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Plateau crisis escalates as curfew, reprisals and rhetoric intensify tensions
Plateau crisis escalates as curfew, reprisals and rhetoric intensify tensions
By: Zagazola Makama
The evolving security situation in Plateau State is increasingly reflecting a complex interplay of armed violence, civil unrest, and inflammatory narratives, as the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensify efforts to contain tensions and escalation following recent deadly incidents in Jos North and surrounding areas.
The imposition of a 48-hour curfew by the Plateau State Government after a deadly attack at Angwan Rukuba Junction marked a critical turning point but failed after its elapsed, with the youths going on rampage and launching attacks on immediate communities.
Security reports indicate that at about 7:30 a.m. on March 29, gunmen carried out a guerrilla-style attack along the Jos–Bauchi highway, opening fire on commuters and residents, killing several persons including Christians and Muslims and injuring others before fleeing the scene.
The aftermath of the attack quickly spiralled into reprisal violence, with some residents reportedly targeting passersby, leading to the killing of two persons and burning their corpses. The same night, additional casualties were recorded as many other corpses were evacuated to the hospitals, further heightening ethnic and religious tensions in the town.
Consequently, the relaxation of the curfew made the matter even worse. Subsequent incidents, including unrest at Gada Biu and the killing of a civilian near the University of Jos main gate, further added to the volatility of the situation, even as troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) moved swiftly to restore calm.
The situation was further complicated by retaliatory actions reportedly carried out by local youths, including the use of machetes in targeted attacks, marking a dangerous shift from an initial armed assault to mob violence.
In Jos North, between Duala Junction and Anguwan Rukuba Junction, there was mass shooting targeting non-indigenous people, particularly Muslims, by hunters using Dane guns. Seven people were shot and are currently receiving treatment at La Tahzan Hospital in Filin Ball. One of the victims, simply identified as Alkasim, died. Violence was recorded in several other areas.
However, beyond the kinetic response, emerging patterns suggest that the crisis is being increasingly shaped by narratives capable of inflaming passions and distorting the nature of the conflict.
What initially appeared to be an armed attack with unclear attribution has, in the public space, been rapidly reframed along ethno-religious lines, a development that could have far-reaching consequences. Preliminary field analysis suggests that the modus operandi of the attackers— involving mobility, use of firearms, and indiscriminate targeting— differs from typical patterns associated with farmer-herder clashes.
There are indicators that the attack was designed to trigger wider communal unrest that could spread beyond Plateau State into neighbouring states like Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kano, Kaduna and other northern states.
The pattern does not clearly align with previous herder-related incidents. Also, Rukuba community is situated in the middle of the town, making it nearly impossible for any bandits or criminals to operate and easily escape. At the initial stage of the attack, residents thought it was security agencies carrying out a raid because the area is known for harbouring drug users and cartels.
Security sources insisted that their investigation revealed the nature of the ammunition used by the attackers, suggesting that the attack was carried out by terrorists.
Such transitions from isolated attacks to communal reprisals have historically contributed to cycles of violence in Plateau, making early containment and narrative control critical.
In this context, the role of inflammatory rhetoric has come under increasing scrutiny. The latest viral video by popular social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has drawn criticism for statements perceived as inciting violence during the crisis.
In the video, he was heard urging residents to adopt a confrontational posture, stating:
“Anybody you see that is not from here, anybody that looks suspicious, before they get you down, get them down!” He further said: “If you keep quiet and wait for the government… it won’t be the first time… when does this stop?”
In another part of the video, he added:
“No be only Boko Haram sabi kill, no be only bandit sabi kill… all of us fit kill.” He also called on residents: “To the people of Rukuba, enough is enough… anybody wey you see wey cross your part, kill am.”
Indeed, reports indicate that within hours of the circulation of such messages, incidents of targeted violence and unrest were recorded in parts of Jos.
Beyond individual actors, broader concerns have also been raised about the proliferation of subversive narratives capable of deepening divisions. Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo has previously called on Plateau youths to go and prepare and go to “war”.
Rev. Dachomo was also heard declaring that residents would no longer “run away,” adding that if there was to be a “full-blown war,” they were prepared to defend themselves.
