Plateau

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved N2 billion as relief support for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid criticism that victims of attacks in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina have not received similar attention.

The attack in Jos left at least 28 people dead after gunmen opened fire at a popular bar.

The presidency made the announcement on Wednesday through Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy. He said Mohammed Dorro, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, disclosed the intervention during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

Onanuga explained that the meeting involved a 32-member delegation from Plateau State. Discussions focused on finding a lasting solution to recurring violence in the state. He added that the engagement fulfilled Tinubu’s promise to meet stakeholders after the Angwa Rukuba incident.

However, some observers have expressed concern that similar large-scale attacks in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and other states have not attracted the same level of federal response, a situation they say raises questions about equity in addressing security crises.

Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu called on leaders to work together to restore peace. He said Plateau had long been known for peaceful coexistence. He urged participants to return to their communities and promote reconciliation with “open minds”.

“No protocols, no hinderances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos,” the president said.

Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, welcomed the federal government’s intervention. He described the meeting as significant. He noted that it was the first time all living former governors of the state gathered to deliberate on peace.

Mutfwang assured the president that stakeholders would implement agreed resolutions and sustain efforts toward stability. He also pledged commitment to unity. He said the state plans to “turn conflict into profit” by addressing poverty and exclusion.

“Our coming here today shows that there is a renewed spirit on the Plateau… we are determined to close all divides of religion and ethnicity,” the governor said.

Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the traditional ruler of the Berom community, called for stronger security measures. He requested increased military presence and the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems across Plateau. He also urged accelerated consideration of state police.

He further appealed for federal support to enable internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes before the rainy season.

The delegation included former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Fidelis Tapgun. Others present were Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, retired security chiefs, religious leaders, and youth representatives.

By Uzair Adam

A former Kano State governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the killing of no fewer than 27 people in Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, describing the attack as barbaric and another tragic chapter in Nigeria’s history.

Kwankwaso, in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, expressed deep concern over the incident, saying the senseless bloodshed underscores the persistent failure of leadership and the growing culture of impunity that has turned parts of the country into what he called “killing fields.”

The former governor said the recurring violence in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria should no longer be treated as routine incidents, stressing that the situation demands urgent attention as a national emergency.

“The barbaric attack on the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, which claimed the lives of no fewer than 27 Nigerians and left many others injured, is yet another tragic and shameful chapter in our nation’s history,” he said.

Kwankwaso added that the continued attacks on communities highlight the urgent need for decisive leadership and stronger measures to protect lives and property across the country.

According to him, Nigerians deserve to live in peace, security and dignity regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

The former minister of defence also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and residents of the affected community.

“My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Gari Ya Waye community in this moment of profound grief,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Government has declared a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area following an attack that claimed lives in Angwan Rukuba on Sunday.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the curfew would take effect from midnight until April 1.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang condemned the attack and assured that measures were being taken to apprehend those responsible for the incident.

The government called on residents to remain calm, stay alert, and cooperate with security agencies to facilitate investigations.

It further emphasized that the curfew was aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property in the area.

By Anas Abbas

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State has conducted party primaries in 15 out of the 17 local government areas in preparation for the upcoming local government elections in the state.

Party officials disclosed that the exercise was part of the ADC’s strategy to select its candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions ahead of the council polls.

The primaries, according to the party, were carried out successfully across the affected local government areas.
The leadership of the party noted that members actively participated in the process, which they described as peaceful and transparent. They added that the exercise reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy and grassroots participation.

However, the party is yet to complete the primaries in the remaining two local government areas; Mikang and Langtang. Officials assured that the process would soon be concluded in line with the timetable for the council elections.

The ADC also called on its members to remain united and committed as the party intensifies preparations for the local government polls in Plateau State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the immediate deployment of a special forces battalion to Plateau State. This follows a recent surge in deadly bandit attacks across the region.

The elite unit, known as the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, has already arrived. Military commanders say their mission is to “aggressively and decisively” end the violence and will be a “game changer” in restoring security.

At a reception at the Headquarters of 3 Division in Jos, the troops were briefed by the theatre command. Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding, urged the soldiers to be “decisive and ruthless” in their offensive operations against the bandits. He was represented by Brigadier General Senlong Sule.

Oyinlola praised the Army Chief’s “proactive leadership” in providing the necessary weapons and logistics for the mission.

He also appealed to residents not to be alarmed by the sudden increase in troop movements and heavy military equipment. The General further called on the public to support the operation by providing timely and actionable intelligence on the whereabouts of criminal elements, to ensure lasting peace in the state.

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.