Berom militia kill Fulani herder in Riyom as tit-for-tat violence escalates in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Abubakar Hababe, a 40-year-old Fulani herder, was on April 5 found dead after an attack in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what appears to be a reprisal attack in continuation of the tit for tat across affected communities.

The latest incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Rim village responded to a distress call of an attack between Tanjol and Rim communities. On arrival, security personnel discovered the lifeless body of one Abubakar Hababe, 40, in an open field.

Community sources alleged that the victim, a Fulani herder, was attacked in what is believed to be a reprisal by suspected Berom Militia, following earlier killings in the area.

The development is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have heightened tensions across Riyom and neighbouring local government areas.

Investigations indicate that the attack may be linked to the killing of two miners at an illegal mining site in Rim village, where armed men suspected to be Fulani bandits had earlier stormed the area, killing victims and triggering outrage within the host community.

Zagazola report that the pattern reflects a sustained cycle of retaliatory violence that has continued to escalate across Plateau.

On April 3, troops responding to a distress call in Sabongida village, Jos South Local Government Area, recovered the body of a 30-year-old herder identified as Shafiyu, who had been killed in the bush under unclear circumstances.

Later the same day, gunmen attacked an illegal mining site in Gyel village, Riyom LGA, killing three miners, including one Samuel Davou, while several others fled.

Earlier on March 25, the body of a Fulani boy, Abdullahi Mohammed, was discovered in a shallow grave in Mangu Local Government Area, sparking tension in the area.

On the same day, reports also indicated destruction of irrigation farmlands in Riyom, an incident attributed to herders, which further strained relations between farming and pastoral communities.

On March 28, a prominent Fulani leader, Alhaji Bilyaminu Julde, the Ardo of Gindiri in Barkin Ladi LGA, was assassinated at his residence by gunmen, an incident that significantly escalated tensions.

That same day, farmlands in Tahoss village, Riyom LGA, were reportedly destroyed by stray cattle, further deepening hostilities.

By April 2, violence had spread to Bokkos LGA, where troops foiled an attack by suspected armed herders following clashes with vigilantes over grazing disputes, leaving one vigilante injured.

On April 3, additional incidents were reported in Barkin Ladi, where troops recovered suspected rustled cattle, while another Fulani youth was reportedly killed in Riyom in a separate isolated attack.

Security presence has since been intensified across the affected areas, with troops conducting patrols and engaging community leaders to prevent further escalation.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and refrain from reprisals, warning that the persistent cycle of attacks and counter-attacks continues to threaten peace and stability in the state.

Security forces said Investigations into the latest killing are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend those responsible.

Berom militia kill Fulani herder in Riyom as tit-for-tat violence escalates in Plateau

Political Landscape Shifts as Yobe South Mobilizes for 2027 Elections Amid Marginalization Concerns

By: Michael Mike

As the 2027 general elections approach, political activities in Yobe South Senatorial District—comprising Potiskum, Fika, Nangere, and Fune Local Government Areas—are gaining momentum. The developments reflect growing concerns about resilience, inclusion, and longstanding marginalization within the region.

Renowned as the food basket of Yobe State, Yobe South is home to a predominantly agrarian population known for its hard work, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, many residents have diversified beyond agriculture, pursuing business opportunities across Nigeria rather than relying solely on government employment.

A concerned citizen of the district, Musa Abdullahi Mai Biredi, noted that despite these contributions and a relatively strong educational base, Yobe South has experienced persistent political marginalization since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. According to him, political dominance has largely remained within Yobe East Senatorial Zone, often associated with a single dominant ethnic group, thereby sidelining other communities within the state.

“This persistent imbalance raises serious concerns about equity and representation, as the interests of diverse communities continue to receive limited attention,” he stated.

Attention is now turning to Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, whose potential candidacy is being viewed by many as a symbol of hope for more inclusive representation. His emergence is seen as a challenge to the entrenched political structure, though not without reported resistance. Allegations of intimidation by certain political actors have surfaced, raising concerns about the fairness of the democratic process and the ability of candidates from Yobe South to compete on equal footing.

Meanwhile, there are indications that many constituents in Yobe South are aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a desire for change and stronger political inclusion. Variations in voting patterns across the state further reflect underlying dissatisfaction, which could drive a significant political shift if voters organize effectively and support candidates who genuinely represent their interests.

As Yobe State moves closer to the 2027 elections, the issues of equity, justice, and inclusive governance will remain central to political discourse. Addressing the concerns of marginalization in Yobe South is critical to ensuring balanced representation and strengthening democratic values across the state.

Ultimately, the resolve of the electorate to rally behind credible and people-focused leadership will play a decisive role in shaping the future political landscape of Yobe State.

Political Landscape Shifts as Yobe South Mobilizes for 2027 Elections Amid Marginalization Concerns

FG Directs MDAs to Halt New Policies Pending Full RIA Compliance

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction and rollout of new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework is achieved.

The directive, issued by the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, is part of efforts to strengthen regulatory quality, ensure policy coherence, and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

According to the statement, the RIA Framework, which was formally implemented in January 2025, requires that all new policies or amendments introduced after the date must undergo review and approval in line with its provisions.

She noted that the framework has already been circulated to MDAs by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is also accessible on the PEBEC website. MDAs are therefore expected to familiarize themselves with the framework and align their policy development processes accordingly.

Audu emphasized that while the government remains committed to working collaboratively with regulatory institutions, no new reform or policy would be allowed to proceed without being backed by clear and verifiable evidence.

She explained that the directive aims to prevent policy shocks that could negatively affect businesses, investors and citizens, eliminate inconsistencies and frequent policy reversals, and institutionalize evidence-based policymaking across government.

The directive also seeks to enhance transparency, improve predictability, and boost stakeholder confidence in public policies, while ensuring adequate engagement to minimize resistance prior to implementation.

Consequently, all MDAs have been instructed to suspend any planned policy rollouts that have not yet been implemented, ensure that new policy proposals are supported by comprehensive RIA and necessary approvals, and integrate the RIA process into their internal policy formulation procedures.

They are also required to undertake structured and inclusive stakeholder engagement as part of policy development to improve acceptance and implementation outcomes.

The PEBEC boss added that MDAs can access the RIA Framework through its website or seek technical support from the council’s secretariat.

She, however, noted that exceptions would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approval.

Audu stressed that cooperation from all MDAs is crucial to building a stable, consistent and business-friendly regulatory environment capable of driving sustainable economic growth and boosting investor confidence.

FG Directs MDAs to Halt New Policies Pending Full RIA Compliance