security
Nasarawa State Reviews Public Health Bills to Boost Health Security
Nasarawa State has initiated a review of its public health bills to strengthen its health security framework.
The bills under review are the Nasarawa State Public Health Security Bill and the Public Health Bill.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Labaran Magaji, announced this development at a four-day stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Nasarawa.
The meeting aims to refine the bills and enhance the state’s health security framework.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health, Orixine Consulting, and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL).
NAN also reports that the proposed bills aim to address gaps in the state’s existing legal framework, aligning it with international health regulations and national health security benchmarks.
Magaji emphasised the urgency of overhauling the bills, stating that the health and well-being of the people were paramount.
He noted that revising these laws would not only ensure compliance with national and international standards but also enhance the state’s preparedness to prevent and respond to public health emergencies.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Gwamna Shekwonugaza, highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort, emphasising the goal of creating practical, enforceable laws that could make a real difference in people’s lives.
Shekwonugaza was represented by Mrs Naomi Oyegbenu, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics.
“Our goal is to create laws that are not only theoretical but also practical, enforceable, and capable of making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Mr Yenan Sebastian, Director of the Subnational Support Department at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), commended Nasarawa State for setting a precedent in public health.
He noted that the state’s proactive approach to legal reform in health security was commendable and essential for building resilience against emerging health threats.
Emem Udoh, Senior Legal Advisor at Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), emphasised the importance of robust and actionable legislation.
He expressed optimism about the outcomes, stating that strong legal frameworks were the backbone of effective public health systems.
Mr Audu Arome, Executive Director of Orixine Consulting, highlighted the significance of stakeholders’ engagement in legal reforms.
He noted that inclusive participation ensured comprehensive and considerate laws that catered to all facets of public health.
The meeting, which will run until November 21st, aims to refine a set of bills ready for legislative action, demonstrating Nasarawa State’s commitment to prioritising public health.(NAN)
security
Jos Killings: Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs, Summons Mutfwang
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.
security
Plateau Attack: Mutfwang Orders Crackdown on Suspects, Imposes Curfew in Jos
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.
security
Tanker On High Speed Crashes, Kills 10, Injures 20 in Niger
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.