“We are not going to run away, if there will be full-blown war it will start from today to the day that God has placed for us. Let them continue to gather, we have chosen to die rather than remain burying our brothers.
“My fellow brothers and sisters, I am rounding up this message so that we can go back and stay and go for war. Since the Fulani said we will not rest in Plateau, they are not afraid of the security; from today we will not be afraid of the security.”
The Berom youths leader in Barkin Ladi had previously vowed that they can no longer guarantee peace and unity in Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on their land.
Many believe that rhetoric like this acts as a trigger in already fragile contexts, as it lowers the threshold for violence and legitimises reprisal actions against other ethnic groups that had nothing to do with the violence.
Security assessments highlight the growing use of social media by various actors to promote competing narratives, including claims of religious persecution, often without full context of the complexities on the ground. Experts caution that such narratives risk oversimplifying conflicts, obscuring the role of criminal elements, and fuelling mutual suspicion among communities. The danger is that once a conflict is framed purely along religious lines, it becomes harder to de-escalate.
Amid these challenges, security forces have continued to record operational successes aimed at restoring stability. The recovery of 30 rustled cattle in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas is seen as part of broader efforts to address rural criminality that often intersects with communal tensions.
Troops also maintained presence across key areas, conducted patrols, and responded to distress calls, actions that have contributed to preventing further deterioration of the situation.
Nevertheless, while military, police and other security operations remain essential, they must be complemented by strategic communication, community engagement, and accountability mechanisms.
There is a need to clamp down on crisis entrepreneurs and those fanning the embers of war; failure can undermine overall stability.
As Plateau navigates this delicate phase, the convergence of armed violence, civil unrest, and information warfare presents a multidimensional challenge requiring coordinated responses at all levels.
For now, the restoration of relative calm offers a window of opportunity. But without addressing the drivers of misinformation, inflammatory rhetoric, and underlying grievances, the risk of recurrence remains high.
Plateau crisis escalates as curfew, reprisals and rhetoric intensify tensions
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
…Ambassador calls for technology transfer, local production and investment beyond oil trade
By: Michael Mike
South Korea has urged Nigeria to restructure its trade relationship with the Asian country by shifting from crude oil exports and imports of manufactured goods to local production, technology transfer and investment in agriculture and industry.
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeong Yo-an, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the existing trade pattern had limited the potential of a bilateral relationship worth about $1.1 billion in 2025.
“Today, Nigeria sells us mostly oil and gas. Korea sells mostly cars, electronics and machinery. We can do much more than that,” he said.
Jeong identified local assembly, agricultural machinery production, digital skills, maritime services and emerging industries as priority areas for stronger cooperation.
He also urged Nigeria to ratify the double taxation agreement signed by both countries in 2006, saying the 20-year delay was affecting investor confidence.
He said predictable policies on foreign exchange, customs and taxation were necessary to attract long-term investments.
The ambassador cited the involvement of Korean companies in major Nigerian projects, including Daewoo Engineering and Construction’s work on the Nigeria LNG Train Seven project and the Indorama fertiliser plant. He also named Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Solpia among companies working with Nigerian partners in various sectors.
He encouraged Nigerian businesses to use the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) office in Lagos to establish links with Korean companies and explore opportunities in the Korean market.
The beauty and cosmetics industry, he added, offered prospects for local distribution, employment and partnerships, with Korean manufacturers expected to participate in the Beauty West Africa exhibition on November 13.
On development cooperation, Jeong said about 2,000 Nigerian government officials had received training in South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
He said KOICA’s Smart School project, implemented with the Universal Basic Education Commission, had reached about 8,000 pupils and trained more than 300 teachers and school administrators.
He also highlighted the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, being developed in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme. Groundbreaking for the centre took place in September.
The facility is expected to provide young Nigerians with entrepreneurship training, mentorship and connections to finance and markets.
Jeong said Nigerian institutions would operate the centre, while a Training of Trainers programme would build local capacity to sustain its activities.
“A building alone does not create entrepreneurs,” he said, stressing the need to connect start-ups with investors, markets and private-sector operators.
He disclosed that KOICA was also working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation on agricultural initiatives aimed at creating green jobs for Nigerian youths.
