Abducted Taraba perm sec, missionary, university staff regain freedom

The Permanent Secretary of Taraba State Ministry of Water Resources, Susana Jonathan, and Deputy Registrar of the state University, Sanusi Sa’ad, have regained their freedom.

Jeremiah Tweinta, a missionary who was kidnapped by gunmen, also regained his freedom, police and local sources have confirmed.

Our correspondent gathered that the abductees were released after payment of ransoms by their relatives, though the amount paid to the abductors was not stated.

The abductors had earlier demanded over N100million but their release followed series of negotiation between relatives and the abductors.

Mrs Jonathan was kidnapped in her house around the ATC area of Jalingo at about 2:17a.m. on Sunday, while Mr Sa’ad was kidnapped earlier at his house in the university’s quarters, a few meters away from the house of the abducted Permanent Secretary.

The police spokesperson in the state, David Misal, confirmed their release.

Mr Misal told PREMIUM TIMES via a phone conversation that the permanent secretary, deputy registrar, and the evangelist were released.

“They are helping us with useful information that can help in tracking down the kidnappers,” he said.

“Our amiable CP is working assiduously to ensure the arrest of these evil-minded criminals who have been terrorising the state.

“We want to call on the public not to be afraid of reporting any security threat promptly to security agencies, to enable us take proactive measures,” he said.

Though the police have refuted the reports, investigations reveal that in Jalingo, the state capital, and its environs, kidnappers seem to be having a free hand, forcing residents to desert their homes as early as 7.30 p.m. daily due to fear of kidnappers.

Two weeks ago, two of the wives of the Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s office were kidnapped and released after payment of ransom.

PREMIUM TIMES

Comments

Taraba State University Joins ASUU Ultimatum to 21 Universities Over 2025 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) chapter, has joined 20 other state-owned universities placed on a 14-day ultimatum over the alleged non-implementation of key provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement. The ultimatum was issued following resolutions reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja, where the union expressed concern over what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the agreement. ASUU warned that the affected universities could face industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved within the 14-day window. The union authorised the affected branches to begin formal processes for strike action should their respective university authorities fail to address the issues. Taraba State University, Jalingo, was specifically listed among the 21 universities affected by the directive. Other institutions on the list include Nasarawa State Universit...

Truck Drivers Block Jalingo–Zing–Yola Road Following Dispute at NDLEA Checkpoint

Taraba Facts Truck drivers have reportedly blocked the Jalingo–Zing–Yola road following a disagreement with a soldier at an NDLEA checkpoint last night. The incident has disrupted movement along the major highway, leaving motorists and other road users stranded. As of Thursday morning, the road remains blocked, with the situation reportedly affecting the free movement of vehicles along the route. The circumstances surrounding the disagreement between the truck drivers and the security personnel remain unclear. Residents and road users are calling on relevant authorities to urgently intervene, investigate the incident and resolve the dispute to restore normal traffic. Authorities are also urged to ensure that the matter is properly addressed and that the safety and movement of commuters along the busy route are not further compromised.

Taraba Begins ₦5,000 Deduction for Teachers’ Permanent Identity Cards

The Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) has initiated a ₦5,000 deduction from teachers as part of arrangements for the production of Permanent Identity Cards for teachers across the state. According to UBEC, the identity cards are expected to strengthen staff records, improve security and enhance administrative efficiency in the management of teachers across Taraba State. UBEC further said the Permanent Identity Card project is also expected to assist the state government in developing an accurate and verifiable database of teachers. Such a database will provide Governor Agbu Kefas with reliable information on personnel within the basic education system and support more effective planning, monitoring and personnel management. The initiative is therefore expected to strengthen security measures, improve staff verification and provide a more efficient system for managing personnel across Taraba State’s basic education sector.

Taraba Facts

Search This Blog