By Ismail Bello Darazo 

Nigeria is a country known for its diverse ethnic groups, rich cultures, and traditions. There is also a strong history of peaceful coexistence among these groups. This harmony was more evident when traditional leaders were in control of societal affairs. All these things have faded away. Why?

Everything is better than before the marginalisation of the traditional leadership system, despite the democratic rule in various aspects of the sphere, but this particular issue of insecurity, especially the one between ethnicities, is not well addressed by the system. We still have time to make things better and manage.

The truth that we don’t want to say out has to be told in the sense that we would keep our eyes off the sad event masterminded by those we share the same tribe or religion with. This is what happens, and it is what fuels the escalating insecurity in the whole country. Political leadership was largely in the hands of traditional institutions, which formed a vital part of Nigeria’s governance structure before being marginalised by the modern democratic system.

The democratic system is centred on the separation of powers among the three arms of government—the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. This has become the dominant mode of governance today. However, decision-making and policy implementation under this system have largely replaced traditional methods, which once ensured a high level of compliance because people trusted their leaders.

The marginalisation of traditional leadership by the democratic system is one factor contributing to the escalation of insecurity. Traditional institutions have deeper access to the grassroots and better knowledge of the local environment than the current system. 

It is rare to find any group of people without a leadership structure in which leaders report to higher authorities when decisions exceed their authority. This applies to groups such as herders grazing livestock and farmers producing food for trade and national food security. The relationships between these groups were previously managed by traditional leadership, which ensured harmony and stability despite differences.

However, the alienation and undermining of traditional institutions have weakened this long-standing unity. The sense of shared humanity has diminished. Despite intermarriages and shared values, conflicts of interest have damaged relationships, turning once-peaceful communities into hostile groups.

Despite these challenges, it is not too late to act. The government can revitalise the traditional ruling system by integrating it into policy-making and implementation processes. Traditional leaders should be given a sense of belonging and held accountable for their responsibilities. Thomas Fuller once said, “A stitch in time saves nine.”

The effectiveness of this structure can often change the narrative, due to its deep grassroots penetration, significantly improving the current situation. 

By taking this step, insecurity can be drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated.

Ismail Bello Darazo writes from Bauchi wrote via Ismailbello054@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

The African Democratic Congress has taken legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission, challenging the removal of some of its leaders from the commission’s official records.

The party, under the leadership of David Mark, filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking judicial intervention over what it described as an unlawful decision by the electoral body.

According to the ADC, INEC’s action in altering its leadership records is inconsistent with due process and threatens the internal structure of the party. The party insists that the changes were made without proper consultation or adherence to established legal procedures.

The suit is asking the court to determine the legality of INEC’s move and to compel the commission to restore the affected leaders to its official records.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party, which has drawn public attention in recent days. The ADC maintains that the matter is an internal affair and should not warrant interference from the electoral umpire.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.The case is expected to test the extent of the electoral body’s powers in regulating party leadership structures, particularly as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has described the soldiers killed in Thursday’s terrorist attack on a military camp in Benisheikh, Borno State, as “unforgettable heroes,” while urging Nigerians and the media to stand firmly behind the armed forces.

The attack, which targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade of Operation HADIN KAI, resulted in the death of several brave soldiers, including Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the incident occurred in the early hours of April 9, 2026.

In a statement issued by the State House, President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the military hierarchy and the families of the fallen troops.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation,” the President said.

He praised the courage of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists, preventing Boko Haram from overrunning local communities. Tinubu urged frontline troops not to be discouraged but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

“Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism,” he said. “The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed, and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.”

The President also appealed to Nigerians and the media to desist from celebrating or condoning attacks against troops, stressing that the soldiers are “heroes, unforgettable and irreplaceable.”

He extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, pledging continued federal collaboration to achieve total victory and lasting peace.

“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” Tinubu affirmed. “Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.”

By Uzair Adam

The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments in the Nigerian capital, asking applicants to check their emails for information about rescheduled dates.

In a notice issued on Thursday, the embassy said visa services would continue at the United States Consulate General Lagos.

The embassy also stated that services for American citizens would remain available through scheduled appointments or emergency requests.

The development followed a decision by the United States Department of State to authorise non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to depart from Abuja due to what it described as a worsening security situation across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria, citing concerns including crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.

The advisory placed Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some parts of the country were categorised under “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

According to the notice, the decision followed a security assessment conducted on April 8.

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.

The department also warned that travellers should reconsider visits to Nigeria because of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and inconsistent access to healthcare services.

Several states were listed under the highest risk category, including Borno State, Yobe State, Jigawa State, Niger State, Plateau State, Taraba State and parts of Adamawa State.

Other states mentioned in the advisory included Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Sokoto State, Zamfara State, Bauchi State and Gombe State, where the department cited risks related to unrest, crime and kidnapping.

The advisory noted that some areas in the country face higher security threats, urging U.S. citizens to remain cautious and monitor official updates before planning travel.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected motorcycle robbers have cut off the hand of a school teacher, Isah Sallama, during an attack in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, The Daily Reality reports.

