News
Unchecked Killings Deepen Tensions in Bokkos, Plateau State
Unchecked Killings Deepen Tensions in Bokkos, Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
A disturbing pattern of targeted killings against members of the Fulani community in Bokkos and neighbouring parts of Plateau State is deepening distrust, inflaming ethnic tensions, and sustaining a cycle of deadly reprisals that security agencies appear unwilling or unable to break.
Recent incidents reveal an alarming consistency: no Fulani man or woman can pass through certain villages in Bokkos without facing attack, community leaders say. To many in these areas, every Fulani is presumed a terrorist, a dangerous stereotype that has led to repeated bloodshed and a collapse of trust between communities.
On Monday, another attack was reported in Barr community, Bokkos LGA, where two herders and nearly ten cows were killed. As with most incidents of this kind, no arrests have been made, and there has been no condemnation from Plateau State authorities.
On July 10, 2025, Usman Maguna, a Fulani man from Bokkos LGA, was reportedly attacked and killed while passing through Jebbu. Two days later, on July 12, a respected cleric, Malam Haruna Bangai, and his wife from Barkin Ladi were also killed in the same community.
According to Fulani leaders, a formal complaint was lodged to the police “They told us there was nothing they could do,” one community elder said. “When people are told this repeatedly, frustration builds and reprisals happen.”
Critics say the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, and local media operate under a dangerous double standard: attacks on Fulani are ignored or downplayed, while reprisals are loudly condemned and labelled as terrorism.
Victims say the governor has never visited Fulani families after such killings, never paid compensation, and never openly condemned the violence allegedly to avoid being branded a “sellout” by his political base.
More troubling are claims that perpetrators arrested for killing Fulani are routinely released under political pressure. In one recent case, the governor was reportedly heard on television instructing security agencies to release suspects caught in acts of violence.
Authorities’ failures, selective justice, and political inaction are creating the perfect conditions for retaliation. Once an attack occurs, reprisals follow, leading to fresh casualties and further entrenching hostility.
When members of the Fulani community speak out about these attacks, they are often met with anger, and public debate quickly devolves into arguments over which side has lost more lives, a framing that obscures the real issue.
“This is not about comparing death tolls,” said a Fulani elder in Bokkos. “It’s about the state’s refusal to act when innocent lives are taken. That refusal is what fuels the violence.”
The picture that emerges from Bokkos is one of systemic neglect, silent complicity, and a conflict that is perpetuated by the very institutions meant to prevent it. The absence of justice for one community all but guarantees revenge attacks, a grim cycle that, without decisive and impartial intervention, will continue to claim lives on both sides.
Until the conspiracy of silence is broken, Plateau State’s leaders will have to answer an uncomfortable question: how many more will die before justice is allowed to work for all?
Unchecked Killings Deepen Tensions in Bokkos, Plateau State
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 10 fighters of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) were killed on Jan. 8 during a night attack by the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Dabar Ledda, within the Doron Naira axis of Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that ISWAP fighters launched a surprise assault on a JAS checkpoint, locally referred to as an Irasa, in the Dabar Ledda area, overwhelming the position after a brief but intense clash.
Sources familiar with developments in the area told Zagazola Makama that the attack ended decisively in ISWAP’s favour, with about 10 JAS fighters killed. Following the operation, ISWAP elements were said to have withdrawn swiftly to their major stronghold located between Kangarwa and Dogon Chuku, also within Kukawa LGA.
Both group has, in recent years, focused on degrading each other’s capabilities in an attempt to consolidate control over key corridors around Lake Chad as well as Sambisa Forest.
However, the latest clash is expected to trigger a violent response. Intelligence reports suggest that JAS leadership, acting on directives allegedly issued by Abu Umaima, has ordered mobilisation of fighters across the northern and central parts of the Lake Chad region of Borno (LCRBA) in preparation for retaliatory attacks.
The planned counter-offensive could lead to an upsurge in large-scale attacks in the days and weeks ahead, particularly around the Kangarwa–Dogon Chuku corridor, an area that has witnessed repeated factional battles due to its strategic value for logistics, recruitment and access routes.
While the infighting has historically weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP overall cohesion, Zagazola caution that intensified clashes often come at a heavy cost to civilians, as armed groups raid communities for supplies, conscripts and intelligence. Kukawa LGA, already battered by years of insurgency, remains highly vulnerable whenever such rivalries escalate.
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
Troops foiled bandit attack in Sokoto, recovered rustled livestock in Gudu
By: Zagazola Makama
A bandit attack on Karfen Chana village in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State was successfully thwarted on Saturday evening, with security forces recovering all rustled domestic animals.
Zagazola report that the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. when armed bandits, described as Lakurawa, invaded the village and opened fire sporadically, stealing an unspecified number of livestock.
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing the attackers to retreat towards the Niger border.
All the rustled animals were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported among the security personnel.
The troops have continued to maintain rigorous patrols in the area to ensure sustained security and prevent further attacks.
End
APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa
The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa in partnership with the party’s Unity Forum is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible primary election in the state ahead of 2027 general elections.
Mr Abubakar Hamma-Girei, Director General of the Forum stated this at a press conference in Yola.
He said that the forum would ensure that all Party members have an equal opportunity to participate in the process, and that the outcome reflects the will of the party faithful.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and all stakeholders for the remarkable achievement recorded in the country that makes opposition to join the party
“We understand the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our members, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the Primary Election is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
“Let me assure you that there will be no imposition of the candidate, and that will be free from any form of manipulation or interference.
“We will uphold the principles of internal Democracy and ensure that the best candidate emerges to fly our Party’s flag in the forthcoming elections”, he said.
The DG urged all party members to participate actively in the primary election and to report any irregularities or concern to the relevance authorities.
“Together we build a stronger more united Party that will deliver for our great nation.
“We are calling on all Nigerians who are passionate about positive change and good governance we invite you to join the All Progress Congress (APC) family”, he said.
According to him,, the ongoing membership revalidation exercise is a unique opportunity for shaping the future of the great nation.
Hamma further said that the forum also resolved to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming Local Government election in the state.
“We are directed to intimate all our members across 21 LGA to give them adequate support they deserve”, he said.
APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
Troops neutralise eight terrorists in Kayamla, Sojiri villages in Borno
Zulum picks APC’s digital membership card
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