running from 12:01 AM to 5:00 AM. The notice, titled ‘Notice of Routine Maintenance,’ stated, “Please be informed that we are currently undertaking routine maintenance of our Information Technology Infrastructure to enable us to significantly improve the quality of service rendered to you.”
However, customers reported that the maintenance did not begin as scheduled, causing considerable inconvenience.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the bank’s Mobile Banking App, USSD Service, Internet Banking, and Corporate Internet Banking platforms remained unavailable for an extended period, specifically between 12:01 AM and 2:30 PM WAT.
One dissatisfied customer, Adetunji Akeem, expressed his frustration, sharing that he was unable to withdraw money for food and transportation to work, which forced him to borrow from colleagues.
“It is frustrating. I haven’t eaten all day because I wasn’t able to withdraw money today. Zenith said they would be undergoing maintenance on Saturday through a pop-up message on the bank app, but they didn’t start until this morning,” he lamented.
Another customer, Adeleye A. P., known on X as #deji4ever, criticised the bank for not scheduling maintenance during the night, especially at the end of the month when many employees are expecting their salaries.
He tweeted, “The worst bank award should be given to Zenith. Why deny customers transfer privileges to other banks on the last day of the month? It’s a bad business strategy to ensure money doesn’t leave its coffers.”
Dave Oriss, tweeting under the handle #orissonline, echoed similar sentiments, adding, “#ZenithBank, you should keep frustrating your customers. Some have emergencies, and you are busy shifting the time for maintenance.”
Iran fired 200 missiles, including hypersonic weapons, at Israel in a major escalation of the ongoing conflict, state television reported on Wednesday.
The barrage, which Iran claims targeted military bases near Tel Aviv, came as retaliation for the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces.
This picture shows a projectile flying above the Jordanian capital Amman towards Israel, on October 1, 2024. – Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said a missile attack under way against Israel on October 1 was in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as that of the Hamas leader. (Photo by Khalil MAZRAAWI / AFP)
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the missile launches, stating that “90 percent” of the projectiles hit their intended targets, which included three military bases.
The footage of the missile strikes was broadcast on Iranian media, showing a significant show of force by Tehran.
This picture taken from the West Bank city of Hebron shows projectiles above the Israeli city of Ashdod on October 1, 2024. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
The Israeli military countered that 180 missiles had been fired into their territory, with most being intercepted by Israel’s advanced defense systems.
Despite the intercepts, the attack marks the first reported use of hypersonic missiles by Iran against Israel.
This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Jerusalem on October 1, 2024. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP)
Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound, pose a unique threat due to their low-altitude flight path and ability to evade conventional missile defenses.
Iran unveiled this advanced missile technology in June 2023, with then-president Ebrahim Raisi proclaiming it as a cornerstone of Iran’s deterrence capabilities, designed to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded swiftly to the attack, warning that Tehran had made a “big mistake.” He vowed to make Iran “pay” for the strikes, further raising tensions in an already volatile situation.
Fire erupts between Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv and the city of Modiin following an Iranian missile attack, on October 1, 2024. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said a missile attack under way against Israel on October 1 was in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as that of the Hamas leader. (Photo by Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP)
In Washington, the United States indicated that it was discussing a joint response with Israel.
Meanwhile, Iran’s chief of staff issued a stern warning that Tehran would strike key Israeli infrastructure if Iran’s territory were attacked in retaliation. The region now braces for potential further escalation amid growing fears of a broader conflict.
No fewer than 60 bodies have been recovered following a tragic boat accident in Niger State, officials confirmed.
According to a statement released by Abubakar Dakani, Press Secretary to the Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, the boat was carrying over 300 passengers when it capsised at the notorious Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area yesterday evening.
Dakani disclosed that the ill-fated boat was en route from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when the disaster occurred.
The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Abdullahi Muregi, acknowledged the recovery of about 60 bodies and confirmed that 10 survivors have been found so far. Rescue operations, involving the State Emergency Management Agency and local volunteers, are ongoing in a bid to recover the missing passengers.
This incident brings painful memories of a similar boat tragedy in September 2023, when a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized, killing 24 people who were traveling to their farms for harvest.
Authorities have expressed concerns about the recurring boat accidents in the region, calling for urgent measures to improve safety on the waterways.
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