Plateau State

By Uzair Adam

In a recent operation, Nigerian Army troops successfully eliminated five terrorists affiliated with the Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

The clash with the terrorists resulted in the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, including two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, two Dane guns, an RPG bomb charger, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and six motorcycles.

Additionally, the troops recovered assorted medications and rustled cattle.During ongoing operations in the North East, the Army reported that 44 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered in Bama, Dikwa, and Gwoza Local Government Areas.

In Plateau State, the Army apprehended a notorious cattle rustler, Mallam Maawuya Shuaibu, in Mararaban Kantom, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Shuaibu, previously on security agencies’ watch lists, was arrested with 32 stolen cows.

In Bayelsa State, a raid in Korokorosie Community led to the arrest of Mr. Donald Emason, who was found with a revolver pistol and two locally made guns.

In Oyo State, Mohammed Bello, 33, was detained in Akinyele Local Government Area for allegedly supplying arms to a kidnap syndicate.

These operations highlight the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to addressing terrorism and criminal activities nationwide.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Many students were trapped in a school that collapsed in the Busa Buji community of the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to eyewitnesses, the building housing Saint Academy collapsed around 11 a.m. on Friday, leaving students who were writing exams trapped.

After news of the collapse broke, many parents thronged to the school, wailing uncontrollably.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and security personnel, including soldiers and police officers, have arrived at the scene.

A truck, which was heading for the scene, got stuck in the mud, making the rescue operations more challenging.

However, some of the injured students have been transported to the hospital for treatment.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

A police officer attached to the enforcement team of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) was reportedly shot dead at Terminus Market, Jos, the capital of Plateau State.  

Security operatives, including policemen and soldiers, have been mobilised by the state government to carry out enforcement against street trading in the area.  

The security operatives were stationed around Terminus Market to ensure total compliance with the law. 

Ibrahim Musa told our correspondent that the police officer was hit by a stray bullet fired by one of the security men patrolling the area.  

He said, “Around 12 o’clock on Wednesday, the security personnel were pursuing traders when suddenly, an officer mistakenly shot the policeman in the neck, and he died instantly. Moments later, officials of the Road Safety Corps evacuated the corpse to a hospital.” 

An official of the market, who wished to remain anonymous, also confirmed the development, saying the officer was mistakenly killed by his colleague.  

The situation caused tension in the area, resulting in the firing of teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. 

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said the police were investigating the matter.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu 

As the rainy season sets in over Jos, the Plateau State capital, residents are cautiously optimistic about relief from the persistent water scarcity that has plagued the city for months. The onset of the rainy season brings a glimmer of hope for the residents of Jos, replenishing parched earth and depleted water sources and offering a reprieve from the relentless struggle for access to clean water.

For many in Jos, the arrival of the rainy season symbolises the prospect of a brighter future. With each drop of rain, the reservoirs begin to fill, easing the burden on communities that have long been forced to endure rationing and scarcity. However, while the rains offer respite, they also underscore the need for sustainable solutions to Jos’s water woes.

The city’s infrastructure must be fortified to harness and manage this precious resource effectively. Investments in water treatment facilities, storage infrastructure, and distribution networks are imperative to ensure every resident can access safe and reliable water year-round.

Moreover, Jos’s challenges are not unique; they reflect broader issues of water scarcity and management that affect communities worldwide. As climate change intensifies, erratic weather patterns and dwindling water supplies pose increasingly urgent threats to global populations. The lessons learned from Jos’s struggle are pertinent not only for Nigeria but for all nations grappling with the repercussions of environmental degradation and resource depletion.

The resilience and resourcefulness of the people of Jos shine through in the face of adversity. Communities come together, sharing resources and supporting one another in times of need. This spirit of solidarity will propel Jos forward towards a future where access to clean water is no longer a luxury but a fundamental human right.

As the rain continues to fall over Jos, let us remember the lessons of the past and the challenges that lie ahead. Let us seize this opportunity to build a more sustainable and equitable future where every individual can thrive, nourished by the life-giving waters that sustain us all.

