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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, has raised the alarm over emerging security challenges in parts of Lafia, alleging extortion of commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators by security personnel.
The council also expressed concern over illegal mining activities and the reported involvement of minors in mining operations across the state.
The concerns were contained in a communique issued at the end of the council’s congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Lafia, on Thursday.
The journalists specifically identified Bukan Sidi, Ombi 1 and Ombi 2 areas of Lafia as places where emerging security concerns required urgent attention.
The council called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and strengthen security operations in the affected areas and other parts of the state.
It also urged the state government to investigate allegations that security operatives were extorting commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators, popularly known as Keke and Okada riders, within the Lafia metropolis.
The NUJ said the alleged extortion, if allowed to continue, could worsen the economic hardship of operators who depend on commercial transportation for their livelihood.
The council further called on the government to make a clear statement on the status of the curfew imposed in the state years ago, noting that the curfew was being cited as the basis for the alleged extortion of Keke and Okada operators by security personnel.
On illegal mining, the journalists expressed concern over the activities of illegal miners and reports of minors being engaged in mining operations.
The council called on the government and relevant regulatory agencies to take proactive measures to stop the practice, warning that failure to act could expose communities to serious environmental, social and security challenges.
It stressed the need for decisive action to protect children from exploitation and prevent illegal mining from becoming a bigger security and environmental problem in the state.
Meanwhile, the NUJ commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for what it described as achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, women and youth empowerment, as well as urban and rural development.
The council also acknowledged the employment of more than 1,000 primary school teachers by the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), but appealed to the government to recruit more teachers and deploy them to rural schools where shortages persist.
As part of preparations for the 2027 governorship election, the congress approved the establishment of a high-powered Nasarawa State Gubernatorial Debate Committee, chaired by veteran journalist, Elder Matthew Kuju.
The committee is expected to provide a platform for governorship candidates to present their manifestoes and visions to the electorate ahead of the election.
The congress also inaugurated Comrade Yusuf Maina as Vice Chairman and Comrade Charity Ashiki as Financial Secretary of the council to fill vacant positions in the State Working Committee.
The journalists further urged members to uphold the ethics of the profession by holding public office holders accountable, while encouraging practitioners to register with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to strengthen their capacity in public communication and image management.
The council congratulated the government and people of Nasarawa State on the forthcoming 30th anniversary of the state and urged citizens to remain committed to the development of the state.