Other areas of cooperation include digital development, postgraduate scholarships and government fellowships in information technology, public administration and health. The Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre, established in Abuja in 2025, is also expected to strengthen digital literacy and access to technology resources.
The ambassador said future partnerships would place greater emphasis on private companies, start-ups and innovators, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital content and technology-based entrepreneurship.
He urged Nigeria to adapt lessons from South Korea’s development experience rather than attempt to replicate its model.
“The key word is not ‘copy’. The key word is ‘adapt’. Nigeria will write its own story. Korea is ready to share what we have learned,” he said.
On diplomatic relations, Jeong cited the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul and the first Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in June as milestones in strengthening engagement.
He said South Korea welcomed Nigeria’s offer to host the seventh session of the Nigeria-Korea Joint Commission in Abuja.
He also disclosed that South Korea was working towards expanding its Official Development Assistance to $10 billion by 2030 and providing $14 billion in export financing to support Korean companies operating in Africa. The country is also planning to host the second Korea-Africa Summit in 2029.
The ambassador said cultural exchanges remained an important part of bilateral relations, disclosing that more than 300,000 people had participated in programmes organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria.
He said this year’s Korean Film Festival attracted about 1,000 participants, while the K-pop Festival in Lagos drew more than 400 young people. The 14th Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship in Abuja also attracted about 350 athletes.
Jeong said the embassy planned to expand cultural activities to more Nigerian cities and universities and promote joint film and music productions. He disclosed that Nigerian creators had already produced two Korean-Nigerian drama productions.
He also pledged to support opportunities for Nigerian journalists to visit South Korea through media exchange programmes, including the World Journalists Conference.
The ambassador, a former military officer who served for 36 years before joining the diplomatic service, said he would focus on practical results during his tenure in Nigeria.
“The army taught me one simple lesson: trust is built when you keep your word. That is how I want to work in Nigeria – with more results,” he said.
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
ECOWAS, Germany Open Strategic Dialogue as Berlin Commits €49m to West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Germany committing an additional €49 million to support regional development programmes for 2025 and 2026.
The commitment was highlighted during the opening of the strategic dialogue between ECOWAS and Germany in Abuja.
The Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Anthony Ogunjimi, said the engagement marked a renewed approach to cooperation between the regional bloc and Germany, shifting from the traditional concept of consultation to a more strategic, open and constructive partnership.
He said the new strategic dialogue would provide an opportunity for both parties to deepen collaboration and address issues affecting regional development and the welfare of West African citizens.
Germany, which has been a partner to ECOWAS since 1985, has committed approximately €494 million in bilateral technical and financial cooperation over the years.
An additional €49 million was pledged for the 2025–2026 cooperation period during negotiations in November 2025.
The funding comprises €32.8 million for financial cooperation and €16.2 million for technical cooperation.
Ogunjimi, who spoke on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Gen. Birame Diop, expressed appreciation to the German government for its longstanding partnership and support for the regional organisation and the people of West Africa.
The meeting was attended by the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Stefan Rossel; a delegation from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), led by Karen Pfundt, Head of Division for West Africa II; representatives of the German development agency, GIZ; and directors and senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission.
The strategic dialogue is expected to provide a platform for reviewing existing cooperation and identifying areas for stronger collaboration between Germany and ECOWAS.
ECOWAS, Germany Open Strategic Dialogue as Berlin Commits €49m to West Africa
NSCDC Begins Construction of New Gate, Quarter Guard Post, Access Road
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced the construction of a new entrance gate, modern Quarter Guard Post, access road and solar illumination project to strengthen security and improve its operational environment.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the infrastructure project on Thursday.
A statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the project was designed to strengthen facility security, improve access control and provide a more conducive working environment for personnel.
According to the statement, the project is expected to be completed within eight weeks.
Audi expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their interventions and continued support for the infrastructural development and operational capacity of the Corps.
The Commandant-General said the infrastructure upgrade would support the Corps in discharging its statutory responsibilities more effectively.
The project forms part of efforts to improve the Corps’ facilities and strengthen its operational readiness.
NSCDC Begins Construction of New Gate, Quarter Guard Post, Access Road
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
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ECOWAS, Germany Open Strategic Dialogue as Berlin Commits €49m to West Africa
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