Usman Muhammad Salihu writes from Jos, Plateau state. He can be reached via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Plateau State Government revealed on Monday that bandits operating in the Wase Local Government Area have handed over a significant number of AK47 rifles to the state authorities.

During a press briefing in Jos, the state capital, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Security and Commander Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shippi, made this disclosure.

Shippi explained that the surrender of weapons followed extensive negotiations between the government and the bandits, showcasing a willingness to pursue peace through disarmament.

He clarified that the bandits didn’t directly surrender the firearms out of fear but through an intermediary involved in the negotiations.

He further mentioned that alongside the AK47 rifles, various other categories of weapons were also surrendered by the bandits, illustrating their commitment to the peace process.

Shippi emphasized that these efforts aim to encourage more bandits to voluntarily surrender their weapons, with ongoing steps to recover additional firearms from other groups.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

Last night (Friday, 19/04/24), I sat to watch the national news, which I rarely do these days. Of course, I sometimes sit and watch. 

The first item I saw was a report of more killings in Plateau state. Plateau state is one of the two states in Northern Nigeria with a majority Christian population. That didn’t mean anything before. Jos, the state’s capital, had made a name for being a peaceful town you would visit and enjoy. The atmosphere was lovely; the city was peaceful, with lots of tourist attractions in its surroundings.

This made Jos a suitable candidate for situating the premier elitist National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, an institute attended only by a select few among the policymakers of Nigeria. That is not all. 

Different generations of politicians have selected the same Jos to host their party conventions, which can only take place in a peaceful atmosphere. As far back as December 1952, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) held its convention in Jos. Forty-one years later, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) also had its historic convention in Jos. This convention resulted in the election of Chief MKO Abiola as its flag-bearer. No wonder the motto of Plateau state has been “Home of Peace and Tourism”.

All that was before the arrival of Zionists in the 1990s. The Zionists, who do not believe in Jesus as a messenger, a son of God or even a man of God, had convinced some ignorant Nigerian Christians that they were their brothers. Nigerian Christians thus mounted very high pressure on General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration to bring back the Zionists who were expelled from Nigeria in 1973. Of course, even before 1973, Nigerians never wanted them. Their presence was imposed on us by the British.

Some of the slogans used by the Christian clergy included, “It is antichristian to antagonise Israel”, “Israelis are our brothers”, and “Nigeria stands to benefit from diplomatic relations with Israel”. Babangida yielded and restored diplomatic relations with Israel in September 1992. That single act was the greatest mistake any Nigerian leader would make since gaining the flag independence from the British. 

As soon as they settled down, the Israelis began implementing their scheme. They started issuing visas to Nigerian Christians to go on annual “pilgrimages” like Muslims. However, unlike Muslims who go to Saudi Arabia to worship, the Christian pilgrimage was purely a tourist visit with no defined acts of worship.

If it were just about tourism, the problem would have been less. In fact, there wouldn’t have been any problem at all. However, since the Christian pilgrimage started, peace has eluded Northern Nigeria. The city of Jos, which attracted Nigerians and their guests, has since become a ghost of itself. Nobody wants to visit Jos anymore. Youth corps posted to Jos desperately seek relocation. Travellers from Abuja to Bauchi and back now go through Kano to avoid being intercepted and murdered in Jos. 

The Zionist connection was exposed on the floor of the House of Representatives by the immediate past Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Ahmad Wase. In a widely circulated video, Alhaji Wase told the house how 300 people were sponsored for illegal military training in Israel. In addition, he said four containers of arms were brought into Plateau State from Israel. Alhaji Wase told the house he was ready to prove it with the necessary documents, including a committee report. Typical of Nigeria, no one bothered to follow it up. 

Alhaji Wase was only speaking about Plateau State. Who knows how much military training the Zionists gave militant groups like Boko Haram, bandits, ESN and the like operating in various parts of the country? And who knows how many more containers of firearms were brought in from Israel for their trainees?

As if that is not enough, after committing all these atrocities, the shameless murderers that the Zionists are told the United Nations, “Over the past decade, 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been butchered and hacked to death”. This statement made by the Zionists ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, in January this year was broadcast by major media houses, with some of Nigeria’s ignorant Christians hailing it.

