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Bago Raises Fresh Concern as Bandits Ravage 10 LGAs

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has raised serious concerns over escalating banditry attacks affecting ten out of the state’s 25 local government areas, revealing that no fewer than 10,000 residents have been displaced.

The governor, who spoke to journalists at the Government House in Minna over the weekend, decried the persistent attacks on rural communities, describing the perpetrators as criminal and extremist elements.

According to him, the vast landmass of the state which accounts for about 10 percent of Nigeria’s total land area has made security operations particularly challenging.

“Niger State has about 10 percent of the total landmass of the country, making it extremely difficult to effectively control.

Our security agents have been trying to curtail the trend, but due to the size of the state, there are many ungovernable spaces,” he said.

Bago explained that despite sustained collaboration between the state and federal governments, attacks have continued, largely due to armed elements fleeing intensified military operations in the North-West and seeking refuge in the expansive forests of Niger State.

 He added that some of these groups are gradually spilling into fringe areas of neighbouring South-West states.

The governor disclosed that about 10,000 persons have been displaced by the violence, assuring that efforts are ongoing to restore peace and facilitate their safe return to their ancestral communities.

He noted that the Federal Government has been supporting the state with humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs), while promising deliberate measures to ensure security is strengthened in affected areas before encouraging residents to return home.

Investigations reveal that the most affected councils are located in Niger East and Niger North senatorial districts.

In Niger East, the impacted local government areas include: Shiroro, Munya, Rafi, and Parts of Paikoro.

While in Niger North, the epicentres of attacks are:

Kontagora, Mariga, Magama, Mashegu, Agwara and Borgu.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring normalcy and called on residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence to tackle the menace.

He assured that the state government remains determined to reclaim affected communities and enable displaced persons to resume meaningful livelihoods.

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Jos Killings: Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs, Summons Mutfwang

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By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has summoned Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to Abuja for high-level consultations following the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, as authorities move to stabilise the situation and prevent further violence.

The development came as the Plateau State Government announced a relaxation of the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North Local Government Area, citing improved security conditions after days of tension.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that the President had already convened a meeting with top security and intelligence chiefs to assess the crisis and chart a path towards lasting peace.

He said security agencies responded swiftly to the attack, with troops under Operation Enduring Peace deployed to cordon off affected areas, secure access routes, and launch search-and-clearance operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators.

According to Idris, the actions taken so far helped contain the situation and prevent further escalation, adding that ongoing intelligence-led missions and reinforced patrols form part of a broader federal strategy to stabilise Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.

“The Federal Government has directed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. There will be no safe haven for criminal elements,” he said, while urging citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

As part of efforts to restore normalcy, the state government, through Commissioner for Information Joyce Ramnap, announced that the 48-hour curfew imposed after the attack has been relaxed.

Effective April 1, residents will now be allowed to move and conduct lawful activities between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. The adjustment, authorities said, followed the relative calm recorded in the area after the violence, which reportedly left at least 28 people dead.

Ramnap commended residents for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance as security agencies sustain monitoring and stabilisation efforts.

Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric” and symptomatic of a deeper security failure in the country.

In a strongly worded reaction, Atiku warned that the persistent attacks reflect a troubling descent into lawlessness, stressing that “outrage without action” is no longer sufficient.

He called for decisive political will to confront and eliminate the menace, insisting that the continued loss of innocent lives must not become normalised.

While casualty figures vary, with some reports citing 12 deaths in parts of the affected communities, authorities maintain that investigations are ongoing as security operations intensify.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the Plateau State Government and other stakeholders to ensure justice for victims and achieve lasting peace in the region.

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Plateau Attack: Mutfwang Orders Crackdown on  Suspects, Imposes Curfew in Jos 

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos and Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Nigeria’s fragile security landscape came under renewed strain on Sunday and Monday as coordinated attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states left scores dead, many injured, and several abducted, sparking outrage, grief, and urgent calls for decisive action.

In Plateau State, at least 27 people were killed in a Palm Sunday attack at Angwan Rukuba Junction in Jos North Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses said gunmen on a motorbike opened fire indiscriminately from the busy junction to nearby crowded areas, leaving bodies strewn and many others wounded.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who visited the scene on Monday, described the incident as “painful” and vowed that perpetrators would be brought to justice.

He assured families of dignified burials for victims and pledged that the government would cover medical expenses for the injured.

“This is not the pain of a few, it is the pain of all of us,” the governor said, urging residents—especially youths—to remain calm and avoid reprisals.

Security developments quickly followed, with a 48-hour curfew imposed in parts of Jos to prevent further violence. Authorities confirmed that security forces had been deployed in large numbers, while at least one suspect linked to prior threats circulating on social media had been arrested.

Receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, Mutfwang called for a shift from routine security responses to intelligence-driven operations, warning of an “emerging phase of urban terrorism.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Daniel Okoh, condemned the killings, describing them as a horrifying violation of a sacred day. The group alleged that attackers disguised themselves in security uniforms and demanded a thorough investigation and swift justice.

Similarly, the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) denounced the attack as barbaric and warned that continued inaction could push communities toward self-defense.

While Plateau reeled from the massacre, violence spread elsewhere.

In Kaduna State, bandits attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area, killing 13 people and abducting several others. Residents said the heavily armed assailants operated for nearly an hour, looting shops and leaving many injured. Victims were rushed to local hospitals, while security agencies launched investigations into the incident.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, armed bandits raided Dangoro village in Bungudu Local Government Area, killing three people, abducting residents—mostly women—and setting homes and food stores ablaze. Security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, eventually repelling them, though not before significant destruction was recorded.

Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack, noting that several injured victims are receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

Across the affected regions, the incidents underscore Nigeria’s widening security challenges—from urban terror-style attacks to rural banditry—stretching security forces and heightening fears among citizens.

Despite assurances from authorities, residents and stakeholders say the persistence of such coordinated violence highlights the urgent need for stronger, proactive security strategies to safeguard lives and restore public confidence.

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Tanker On High Speed Crashes, Kills 10, Injures 20  in Niger 

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed 10 deaths in a road crash on Monday, along the Tafa axis of Niger state.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued by Acting Corps Public Education Officer, Felicia Kalu, in Abuja.

Mohammed said the crash occurred about 8:20 a.

m.
on the Tafa–Gujeni route at Malam Tanko, leaving 20 injured and three rescued unhurt.

According to him, the crash fell within the operational coverage of RS7.26A Tafa Outpost and involved a DAF tanker, registration number FKY136XD.

“The vehicle was conveying 33 male occupants at the time of the incident.

 “Preliminary investigations revealed that 10 persons died, 20 sustained injuries, while three were rescued unhurt.

“Available evidence indicates the crash was caused by excessive speed, leading to loss of control.

“More disturbing is that the vehicle engaged in illegal mixed loading, carrying goods and passengers together,” he said.

He said FRSC operatives responded promptly, rescued 23 victims alive and cleared the obstruction to restore traffic flow.

The corps marshal said the injured were taken to Umar Musa General Hospital, Sabon Wuse, while the deceased were deposited at the mortuary.

Mohammed described the crash as avoidable, calling it “a painful reminder of the consequences of traffic violations”.

He stressed that “no journey is worth the loss of human lives” and condemned disregard for safety advisories.

He reiterated the corps’ commitment to intensify enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns nationwide.

Mohammed emphasised the need to curb speeding and end the practice of mixed loading on highways.

He advised drivers to obey safety regulations, maintain speed limits and avoid using unsuitable vehicles for passengers.

The corps marshal extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He urged the public to remain safety conscious, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility.

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