Abuja Reports

Taraba State Farmers Grapple with Soaring Food Prices Amid Bandit-Induced Harvest Crisis

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2023

Taraba State is currently grappling with a surge in foodstuff prices attributed to the disruptive activities of bandits, hindering farmers from harvesting their crops. Displaced farmers cutting across Bali, Ussa, Takum, and Ardo Kola local government areas, have been compelled to abandon their fields without reaping matured produce.

The flashpoint in the said areas has plunged the indigent farmers in state of despair with a rising spate of food commodities. A 100kg bag of maize now commands N32,000, a stark increase from the N18,000 during the corresponding harvesting period last year. Similarly, the cost of a 100kg bag of paddy has risen to N25,000, up from N17,000 in the same period last year.

The devastating impact extends beyond economic consequences, with reports indicating that many farmers fell victim to the bandits, facing either fatal attacks or abductions in the affected areas.

Abuja City Journals gathered that Ms. Lami John, a farmer from Kwando area in Ardo Kola Local Government Area, experienced an invasion by armed bandits shortly after harvesting maize. As a result, many farmers and their families were abducted. Fortunately, Ms. John and her children, among others, sought refuge in a nearby forest.

“We slept in the forest till the following day and trekked to Jalingo and since then, l have not gone back to my farm and l don’t know if my crops are still there or eaten by cows,” she said.

Ussa and Takum local government areas where the worst hit with casualties in record numbers.

Narrating his ordeal Mr Bulus Andeyake also revealed that bandits invaded their communities and prevented farmers from harvesting their crops.

“In our area, going to the farm is very risky because bandits are everywhere, harassing innocent farmers,” he said.

Abuja Reports

FCTA Destroys 601 Bikes to Enforce Ban

Published

12 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has crushed 601 motorcycles impounded for violating traffic rules and operating in restricted areas of Abuja.

The action, led by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, is part of ongoing efforts to curb traffic lawlessness and eliminate the use of motorcycles for criminal activities in the capital.

Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Elechi Chinedum, said the crushing was backed by legal provisions empowering the government to seize and destroy offending motorcycles.

He stressed that enforcement would remain strict to protect public safety.

Director of the DRTS, Abdulateef Bello, explained that the ban on commercial motorcycles in key parts of Abuja has been in place since 2006 due to their frequent involvement in crime and road abuse.

“This is a routine measure. We will continue to impound and crush motorcycles used in defiance of the law,” Bello said.

The FCTA has warned operators to stay out of prohibited zones or face the same consequences.

Abuja Reports

Man Docked Over N7 Million Abuja Land Deal

Published

19 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

A man identified as Yabagi has been arraigned in an Abuja court over an alleged N7.2 million land scam involving fake documents for a plot in the Guzape Two district.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery.

Prosecutors allege that Yabagi deceived the complainant with forged land documents, including a certificate of occupancy and a site plan, to facilitate the fraudulent transaction.

The court has adjourned the matter until June 19 for hearing.

Abuja Reports

AMAC Triumphs as New Chapter Opens for Women’s Football

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

AMAC Area Council emerged champions of the inaugural FCT FA Women’s Inter Area Councils Football Tournament, edging past Gwagwalada one nil at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch inside the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Ruth Torsue scored the decisive first half goal that sealed a historic victory for AMAC on Sunday, April 27.

Sponsored by Pat Ajuma Ayegba, the tournament was designed to boost grassroots women’s football and uncover young talents across the FCT.

Kwali clinched third place after defeating Kuje in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.

Highlighting the event, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau received a Meritorious Award and assured of continuous support for grassroots football.

The Minister of Women’s Affairs equally pledged commitment to future tournaments, ushering in a new era for the growth of women’s football in the capital.