Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

By: Michael Mike

The Waziri Mushere and community leader in Plateau, Chief Yohana Margif has raised alarm over terrorists’ current occupation of seven villages in Mushere community after displacing the inhabitants from their ancestral homes.

Margif in a statement issued on Friday, expressed his shock over the new development, and listed the occupied villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor and Margif.

According to him, the seven communities, which are all in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state were recently attacked and ravaged by the terrorists, who killed many of the inhabitants and displaced thousands.

He said that for over three months now, the beleaguered communities had been under relentless terrorist attacks and siege, forcing them to flee their incestral homes to take shelter at Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps.

Margif said that the Fulani invaders, who have taken over their villages, are shockingly building their tents with their cattle gracing on their farms with impunity.

He noted that this was in spite of the state government’s claim that no part of the state was under terrorists’ occupation.

He said: “Am still in a state of shock by the governor’s claim that no part of Plateau State is under the control of bandit terrorists.

“My people have been forced to live in the wilderness at this critical period of the year when they are supposed to be in their farms.

“The terrorists who were previously called unknown gunmen are now known, as they have now set up tents in our lands on which their cattle are grazing, which is visible for everybody to see,” he said.

The Labour Party chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful, who lost his bid for the Plateau State governorship seat in the 2023 elections, stressed that terrorists who have built tents and are openly carrying guns around can no longer be regarded as unknown.

He said that the reality on ground contradicted the governor’s assertion as these communities have been practically and brazenly taken over by terrorists, who have usurped their lands and livestock.

“Enough is enough of this, government has abdicated its responsibility of protecting its citizens for too long.

“Now that the terrorists’ identity is known, let the relevant authorities direct the security agencies to go after them, so that our people can return to their ancestral homes.

“The Plateau State government must take immediate and decisive actions to restore peace and security of the communities because the people deserve protection, justice and the right to live in their ancestral homes without fear,” he emphasised.

Margif suggested that government should immediately direct security agencies to flush out the terrorists from the seven affected communities and smoke them out of their well-known sanctuaries in surrounding hills.

He also urged relevant authorities to take decisive steps to address the humanitarian challenges by providing relief to the distraught inhabitants who are currently taking shelter at lDP camps.

Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Friday urged corps members deployed to the state to contribute meaningfully to its development during their service year.

He made the call while declaring open the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course at the temporary NYSC orientation camp in Akko Local Government Area.

The governor represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Inuwa Ibrahim, described corps members as critical stakeholders in nation-building.

Yahaya noted that the immediate past set of corps members had contributed significantly through community development projects, youth mentorship, and empowerment programmes.

“As you serve in Gombe State, I encourage you to be part of our developmental process, contributing to the transformation of our state and the empowerment of our youth.

“Your predecessors did well in nation-building, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue on this positive path,” he said.

He assured the corps members of a safe and conducive environment to enable them serve effectively and impact their host communities positively.

“Gombe State is a safe haven, and we guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” Yahaya added.

In her remarks, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, the NYSC State Coordinator in Gombe, urged the 940 corps members to participate actively in all camp activities as a foundation for their service year.

She encouraged them to adhere to camp rules, shun negative behaviour, and uphold the core values of the NYSC.

Nwachuku also appreciated the Gombe State Government, stakeholders, and residents for their continued support and commitment to the success of the NYSC scheme in the state.

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Police rescue kidnapped schoolgirl in Abuja, arrest four suspects

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have rescued a 16-year-old girl, Leadway Innocent, who was abducted on her way to school in Jikwoyi area of Abuja.

Zagazola learnt that the rescue operation, which took place on July 31, followed the arrest of four suspects linked to the abduction. The suspects were identified as Mayoma Adediji, Joy Innocent, Tina Mayoma, and Sunday Femi all residents of Jikwoyi Phase 2.

The incident was initially reported on July 30 by the victim’s father, Mr Innocent Doctor, who told police that his daughter left home for Government Secondary School Karu on July 18 but never returned.

He said that two days later, he received a call from an unknown person demanding a ransom of ₦5 million for her release. After negotiation, the abductors reportedly agreed to collect ₦1.5 million.

Upon receipt of the report, police detectives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the safe rescue of the victim.

The girl was rescued unhurt at about 1:00 p.m. on July 31, and all four suspects are currently in custody undergoing interrogation,” the statement added.

Police rescue kidnapped schoolgirl in Abuja, arrest four suspects