We expect the Federal Government to call the Israeli ambassador to show evidence of 50,000 Nigerian Christians murdered by Muslims. Of course, we expect details since the enemies of Nigeria seem to have more information than our Federal Government. I would like to hope that the Zionists would also be made to account for all the atrocities they have been committing in the form of training of criminals and supply of logistics to same.

If the Federal Government allows the Zionists to continue with their business as usual, the rest of us would have no option but to believe that the war against insurgency is only a deceptive camouflage to divert the attention of Nigerians from their actual problem that the Zionists are. Billions of Naira of taxpayers’ money are being budgeted every year to fight insecurity when the actual enemy is left untouched.

There is no need to continue to maintain a worthless diplomatic relationship that has only helped to sow the seed of discord among Nigerians. This relationship keeps claiming more lives and property of Nigerians. With the genocide in the Middle East, Nigerian Christians have since found another location for their annual pilgrimage. So, no Nigerian needs Israel for anything anymore.

Mr. President, our diplomatic relations with Israel should not only be ended but investigated. 

Israelis must leave Nigeria now!

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from Kano via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Tragedy struck yet again in Plateau State as communities in the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas fell victim to renewed attacks, resulting in an undisclosed number of casualties.

Although the State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) have yet to officially respond because their spokespersons are unavailable, credible sources have confirmed the separate incidents.

According to Monday Kassah, the Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos, there were multiple attacks on Thursday night, claiming six lives.

The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles in groups of two or three, unleashed violence in Mandung, Butura, Chikam, and other communities around the state university, all within the Bokkos District of Butura. Security reinforcements have been deployed to the area, but the assailants remain active.

Tragically, a university student was shot dead outside the campus, with another falling victim to the violence the following morning. Yakubu Ayuba, the registrar of the university, lamented the loss of a 200-level computer science student named Dading James Jordan in the attack on Chikam.

Despite concerted efforts by the state government, security agencies, and university management to enhance security, the assailants struck, claiming the life of a promising student.

In response, the university has declared a two-day mourning period, suspending all exams scheduled for the affected days. Management urged students to remain calm while calling for increased security measures around the campus.

In Mangu, reports indicate that attackers descended on the Tilengpat community in the Pushit District, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals.

Expressing his condemnation of the violence, State Governor Caleb Mutfwang appealed for calm, assuring citizens, especially students, of the government’s commitment to their safety.

He pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators while emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to enhance security in the region.

Governor Mutfwang extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and victims, urging swift recovery for the injured.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In response to the tragic attacks resulting in the loss of over 200 lives across Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the immediate establishment of a military barracks in the state.

The designated site for the barracks is Miller Farm (Gada Biyu) in the Mbar District within the Bokkos Local Government Area.

President Tinubu has tasked General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, with overseeing the swift implementation of this measure to address the security challenges plaguing the region.

The Daily Reality reported on the recent rise in insecurity in the state, which has also claimed the lives of innocent people and resulted in the destruction of properties.

Our reporters gathered that the development has instilled lingering fear and tension in the minds of residents.

By Muhammad Idris

The attention of the Association of Fulbe Youths Development Association, Plateau State, under the leadership of AY Umar has been drawn to an unfortunate incident that took place at Heipang Village (located at Plateau State Airport) Barikin Ladi Local Government Area on Sunday 06/08/2023 between the hours of 7pm and 8pm.

Facts at our disposal reveals that some criminals gangs strongly believed to be from Birom Armed Militias groups attacked and killed the innocent FULANI Citizens while they were returning home from the popular cattle market in Bukuru, Jos South, LGA, Plateau state.

Victims of the incident were Umar (adult ‘m’ from Barikin ladi) who was killed and Yakubu (adult ‘m’) from Bokkos sustained gun shot injury and currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Moreso, Yusuf Bibbi (20yrs) and Abdulrahman Bibbi were also ambushed around KwallDistrict of Bassa LGA, when they were going to fetch water for domestic use about 7:00Pm, on Monday 7th August 2023. Both of them sustained enjury and they are receiving medical treatment.

