Key Boko Haram leaders have been killed as Nigerian Air Force jets bombards Alafa Yagayaga on the fringes of the Sambisa forest in Borno State, The Nation learnt.

The fighter jets dispatched by the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, under the auspices of Operation Rattle Snake 3, obliterated a compound in the settlement where the Boko Haram leaders had assembled for a meeting.

According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, “the air strike was executed on the heels of credible intelligence reports indicating that the BHT leaders had converged at the target compound for a meeting over the weekend.

“Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which confirmed the meeting venue, also observed several BHTs in and around other buildings in the vicinity of the compound. Bombs from the detailed attack aircraft scored accurate hits on the target leading to the obliteration of the compound and surrounding structures as well as the neutralization of their BHT occupants.

“The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its air campaign to shape the battlespace in the Northeast for the effective conduct of further ground and air operations”.

The immediate past Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and Member representing Bogoro/ Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has visited the family of Late Sen. Ignatius Longjan, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Plateau State and Senator Plateau South to console with them over the demise of the Senator.
With the Former Speaker were Sen. Hezekiah Dimka of Plateau Central, Senator ID Gyang of Plateau North, Rep. Engr. Emmanuel Bulus Maren Member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency and Rep. Timothy Golu Ph.D.
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara described the demise of Senator Ignatius Datong Longjan as colossal and great loss not only to Plateau State but Nigeria at large. He described the deceased as a humble personality and prayed for his soul to rest in peace and for God to give his family, Senatorial Zone, State and nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable Loss.
Sen. Longjan died in the early hours of Monday 11th February, 2020 at the Nizamiye Turkish Hospital, Abuja.
Sen. Longjan was Plateau State Deputy Governor from 2011-2015 having served as Chief of Staff to former Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Da Sen. Jonah Jang.
Before his demise, he was the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District.

Sad to learn of the death of our most respected elder statesman, Distinguished Senator Ignatius Longjang. Reputed for his loyalty and humility, the late Distinguished Senator who was senator representing Southern Plateau at the 9th Senate, distinguished himself as an astute diplomat, serving Nigeria in various diplomatic missions abroad. He joined politics after retirement and served as the immediate deputy governor to Jang 2011-2015. He was first chief of staff during the first tenure of Jang where he distinguished himself as a leader of note. His election into the Nigerian senate in 2019 further demonstrated his leadership prowess and until his demise remained one of the most silent power brokers in Plateau state and beyond. Noted for his calmness and gentility, late Senator Longjang proved he was a dependable ally and someone to be trusted and counted upon! A social crusader and a thorough progressive in and out, Plateau State will certainly miss him and the entire country too! Rest on Baba Longjang as he was pupilaly called. Adiue!

HON MANJI B D GONTORI MOURNS SENATOR IGNATIUS LONGJAN’s DEATH,SEND CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY,THE PLATEAU SOUTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT AND INDEED PLATEAU STATE IN GENERAL……

Hon Manji B D Gontori this morning in Jos has express sadness over the news of the sudden demise of an elder statesman ,former deputy Governor of plateau and the distinguished senator of the federal republic of Nigeria representing the good people of southern plateau in the national assembly.nde Gontori in his words said”its shocking receiving the news of the passing away of this humble father and elder of our land.senator baba Longjan is an asset to us on the plateau particularly the youth considering his wealth of experience in Government.he said,we will miss you and your fatherly advise as this inevitable end has come to you which every living being must come to one day”.Hon Gontori pray that the good lord comfort the immediate family,plateau south and the whole of plateau people.we are all pain by this sudden exit of our father.he equally pray for the repose of his soul and ask the lord to give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Sleep well and good night baba senator Ignatius Longjan.
Sign
HON MANJI BUTDANGMAN D GONTORI

PRESS RELEASE

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS SENATOR LONGJAN

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed shock over the death of Senator Ignatius Longjan who died after a protracted illness.
Governor Lalong in a statement described as devastating the death of the Senator who represented Plateau South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
Lalong said the death of the elder statesman is a huge loss to not only his family, the people of Plateau South Senatorial District, but the entire State because of his immense contributions to the development of the State and the nation.
He said ” we have lost a man of honour and candour who in all his affairs always put the interests of Plateau State first. His humility, humanity and wealth of wisdom was always at display when he weighed on any issue that concerns people. We will surely miss him”.
The Governor also recalled how the Former Deputy Governor served Plateau State steadfastly and loyally from 2011 to 2015, and also played a significant role in ensuring political stability in the State all through the period of various security challenges that the State passed through.
He equally recognised the enormous contributions of the deceased on the floor of the Senate where he represented his people with so much passion and projected the interests of Plateau State and the nation in all his contributions.
Governor Lalong while sympathizing with his immediate family, urged the people of Plateau State to accept the sad event as the will of God and pray for the repose of his soul.
A retired career diplomat, the late Senator Longjan was a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Party in Plateau State and Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism. He was also former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Plateau State Jonah Jang.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
10th February 2020.

News reaching Middlebelt Reporters has it that the Senator Representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ignatius Longjang has joined his ancestors.

Confirming the sad news Chief John Dafa’an, the immediate past Chief of Staff to Plateau State Government confirmed his demise to news men, in his word:it is true, our father and distinguished Senator representing Plateau South is death, baba died after battling with illness for long time in Turkey.

Senator Langjan is a former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and a current serving Senator representing Plateau South at the National Assembly Abuja

Unconfirmed reports reaching this news medium has it that the Distinguished Senator Representing Plateau South at the National Assembly, Sen. Ignatius Datong Longjan is death..

Sen Longjan served under Jonah David Jang as his deputy and was nickname or tagged The Loyal Deputy in was elected under APC to represent the people of Plateau South Senatorial District at the national Assembly Abuja.

Wa await the official confirmation from the family.

Details soon

Sir, as you celebrate your birthday on this special day, I on behalf of my family join millions of well wishers in Plateau and all over Nigeria to wish you a happy birthday, long life and prosperity.

As a leader and father in politics, we the younger generation look up to you for proper guidance

Once more, happy birthday The Big Masquerade

Prince Rotdunna Sekat

The Yandar Ngas

I wish to felicitates with one of our worthy politicians, elder, leader and youths team players, Hon. Barr. Festus Fuanter on the celebration of his birthday today. Sir, as you add a year to your years on Earth, I on behalf of my family join millions of well wishers in wishing you more good years to come. Happy birthday celebration and I wish you long life and prosperity

Cheers!

Prince Rotdunna Sekat

The Yandar Ngas

The Northern States Governor’s Forum has joined the family, friends, associates and entire people of Ekiti State in rejoicing with Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Governor John Olukayode Fayemi on the occasion of his 55th birthday. Governor
A statement from the Chairman of the Northern States Governor’s Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong, described the celebrant as an accomplished gentleman, technocrat, administrator and politician who has demonstrated trust, competence and patriotism in all his assignments.
Lalong said “Governor Fayemi has given his best to the nation and Ekiti State in particular by deploying his vast academic and social activism endowments in addressing critical challenges”.
He said the Nigerian Governors Forum under the leadership of Governor Fayemi has been responsible and responsive to the stability of the country because he has galvanised the kind of confidence and support required by the Buhari led administration to deliver on the mandate of Change.
While wishing him many more years of service to the nation and Ekiti people who reposed their confidence in him for the second time, the Northern Governors Forum chairman assured Fayemi of their continued support and solidarity as he leads the Nigerian Governors Forum and his people.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
9th February 2010