Plateau

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all primary and junior secondary schools across the state as a precautionary security measure.

The directive was issued on Friday by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In a statement released in Jos, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Jonah, confirmed the directive.

Jonah addressed parents and guardians, assuring them that the shutdown is a temporary step.

He emphasized that the decision was imperative to avert potential security threats to students and school infrastructure.

While the statement did not specify the nature of the security threats or a potential reopening date, the move underscores the government’s priority to ensure the safety of schoolchildren amid ongoing security challenges in the region.

By Anwar Usman

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has promised to implement the findings of the Fact-Finding Committee on Incessant Attacks, Killings and Destruction in the state in the last 20 years.

Gov Mutfwang had, in May 2025, inaugurated a 10-member panel to unravel the causes of the incessant violence in the state since 2001.

The committee had on Wednesday submitted the report of their findings to the governor, where they revealed that over 11, 000 people were killed in two decades of crisis in the state.

The ten-member pannel also revealed that no fewer than 420 communities across 13 local government areas had been attacked between 2001 and 2025.

The governor, commenting on the report while hosting members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors at the Government House Jos, assured that the government would ensure justice for the victims.

Muftwang, who vowed to implement the recommendations of the report, also promised to submit it to President Bola Tinubu.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State Government has expressed shock and condemnation over the killing of 12 of its citizens in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims were reportedly attacked while traveling to Quan Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony. Eleven others sustained injuries in the incident.

In a strongly worded statement, the Kaduna State Government described the killings as “acts of savagery” and called on security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators.

“These criminals must be fished out and dealt with accordingly. There is no justification for such violence against innocent citizens,” the statement read.

The government urged Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to take decisive action by overseeing security operations until justice is served.

“We will follow up on investigations to ensure the murderers face the law. Impunity must no longer be tolerated,” the statement added.

While calling for calm among Kaduna residents, the government reassured citizens that efforts were underway to secure justice for the victims.

It also highlighted Kaduna’s progress in peacebuilding, expressing hope that Plateau State could overcome its security challenges. Condolences were extended to the families of the deceased, with assurances that the injured would receive proper medical care.

“We stand with the bereaved and will do everything to lessen their pain,” the statement concluded.

Authorities have yet to release further details on the attack as investigations continue.

By Anas Abbas

The government of Plateau State , has announced the confirmation of five cholera cases, including three fatalities, alongside 20 suspected cases in the state.

During a press briefing, Dr.Nicholas Baamlong, the state commissioner of health, indicated that the confirmed cases have emerged from the Ngyong, Hurti, and Wurit communities within the Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA).

In response to the outbreak, the state Ministry of Health has initiated an incident management system aimed at implementing a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach.

The state Epidemiologist has been designated as the Incident Manager for this cholera outbreak.

His responsibilities will include overseeing the establishment of oral rehydration centers in the affected communities, as well as cholera treatment facilities at the College Hospital located in Bokkos LGA.

Additionally, he will coordinate efforts related to surveillance, case management, and risk communication.

Baamlong attributed the outbreak to several factors, including inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and population displacement due to recent attacks in Bokkos LGA.

He noted the importance of evacuating suspected cholera cases to designated treatment centers promptly.

The commissioner urged residents of Bokkos LGA and neighboring areas to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene practices, and report any suspected cases to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.

Dr. Baamlong reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all residents in Plateau State and called on partners to assist in the ongoing emergency response efforts.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Following a series of violent attacks in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State that left scores dead, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has visited the state to assess security measures and pledge justice for the victims.

The IGP was accompanied by senior police officers, including the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Police Mobile Force, AIG Funsho Adegboye, and other top commanders.

During his visit, he met with Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the State Government House, where he condemned the attacks and assured residents that the police would intensify efforts to restore peace and apprehend the perpetrators.

Egbetokun also held a strategy session with tactical commanders to review security deployments in the state.

He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to oversee ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and restoring lasting peace to Plateau State.

By Anas Abbas

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured candidates that they will not be required to take the upcoming examination outside their registered states.

Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, provided this assurance during a recent telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

He clarified that while some candidates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) were assigned to mock examination centers outside their states due to limited availability, this will not be the case for the main examination.

Benjamin explained that if mock examination centers in a state, such as Abuja, are fully booked, candidates may be redirected to nearby centers in other states, like Nassarawa.

However, he noted that the main UTME will have a wider array of centers available, ensuring that all candidates can take the exam within their state of residence.

He added that early registration plays a crucial role in determining the proximity of a candidate’s examination center. If a closer center is filled, candidates may be assigned to any available center within the same state.

In a statement released on Sunday, Benjamin acknowledged the delays and challenges faced by some candidates during the mock examinations and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused.

He attributed these issues to new features being tested to improve the overall conduct of the UTME.

“The mock examination serves as a trial run for the UTME, allowing us to implement innovations while helping candidates acclimate to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment,” he stated.

“This initiative has consistently met its goals over the years, addressing identified shortcomings and providing candidates with essential experience for the main examination.”

JAMB encourages all candidates to continue making necessary preparations to ensure a smooth examination experience that meets their needs.

The 2025 UTME is set to commence on April 25.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State has decried the escalating insecurity in the state, revealing that no fewer than 64 communities have been overtaken by bandits.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the governor described the situation as a form of genocide, allegedly perpetrated by terrorist groups backed by unidentified sponsors.

