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Truth Has No Ethnic Colour — A Response to BYM’s Mischaracterisation of Zagazola Media Network
Truth Has No Ethnic Colour — A Response to BYM’s Mischaracterisation of Zagazola Media Network
The attention of Zagazola Media Network has been drawn to a statement issued by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), in which our platform was unfairly and inaccurately portrayed as a “mouthpiece” of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) over reports relating to the recent killing of two herders in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Ordinarily, we would not dignify such allegations with a response. However, given the sensitivity of the Plateau conflict and the importance of maintaining public trust in independent journalism, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
First, Zagazola Media Network is neither affiliated with MACBAN, nor with any ethnic, religious, political or sectional interest group in Nigeria or the Sahel. We are a network of journalists, researchers and security analysts committed to factual reporting, conflict documentation and the promotion of peace and stability across Nigeria.
Our record speaks for itself.
For years, we have consistently documented and reported security developments across Plateau State and other conflict-prone areas without fear or favour. We have published hundreds of reports on attacks affecting all communities, irrespective of the identity of the victims or perpetrators. Our archives contain hundreds of extensive coverage of killings in Berom communities, attacks on Fulani settlements, reprisals, kidnappings, cattle rustling, communal violence and terrorist activities across the state.
When Fulani Bandits attacked communities in Bokkos on Monday and 18 of innocent residents were killed, Zagazola Media Network was among the first platforms to report the tragedy.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/fulani-bandits-kill-18-in-fresh-attack-on-plateau-communities
We did not hesitate because the victims were Berom. We reported the facts as they emerged. Indeed, many of those reports were subsequently cited and amplified by national and international media organizations. Likewise, when Fulani communities have come under attack, we have reported those incidents with the same level of professionalism and attention.
Our principle is simple, All victims deserve to be heard, regardless of ethnicity, religion or social status. Facts deserve to be reported, regardless of whose narrative they support.
It is therefore disappointing that an organization claiming to advocate peace and justice would resort to attacking the credibility of journalists simply because a report did not conform to its preferred narrative.
The essence of journalism is not to validate the positions of interest groups. Journalism exists to establish facts and place them before the public. Sometimes those facts may align with the position of one group. At other times, they may not. That does not make the journalist an ally or an enemy of any side.
The attempt to associate Zagazola Media Network with MACBAN is both false and irresponsible. Equally troubling is the suggestion that our reports should be judged based on whether they support the narratives of any ethnic organization. The Plateau crisis is too serious for such distractions.
For decades, communities across Plateau State have suffered devastating losses. Berom families have lost loved ones. Fulani families have lost loved ones. Other ethnic groups have also paid a terrible price. The challenge before all stakeholders should be how to stop the cycle of violence not how to silence or intimidate independent reporting.
What should concern everyone is whether journalists are acting in good faith and striving for accuracy. On that score, Zagazola Media Network’s record remains open for public scrutiny.
We therefore reject, in its entirety, the attempt to portray our platform as aligned with MACBAN or any other interest group. Even the MACBAN are accusing Zagazola of stereo typing the Fulani as Bandits in our stories. But for the purpose of clarity the names of attackers must be clearly mentioned.
We therefore reject the dangerous trend of branding journalists based on whose actions are reported at any given moment. Our loyalty remains where it has always been: with the truth.
We will continue to report attacks against Berom communities when they occur. We will continue to report attacks against Fulani communities when they occur. We will continue to report criminality, terrorism and violence wherever they emerge.
The pursuit of peace requires honesty. It requires courage. Above all, it requires a willingness to confront facts, even when they are uncomfortable.
Zagazola Media Network will remain committed to those principles.
Truth has no ethnic colour. Facts have no tribe. Journalism has no side except the truth.
— Zagazola Media Network
Truth Has No Ethnic Colour — A Response to BYM’s Mischaracterisation of Zagazola Media Network
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Hybrid Forces, have intercepted a suspected arms courier vehicle and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment along the Sokoto-Zaria-Kaduna highway.
Security sources disclosed that the operation, conducted on June 21 based on credible intelligence, targeted a vehicle suspected to be conveying arms to Kogi State.
The sources said the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the security operatives.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Beretta pistols with 9mm ammunition, two Baofeng handheld radios and three camouflage jackets.
According to the sources, the recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and exploitation.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect as well as uncover the network behind the arms movement.
They noted that the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led security efforts aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal arms and ammunition across the country.
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday joined top Nigerian security leaders at the Fourth Nigeria-United Kingdom Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue in Abuja.
The high-level meeting brought together the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and other senior security stakeholders.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Ribadu and Jonathan Powell, and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges and advancing shared strategic interests between both countries.
Participants discussed ways of enhancing collaboration in areas such as defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and regional security.
Security officials noted that the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom remained vital to efforts aimed at tackling security threats and promoting stability.
They added that the partnership had continued to support the development of military and security capabilities through training, technical assistance and strategic engagements.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with national and international partners to strengthen security, safeguard the country’s sovereignty and contribute to regional peace and stability in line with the Federal Government’s security objectives.
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
By: Zagazola Makama
- Court Fixes June 30 To Hear Appeal on Bench Warrant
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered that politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, be sent back to the Kuje Correctional Centre until June 30 when his application for the setting aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application would be considered.
On Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar, revoked the December 2025 bail he granted Sowore “based on self-recognition”, and ordered that the politician be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Before the revocation of the bail, Justice Umar had ordered Sowore to open his defence in a matter of alleged cybercrime brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
At the resumed hearing of the matter, on Wednesday, Sowore’s lawyer, R. O. Adakonye, who stood in for Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing of their application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of the bail of the defendant on account of his absence in court on 16th June, 2026.
The prosecution lawyer, A. T. Kehinde ,SAN, however, opposed the application filed by the defence. He told the court have he had filed a counter-affidavit urging the Court to refuse the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail against Sowore.
The judge, thereafter, adjourned the matter to June 30, 2026 for ruling on the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application.
The defence lawyer begged the court to release Sowore to him, with a promise to bring the politician to court hon June 30. The judge declined the defence lawyer’s request and insisted that Sowore be taken back to Kuje Correctional Centre.
The DSS resorted to prosecuting Sowore for alleged cyber-bullying after several unsuccessful appeals to make him pull down posts he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts in August 2025, calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
Troops Recover Over 2,400 Rustled Livestock After Clash with Terrorists in Zamfara
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
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