Plateau State

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Military forces have dealt a fresh blow to insurgent groups operating in central Nigeria, neutralizing two suspected terrorists and arresting a kidnapper during back-to-back clearance operations in Plateau State.

The raids, conducted by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, targeted known insurgent corridors in Wase Local Government Area on April 4, 2026. Local vigilantes joined the coordinated mission across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the dense Dutsen Zaki forest.

A fierce firefight erupted along the Babangida–Adua road, where troops engaged armed terrorists. Two suspects were killed on the spot, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, according to military sources. A subsequent search recovered one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.

In a separate operation early Sunday, troops in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area intercepted four suspected armed individuals based on credible intelligence. A search revealed 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in their possession.

When troops moved to dismantle the suspects’ hideout, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. In the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were struck down by their own accomplices’ gunfire.

Meanwhile, in Shendam Local Government Area at about 9:35 a.m., troops working with local residents arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on April 3.

All suspects are now in custody facing further investigation and potential legal action. The military has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as clearance operations continue.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

I watched in horror as news spread of yet another attack on travellers in Plateau State. Young men from Jos, simply trying to earn a living, were killed on their way to Pankshin in a reprisal following earlier killings in Dorowa Babuje. Families are mourning. Communities are tense. Anger is rising.

This is not the first time. Years ago, youths travelling for a wedding near Barkin Ladi were ambushed and killed. Retaliatory attacks followed, claiming even more lives, many of them innocent passersby. That period left deep scars on families and entire communities. It taught a painful lesson: revenge rarely reaches the original perpetrators; it only multiplies suffering.

Recently, another tragedy unfolded along Nding Road. Young, hopeful traders were attacked. Even before the dust settled, calls for retaliation began echoing across the streets and social media. Roads were blocked. Vehicles were targeted. Innocent travellers were exposed to danger. We are dangerously close to repeating a cycle we already know too well.

Over the years, many travellers have been attacked along Plateau’s highways—routes that should symbolise commerce, connection, and coexistence. In too many cases, investigations fade quietly, and justice remains unseen. When there are no visible consequences, anger festers. When justice appears absent, reprisal begins to look like an option. That is how cycles of violence sustain themselves. Jungle justice thrives where trust in formal institutions weakens and where communities feel unheard, unprotected, or unfairly treated.

The perception, rightly or wrongly, that perpetrators are shielded by ethnic, political, or religious affiliations fuels suspicion and collective blame. But collective punishment is neither lawful nor moral. It transforms victims into aggressors and bystanders into casualties. It erodes the moral authority of communities that claim to seek justice and undermines the rule of law that binds a plural society together.

Social media has further complicated the crisis. Unverified reports, inflammatory language, and emotional commentary spread faster than facts. Within minutes, outrage can mobilise crowds before security agencies even understand what happened. In such an atmosphere, rumour becomes fuel and anger becomes action. What begins as grief quickly mutates into organised retaliation, with highways turning into battlegrounds and innocent travellers paying the price for crimes they did not commit.

Plateau has buried too many sons whose only crime was being on the road at the wrong time. Too many promising lives have been cut short by anger that could have been contained. Traders, students, farmers, and artisans now travel with anxiety, unsure whether they will return home safely. A state blessed with cultural diversity and economic potential should not be defined by recurring roadside violence.

Leadership at this moment must transcend emotion. Statements from influential figures—traditional rulers, political actors, youth leaders, clerics, and civil society voices—can either soothe or inflame the situation. Public calls for revenge put ordinary citizens in the crossfire, turning them into substitutes for unseen perpetrators.

Silence in the face of incitement is equally dangerous. Responsible leadership demands restraint, clarity, and an unwavering insistence on lawful redress.

Justice, not vengeance, is the only sustainable path forward. Security agencies must conduct thorough, impartial investigations into all recent attacks and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social standing. Security presence must be strengthened along vulnerable highways and flashpoints, while rapid-response mechanisms should be improved to prevent escalation after incidents. Communication with the public must also be clear and consistent to rebuild trust and counter misinformation.

