Suspected Fulani bandits Kill Man, Block Road in Plateau Community

By Zagazola Makama

Suspected Fulani bandits members have reportedly killed a man identified as Zubairu Danirai after blocking the Manja–Mpili road in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, when troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Manja, responded to a report of the roadblock and killing of a native returning from the market.

The sources said the troops, upon arriving at the scene, made contact with the suspected assailants, who fled into the surrounding mountains following an exchange of fire.

The troops subsequently searched the area and discovered the victim’s body.
A manhunt has been launched to track down the fleeing suspects, while security personnel continue efforts to prevent further attacks and restore safety along the affected route.

The incident adds to security concerns in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, where attacks on residents and road users have heightened fears over the safety of local communities.

Further details are expected as investigations continue.

Suspected Fulani bandits Kill Man, Block Road in Plateau Community

NHRC seeks death penalty moratorium as 3,000 inmates languish on death row

…Commission urges governors to commute sentences, calls for review of mandatory capital punishment laws

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to declare an official moratorium on executions and state governors to commute eligible death sentences to life imprisonment, amid concerns that more than 3,000 inmates remain on death row across Nigeria.

The commission said Nigeria was approaching 10 consecutive years without a state execution, a development it described as meeting the international standard for a de facto moratorium, despite the continued imposition of death sentences and the prolonged detention of condemned inmates.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call on Friday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against the Death Penalty at the commission’s headquarters.
Ojukwu urged the Federal Government to formalise the suspension of executions, while calling on state governors to exercise their constitutional prerogative of mercy to commute death sentences, particularly in cases where inmates had exhausted their appeals but remained on death row.

He also advocated a review of laws prescribing mandatory death sentences, arguing that judges should have the discretion to consider mitigating circumstances and systemic vulnerabilities before determining appropriate punishment.

Although capital punishment remains constitutionally valid in Nigeria, the NHRC chief stressed that its administration must be consistent with the country’s human rights obligations and the fundamental principles of fair trial and due process.

He expressed concern that inadequate access to pro bono legal representation, forced confessions and delays in bringing suspects to trial continued to undermine procedural justice, raising questions about the fairness of proceedings in capital cases.

According to him, the protection of human rights requires more than the existence of legal provisions, insisting that the justice system must guarantee fair hearings and ensure that the death penalty is restricted to the most serious crimes in line with applicable international standards.

The commission outlined three immediate policy measures: an official moratorium on executions, the commutation of eligible death sentences to life imprisonment, and a comprehensive review of laws prescribing mandatory capital punishment.

Ojukwu’s appeal places renewed focus on the position of condemned inmates who have exhausted their legal options but remain in custody, as well as the wider implications of prolonged confinement on the administration of criminal justice.

A formal moratorium, the commission argued, would provide an immediate policy framework for suspending executions while the country considers broader reforms to its capital punishment regime.

The proposed review of mandatory death penalty provisions would also allow courts to take individual circumstances into account when sentencing offenders, rather than being compelled by law to impose the same punishment regardless of relevant mitigating factors.

The commemoration was organised by the NHRC in partnership with Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) France, the Australian High Commission and the Embassy of Germany, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Ojukwu expressed hope that deliberations at the event would produce a joint call-to-action communiqué to advance sustainable reforms in Nigeria’s justice sector.

The commission’s position comes amid continuing debates over capital punishment, the protection of the rights of accused persons and the need to strengthen safeguards against miscarriages of justice.

NHRC seeks death penalty moratorium as 3,000 inmates languish on death row

COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and host communities to enhance intelligence gathering and national security.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, Oct. 9, when he paid homage to the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Ogga Onawo, at his palace in Doma, Nasarawa State.

The COAS was in Doma for the graduation ceremony of an elite Special Forces Battalion trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the kingdom.

He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions and host communities in intelligence gathering, early warning, community trust and the promotion of sustainable peace.

Shaibu appreciated the Andoma and the people of Doma for their continued support and hospitality, stressing that a whole-of-society approach remained vital to addressing contemporary security challenges.

He noted that cooperation between the military, traditional rulers and local communities was essential to strengthening security operations and building public confidence.

In his response, the Andoma commended the COAS for his leadership and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, describing the facility as a significant contribution to the kingdom.

The traditional ruler pledged the continued support of the institution and the people of Doma to the Nigerian Army, while offering prayers for lasting peace, stability and security across the country.

The visit underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation and the role of traditional institutions in supporting security efforts and fostering peaceful coexistence in host communities.

COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security