Residents of the Mallam Joda area in Jalingo metropolis of Taraba State on Sunday appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas, calling for the immediate rehabilitation of the community’s main access road.

They described the road as “severely deteriorated” and a growing threat to lives and livelihoods.

In a letter signed by concerned residents and addressed to the Government House in Jalingo, the community highlighted the alarming state of the road, citing deep potholes, extensive erosion, and near-total collapse in certain sections.

In the letter signed by Al-Emran Alhassan on behalf of the Mallam Joda community, the residents said the road has reached a critical point where inaction could lead to further economic and social consequences.

“The hazardous state of the road has increased the risk of vehicular accidents, often resulting in injuries, property damage, and delays,” the letter stated.

Residents also lamented how the condition of the road has affected local commerce, hindered access to essential services such as healthcare and education, and exacerbated flooding and erosion due to poor drainage.

Farmers in the area are reportedly facing significant post-harvest losses due to difficulty in transporting their goods to markets, while local businesses are grappling with higher transportation costs. The road’s condition has also delayed emergency response services, including ambulances.

Despite several appeals to the local government, the community says no substantial intervention has been made so far. They are now turning to the state government, urging the governor to take swift and decisive action.

The residents requested that the state government dispatch engineers to assess the road and develop a comprehensive plan for its rehabilitation. They also asked for adequate funding and close supervision of the project to ensure transparency and quality.

“We trust in your leadership and your commitment to the welfare of all Taraba State citizens,” the residents wrote. “We are hopeful that you will act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of the Mallam Joda community.”

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) posing as tailors in Plateau State, as part of a series of coordinated operations between April 11 and 12.

The operations also led to the recovery of firearms and the neutralisation of a suspected bandit.

In a statement issued Saturday in Jos, OPSH spokesperson Major Samson Zakhom said the two suspects—Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25 years old—were apprehended during an intelligence-led joint operation at Yelwa in Shendam Local Government Area.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects were part of an ISWAP cell tasked with establishing bases in Plateau and Bauchi states under the directive of an ISWAP commander,” Zakhom disclosed. “They had been using the guise of tailoring to further the group’s agenda in the area.”

The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further interrogation. They will be prosecuted according to Nigerian law, Zakhom added.

In a separate operation on April 11, troops of Sector 4 OPSH raided a suspected criminal hideout in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Although the main suspect escaped before the troops arrived, a search of the premises led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with registration number 23402 and a magazine.

“The recovered weapons have been secured,” the OPSH spokesperson confirmed, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover more weapons.

On April 12, troops of Sector 2 OPSH conducted a successful ambush along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence. During the operation, contact was made with suspected bandits, leading to the neutralisation of one while others fled, possibly with gunshot wounds. A fabricated pistol was recovered during the follow-up operation.

Major Zakhom attributed the success of the recent operations to effective collaboration between troops and local communities.

“Our operations have been largely successful due to the timely and accurate intelligence provided by the public,” he said. “We urge continued support and vigilance from residents to help us combat these security threats effectively.”

Operation SAFE HAVEN is a special military task force mandated to restore peace and security in Plateau and neighbouring states by tackling terrorism, banditry, and communal violence.

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command says its operatives have arrested at least three members of car theft syndicate in the nation’s capital.

A statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the command, Josephine Adeh said the arrest followed a distress call received by the Durumi Division regarding the theft of a Toyota Corolla, 2005 model, gold in colour, with registration number KUJ 208 DA.

She said the vehicle was stolen from the owner’s residence.

The vehicle, according to the statement, was tracked to a workshop in Durumi, where it was undergoing illegal refurbishment.

Josephine said that the colour of the car was being altered by one of the suspects in an attempt to evade detection and facilitate a quick resale.

She revealed that a further search of the premises led to the recovery of another suspected stolen vehicle, one red Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 844 CK, which was previously reported stolen from a residence in Jikwoyi.

The three suspects include one Steven Musa, David Dalyol (a painter), and Ibrahim Mohammed (a mechanic).

“During interrogation, they confessed to being members of a car theft syndicate operating across Wuse, Central Area, Jikwoyi, and Bwari axis of the FCT.

“They admitted to stealing several vehicles, refurbishing them, and reselling them as newer models.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, urges vehicle owners to install tracking devices and other anti-theft systems to aid prompt recovery efforts,” the statement added.