Government at both state and federal levels must demonstrate that accountability is neither selective nor symbolic. When arrests are made, the public should be informed. When prosecutions begin, they must be pursued diligently. When convictions occur, they should reflect the gravity of the offence. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. Beyond enforcement, preventive strategies such as community-based early warning systems, interfaith dialogue platforms, youth engagement programmes, and civic education campaigns are essential to reduce vulnerability to mobilisation for violence.

Retaliation does not restore dignity. It does not bring back the dead. It only creates new victims, new grief, and new reasons for the next cycle of violence. If anger becomes policy and revenge becomes justice, the funerals will continue. But if law, accountability, and responsible leadership prevail, the cycle can be broken.

Plateau deserves better. Travellers should not fear the roads. Traders should not fear earning a living. Communities should not live on the edge of retaliation. If we truly want this violence to end, then justice must speak louder than anger. Anything less will only prepare the ground for the next funeral.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a PRNigeria Fellow and writes from Jos via: muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Less than a day after President Bola Tinubu met with families of victims in Plateau State, fresh violence has been reported in the area.

The president had visited Jos, where he held a brief meeting with grieving families at Yakubu Gowon Airport following earlier attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. During the visit, he reassured residents of improved security.

“To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu had said.

Despite the assurance, gunmen struck again on Friday night. The attack occurred in Nyango Gyel community, located in Jos South Local Government Area. Reports indicate that at least three people lost their lives.

Sources said the assailants stormed the community at about 10:40 pm. They fired shots indiscriminately before escaping from the scene.

The Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident. He condemned the attack and described it as another act of violence against residents.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop. We call on security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“We urge heightened vigilance among residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas,” he said.

Police authorities have yet to provide full details on the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State, Alfred Alabo, said he was in a meeting when contacted and promised to respond later. He had not issued further comments as of the time of filing this report.

The latest attack has raised fresh concerns about security in Plateau State, especially in rural communities that have faced repeated violence in recent times.

By Anwar Usman

Another tragedy struck again in Plateau State as unknown gunmen invaded Nyango Gyel in Jos South Local Government Area, killing three people in a late-night attack.

The unknown gunmen arrived at the community around 10:40 pm on Friday, shooting sporadically before fleeing into the darkness, eyewitnesses and community sources said.

The incident was confirmed by the secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong,  describing it as “one too many.”

He strongly condemned the attack, saying it represents yet another senseless assault on innocent citizens going about their normal business.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop. We call on security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Tengwong stated.

He urged heightened vigilance among residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

Recakked that, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier vowed that such attacks would not continue unchecked, instructing security agencies to find out those behind the recent bloodshed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has ordered an immediate evacuation of all students from its hostels following a sharp escalation in security tensions across the city, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya announced the directive after what he described as “near chaotic scenarios” unfolded close to the campus earlier in the day. While the statement did not specify the exact nature of the threat, the move reflects growing concerns over violence in and around the Plateau State capital.

In response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has stepped in to provide state-owned transport for the evacuation, granting special permission for the vehicles to operate despite ongoing curfew restrictions.

The evacuation will roll out in two phases:

1· Wednesday, 3:00 pm: Students with parents or guardians within Jos and its environs are to vacate immediately.

2· Thursday: Students from outside Jos will be evacuated.

University management has assured both students and the broader community that adequate security measures are now in place to safeguard hostels and other campus facilities during the operation.

By Malam Aminu Wase

There is something quietly noble about Plateau State, its hills, its history, and above all, its diversity. It is a state woven together by the threads of ethnicity, language, and religion. And yet, that same diversity, which should be our strength, has too often been ignored in political leadership.