“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” he said, adding that security agencies must uncover the identities of those behind the acts.

Muftwang explained that the affected communities, located within Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom Local Government Areas, had been previously attacked in 2023.

Despite efforts by residents to rebuild, he lamented that renewed assaults have now forced them out, with their lands being occupied and renamed by the assailants.

“As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over… People are living there conveniently on lands they pushed others away from,” he said.

The governor further noted that the nature and scale of the violence indicate an organised effort, stressing the need for coordinated security action.

He said, “If these attacks have been going on for close to 10 years, it tells you that there is a deliberate, conscious attempt to clean out population. I am sure that in the coming days, the security agencies will work together, not at cross purposes but in unison.”

He reiterated that the violence in Plateau has gone beyond farmer-herder clashes, asserting that the crisis is the handiwork of organised criminal elements bent on destabilising the state.

“The aim of the enemy is to throw the state into gloom and mourning but we will rise above their intent,” he assured.

“This is not a farmer-herder issue… it is organised crime by malicious elements who do not want peace to reign.”

Muftwang concluded by expressing hope for divine victory and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to resist the forces of instability.

By Anwar Usman

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has thwarted all mining activities in the state due to security concerns.In an executive order dated Friday, February 21, Mutfwang said the suspension, which is with immediate effect, subsists until further notice.

He added that his administration would undertake a rigorous review of the security situation in all the mining areas in the Plateau and ensure an appropriate Community Development Agreement to address the socio-economic contributions of the rights holders.

The statement reads, “There is the need to ensure measures taken to protect places of mining activities in Plateau State and to ensure only persons that are licensed to conduct mining can enter or leave such premises. The suspension of all mining activities has become necessary.There is an increase in illegal mining activities and insecurity associated with such mining activities in various Local Government Areas in Plateau State.

“There is an increased influx of foreigners in the mining areas of Plateau State, which significantly increased insecurity in the State, including but not limited to offences of Rape, Banditry, Illegal Possession of Firearms, Drug trafficking and Kidnapping.

He further stated that “I, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Muftwang, the Executive Governor and Chief Security Officer of Plateau State, deemed it necessary to suspend all mining activities in Plateau State for security reasons.”

The governor said his administration will partner with the federal government to come up with appropriate standards and monitoring framework between the state, local government areas, host communities and minerals right holders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The People’s Democratic party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant for Jos North, Hon. John Christopher Kyohroh has commended the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for peaceful conduct of elections in Plateau State.

He made this statement at his polling unit -012, Area Directorate Office, Ministry of Education, Vanderpuye ward, in Jos North local Government Area of the state.

Kyohroh said although many hours were spent waiting for the voters verification system device to pick up but to no avail, the technical hitch should be expected because of the new technology introduced in the electoral process, saying it will be improved with time.

He described the effort of PLASIEC as a giant stride, adding that the process will be successful at the end of the day.

The chairmanship aspirant cast his vote using the manual process due to the hitches experienced on the voter verification system device.

He urged the people to come out and exercise their right by voting for the candidate of their choice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang, has formally inaugurated the Justice Reform Project Committee, with a charge to members to take their job seriously.

The Governor acknowledged the wealth of experience and exposure among the consultants, and challenged them to lay a good legacy for others to ride upon which he said is a stepping stone for higher heights.

Held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang said that the inauguration of Committee was the first of its kind in the history of Plateau State and stated the need for documentation and record keeping because, according to him, there was noticeable lack of documented laws with resultant challenges faced in locating necessary legislation.

Governor Mutfwang said it was, therefore, time to change this trajectory, adding that ‘’we can’t keep using the laws that apply to the time past, hence the need for this reform project which is critical at such a time as this.’’

Head of the committee, who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, Esq. delivered a keynote address, stating that the aim of the Law Reform Committee is to modernize and strengthen the state’s legal framework, address outdated laws and ensure they meet societal needs.

Furthermore, he said the commencement of the Law Reform in Plateau State will create a legislative framework that is just, equitable and reflective of the cultural, religious, traditional and economic aspirations of the people.

The Attorney General called for a collaboration with the judiciary, legislature, professionals, civil society, traditional institutions, labor, farmers, market men and women, tribal associations, and the general public to ensure the success of the law reform project.

He said, because the laws are dynamic and forward-looking, they will address new realities such as the digital economy, cyber security and data protection.

The event featured key stakeholders including traditional leaders, judiciary members and legislative officials who emphasized the importance of law reform for governance, economic development and social justice.

Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Joel Tahvan, Esq. who made the opening remarks expressed gratitude to the governor for seeing the need to kick-start the law reform process.

He highlighted the need for consistent review and reforms of laws to meet the demands of the times.

Tarvan also acknowledged the Attorney-General and the consultants for their vision and commitment to guiding the state in this direction.

His Royal Majesty, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba said the foundation of all laws is in the 10 commandments and prayed for wisdom for the committee members.

Speaking on behalf of the council of chiefs and emirs, the monarch also urged on the need for forgiveness and reconciliation outside of courts.

Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice David Mann in his goodwill message highlighted the importance of Law Reform as a vital process that reflects commitment to justice, equity and progress.

He acknowledged the critical role of the committee in shaping the legal landscape and ensuring the law serves the need of all citizens.