In a decisive move to prevent potential unrest, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has convened an emergency security meeting to address tensions between the indigenes of Isanlu and Fulani settlers.

The meeting followed allegations that a Fulani settler was killed by members of the Isanlu community, sparking fears of reprisal attacks.

The high-level meeting, held at the Government House in Lokoja, brought together representatives from both groups, traditional rulers, and security agencies.

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According to the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the governor returned from a scheduled trip to Abuja to tackle what he described as “rising security temperatures in Isanlu.”

Fanwo stated, “The Governor had a robust meeting with the people of Isanlu and the Fulanis where he listened to their grievances and addressed them accordingly.

“He frowned at a situation where people would take laws into their hands by killing fellow humans, saying such is unacceptable and that perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.”

As part of measures to address the crisis, Governor Ododo suspended a traditional ruler linked to the incident and ordered a thorough investigation of other community leaders in the area.

He also urged leaders in Isanlu to identify and expose criminal elements within their ranks to prevent further violence.

“The Governor, without mincing words, also challenged the leadership of the Isanlu community and its environs in Yagba East to sensitize their people on the need to stop constituting security threats in the area by taking the laws into their hands.

“He particularly told them to stop harboring criminals and to ensure that criminal elements among them are reported and handed over to law enforcement agencies,” Fanwo added.

Governor Ododo also commended the Fulani settlers for their restraint and refusal to retaliate. “We commend the Fulanis for showing maturity and understanding during this difficult time. Their commitment to peace and security is appreciated,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, while maintaining a firm stance against criminality.

“No criminal will be spared. My administration will go after every criminal in the state, regardless of tribe,” he declared.

Hon. Dare Joshua, Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, thanked the governor for his swift response, which he said prevented a major security crisis.

The meeting, attended by top government officials, security agencies, and community leaders, concluded with both parties agreeing to embrace peace and collaborate with the government to ensure lasting security in the region.

A DHL cargo plane en route from Germany to Lithuania crashed early Monday near Vilnius Airport, leaving one crew member dead, according to local emergency services.

Renatas Pozela, head of the firefighting and emergency services unit, reported that the plane went down just a few kilometers from the airport.

“The plane was due to land at Vilnius Airport but tragically crashed. One person from the four-member crew has been confirmed dead,” Pozela said.

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The crash also caused a nearby house to catch fire under unclear circumstances.

Fortunately, all residents were safely evacuated, according to Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Crisis Management Centre.

Emergency teams promptly contained the fire, preventing further casualties.

DHL spokesperson Ausra Rutkauskien confirmed that the plane was part of the company’s fleet.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with aviation authorities and crisis management teams working to uncover what led to the accident.

More to follow……….. 

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has embarked on his annual vacation, handing the ship of state to his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakp.

He made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Monday morning.

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Diri wrote, “With effect from today, November 25, 2024, I am proceeding on my annual leave.

“It has been a very busy year for me since our inauguration for the 2nd term in February this year.

“My absence will not in anyway affect governance in the State as the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, @iamElaw has the mandate to take charge of all state functions.

“Also, my absence shall not in anyway cause delay in the execution of all ongoing projects and programmes by various ministries, agencies and departments.

“On the prolonged blackout in the State, I am happy that our intervention in the repairs of the vandalised towers is yielding result with the completion of restringing of the damaged Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line.

“In as much as the transmission line does not belong to the Bayelsa State Government, our intervention was purely in the interest of the people.

“I understand the pains and the economic loss our people have been subjected to due to the blackout. The business owners are the worst hit!

“With the comprehensive repair works done so far, I am hopeful power will soon be restored once the recently vandalised conductor at towers 29 to 31 is replaced.

“I have also been reliably informed that both conventional and local security have been engaged at Ula Ikata and Ihuike communities in Ahoada-East LGA of Rivers State to secure the site until other repair works are completed.

“While we battle to restore public power, our government has commenced a process to develop our own Independent Power Plant through the procurement and installation of new Gas Turbines.

“We are committed to ensuring steady electricity supply in the State in line with our ASSURED Prosperity Agenda.

“Happy New Week all as I officially proceed on my leave. Nua!”