MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations

By: Zagazola Makama

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, has condemned the killing of travellers in Jos South Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as senseless and unacceptable.

The association also warned against what it described as the growing practice of blaming the Fulani community for violent incidents without credible evidence or the conclusion of investigations by security agencies.

In a statement signed by its Plateau State Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

The association said the loss of innocent lives was deeply disturbing and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough, professional and impartial investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

MACBAN said it was particularly concerned about what it described as premature accusations against the Fulani community, warning that such claims could further inflame tensions in the state.

“There is no basis for anyone to attribute this unfortunate incident to the Fulani community without evidence,” the association said.

It urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, false accusations and hate speech capable of escalating the situation.

The association further called on anyone deliberately circulating false information or defamatory allegations against the Fulani community to desist, warning that such actions could attract legal consequences.

MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation with security agencies, urging residents to remain calm and allow authorities to complete their investigations without interference.

The statement comes amid heightened concerns over attacks on travellers and renewed tensions between communities in Plateau State.

MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations

COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts

By: Zagazola Makama

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) to sustain pressure on criminal elements and strengthen efforts to consolidate peace and stability in Plateau State.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, during an operational visit to the headquarters of 3 Division and OPEP, where he reviewed the security situation, ongoing operations and measures to protect vulnerable communities.

During the visit, the COAS inspected the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Control Station, a facility expected to boost the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities when completed.

The system is also expected to provide commanders with improved real-time situational awareness and timely intelligence to support operational decision-making.

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPEP, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana, briefed the COAS on security developments within the Division’s area of responsibility, including ongoing operations and engagements with stakeholders aimed at preventing violence and sustaining peace.

Shaibu commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined while maintaining close cooperation with other security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders.

He stressed that military operations must be complemented by dialogue, reconciliation and other peace-building initiatives to prevent criminal elements from undermining the gains recorded in the state.

The COAS directed the troops to respond decisively to security threats while maintaining professionalism and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens.

He assured the personnel of continued support from the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and creating an environment where communities can live and pursue their legitimate livelihoods without fear.

Shaibu also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that sustainable peace in Plateau requires collective responsibility among security forces, government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.

COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts

NiDCOM Boss Honours Nigerians Killed in 9/11 Attacks

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has paid tribute to Nigerians and persons of Nigerian origin who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, saying their names and stories must not be erased by time.

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement marking the 25th anniversary of the tragedy signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, remembered Godwin O. Ajala, Ignatius Udo Adanga, Olabisi Shadie Layeni-Yee, Sadie Ini Ette and Ayodeji Awe among those whose lives were cut short in the attacks that claimed thousands of lives and altered the course of global history.

She said the passage of a quarter of a century had not diminished the pain of losing loved ones, stressing that behind the statistics associated with September 11 were individuals with families, careers, aspirations and dreams.

“ We remember them. We remember their families. We remember the lives they lived and the dreams they carried. Twenty-five years later, they are not forgotten. Their names remain, and their stories must continue to be told,” she said.

The NiDCOM boss extended her thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the victims, noting that remembrance was particularly important for younger generations who did not witness the tragedy.

She said the Nigerian victims represented the far-reaching presence of Nigerians across the world and the enduring connections they had built in the communities where they lived, worked and contributed.

According to her, the anniversary should not only serve as a painful reminder of lives lost but also as an opportunity to celebrate the lives the victims lived and the legacies they left behind.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to recognising and honouring the lives, contributions and experiences of Nigerians in the diaspora, stressing that every Nigerian life mattered, regardless of where the individual lived in the world.

She prayed for the peaceful rest of the victims and for strength, comfort and healing for their families and loved ones who continue to bear the pain of their loss.

NiDCOM Boss Honours Nigerians Killed in 9/11 Attacks