For too long, the highest office in Plateau State has been shaped by one-sided considerations. The repeated emergence of Christian Christian governorship tickets, while strategically convenient to some, continues to erode the principle of inclusive governance. It sends a subtle but loud message to a large portion of the population: you are seen, but not enough to be counted.

Muslims in Plateau have consistently shown political maturity. They have supported Christian-led tickets, participated in state-building efforts, and invested their trust in shared progress. From Wase to Kanam, Jos North to Shendam, Mangu, Quanfaan, and beyond, Muslim communities have not withheld their votes, their voices, or their commitment. But politics, like any meaningful relationship, cannot survive on one-sided loyalty. Reciprocity matters.

This is not just about religion; it is about equity. About the right of every community to see itself reflected in the leadership that governs it. Muslims make up a significant segment of Plateau’s population. Their persistent absence from the governorship, or even from serious consideration for the deputyship, is more than a political oversight; it is a moral failure.

What would it cost the political class to offer a Muslim-Christian ticket or vice versa? What would it say to the next generation if Plateau finally decides to lead by example, to choose unity over uniformity, and inclusion over imbalance?

My reflections are not theoretical. I grew up in a Plateau that taught me the value of coexistence. My closest friends in school, from Pilot Central Primary School, Wase, to Government Science College, Wase, through Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, in Kano State, and later Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, were Christians. We laughed together, studied together, and dreamed together. That spirit never left me. It shaped my worldview, grounded in mutual respect and shared humanity. If we could sit side by side in class, why can’t we serve side by side in leadership?

In Wase Local Government, where Christians are a minority, they have not been pushed aside. They have held positions of responsibility, including Deputy Chairman, and benefited from federal appointments, many of which came under the leadership of Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase. This is not charity. It is simply fairness in practice.

That example should guide the rest of the state. Leadership is not a reward for numbers alone, but a test of vision. A government that sees only one side of its people cannot fully represent them. And a society that silences its own diversity risks becoming deaf to its own future.

Plateau State belongs to all of us. Let us end the quiet exclusion. Let us begin a new chapter, one in which faith is no longer a political disadvantage and unity is no longer a slogan but a living reality.

It is not too late to do the right thing. But it is urgent.

Malam Aminu Wase is a Political Analyst and Advocate for Good Governance and Youth Inclusion.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An atmosphere of fear has gripped Jos, Plateau State, as students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and nearby residents raise alarm over threats to their safety following renewed unrest in parts of the city.

Concerns have intensified with reports that some students are unable to leave the campus and their hostels due to the violence. This has led to urgent appeals for security agencies to step in and ensure their protection.

A social media user, Rhoda Nanre, circulated a distress message that urged Nigerians to draw the attention of top authorities to the situation. “We are calling on all friends and comrades to tag the Nigerian president and IGP to urgently send protection to Jos especially UNIJOS NOW!!!! They are so scared,” she wrote.

The University of Jos Alumni Association also issued a statement on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The statement was signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki. It expressed concern over the rising tension affecting students, staff, and residents within Jos North Local Government Area. “The University of Jos Alumni Association expresses deep concern over the recent rise in tension and reported threats affecting students, staff and the broader university community within Jos North Local Government Area,” the statement read.

The association called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to increase protection across campuses, student hostels, and residential areas. It also urged authorities to secure major routes used by students and staff. “We specifically request round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units to ensure that any potential threats are proactively addressed and swiftly neutralized,” the statement added.

Students have been advised to remain indoors, stay alert, and report suspicious activities as events continue to unfold.

A Jos-based media outlet, JayFM, also highlighted the urgency of the situation. It reported the need for security deployment around the university, especially near the students’ village hostel. “There’s the need for urgent security deployment to the University of Jos environment, precisely the students village hostel. This followed a distress call by students who appear to be stranded in the face of provocation by some hoodlums,” the report stated.

The tension follows earlier incidents in Anguwan Rukuba area of Jos North, where a church was attacked by suspected youths. Witnesses described panic as violence broke out, with residents fleeing for safety. The unrest is linked to a previous deadly attack earlier in the week.

