Plateau Killings: Soldiers guard cows, failed to confront our attackers – Bokkos woman alleges

A woman, who lost eight family members in the April 9th attack by suspected Fulani militia in Mbwelle village, Kwatas district of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, has accused soldiers sent to the area of guarding cows belonging to herdsmen and abandoning the people they were meant to safeguard.

The distraught woman, who made the allegations in a video shared on social media by conflict journalist, Kim Masara Usman on Sunday, said when the attackers invaded the village, the frightened residents made frantic calls to the troops under the Operation Ensuring Peace task force hoping they would come to their rescue.

However, according to the woman, the soldiers never came to their rescue for the duration of the attack which lasted over two hours.

She stated further that to the chagrin of the invaded community, it was later discovered that a gun truck belonging to Sector 5 of the OPEP task force was seen positioned in front of a Fulani settlement where the attackers had retreated to after they had carried out the invasion.

“When the Fulani killers came to our village that night and started shooting at the people, our youths and elders called the soldiers who were stationed less than three kilometers away.

“We pleaded with them to come to our aid but they refused to come,” she said.

“The Fulani killers were shouting “Allah Akbar” and shooting at our people for more than two hours but the soldiers did not come. They came into our house and killed eight of my family members including my brother’s wife who was pregnant.

“How wicked could they be? They killed my father, my brothers, and my young nephews. What did these people do to them to deserve such a death?

“In the end, we lost over 20 people. When the Fulani killers left, we discovered that they ran to Korong, one of the villages that they had earlier chased the people away from and forcibly occupied.

“As if that was not enough, we later realized that the soldiers had stationed their gun truck in front of Korong thereby providing security for the Fulani people while leaving innocent people open to attack,” the woman lamented.

Jilli market airstrikes: Army releases video confession of captured Boko Haram suspect

Nigerian Army has released a video showing the confession of a suspected member of Boko Haram, in which he claimed that those present at the Jilli market during a recent airstrike were members of the group allegedly involved in logistics operations.

In the footage shared by the Army, the young man is seen being interrogated about the movement patterns and operational activities of his associates.

He also spoke about the roles of other suspected members linked to recent attacks.

DAILY POST reports that this comes in the wake of a military air operation at Jilli Market, where at least 56 people, mostly traders were reported feared dead following an airstrike along the Borno Yobe border.

The incident occurred on Saturday in the border area between Gubio and Geidam.

Four fighter jets were reportedly involved in the operation, which was said to have targeted suspected Boko Haram fighters.

In response, the Nigerian Air Force stated that the strikes were carried out based on credible intelligence and in coordination with ground forces.

Gov Zulum warns Borno residents against aiding insurgents

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has warned residents against aiding or providing any form of support to insurgents.

The warning comes amid reports of an alleged accidental bombing in Jilli on Saturday, a community located between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor said he had been fully briefed on the military operation carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out on Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states,” Zulum said.

Addressing the controversy, the governor stressed that the area had long been under restriction due to security concerns.

“Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” he added.

Zulum described Jilli market as a location that had allegedly been used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

He warned residents to avoid any dealings that could aid criminal groups.

He said the government is working closely with security agencies and the Yobe State Government to fully understand the situation.

“I am in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” he said.

The governor explained that authorities usually coordinate with security agencies before reopening communities or markets affected by insurgency.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by sharing useful information.

“Residents must not aid, harbour, or provide logistics support to insurgents,” Zulum warned.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting civilians while supporting ongoing military efforts to restore peace in the state.

NANS raises alarm over repeated civilian deaths in air operations

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Zone E stakeholders forum, has condemned a recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force that reportedly struck a busy market along the Borno-Yobe border, killing scores of civilians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the student body described the incident as “tragic, avoidable, and unprofessional,” alleging that the airstrike mistakenly hit Jilli Market, a crowded weekly trading hub, instead of intended insurgent targets. The forum claimed that as many as 200 people were killed, with dozens others sustaining injuries.

The operation was reportedly conducted under Operation Hadin Kai, a military campaign targeting insurgent groups in the North-East, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

Signed by its secretary, Zakari Hashim,
NANS criticized what it described as a failure in intelligence gathering, target identification, and operational execution, noting that civilians continue to bear the brunt of errors in military action.

