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2023: Parties Candidates Sign Peace Accord for Hitch-free General Election in Taraba
Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Governorship candidates of all political parties in Taraba state have signed a peace accord committing themselves to a peaceful campaign for the 2023 general election.
All the candidates and the state chairman of their parties signed the accord organized by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with Taraba Independent Peace Committee in Jalingo on Monday.
Some of the candidates that signed the accord were Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Joel Ikenya of the Labour Party, and Prof. Sani Yahaya of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other parties’ candidates which were all represented by their deputy governor.
This according to the committee is the 1st Taraba State Peace Accord signing ceremony with the Governorship candidates in Taraba State with the theme: Deepening Stakeholders Participation and Amplifying Voices of Citizens for a Peaceful 2023 General Elections in Taraba State.
The committee aimed at identifying issues capable of disrupting peaceful elections in the state and factoring ways of preventing such possible occurrence before going into the poll.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Taraba Independent Peace Committee Prof. Talla Ngarka said all candidates must ensure civil and decent campaigns.
“I call on politicians to address issues that are fundamental to Nigerians. We want to promote respect and tolerance of difference. We want to ensure that there is civility and decency in public discourse,” he said.
“Therefore, on behalf of Tarabans, I am appealing to all political parties, party chairmen, candidates and their spokespersons, please, a campaign based on issues that are of significant concern to Nigerians”.
The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Muslim Council represented by their Vice President warn clergymen not to make inciting statements, that can blow up the country.
Other dignitaries present at the signing of the peace accord are the Commissioner of Police, Head of DSS, Commandant of Cuvil defense, state INEC chairman, traditional rulers, and others.
A building under construction at Oriwu Street in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State has collapsed, trapping several people under the rubble.
The state police command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the incident happened at about 4 pm.
Hundeyin added that 14 persons had been rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital for medical attention.
He wrote, “Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have been mobilised to the scene of the collapse of a building under construction at Oriwu Street, Lekki Phase 1 which occurred at about 1600hrs today.
“A total of 14 persons have so far been rescued and taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.
“Meanwhile, operatives of the Command remain on ground to provide security for the ongoing rescue operation.”
Details later…
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victim until his murder was the Priest in-charge of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area.
the Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Archdiocese, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet in a statement obtained by ELANZA NEWS, said Reverend Father Okechukwu was kidnapped at his residence on 4th March, 2025 at around 9:15 Pm, but was confirmed killed on Ash Wednesday morning of March 5, 2025.
He added that the reason why he was killed is yet to be determined.
” This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope.
” He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
” Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose
of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.
” We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, warning that no one should take the law into their hands. The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.” The statement added.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reach for confirmation as of the time of filing this report.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a police station in Malari, Borno State, in the early hours of Wednesday, but were repelled by security forces.
Local security sources told The ELANZA that the insurgents launched the attack at about 1:00 am but were overpowered by a combined team of police officers and soldiers.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the assailants attempted to infiltrate the police station but were forced to retreat after a fierce gun battle.
“Yes, there was an attack on Malari Police Station, but no casualty was recorded. The officers on duty, in collaboration with the military, repelled the insurgents and prevented them from entering the town,” Daso said.
He noted that the terrorists targeted a police Armoured Personnel Carrier during the attack, damaging its tyres but failing to destroy the vehicle.
“So far, no bodies have been recovered, but we are certain there were casualties on the side of the insurgents,” he added.
Daso assured residents of the police force’s readiness to prevent future attacks, stating that Malari had previously been without civil authority but had seen improved security since the deployment of a police crack team.
Meanwhile, some residents expressed concern that the insurgents might regroup and target civilians.
“We are scared they may return. We appreciate the efforts of our security forces and urge them to strengthen security measures,” a local source told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity.
The attack comes weeks after Boko Haram militants raided Nganzai Police Division in Borno killing two police officers.
The Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, commended the officers for their resilience and extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers.