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.
The death toll from a tragic stampede in Anambra State has risen to 22, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesman Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the police have commenced an investigation into the incident. Ikenga also stated that several injured victims are receiving medical treatment.
“The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred on December 21, 2024, in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, are receiving treatment,” Ikenga said. “Regrettably, 22 people lost their lives. The CP commiserates with the families and friends of the deceased and wishes the injured a quick recovery.”
The stampede occurred on Saturday during a rice distribution event at Amaranta Stadium in Okija. The event, organized by the Obijackson Foundation, was intended to provide relief to residents.
A Pattern of Tragedy
The Anambra incident follows a series of similar tragedies across the country. Earlier in December, a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claimed 10 lives. A few days prior, a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, ended in disaster, with 35 children losing their lives and six others critically injured.
The string of incidents has raised serious concerns about crowd management during large-scale events in Nigeria. Prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have called for urgent reforms.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I receive yet again the heartbreaking news of lives lost in tragic stampedes, this time in Okija, Anambra, and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory,” Atiku wrote on his X handle late Saturday. “It is imperative that those entrusted with the organization of such large-scale events take the utmost care in crowd management, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, lamented the incidents as a reflection of the rising desperation caused by hunger in Nigeria.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food,” Obi wrote on X. “While I will not cast blame, I appreciate the organizers of these events for their kind gestures. However, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.”
A Call for Reform
The recent stampedes underscore the urgent need for better planning and safety protocols at public events. Experts and stakeholders are calling on authorities and event organizers to adopt stringent crowd management strategies to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, families of the victims continue to mourn their loss, as the nation grapples with the deepening economic challenges that have driven many to desperation.
A devastating house fire in the Ori-Eru area of Idikan, Ibadan, Oyo State, has claimed the lives of a man, his wife, and their grandson. The incident occurred on Friday at approximately 3:46 PM, leaving the community in mourning.
According to a statement by CSP Olaniyan Jibola of the Mapo Police Division, the fire engulfed the upper floor of a six-room residential storey building.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had used a naked flame to keep their room warm during the cold weather, which tragically led to the fire.
“On arrival, we met the upper floor of a residential building of six rooms on fire. We swiftly swung into action, and the fire was completely extinguished. Unfortunately, the three victims had slept off after putting on the fire and could not escape,” the statement read.
Despite the tragedy, the prompt intervention of the police and a team of Amotekun officials led by Gbenga Akinyemi from the North West Division helped rescue five individuals from the burning building. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to the ground floor or adjacent properties.
The remains of the victims have been recovered, while the rescued individuals are receiving medical attention.
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.”
-
Metro20 hours agoGrim Friday: Man, Wife, Grandson Perish in Ibadan Fire
-
News2 days ago
Bank Robberies Now History in Lagos Since 2014 – IGP
-
Crime & Court2 days ago
Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi, Granted ₦30m Bail
-
News20 hours ago
NNPCL Refutes Shutdown Claims: Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational
