EFCC Re-arraigns Fadama Society Executives for Alleged ₦178m Fraud in Jos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, re-arraigned two executives of the Covenant Fadama Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, its Secretary, Okewole Dayo, and Chairman, Bishop Katung Jonas before Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of the Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State.

The duo were docked on a 23-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and money laundering to the tune of ₦178,885,000 (One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand Naira).

Investigations by the EFCC revealed that the defendants allegedly formed the cooperative society to fraudulently induce unsuspecting members of the public into investing substantial sums of money. The funds were then laundered through multiple bank accounts and withdrawn using proxies. The proceeds were allegedly used to acquire properties in Jos and Kaduna.

 

One of the charges, Count 2, reads:

"That you, OKEWOLE DAYO (Alias OKEWOLE DAVID DAYO) and BISHOP KATUNG JONAS, being Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society, sometime in 2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly transfer the sum of ₦50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) from Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society’s First Bank Account number 2003050001625 into Dadin Kowa Micro Finance Account, First Bank Account number 2016452671, which sum represents proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act."

 

Count 8 read: "That you, OKEWOLE DAYO (Alias OKEWOLE DAVID DAYO) and BISHOP KATUNG JONAS, being Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society, sometime in 2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did, with intent to defraud, obtain the sum of ₦10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) from Reke Vida Ltd under the false pretence that you were going to invest the money in Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society as members and pay a monthly 10% dividend as return on investment, which you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act."

 

Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

 

Prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba, informed the court of the EFCC's readiness to proceed. "In view of the defendants’ not guilty pleas, we are ready to open our case and bring in our witnesses. We already have a date fixed for tomorrow, my Lord," he said.

 

However, defence counsels raised concerns over their availability.

 

Counsel to the second defendant, J.J. Achi told the court that he would not be available due to a personal emergency.

"My Lord, my brother is critically ill and was brought from Kaduna. He is to be moved into theatre, and my attention is urgently required," he explained.

 

The first defendant's counsel, C.I. Nwogbo, also expressed his inability to proceed, citing logistical constraints.

"I just recently joined the case and applied for the Certified True Copies of documents attached to the proof of evidence on April 2. I’ve not received them yet, and there are logistical issues with my client who does not reside in Jos," he stated.

 

Justice Ishaya expressed concern over the delays and the impact on the prosecution’s efforts. "The prosecution is coming all the way from Abuja. I do not appreciate a situation where counsel travels such a distance without making any progress," she said.

 

She then asked the prosecution how many witnesses they intended to present in the course of the trial.

 

Buba responded: "We initially had 18 witnesses on our list, but due to the passage of time, some are now inaccessible and two are deceased. There may be a need to add new witnesses."

 

After listening to all submissions, Justice Ishaya adjourned the case to July 22 and 23, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Source: EFCC 

Plateau killings: Names, ages of the 51 Christians martyred by jihadists

Named below are of the 51 Christians martyred by jihadists today in Plateau State.

Each one represents a tragedy.

But most tragic: The list includes 13 children aged three to ten.

1. Musa Dako, 64 yrs

2. Daniel Adams, 27 yrs

3. Obadiah Usman, 31 yrs

4. Zinas James, 22 yrs

5. Monday Sareke, 37 yrs

6. Yohanna Kusa, 43 yrs

7. Janet Danjuma, 29 yrs

8. Sunday Dako, 49 yrs

9. Reuben Adamu, 94 yrs

10. Dogara Adamu, 69 yrs

11. Bulus Moses, 26 yrs

12. Stephen John, 28 yrs

13. Menche Stephen, 7 yrs

14. Nema Stephen, 4 yrs

15. Mary Stephen, 24 yrs

16. Wiki John, 30 yrs

17. Joshua John Bagu, 46 yrs

18. Margaret Morris, 6 yrs

19. Debene Morris, 4 yrs

20. Monday Sale, 52 yrs

21. Salama Agah, 15 yrs

22. Laraba Agah, 4 yrs

23. Talatu Mangwa, 42 yrs

24. Grace David, 45 yrs

25. Lovina Monday, 19 yrs

26. Agah Monday, 4 yrs

27. Naomi Monday, 37 yrs

28. Noel David, 13 yrs

29. Jummai Stephen, 10 yrs

30. Monday Keyi, 37 yrs

31. Jerry Moses, 7 yrs

32. James Moses, 10 yrs

33. Jacob Moses, 3 yrs

34. Danjuma Gado, 38 yrs

35. Friday Moses, 14 yrs

36. Talatu Moses, 47 yrs

37. Akus Moses, 46 yrs

38. Asi Jerry, 58 yrs

39. Tele Zea, 29 yrs

40. Bre Shetu Nanzhwa, 61 yrs

41. Nanzhwa Ive, 5 yrs

42. Kaja Daniel, 42 yrs

43. Elisha Anthony, 37 yrs

44. Anna Anthony, 67 yrs

45. Danlami Randum (Mula), 49 yrs

46. Ado Danjuma, 17 yrs

47. Sarah Kula, 16 yrs

48. Ishaya Moses, 10 yrs

49. Juan Moses, 5 yrs

50. Sunday Mangwa, 25 yrs

51. Moses Bala, 43 yrs

The communities must regroup to protect themselves. The country is daily sliding into a state of nature where the strongest survived.

H/T - Joseph Chudu Yonkpa and @ZariyiYusufu.

Source: SM

Visiting Plateau And Benue States: My Ordeal in the hand of Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia — Peter Obi

Peter Obi 

Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now. 

On what transpired today during my planned visit to Benue State, I am not entirely sure that the state Governor, my dear younger brother, a Reverend Father I deeply respect, is aware of this situation. Having exhausted every possible means to reach him, I am compelled to use this available platform to ensure my message is conveyed.

On Thursday, the 10th of April, I had planned to visit Plateau and Benue State, respectively. Plateau on Sunday, the 13th of April 2025, and Benue on Monday, the 14th of April 2025. My trip included paying courtesy calls to the governors as well as visiting the IDP camps and schools of nursing in both states to give my support.

As is my practice, I reached out to the Plateau State government to inform them of my visit, which included spending the day with the victims at the IDP camp in Bokkos, a visit I wholeheartedly embraced to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need. And in his utmost hospitality, the Plateau State Governor graciously permitted.

In a similar vein, I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor directly without success. I then successfully contacted his ADC who told me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would call me before midnight on the same day.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get that call until Sunday evening when he sent me a message stating he had not been able to reach his principal since the day I called. I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days.

However, because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi.

Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated they received a press statement, purportedly from the Benue State Government, that appeared designed to stop my trip. Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governor's ADC sent the statement directly to me.

The letter refers exactly to my itinerary which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security. 

I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need, and this is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.

Everyone knew then how I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake.

I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a Nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced.

May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need.

A new Nigeria is POssible.

- PO

Plateau killings: it’s a genocide masked as ethnic or religious attack — Natasha

Senator Natasha H Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central in the Nigeria's upper legislative chamber Senate has called the killings in Plateau State a genocide, masked as an ethic or religious attack.

Natasha in a social media post said the killings in the state is a genocide, like many others, masked as an ethic or religious attack but likely sponsored by capitalists’ hungry for mineral extraction and resource control.

She however said to stop this menace, Government must deploy a multi-pronged approach to address the economic, legal , security and social factors. 

"Our hearts go out to Plateau state as we commiserate with the victims, families and Gov. Mutfwang." She wrote.

Her full statement:

An unpopular opinion on the Plateau killings: it’s a genocide, like many others, masked as an ethic or religious attack but likely sponsored by capitalists’ hungry for mineral extraction and resource control.

Thus, the killings stand condemned and we urge that those culpable should be brought to justice. 

However, to stop this menace, Government must deploy a multi-pronged approach to address the economic, legal , security and social factors. 

Our hearts go out to Plateau state as we commiserate with the victims, families and Gov. Mutfwang. 

Senator Natasha H Akpoti-Uduaghan

Kogi Central

VIDEO: Viewers discretion strongly advised - OFFLOADING THE DEAD BODIES OF THOSE KILLED BY BANDITS IN PLATEAU STATE

 

At least, 60 killed in Plateau State

Plateau State has again become a killing field as the death toll from the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of the State has risen to 60  following the recovery of 40 more bodies on Wednesday and Thursday night.

NAN reports that 10 people were killed in Ruwi village of the aforementioned local government on March 27, 2025, while another 10 were killed on April 2, 2025, in a coordinated attack across several communities, including Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai.

According to the Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, Farmasum Fuddang, confirmed in a telephone interview on Friday morning in Jos that additional bodies had been found.

Farmasum said, “We released the statement about the killing of 10 people in Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai on Wednesday morning. Since then, we have recovered 40 more bodies. We even buried them around 7 PM on Thursday using torchlights. It was the community members who discovered the bodies of their loved ones,” the BCDC chairman disclosed.

The tragic incident, allegedly carried out by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, has left the residents of Bokkos in mourning and fear. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State, reported that they successfully foiled attacks by armed groups on several communities in Bokkos LGA.

Major Samson Zakhom in a press statement made available to journalists in Jos, said that the militants targeted Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Tadai, and Hurti but were overpowered by the troops. The attackers were forced to abandon key items, including an AK-47 rifle and six motorcycles.

He noted that traces of blood were found along the attackers’ retreat route, indicating possible casualties among them.

“On April 3, 2025, further clearance operations were carried out at Hurti, where troops encountered and engaged militants hiding in the mountainous region,” he stated.

According to him, “The ensuing confrontation resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, six rounds of 9mm ammunition, and four motorcycles.

“The troops are continuing efforts to neutralize the remaining militants still at large in the area,” he added.

He further disclosed that: “In a separate operation on the same day, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish conducted a search at a hideout in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, recovering a fabricated revolver rifle, 7.62mm ammunition, and a significant sum of cash, although the suspects managed to escape.

“Additionally, in Wase LGA, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, neutralized one bandit and recovered an AK-47 magazine and a motorcycle during an operation targeting bandits along Kampani Zurak Road.

“Operations will continue as part of the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities in Plateau State.”

At the time of filing this report, neither the OPSH nor the Police had provided any official casualty figures from 

the Bokkos attacks.

Meanwhile former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He lamented the incident where several communities were thrown into mourning following the killing of entire families in what he described as “yet another senseless attack.”

In a statement issued on Friday via X, Obi condemned the incident, which affected five communities in Bokkos—Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai—saying the victims, including children and pregnant women, were buried in mass graves.

Alleged N178.8m Fraud: Court Adjourns Re-arraignment of Cooperative Society Executives till May 29

Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, March 27, 2025 adjourned until May 29 and 30, 2025, the re-arraignment and trial of Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, Jos, Okewole Dayo and Bishop Katung Jonas.  

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Dayo, Jonas, and late Mamman Irmiya Jatau on a 23-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense and money laundering to the tune of ₦178,885,000 (One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-five Thousand Naira).

 

The adjournment followed the amendment of the charges by the prosecution and the need for the defendants to study the alteration before taking their pleas.

 

As proceedings commenced, defence counsel C.I. Nwogbo, representing the first defendant, and G.G. Aji, representing the second defendant, informed the court that they were only served the amended charges in the morning and requested time for their clients to study the new charges before responding.

 

“My Lord, we were only served the amended charge at 9am today. We believe we ought to have received it earlier so that our clients could review the charges against them. In these circumstances, we are applying for an adjournment to allow the first defendant to study the charges and prepare his response,” he said.

 

In his response, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba, explained that the only change in the charges was the removal of Dadin Kowa Microfinance Bank, since its licence had been revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, stating that the Commission needed to satisfactorily confirm the bank’s status with the apex bank before filing the amendment. He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment since the defendants are familiar with the previous charge, which included the bank, since about two months ago.

 

“My Lord, the reason for filing the amended charge a day before the scheduled arraignment was because we had to write to the CBN to confirm the status of Dadin Kowa Microfinance Bank, and subsequently amended the charge to remove the bank. Apart from this change, the charges remain largely the same,” he said.

 

Justice Ishaya, however, ruled that arraignment was an integral part of a fair trial and that the defendants must be given adequate time to prepare their defence. She adjourned the case till May 29 and 30, 2025, for re-arraignment and commencement of trial.

 

 The defendants allegedly lured unsuspecting members of the public to invest in their fraudulent cooperative society and allegedly transferred the proceeds of their crime to various banks which later withdrew through their proxies for acquisition properties in Jos and Kaduna.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Jos

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested fourteen suspected internet fraudsters.

 

They were arrested in K-Vom and Rayfield areas in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday March 8, 2025 following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related activities. 

 

  Items recovered from them include five laptops, 13 phones and two power banks.

 

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 35 for Alleged Internet in Plateau

The Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Command have arrested a total of 35 suspects for alleged cybercrimes in Plateau State. The suspects comprise 32 males and three females. 

 

They were rounded up along Bauchi Road Bye Pass in Jos, Plateau State capital. Their arrest followed actionable intelligence on their fraudulent activities. 

 

Items found in their possession upon arrest include 47 phones, five laptops, two macbooks, one black 406 Peugeot saloon car with registration number JJN 140 BX, one black Mercedes Benz car with registration number BSA 331 AG and one blue 2007 Model Toyota Camry without number plate. 

 

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

"WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO FIGHT CRIMINALITIES ON THE PLATEAU" - GOC 3 DIVISION TO NEW CP

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division/ Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar has noted the significance of  synergy between security agencies in the fight against all forms of criminalities fueling crisis in some volatile areas of Plateau  State. The GOC/Commmander OPSH made this known, when the new Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina paid him a courtesy visit at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos. 

Major General Abubakar remarked that, the command vision and philosophy of the Chief of  Defence Staff, General CG Musa (OFR) and that of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja (NAM), were all clearly hinged on the significance of jointness, synergy and intelligence sharing in the defence of Nigeria. “If we're drawing from their philosophy and vision, we have no option but to work together as no one agency can do it alone. We must leverage on the strength of one another,” He noted. 

He assured the CP of his resolve to continue to strengthen the existing relationship between the Military and the Police on the Plateau, most especially on the speedy prosecution of suspects.The GOC further solicited for seamless and prompt dissemination of information amongst the security agencies, so as to ensure immediate and fast response to emerging security threats. 

While reiterating  the Nigerian Army's zero tolerance for infractions amongst her personnel and other agencies, he emphasized that the job is not a one-man business as all agencies must  work together in unison to enhance security. He further updated the CP on the joint kinetic and non- kinentic approaches such as stakeholders engagements, sensitization seminars and sporting activities as measures the Division and OPSH continually explore to consolidate on the relative peace achieved in the state and environs. 

Earlier in his remarks,  the Commissioner Of Police(CP), Plateau State command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina disclosed that the visit was necessary to familiarise himself with other security agencies and also seek for strengthened collaboration, partnership and robust synergy which he said was key to mitigating crime and ensuring peace on the Plateau. Such a visit he averred will further encourage and also boost the already strong mutual relationship, intelligence and information sharing among security agencies.

The Police Chief commended the GOC/Commander OPSH for his milestone achievements, efforts and giant strides in restoring law and order in troubled areas of the State. He enjoined the GOC/Commander OPSH to sustain and strengthen the security architecture put in place so that the peace achieved would be sustained. 

The visit was concluded with group photographs with the staff officers and Commanders of various units and formations under 3 Division and Plateau State Police Command

Source: NIGERIAN ARMY

Absence of Counsel, Defendant Stalls Arraignment in Alleged N178.8m Fraud in Jos

The arraignment of Okewole Dayo, Bishop Katung Jonas, Dadin Kowa Microfinance Bank and Mamman Irmiya Jatau before Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau State was stalled on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 due to absence of counsel to the first defendant, Dayo as well as the absence of the fourth defendant, Jatau.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting the quartet on 24-count charges that border on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and money laundering to the  tune of N178,885,000 (One Hundred and Seventy-eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty -five Thousand Naira).

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, OKEWOLE DAYO (Alias OKEWOLE DAVID DAYO)and BISHOP KATUNG JONAS being Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society, sometime in 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly transferred the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) from Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society Account First Bank Account number 2003050001625 into Dadin Kowa Micro Finance Account; First Bank Account number 2016452671 which sum represent proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011( As Amended by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act".

Count three reads: "That you DADIN KOWA MICRO FINANCE BANK LTD and MAMMAN IRMIYA JATAU sometime in 2012 in Jos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the sum of N50, 000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) in your First Bank plc account number 2016452671 owned and operated by you which sum you reasonably ought to have know represents proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011( As Amended by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2012) and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act".

Having noticed the absence of the first defendant’s counsel and the absence of the fourth defendant during the day’s proceeding, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba informed the court that all the defendants were aware of the sitting, having been duly served hearing notices through their respective counsels. He therefore prayed for a bench warrant to be issued against the fourth defendant and a clarification from the first defendant as to who would represent him.

“My Lord, the defendants have been served hearing notice through their counsels, however, the fourth defendant is not in court today. In view of the absence of any formal communication to the court, explaining the absence of the fourth defendant,  we shall be humbly applying for the issuance of bench warrant against the fourth defendant, and also his sureties to be summoned to show cause why they should not forfeit their respective bonds that is before the court," he said.   He asked for a fresh arraignment date in addition.

In respect of the first defendant whose counsel was not in court, Buba prayed the court to find out from him if he intended to represent himself or needed to get another representation to avoid continued delay of the arraignment and subsequent trial.

Responding, G.G Aji, counsel to Jonas, the second defendant informed the court that the fourth defendant was absent in court having passed on. “On the absence of the fourth defendant, my lord, I can confirm to you that he is dead, I know him in person,” the counsel said.

After listening to the counsels, Justice Ishaya adjourned the matter till July 1, 2024 for arraignment and ordered the sureties of the fourth defendant to produce him in court  or  show course why they should not forfeit their bonds. 

The defendants are before the court following claims of some petitioners alleging that they formed a fraudulent cooperative society with which they fleece unsuspecting members of the public in Plateau State and beyond their resources. They were also alleged to have laundered the proceeds of their crime through investments in properties in Jos.

Source: EFCC

TROOPS BURST ANOTHER RIFLE FABRICATION FACTORY IN PLATEAU, RECOVER CACHE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION

In it's determination to clear troubled regions of Plateau State from criminal activities, Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN under HAKORIN DAMISA IV during a clearance operations on rugged mountainous terrain discovered an isolated structure which turned out to be a weapons fabrication factory situated on a high ground in Pakachi Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, a significant number of illicit firearms and related equipment were recovered and one suspect apprehended.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Mr. Tapshak Plangji, a 25-year-old male, suspected to be involved in the illegal activities at the factory. The alleged owner of the facility, Mr. Nuhu Meshack, is currently at large and efforts are underway to bring him to justice.

Items recovered from the facility include:

- 5  AK 47 Rifles

- 4 AK 47 Magazines

- 11 Rounds of 7.62mm Ammunition 

- 5 Rounds of 9mm Ammunition

- 21 Dane Guns

- 4 Revolver Rifles

- 11 Pistols with 5 Magazines

- 17 Gun Barrels

- 6 Rounds of 0.44 Inch Ammunition

- A Carbide Cylinder with Accessories 

- 3 Saws

- 12 Filing Machines

- 4 Hammers

- 6 Manual Drilling Machines

- 2 Electrically Operated Filing Machines

- 2 G-Clamps

- One Spraying Machine

- One Tiger Generator

- Assorted Drilling Irons

The suspect, Mr. Plangji, along with the recovered rifles and other items, are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.

The successful operation is a testament to the commitment of the troops in collaboration with other security agencies in the fight against illegal arms proliferation and criminal activities within our communities. It also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local communities in safeguarding our nation from threats posed by illicit arms production and trafficking.

Source; Nigerian Army

Plateau Killing: Tinubu Should Spend A Week In The Affected Communities To Ease Tension

By Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed

A Profile Picture

People have been enduring economic hardship with no hope for a brighter future, as their primary concerns revolve around basic needs such as food and survival.

A father abandoned his family due to the overwhelming challenges he faced. Feeling helpless, he considered himself irresponsible as he couldn't provide food and shelter for his family.

Mothers find themselves working as miners, with some resorting to begging on the streets to feed their children.

Many women have turned to a life of transactional relationships out of sheer necessity, while some young men have resorted to fraudulent activities, such as Yahoo scams, viewing it as an easy way to make money.

The genesis of Nigeria's problems can largely be traced to leadership failures, where those in power have neglected their responsibility to meet the demands of the people.

On Christmas Eve, suspected Fulani militants attacked Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, and brutally killed over 150 people. The coordinated attack was carried out by herdsmen who have been terrorizing Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, and Benue states for years.

It is obvious that some people have a hidden agenda to harm the people in Plateau state, with no fewer than 64 communities displaced by terrorists who occupied schools in the local government area.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu, whose duty is to protect the lives and properties of citizens, failed to do so. Instead, he celebrated Christmas in a colorful manner in Lagos while over 150 people were murdered under his watch within two hours.

A responsive and responsible leader would show empathy and sympathy for their people, using all available channels to ensure that the affected people receive justice and adequate compensation. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Tinubu.

Over 150 people were killed, and President Tinubu remained comfortably in his Lagos house while grieving families were still searching for the bodies of their loved ones. A good leader would leave their current location and rush to the affected communities to express sympathy and assure them that the perpetrators will be apprehended, promising compensation for the affected families.

If the affected people are not taken care of, the consequences may include an escalation of conflict and an arms race, as people become willing to fight to the bitter end due to the loss of loved ones.

The conscience of our leaders seems to be lacking, with no regard for the citizens. Their primary concern is embezzling public funds, plunging citizens into abject poverty without the ability to question authority but merely to survive.

President Tinubu needs to wake up and convene a security meeting with all service chiefs, giving them an ultimatum to apprehend the perpetrators. Any service chief failing in their responsibility should be immediately dismissed. Competent and expert individuals are required to handle the country's security. Tightening borders and resisting external forces attempting to exploit Nigeria are crucial steps.

More warnings need to be issued to leaders of specific tribes or groups attempting to compromise the country's security. The president should not succumb to threats or pressure from any quarter, understanding that the country's security is paramount, and it is our collective responsibility to promote peace and unity.

If violence continues unchecked, Nigeria may descend into a state of lawlessness, where the government and security agencies become increasingly helpless.

PLATEAU SECURITY: RELIGIOUS LEADERS ASKED TO BE CAUTIOUS OF INCITING COMMENTS

Religious leaders have been asked to desist from making inciting comments that could threaten the peace of the country at a symposium organised for religious leaders on the Plateau by the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on 18 October 2023, at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Jos. 

Delivering his keynote address at the event, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA, Major General AE Abubakar, said the aim of the symposium was to outline the importance of religious leaders as key contributors to peace in the society. He lamented the damages inciting sermons from religious leaders have caused to include fueling tension and anger amongst religious groups. 

General Abubakar informed the gathering that the symposium was a platform for constructive discussions on how to leverage on sermons to bring permanent peace to Plateau State. The commander urged the participants to reflect on their sermons and continually preach peace over violence. He further disclosed that the participants were drawn from different religious groups that have shown commitment to a peaceful society. 

Delivering a paper on the topic “The Effects Of Incitive Preaching On Peaceful Coexistence On The Plateau” the guest speakers Sheikh Ghazali Ismail, Deputy Chief Imam Jos Central Mosque and Reverend Father Boniface Nkum, Director of Studies Saint Augustine Missionary School Jos, said religious leaders have strong potential to influence their followers. They disclosed that religious stigmatization has caused serious problems in society over the years. In the paper, the guest speakers agreed that government must provide an active platform where religious leaders who makes inciting statements could be reported and sanctioned accordingly. 

The guest speakers maintained that interfaith dialogue and education must be encouraged in order to promote harmonious relationship between different religious groups. While calling on the religious advisory committee of the State to wake up to its duties, they added that religious leaders must take responsibility for the messages they convey to their followers. 

In their separate remarks, the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, said that government and security agencies must not spare religious leaders encouraging violence by making inciting statements, while maintaining that no one was above the law in the country. They advised that similar symposium should be organised at the local levels to educate people on the need for religious tolerance. 

On his part, the Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), disclosed that there must be public condemnation of preachers of inciting statements especially by followers of same faith. He revealed that the Inter-religious Advisory Council in the State was active to address issues relating to religion and practices. 

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), said inciting statements create mob action and urged the participants to promote sermons that encourage unity. 

Some of the dignitaries present at the event include; the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), Chairman OPSH 55-man peace implementation committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), religious leaders of various denominations, Women Wings of CAN/JNI amongst others. 

Highlights of the occasion include lectures by guest speakers, comments from dignitaries/participants and group photographs

More pictures

Source; Nigeria Army

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