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Security Agency Detains Ibbi Council Boss Over Alleged Fertilizer Diversion


• Others Under Investigation
• Local Councils Urged to Be Accountable, Transparent

Security agents in Taraba State have launched an investigation into the alleged diversion of subsidized fertilizer recently distributed by local government councils in the state, Taraba Truth and Fact exclusively gathered.

Taraba Truth and Fact Newspaper reports that local government chairmen were questioned about allegations that federal government palliatives, including fertilizer, were diverted and sold in various markets.

Several sources claim the questioned chairmen were allowed to return home after providing statements. However, Hon. IliyaMohammed Ajibu of Ibbi Local Government was detained.

One source explained that Hon. Ajibu's detention stemmed from the seriousness of the alleged fertilizer diversion in his local government.

"The Ibbi chairman was detained for a few days before being released on the condition that he return daily for questioning. Security agents are examining records of fertilizer distribution and investigating how chairmen allegedly sold fertilizer to businessmen from other states. In some cases, fertilizer reportedly wasn't even delivered to the designated local government before being sold off."

Another source revealed Governor Agbu Kefas's anger over reports of fertilizer diversion and his order for a discreet investigation.

Each local government area received 1,200 bags of subsidized fertilizer, with Wukari receiving 1,800.

"The governor approved a 50% subsidy on the fertilizer. Urea, which costs N46,000 on the open market, was to be sold at N23,000, and NPK, which is N22,000, was reduced to N11,000," the source added. "He also directed a limit of five bags per person, specifically targeting genuine farmers."

Findings indicate that the state government initially allocated the palliatives to the 16 local government councils for distribution to residents.

However, allegations arose that some of the items found in the market belonged to the consignment allocated to the councils.

The state Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. SaviourNokun, confirmed that local government areas were the initial recipients of the allocations. He added that council chairmen would be held accountable if diversion occurred.

Commissioner Nokun confirmed personally visiting the Jalingomain market and finding the allegedly diverted commodities in some stores.

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