It warned that repeated incidents of this nature raise serious concerns about the safety of residents in conflict-affected communities.

While consoling the families of the victims and those injured in the attack, many of whom are receiving treatment in hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu, it expressed solidarity with residents of affected areas, particularly in Gubio local government council and Geidam local government area.

Acknowledging the efforts of the armed forces in combating insurgency, NANS stressed that the protection of civilian lives must remain a top priority in all military operations.

The group called on the federal government, defence headquarters, and the Nigerian Air Force to launch an independent investigation into the incident, ensure compensation for victims, and implement stronger safeguards to prevent future occurrences.

INEC confirms David Mark, Aregbesola elected during July 29 meeting – ADC lawyer claims

A counsel representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has told a court that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the election of Senator David Mark and Ogbene Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary at a meeting held on July 29, 2025.

In a viral video on X, The counsel, while addressing newsmen after a court session said INEC’s position supports the party’s claim that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting took place on that date and produced the current leadership.

“INEC’s position agrees with us that the party did hold a NEC meeting on the 29th of July 2025, during which Distinguished Senator David Mark and His Excellency, Ogbene Rauf Aregbesola were elected as National Chairman and National Secretary of ADC, respectively,” he said.

He added that INEC not only acknowledged the meeting but also confirmed its participation.

“They also confirmed in their report that they attended the NEC meeting and that the meeting produced Senator David Mark and Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary,” the lawyer stated.

According to him, INEC documented the meeting and attached a report as evidence before the court.

“They produced a report, which is the report they attached. So INEC is on the same page with us as far as this matter is concerned,” he said.

The lawyer dismissed the claims by the plaintiff, describing the case as unfounded and lacking evidence.

“The plaintiff’s case is speculative, it is premised on gossip; an activity that never existed,” he argued.

He explained that the plaintiff claimed the party leaders emerged on July 22, 2025, but failed to provide proof.

“Their argument is that Senator David Mark and Aregbesola emerged on the 22nd of July 2025, and we are saying no, you don’t have any document to prove that,” he said.

In contrast, he said the party has documents to support its position.

“We have documents to show that on the 4th of July 2025, the party sent INEC a notice of the NEC meeting to be held on the 29th of July 2025. And on that date, the meeting held. INEC attended and produced a report,” he said.

The lawyer maintained that the evidence before the court clearly supports the party’s position.

“While we have evidence before the court to back up our claim that the meeting held on the 29th, they don’t have any document to support their assertion,” he said.

He also questioned the legal standing of the plaintiff to file the case.

“What is the locus of the person who filed this matter? He is not an official of the party, he is just a member,” he said.

The counself, citing the Supreme Court rulings argued that individuals cannot take legal action on internal party matters.

“The Supreme Court is very clear that on issues that bother on the internal affairs of a political party, no individual has any right to institute such action, and no court has jurisdiction to entertain it,” he added.

2027: There will be no zoning in Nasarawa – Guber aspirant, Adamu

There will be no zoning arrangement for the Nasarawa State governorship seat ahead of the 2027 election, a former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has said.

Adamu, who is a governorship aspirant under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), also declared that he remains the candidate to beat in the state.

The former IGP hails from Nasarawa South, but the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule, is said to be inclined towards having his successor emerge from Nasarawa West.

According to Adamu, there would be no consensus arrangement in the selection of the governorship candidate in the state. He said the direct primaries option affords aspirants a level playing field.

He explained, “The electorate will be allowed to pick their candidate, unlike in the indirect primaries system where delegates could be influenced against a candidate.”

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Adamu reiterated that there is nothing like zoning in Nasarawa, stressing that since 1999, when democratic rule returned, the state has never zoned the governorship seat.

He further explained that under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and the incumbent APC, zoning of the governorship seat has never worked.

Adamu said that while the governor in his wisdom wants to support somebody from Nasarawa West, his zone, Nasarawa South, is also saying it should be left open.

He added that although he does not expect any patronage from the governor, the electorate will determine who emerges come 2027. He pointed out that he has gone to the 147 wards in the state and has seen their problems, and told them to work together and focus on Nasarawa State.