The incident happened on Wednesday night along the Funkuyi Road in Buran District. This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary for Public Enlightenment of the Rano Emirate Council, Nasiru Habu Faragai.

Faragai said Sallama, who lives in Sarkin Bakar Rano, came under attack when he tried to assist another victim, Malam Sauwanu Hadi. The assailants were attempting to snatch Hadi’s motorcycle and mobile phone at the time.

He added that the attackers first attempted to shoot Sallama, but their weapon failed to discharge, according to a report by the Daily Trust newspaper.

“When the gun failed, they resorted to using a machete and chopped off his hand, leaving him in a critical condition,” the statement said.

The District Head of Bunkure, Alhaji Aminu Isa Umaru, reported the case to the Emir of Rano, Muhammad Isa Umaru.

The emir condemned the incident and described it as troubling. He ordered that security agencies be notified for a detailed investigation.

He also approved the sum of N100,000 to assist with the victim’s medical treatment.

The traditional ruler urged community leaders and security operatives to step up efforts to address robbery and other criminal activities in the area.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of Thursday, but were repelled by military troops, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The assault began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on 9 April 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation, according to a statement from the DHQ.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, led by Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with superior firepower and forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“A few brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price” during the encounter, the military said, without disclosing the exact number of casualties.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honoured the fallen soldiers, describing their courage as “a source of pride and inspiration” to the armed forces and the nation.

The military described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements who have suffered significant losses in recent operations.

Clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the area to track fleeing insurgents, the DHQ added.

The public was urged to disregard misinformation and unverified content on social media, and to allow the military to formally notify the families of the deceased before further details are released.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Israeli military has stated that a journalist killed during a recent strike in Gaza was a member of Hamas, an assertion strongly rejected by Al Jazeera.

In a message posted on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had “eliminated” Muhammad Samir Muhammad Washah. The military alleged that he was “a Hamas terrorist operating under the guise of an Al Jazeera journalist.”

According to the IDF, Washah played a role in the group’s weapons operations.

“Washah, a key terrorist in Hamas’ rocket & weapons production HQ, was also involved in the production and transfer of weapons through Gaza,” the IDF said.

“The terrorist was actively involved in planning attacks against IDF troops & posed a concrete threat to forces in the area,” it added.

The statement followed earlier reports that an Al Jazeera correspondent, identified as Mohammed Wishah, died after an Israeli strike hit his vehicle in Gaza City.

Al Jazeera rejected the Israeli account and described the killing as intentional. The network condemned the incident and accused Israeli forces of targeting journalists.

“Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the heinous crime of targeting and killing Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent, Mohammed Wishah,” the network said.

“This constitutes a new and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflects a continued systematic policy of targeting journalists and silencing the voice of truth,” it added.

The organisation maintained that the attack was deliberate.

“As Al Jazeera mourns its correspondent Mohammed Wishah… it affirms that his killing was not a random act but a deliberate and targeted crime intended to intimidate journalists,” the statement read.

“The targeting of Wishah represents another episode in a series of deliberate attacks against journalists,” warning of “a dangerous escalation aimed at media professionals,” Al Jazeera said.

The network also called for accountability.

“Al Jazeera holds Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for the killing,” the network said, adding that it would pursue “all necessary legal avenues to bring those responsible to justice.”

The death of Wishah adds to the growing number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023. Al Jazeera said the figure has reached 262.

By Shamwil Ibrahim (Justice)

The memories of those harrowing and dark days in Plateau State, particularly in Jos, remain etched into my soul. I remember too little to recall every detail, yet enough to feel the weight of terror that engulfed my childhood. Outsiders hesitated to enter, and even those of us who lived there trembled at each echo of gunfire. Plateau, once a land of promise, became a chamber of fear, its people caught between survival and despair.

I was very young during the Jos and “Yelwa Shendam” crises. I barely understood what was happening. Yet one rainy day in 2001 is etched in my memory: my mother clutching my hand and my brother’s, carrying my youngest sibling on her back, running towards “Gangare” as the gunshots pierced the stormy air. I didn’t fully understand death then, but I felt its shadow.

November 2008 brought horrors I could not escape. Smoke choked the sky, thick and black from burning tyres, cars, shops, and homes. The familiar morning sounds, the rooster’s crow, the call to prayer, were drowned out by the relentless rattling of bullets. I saw men lying lifeless in the streets, burnt and broken. Women clutched their children as the world around them descended into chaos. Infants cried and died; pregnant women were not spared. The streets of Jos were no longer streets; they were rivers of despair. That was the day I realised that life could shatter in an instant, leaving nothing but grief and fear.

The nightmare returned in January 2010. The cry “An Fara! An Fara! It begins!” echoed across the city, and everyone ran for their lives. Markets emptied; cars stopped mid-journey; the city was silenced by death. By March, villages like “Dogo Na Hauwa” felt the same agony. Men, women, and children were slaughtered indiscriminately. Families fled, unsure if they would ever return. Our own family considered escaping to Kano or our ancestral states, seeking refuge from the unending bloodshed. Our government, both state and federal, failed us when we needed them most, leaving an entire generation to grow up amidst fear, hatred, and division.