Similarly, another attack was carried out on innocent fulani commuters while returning from the same cattle sometimes in June 2023, involved in the incident were Muazu Aliyu (adult from Barkin), Aminu Goma from Barkin were wounded and one other killed.

Few days later another Fulani commuters were attacked in the same area while coming back from the same market.

Furthermore, one Alhaji Auwalu Shanono of Barkin Ladi was murdered on his way to inspect his herds on Sunday 16th April 2023 by the same armed men suspected to be Berom militias in between Plateau State Polytechnic and Airport, Barkin Ladi, Plateau state. His dead body was recovered with about 10 bullets wounds on it and his bike stolen away. All these were reported to security agencies including the Police and Operation Safe Heaven and all promised were make to take serious action but nothing was done to date while the trend continued not mitigated.

This Association has noticed that, this unprovoked act of criminality has been in practiced for decades although was tackled by former Commader Sector Seven Barkin Ladi when he took necessary security measures around the area sometimes in 2018.

While drawing the attention of all stakeholders, The President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Plateau state Government, the media, international organisations and observers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, Christians Association of Nigeria,(CAN) Jamaatul Nasrul Islam (JNI), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Miyetti Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), TABITAL PULAAKU International, FUDECO, that this incident has resurged and is going on unabated in a time when state Government and security agencies have told the world that all necessary measures have been taken to bring lasting peace on the Plateau state.

It is in view of the above we urged the above mentioned stakeholders and any other interested party to note this developments and further requests as a matter of urgency fetch out the killers in Hipang.

To share more light on the trend is that these Birom Militias gangs do used to pin down on the Federal road Junction of Hipang community fully armed and thereby shut on citing any car carrying Fulani men on the road.

We therefore called on the plateau state Government to act on the issues of security, so that peace shall return to the Plateau state.

We wish to reaffirm that pastoralists are bonafide citizens of Nigeria and Plateau state and hence deserve the protection of their lives and properties as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and International convention and treaties, United Nations and African Union and ECOWAS treaties for the protection of rights of persons and their properties.

We also wish to call on the Fulani youths to show calmness, resilience and eschew all forms of taking the law into their hands and as well have faith that the government will take necessary action in curtailing this trend.

We further wish to state that the enemies of peace should be aware that Fulanis are Nigerians and citizens of Plateau state and therefore, no amount of blackmail and intimidation will make them leave their homes. The ethnic cleansing and profiling that had been ongoing against the Fulanis in the cover story of terrorists to derail the truth in the Plateau must be stopped as a matter of urgency to forestall further breakdown of law and order across the state.

As an association, we reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty to the federal Republic of Nigeria.

Muhammad Idris
FOYUDA Publicity Secretary
08/08/2023.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Army reportedly launched a new operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State to tackle the emerging of insurance in the area.

The operation, named Hakorin Damisa, Leopard’s teeth, was launched by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, on Saturday.

Addressing the personnel Major Lagbaja said, “I am here to thank you for what you have been doing to bring peace and stability to Mangu and Plateau State.

“As your Chief of Army Staff, I have encapsulated my command philosophy which is to have a Nigerian Army that is well-trained, equipped and highly motivated towards achieving our constitutional responsibility in a joint environment.

“That means you must work with other services, you must work with local communities. You are the people’s Army, when they send a distress call, you must respond as quickly as possible and when you do that, you give them feedback on what you have done.

“That is the way you build confidence and trust. As your COAS, my philosophy will be driven by leadership, operational effectiveness and sound administration… You are not deployed here to play but to conduct an operation and you must do that and be guided by the rules of engagement.

“Whoever is carrying a military-grade weapon or any other weapon, you must recover those weapons from them. You must not take sides. The GOC has briefed me about the challenges faced in the field and the need for more combat enablers.

“What we have brought here is the tip of the iceberg, we will give you the best to work with we will take care of the communication, the motorcycles and all your administrative issues but please note that you must work effectively, we must see the results.

“This violence must be stamped out completely. I wish you the best,” Major Lagbaja said.