Taraba
Taraba Cries for Help as Namnai Bridge Remains in Ruins
By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Months after the collapse of the Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari Federal Highway, cries for intervention from Taraba State have grown louder.
Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central in the Senate, and other stakeholders are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for immediate action to reconstruct the vital infrastructure, which has been out of service since August last year.
The Namnai Bridge, a critical link between southern Nigeria, the North-East region, and the Federal Capital Territory, served as an economic lifeline, connecting Taraba with neighboring states such as Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa. Its collapse after heavy rainfall has severely disrupted social and economic activities, leaving motorists stranded and communities isolated.
In the wake of the collapse, locals and travelers resorted to temporary measures, such as canoes and ferries, to navigate the river. However, businesses and trade in the region have suffered, with vehicles forced to take a 120-kilometer detour via Garba-Chede-Mutum and Jalingo roads, significantly increasing travel costs and time.
Despite assurances from the state government to install a military floating bridge, no action has been taken, leaving residents frustrated.
Agbu Kefas
Residents are questioning why bridges in other parts of the North-East, such as those along the Yola-Gombe and Gombe-Bauchi roads, have been reconstructed, while the Namnai Bridge remains neglected. Senator Haruna Manu highlighted the disparity, calling for equal attention to Taraba’s plight.
Both Senator Manu and Hon. Ja’faru Yakubu Chiroma, who represents Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, have raised the matter on the floors of their
Senator Haruna Manu
Manu disclosed that he has personally engaged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and emphasized the bridge’s strategic importance, urging the government to act before the rainy season begins.
Chiroma, who mobilized two ferries to aid stranded motorists after the collapse, has also engaged the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for intervention. The NEDC has assessed the damage and promised action, but no progress has been seen on the ground.
Prominent Taraba stakeholders warn that if reconstruction does not commence before the rainy season, Taraba risks being cut off from the rest of the country, with dire economic and social consequences.
They urge President Tinubu to prioritize the Namnai Bridge, just as the federal government acted swiftly to address similar challenges in other states.
As the rainy season looms, the people of Taraba wait anxiously for tangible progress, hoping their cries for help will not go unheard.
By Eleojo Samuel Adaji
In a decisive blow against illegal arms proliferation, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected gunrunner, Alhaji Adamu Usman, in Maraban Gassol, Taraba State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops launched a precision operation on January 13, 2025, storming the suspect’s residence in Gassol Local Government Area. A search of the property led to the discovery of a fabricated submachine gun, suspected to be part of an illegal arms trafficking network fueling insecurity in the region.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, hailed the troops’ swift action and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements and restoring lasting peace in Taraba State.
“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its mission to combat illicit arms proliferation. We urge the public to collaborate by providing credible information to help us address security challenges effectively,” Brigadier General Uwa stated.
The arrest highlighted the growing synergy between military intelligence and community cooperation, marking a significant stride in the fight against insecurity in Taraba State.
By Eleojo Samuel Adaji, Jalingo
Taraba State is grappling with an unprecedented outbreak of Lassa fever, which has claimed 14 lives in the last three months.
Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo Dr. Kuni Joseph, disclosed the alarming figures, noting that six of the deaths occurred in just the past week.
According to him, between October 24, 2024, and now, the state recorded 84 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 33 of which were confirmed positive, while nine patients have been successfully treated and discharged, six remain hospitalized at FMC Jalingo.
“This is the first time we are recording such a significant number of cases in Taraba State,” Dr. Joseph remarked, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Efforts to address the outbreak have intensified, with joint meetings held by FMC Jalingo, the Taraba State Ministry of Health, and officials from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The discussions are focused on mapping out strategies to curb the spread of the disease.
Dr. Joseph assured the public that FMC Jalingo is fully equipped with the necessary facilities for managing Lassa fever cases, eliminating the need for referrals.
However, he called for vigilance and community cooperation to prevent further infections.
The ongoing outbreak underscores the need for sustained public health efforts to combat the deadly diseas
From Eleojo Samuel Adaji,Jalingo
The Secretary to Ibi Traditional Council in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba state, Alhaji Nurudden Hassan Galadima has denied knowledge of any form of traditional title called “Ter Tiv Ibi” in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba state.
Galadima in a press statement signed and made available to Journalists in Jalingo on Monday said the recent publications being circulated round on conventional and social media on the purported installation of one Japhet Lorapuur Mkar as Ter Tiv Ibi as ellien to Ibi Traditional Council.
The Secretary of the council said that the Chief of Ibi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Danbawuro III, a second class ruler of Ibi did not give approval for the installation or crowning of any Ter Tiv Ibi, in Ibi Local Government Area as claimed by a section of people in Ibi.
“I want tell you categorically that the Chief of Ibi , Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Danbawuro III has not at any time given approval for any Tiv indigene in Ibi local government area to be installed as Ter Tiv Ibi. The statement added.
The Secretary noted that the purported election that followed the emergence of Zaki Japhet who was said to have defeated one Zaki Akenawe Saameakpe in an open ballot contest was fake, null and void.
“I want you to know that no traditional ruler is allowed to give approval for any installation of any form of Chief or a traditional ruler without the approval of the Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas so the Ibi traditional Council disassociate herself from the said installation of Ter Tiv in Ibi Local Government.
The statement warned both elders of Ichongu and Ipusu clans to adhere to the ban on installing or granting approval for the appointment of any chief in the local government.
“I want all sons and daughters of Ibi, Taraba state and the public to note that there is no any substantive traditional head called Ter Tiv Ibi in Ibi Chiefdom.
And the public should further note that there will be no zoning of any form between the Ichongu, Nonguv, Ihyarev, Ugondu and Turan when there is no Tiv substantive traditional head of any kind” the statement said.
The statement further warned that the Nonguv, Ihyarev Ugondu, and the Turan clans of Ichongu should stop parading themselves as kingmakers who voted for Japhet Lorapuur as Ter Tiv Ibi .///.
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