Although security personnel were later deployed, some residents and community leaders criticised what they described as a slow response and insufficient protection.

Reports indicate that violence has spread to several parts of Jos. Eyewitnesses said armed youths took control of key areas, attacked residents and travellers, and destroyed properties. There are also claims that major entry and exit routes have been affected, with some travellers reportedly assaulted.

The situation has forced many residents to flee, as confusion and fear continue to grow across the city.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Tinubu has summoned the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, to Abuja for  talks following the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known at a press briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The munister conveyed condolences on behalf of the President and the Federal Government to the victims and their families stressing that swift and decisive actions are being taken to address the attack.

The address in part reads “Let me assure Nigerians that security agencies responded immediately to the incident. Troops under Operation Enduring Peace were rapidly mobilised to the scene following distress calls.

“The military and other security agencies cordoned off the affected area, secured key access routes, and launched targeted search-and-clearance operations to track down the perpetrators.

“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation,” Idris said.

The minister further explained that these actions form part of a broader federal strategy to maintain stability across Plateau State and the North-Central region.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to carry out clearance operations and intelligence-led missions across vulnerable communities following attacks recorded in recent months.

“Reinforced surveillance and troop deployments have also been implemented in high-risk areas, supported by joint military-police patrols and strengthened rapid response mechanisms.

Highlighting the President’s proactive engagement, the Minister revealed that President Tinubu had a meeting with top security intelligence officials to assess the situation.

“A few hours ago, President Bola Tinubu held a high-level meeting with the nation’s top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps towards arriving at a lasting solution.

“Following this meeting, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited by President Tinubu to further deliberate and chart a coordinated path towards lasting peace and security.

“The outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang will be made public in due course,” the minister stated.

The minister also called on citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security authorities, while avoiding the spread of unverified information that could escalate tensions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has dismissed six political appointees and placed another official on suspension.

The development was made public on Tuesday through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Samuel Jatau, according to NAN.

Jatau explained that the action forms part of efforts by the state government to improve performance and strengthen service delivery across various offices.

Those removed from their positions include Timothy Golu, the governor’s special adviser on strategic communication, and Fom Gwottson, liaison officer for Jos South. Others are Nanbol Rimvyat and Nannim Langyi, who served as liaison officers for Langtang North.

Also affected are Paul Datugum and Nimchat Rims, who held similar roles in Qua’an Pan and Langtang South respectively.

In a related move, the governor approved the suspension of Johnbull Shekarau, chairman of the Plateau State House of Assembly Service Commission, over alleged actions said to be inconsistent with the expectations of his office.

The SSG did not disclose specific reasons for the dismissal of the six appointees. He, however, instructed them to return all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities.

Jatau added that the governor appreciated the contributions of the affected officials during their time in office and wished them success in their future pursuits.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

No fewer than 37 miners have reportedly died following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a mining site in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday while the workers were operating in underground shafts, according to sources familiar with the incident.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, said the miners were performing routine excavation when toxic fumes allegedly accumulated in the tunnels due to insufficient ventilation. The confined gas reportedly spread rapidly, causing dozens of miners to lose consciousness before help could arrive.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene, recounting how some miners collapsed while trying to escape the shafts. Local residents and colleagues rushed to pull the victims to safety, while others alerted emergency responders.

At least 25 miners were rescued alive and transported to a primary healthcare centre in the area for urgent medical attention. Health workers are reportedly working to stabilize several victims, some of whom remain in critical condition.

A police source confirmed that the site has been secured to prevent further casualties and allow investigators to examine the circumstances. “The site has been placed under control, and access is currently restricted as authorities carry out preliminary findings into what led to the gas exposure,” the source stated.

As of press time, the mining company had not released an official statement on the incident. The disaster has reignited concerns over safety practices in Nigeria’s informal and semi-formal mining sector.