Plateau State

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US Congressman Riley M. Moore on Wednesday expressed his honor at meeting with the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, during a visit.

This is contained in a Facebook post by the congressman today Tuesday.

Moore described the meeting as “meaningful and productive,” highlighting discussions on strengthening the relationship between the United States and Nigeria.

The Congressman reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian government to tackle security and economic challenges.

He specifically addressed the plight of Christian communities facing persecution in the region, saying, “God bless you, Governor, for what you do to protect Christians and other vulnerable populations in the Middle Belt.”

The visit comes amid recent debates in Nigeria over claims of a so-called “Christian genocide.” Critics of the term have pointed out that attacks in the country affect people of all religious backgrounds, and that the notion of genocide against Christians is misleading.

Analysts argue that violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt is often driven by banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, and other socio-economic factors, rather than targeting any single religious group.

Moore’s engagement shows ongoing diplomatic interest in supporting communities facing violence, while navigating the complex realities of Nigeria’s multi-religious society.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the need for purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and improved service delivery.

In a letter dated December 29, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Ampang West Ward, Mangu Local Government Area, Governor Mutfwang expressed that the current political reality necessitated a shift in platform.

He wrote: “Given the realities of the moment and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform.”

Rumours of the governor’s potential defection had been circulated, with reports suggesting he had been in talks with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His official exit from the PDP appears to confirm those earlier speculations.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A detailed personal account posted by northern Nigerian social media influencer Aisha Falke has drawn significant public attention as debates intensify over insecurity and religious rhetoric in the region.

Falke, founder of the popular online platform Northern Hibiscus, published a two-part account describing how her family narrowly escaped an attack during the 2001 ethno-religious crisis in Jos. In the account, she recalls waking to reports of killings at roadblocks and later watching her mother’s Christian friend—described as a close family companion—allegedly approach their home with a machete as mobs advanced toward their neighbourhood.

According to her narration, the family fled moments before large groups of armed youths descended on the area. She also recounted scenes of panic on the roads as fleeing residents warned of roadblocks where travellers were reportedly attacked and burned.

Falke’s post has generated extensive reactions across northern Nigeria, with many users describing it as a reminder of the human toll of past communal violence.

The renewed attention comes as security agencies continue the search for 25 Muslim schoolgirls abducted from their school in Kebbi State last week. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation, though it has unfolded alongside online claims by some groups alleging “genocide against Christians” in the region—claims many northern residents and government officials dispute, arguing that ongoing attacks by bandits and insurgents have targeted communities irrespective of religion.

Falke did not link her story to the Kebbi abductions, but analysts say the timing has contributed to broader conversations about the dangers of inflammatory narratives and the need for balanced reporting on insecurity.

Authorities have not yet provided updates on the rescue operation, while families of the abducted students continue to appeal for swift action.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of Musa Abubakar, believed to be a major supplier of arms to criminal groups in Plateau State and northern Nigeria. The operation was based on intelligence reports leading to his detention on November 12, 2025.

A DSS source confirmed that Abubakar admitted to producing and distributing high-calibre weapons and ammunition used in violent attacks across Plateau and neighbouring regions.

The arrest followed a targeted raid on his weapons manufacturing facility in Mista Ali, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. Authorities reportedly found Abubakar with IED components, chemicals, and manufacturing equipment, all seized by DSS operatives.

This development comes days after the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, alias Bomboy, a prison escapee linked to the Owo and Deeper Life Church attacks. DSS headlined recent successes in counterterrorism efforts, including the detention of nine high-profile suspects involved in incidents in Plateau and Benue states.

Among those detained is Timna Manjol, 46, who pleaded guilty to firearms charges related to the attacks, according to court documents. Manjol is affiliated with First Baptist Church in Mangu, Plateau.

Security analysts view these arrests as part of the DSS’s ongoing crackdown on violent extremism in the region.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, has met with the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to discuss strengthening collaboration between the Corporation and the state government.

During the meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital where the NFC is headquartered, both parties explored ways to expand their long-standing partnership in promoting film production, nurturing local talents, and positioning Plateau as a central hub for Nigerian and African cinema.

Ali Nuhu noted that the discussion centered on the shared belief in the power of storytelling to shape perception, promote unity, and drive development. He emphasized that Plateau State, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has long been a home for some of Nigeria’s most compelling stories.

“Our goal,” he said, “is to ensure that those stories are not only told but also seen, heard, and celebrated across the world.”