News
GOVERNOR MUTFWANG DECLARES 24 HOUR CURFEW IN MANGU COUNCIL AREA
GOVERNOR MUTFWANG DECLARES 24 HOUR CURFEW IN MANGU COUNCIL AREA
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has declared a 24 hour curfew on Mangu council Area of the state.
This followed the deteriorating security situation in the area in which some people had to raize down churches sending residents scampering around for their lives.
Governor Mutfwang took the decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies on how to keep the peace in the area.
A statement signed by the Governor’s spokesman Gyang Bere today stated that only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the council area until further notice.
The statement directed all citizens, especially residents of Mangu council area, to comply with the directive and assist the security personnel by providing reliable information to restore peace and order in the area.
The Governor regretted that some people are still determined to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the state, despite the government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist elements.
He expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured, and assured them that the government will not relent in ensuring lasting peace in the state.
Mutfwang assured that the curfew will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves in the embattled Council area.
Trouble started when suspected armed bandits embarked on burning of church buildings while attacking Christians in Mangu area of the state.
The bandits are believed to have come from the surrounding bushes brandishing dangerous weapons and causing pandemonium in the capital of Mangu even as residents scampered to safety.
As at the time of writing this report COCIN Church near Sabon Kasuwa was alleged to be on fire and the assailants were seen looking for more churches to pull down in the town.
This reporter learnt that some of these assailants have already settled in nearby communities owned by residents they dislodged during past raids which explains the cause for the clash.
Some residents were said to have tried to reclaim their ancestral homes already taken over by the bandits.
When contacted a security source in Mangu however said, he could not confirm the burning of any Church or mosque in the violence in Mangu.
Another source within the STF however said he could not ascertain the immediate cause of the uprising in Mangu.
He regretted That despite the 24 hours Curfew imposed on Mangu, there were heavy gunshots heard around the town as youths are not ready to be calm even under the Curfew
He revealed that smoke was however seen billowing into the sky as a result of the burning of houses in some neighborhoods as at late Tuesday evening.
GOVERNOR MUTFWANG DECLARES 24 HOUR CURFEW IN MANGU COUNCIL AREA
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