And yet, amid this darkness, a truth becomes clear: religion itself is not to blame. Both Islam and Christianity teach love, compassion, and coexistence. Islam emphasises peace and justice; Christianity is built on love and mercy. How, then, can these teachings be turned into instruments of hatred?

Most conflicts are not truly religious. They are manipulated and twisted by politicians and traditional leaders seeking power, wealth, and control. Land disputes, political rivalry, and ethnic tensions are cloaked in the garb of faith. To blame religion alone is to ignore the real forces at work, and to fail the innocent who suffer because of it.

We cannot abandon faith. We must embrace its true teachings: peace, love, unity. We must teach our children to rise above hatred, to recognise manipulation, and to work together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background. Africa does not need less religion; it needs more honesty, more understanding, more courage to unite despite the forces that seek to divide us.

Plateau State can heal. Jos can thrive again. Nigeria can rise. But only if we choose love over fear, unity over division, and humanity over hatred.

Finally, I urge youths, children, elders and leaders of all religions and ethnicities to continue supporting peaceful coexistence and harmonious interaction in Plateau State. 

God bless Jos.

God bless Plateau State.

God bless Nigeria and all her people.

Shamwil Ibrahim (Justice) wrote via ibrahimshamawilu@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A student identified as Maryam, who was abducted by bandits several months ago while travelling to school, has regained her freedom after spending a long period in captivity.

Maryam was on her way from Zamfara State to Sokoto State, where she intended to continue her education, when armed attackers intercepted her and took her to an undisclosed location.

News of her release emerged on Wednesday through blogger D English Alhaji, who shared the update on social media. He confirmed that she is now safe and receiving care after her ordeal.

“We have Maryam with us now. Thank you, Nigerians. Maryam is finally free,” he said.

A video posted shortly after the announcement showed Maryam inside a vehicle as she was being taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

In the footage, she appeared weak and tired. She expressed gratitude to Nigerians who supported her during the period of her captivity.

Maryam appreciated members of the public for their prayers and encouragement. She said their support gave her strength and hope throughout the difficult experience.

Her release comes at a time when insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of Nigeria. Incidents of bandit attacks and kidnappings continue to affect states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Kwara.

Residents in the affected areas have continued to voice concern over the situation, as armed groups carry out attacks on communities, highways, schools and places of worship. Travellers, students and worshippers are often among those targeted.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Al Jazeera correspondent, Mohammed Wishah, has lost his life after an Israeli strike reportedly hit his vehicle in Gaza City.

The incident happened amid ongoing clashes despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States to ease tensions. Wishah’s death has increased concern over the rising number of journalists killed in the conflict.

According to Al Jazeera, the strike directly hit his vehicle, killing him at the scene. Details surrounding the attack remain uncertain, and Israeli authorities have not issued an immediate response.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the network said: “Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the heinous crime of targeting and killing Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent, Mohammed Wishah, following a strike on the vehicle in which he was travelling west of the Gaza Strip.

“This constitutes a new and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflects a continued systematic policy of targeting journalists and silencing the voice of truth.”

The organisation described the incident as part of a broader pattern of attacks against media workers. It said the development signals an escalation that threatens press freedom and limits coverage from the region.

“Mohammed Wishah joins the ranks of Al Jazeera journalists killed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza: Samer Abu Daqqa, Hamza Al Dahdouh, Ismail Al Ghoul, Ahmed Al Louh, Hossam Shabat, Ibrahim Thaher, Mohammed Qreiqea, Mohammed Nofal, Anas Al Sharif, and Mohammed Salama,” Al Jazeera said.

“As Al Jazeera mourns its correspondent Mohammed Wishah, who joined the Network in 2018, it affirms that his killing was not a random act but a deliberate and targeted crime intended to intimidate journalists and prevent them from carrying out their professional duties.”

The network said it holds Israeli forces responsible for the incident. It added that the action forms part of a consistent pattern aimed at silencing its reporters and restricting coverage on the ground.

Al Jazeera extended condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased. It stated that such incidents will not stop its work. The organisation also urged the international community and rights groups to act. It called for accountability and an end to attacks on journalists.

The network said it will pursue legal steps to ensure justice for its staff and other journalists killed in Gaza.

Wishah’s death brings the number of Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023 to 262. The figure has raised fresh concerns among press freedom groups about the safety of reporters in conflict zones.

Elsewhere in Gaza, violence has continued. Health officials said at least 10 people died in an Israeli airstrike near a school that sheltered displaced residents in central Gaza.

“At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured, including six in critical condition, by Israeli shelling and clashes east of Maghazi refugee camp,” the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said in a statement.

Witnesses reported that drones fired missiles during the incident. The attack followed clashes between residents and members of a militia said to have Israeli backing.

“The residents tried to defend their homes, but the occupation forces targeted them directly,” Ahmed al-Maghazi told Reuters.

The latest developments have increased scrutiny on conditions faced by journalists and civilians in Gaza, where access to safe environments remains limited amid continued military operations.