He further said that they always manipulate through indirect primaries, expressing delight that the threat has been removed and nobody can take his delegates and keep them somewhere and tell them to vote a certain way.

Adamu explained that consensus would never take place in Nasarawa State when more than one person have said they do not want it, assuring that they will be vigilant in order to make sure that the primaries are free and fair.

Speaking further, Adamu lamented the state of the capital, Lafia, noting that for a long time, it has not been given the priority it deserves, lamenting that it still looks like a glorified local government headquarters, as previous administrations did not prioritise the city as a capital.

Kano federal lawmaker, Danjuma is dead

A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Muhammad Danjuma Hassan, who represented Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State, has died at the age of 66 following a prolonged illness.
His death, which reportedly occurred on Friday evening was confirmed by House spokesman, Akin Rotimi.

Rotimi described the late lawmaker’s passing as a significant loss to the National Assembly and the country, noting his decades-long contribution to legislative development.

“His passing is a profound loss to the House of Representatives, his constituents, and the nation at large,” Rotimi said.»

Hassan, who was elected into the House in 2023 under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary.

According to Rotimi, the deceased was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost legislative counsels and legal draftsmen, with many laws enacted over the years bearing his imprint.

“With his demise, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost Legislative Counsel and Legal Draftsmen, whose contributions significantly advanced legislative development and constitutional processes,” he added.

Before venturing into partisan politics, Hassan had a long career within the National Assembly bureaucracy, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary. His institutional knowledge and administrative experience, lawmakers said, enriched parliamentary deliberations and policy oversight.

During his tenure in the House, he also served on several committees, including Public Petitions, Aviation, Solid Minerals, Constitution Review, and Treaties, Protocols and Agreements.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, extended condolences to Hassan’s family, constituents, and the government and people of Kano State.

Hassan is scheduled to be buried on Saturday in accordance with Islamic rites.

“May his soul rest well, and may his legacy endure,” Rotimi said.

A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Muhammad Danjuma Hassan, who represented Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State, has died at the age of 66 following a prolonged illness.
His death, which reportedly occurred on Friday evening was confirmed by House spokesman, Akin Rotimi.

Rotimi described the late lawmaker’s passing as a significant loss to the National Assembly and the country, noting his decades-long contribution to legislative development.

“His passing is a profound loss to the House of Representatives, his constituents, and the nation at large,” Rotimi said.»

Hassan, who was elected into the House in 2023 under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary.

According to Rotimi, the deceased was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost legislative counsels and legal draftsmen, with many laws enacted over the years bearing his imprint.

“With his demise, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost Legislative Counsel and Legal Draftsmen, whose contributions significantly advanced legislative development and constitutional processes,” he added.

Before venturing into partisan politics, Hassan had a long career within the National Assembly bureaucracy, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary. His institutional knowledge and administrative experience, lawmakers said, enriched parliamentary deliberations and policy oversight.

During his tenure in the House, he also served on several committees, including Public Petitions, Aviation, Solid Minerals, Constitution Review, and Treaties, Protocols and Agreements.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, extended condolences to Hassan’s family, constituents, and the government and people of Kano State.

Hassan is scheduled to be buried on Saturday in accordance with Islamic rites.

“May his soul rest well, and may his legacy endure,” Rotimi said.

Saraki condemns killing of forest guards in Kwara community

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack on Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by armed bandits, which led to the killing of five forest guards.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the incident as “barbaric, senseless, and a painful loss not only to the affected families but to the entire state.”

He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of the gallant forest guards who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, noting that their sacrifice in defending their community would never be forgotten.

Saraki prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, forgive their shortcomings, and reward their bravery with the highest place in Paradise.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, the families of the slain guards, and the entire people of the area, urging them to remain steadfast and united in the face of the tragedy.

While commending the efforts of security operatives and local forest guards for their bravery in repelling the attack, Saraki stressed the need for sustained vigilance and stronger collaboration among all security stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.

The former Senate President, further called on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in exposing and bringing the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.

Saraki also prayed for continued peace, protection, and security across Kwara state and the nation at large.

‘Your allegations misleading, baseless’ – MACBAN refutes BYM accusation of shielding attack suspect

Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has reacted to allegations by the Berom Youth-Moulders Association, BYM, that it had uncovered a plot by the Fulani organization to shield a suspect who was arrested during an attack.

The BYM in a statement on Thursday by its National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, had alleged that it had discovered a plan by MACBAN to shield the suspect by obtaining a forged medical report that would claim the suspect is mentally unstable.

In the statement, Mwantiri said the BYM had received credible intelligence from a very reliable source indicating that MACBAN had allegedly perfected the plan and was making desperate efforts to procure a forged medical certificate claiming that the suspect arrested in connection with the attack was mentally retarded and his confessions to security personnel should not be relied on.

But in a counter statement on Friday, the Fulani umbrella body refuted the allegations, saying they were not only misleading but baseless and a “deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public.”

In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed surprise at the allegations from the BYM and questioned how they could have been made, given the organization’s reputation for promoting peace and stability.

“The attention of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, has been drawn to the recent allegations circulated by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) concerning an alleged plan to shield a suspect linked to the unfortunate incident in Heipang.

“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public. MACBAN remains a law-abiding organization committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law in Plateau State and beyond.

“At no time has MACBAN engaged in, nor does it support, any act aimed at obstructing justice or shielding individuals involved in criminal activities. We strongly believe that anyone found culpable in any act of violence or criminality should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or organizational affiliation.

“It is important to emphasize that Plateau State has suffered greatly from cycles of misinformation and mutual suspicion. Statements such as those issued by BYM only serve to heighten tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts among communities.

“We therefore call on the Berom Youth Moulders Association to refrain from spreading unverified claims and instead collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and unity in Plateau State.

“MACBAN reiterates its commitment to working with security agencies, government authorities, and community leaders to ensure lasting peace and stability.

“We urge the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations and remain calm, as security agencies are fully capable of handling any investigations professionally. Together, we must prioritize peace over provocation and truth over speculation,” the statement reads.

 

JAMB blacklists 23 CBT centres in 11 states, FCT over 2026 mock UTME glitches -Full List

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the delisting of 23 computer-based test (CBT) centres across 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory following technical issues recorded during the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The affected centres are spread across Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, the FCT, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Plateau States.

In Abia State, the delisted centre is Micben, Seat of Wisdom Academy Umunteke Asa (Micben ICT Hall), Ukwa West.

In Anambra State, the affected centres are Bishop Crowther Seminary CBT Centre in Awka and The Oracle Lens located at Ubili Town Hall, Nnokwa.

Bayelsa State has Derby’s Young ICT Centre situated behind Government Science and Technical College, Okaka, Yenagoa.

Delta State has four centres on the list, including Avid ICT Solutions CBT Centre at the Institute of Continuing Education in Asaba, Brightfield School CBT in Ekpan, Uvwie, and Conarina Maritime Academy along Eseme River Road in Oria-Abraka.

In Edo State, Daniet Global Resources on Akpakpava Road, Benin City, and Moses and Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology CBT Centre, also in Benin City, were affected.

In the Federal Capital Territory, the delisted centres are De-Lite CBT Centre at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Zulqud Consult Ltd CBT Centre at Government Secondary School, Lugbe.

Lagos State has the highest number of affected centres, including Florin High School in Ejigbo, Folbob CBT Centre in Ibeju-Lekki, Great Kezino College CBT Centre in Ikorodu, Obans CBT Centre also in Ikorodu, and Teesas Learning and CBT Centre along Lekki Expressway.

In Ogun State, Braingate Model Schools CBT Centre in Arepo-Fadunsin, Ijoko, and Greenhills Academy along Itele Road were delisted, while Oduduwa University CBT Centre in Ipetumodu is the only affected centre in Osun State.

Oyo State has three centres on the list, namely Lasting Glory Schools CBT Centre in Ibadan, Nesam International School CBT Centre in Apata, and SAF Polytechnic along Iseyin-Oyo Road in Iseyin.

In Plateau State, Rabjib Computer Academy located along Museum Road in Jos was also delisted.

JAMB said the action followed its internal review of the mock UTME, during which the affected centres were found to have fallen short of required technical and operational standards.

The board maintained that only centres that meet its guidelines will be allowed to participate in the main UTME to ensure a smooth and credible examination process.