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Rising Tensions in Plateau Demand Urgent, Coordinated Intervention
Rising Tensions in Plateau Demand Urgent, Coordinated Intervention
By: Zagazola Makama
Emerging security indicators from Plateau State point to a fragile and potentially volatile situation as tensions between Fulani pastoralists and Berom communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas show signs of spreading toward the Jos metropolitan axis.
Security observers warn that without swift and carefully calibrated intervention, the current pattern of killings and reprisal attacks could degenerate into a broader ethno-religious crisis reminiscent of past upheavals that once paralysed the state and reverberated across parts of Northern Nigeria.
For years, rural communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi have experienced recurrent clashes linked to grazing routes, land use disputes and cycles of retaliation. However, recent developments suggest that the tension is no longer confined to agrarian flash zones.
Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas , historically sensitive due to longstanding disputes over indigeneship, political representation and religious identity, are now recording heightened anxiety linked to incidents in the hinterlands.
Particularly concerning are reports of killings involving youths from Jos North while transiting through Barkin Ladi. Such incidents risk reframing what had been largely rural land-use conflicts into a broader ethno-religious confrontation within the Jos township, long regarded as a symbolic and demographic fault line.
Jos’ strategic location in the North-Central corridor further raises the stakes. Historically, major unrest in Plateau has had spillover effects into neighbouring states, including Kaduna, Bauchi and Kano, where sectarian sensitivities remain latent but potent.
Recent intelligence point to the crystallisation of hardline positions among youth groups on both sides. Berom youth elements have reportedly issued ultimatums prohibiting grazing activities in parts of Barkin Ladi, citing recent killings as justification. Conversely, Fulani youth groups are said to have rejected such demands and pledged to sustain established grazing patterns.
Zagazola warn that ultimatums of this nature are structurally incompatible and tend to narrow the space for negotiation. Left unaddressed, they create an environment in which symbolic defiance becomes more important than compromise, increasing the likelihood of confrontation.
Religious and traditional leaders across affected communities retain significant grassroots influence. Yet it was noted that structured, proactive mobilisation of these actors toward de-escalation has not reached the intensity required by the moment.
Plateau’s past recovery from large-scale violence was partly driven by interfaith dialogue platforms and the moral authority of respected community figures who framed peace as a shared survival imperative. A similar mobilisation is urgently required.
Equally important is the posture of the state. In polarised environments, perceptions often carry as much weight as actions. Confidence-building measures that visibly demonstrate neutrality and inclusiveness are considered critical to preventing narratives of bias from taking root.
Another emerging concern relates to allegations of unprofessional conduct by some security personnel in affected areas. Though such claims remain under review, experts caution that even isolated incidents can erode public trust and complicate stabilisation efforts.
Effective counter-conflict operations require not only tactical capability but also legitimacy. Maintaining discipline, transparency and accountability within security deployments is therefore essential to preserving operational credibility.
Beyond immediate containment, emphasise should be taken that Plateau’s recurrent crises are deeply rooted in structural issues: land tenure ambiguity, demographic pressure, youth unemployment, historical grievances and politicisation of identity.
A purely reactive security response, while necessary in the short term, cannot substitute for sustained political engagement, institutional reform and economic inclusion.
The current moment presents both danger and opportunity. Danger, because escalating rhetoric and retaliatory cycles could rapidly overwhelm existing security architecture. Opportunity, because early, coordinated intervention can prevent escalation and reinforce lessons learned from past crises.
Urgent synchronised engagement across Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos North and Jos South LGAs is essential to prevent displacement of conflict from rural to urban centres. De-escalation efforts must be simultaneous and inclusive to avoid creating vacuums that hostile actors could exploit.
Dialogue with youth leaders, activation of religious and traditional networks, reinforcement of neutral security posture and strategic communication to counter inflammatory narratives are widely viewed as immediate priorities.
Plateau’s stability remains central not only to its residents but also to the wider North-Central geopolitical zone. The trajectory of events in the coming days will likely determine whether the state consolidates its fragile calm or slides back into a cycle of confrontation.
The window for preventive action remains open but narrowing.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Rising Tensions in Plateau Demand Urgent, Coordinated Intervention
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has donated ₦50 million to the family of late Lieutenant Colonel OC Okolo, who was killed during a Boko Haram attack in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, on February 16, 2026.
The gesture comes amid a series of similar interventions by the governor, including a recent ₦150 million donation to families of three military officers who lost their lives in separate attacks across the state.
Zulum reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting families of fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to Nigeria’s security and unity. He assured that his government would continue to identify with and assist families of personnel killed or declared missing in action in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The donation was delivered at a funeral service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Firiday. The governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (Rtd), who presented the cash on behalf of the Borno State Government.
Speaking through his representative, Zulum expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s death.
He said: “Lt. Col OC Okolo was a gallant, dedicated and committed officer of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” while extending condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
He also prayed for the repose of the late officer’s soul and for strength for the bereaved family.
Responding on behalf of the family, Stanley Okolo expressed profound gratitude to the governor for the support and solidarity shown during their time of grief.
@The family members were particularly touched by the cash donation and the delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service despite the short notice,” he said.
He further commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, for sending representatives to honour the late officer.
The funeral was attended by senior military representatives, including Brigadier General G.A. Suru, representing the Chief of Army Staff, and Brigadier General I.P. Omoke, who represented the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the host community.
The donation underscores ongoing efforts by the Borno State Government to recognise and support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
By: Michael Mike
A worsening Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State has triggered an urgent intervention by international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), as rising infections and deaths place severe pressure on already stretched health facilities.
Working in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Health, MSF has deployed emergency teams to reinforce infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, following a surge in cases that has exposed critical gaps in healthcare safety systems—particularly affecting frontline workers.
Official data indicate that as of mid-March, the state recorded 410 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 60 confirmed infections and 14 deaths. Disturbingly, 14 healthcare workers are among those infected, raising serious concerns about inadequate protective measures within treatment centres.
The situation reflects a broader national crisis. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that Nigeria has recorded 167 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 13 weeks of 2026 alone, with a case fatality rate of 25.2 per cent—significantly higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
Benue State formally declared the outbreak on February 3, 2026, as infections escalated across communities in what is already recognised as one of Nigeria’s high-risk zones for the disease.
Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria, typically peaks between November and April. It is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, but can also spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons—making healthcare settings particularly vulnerable when safety protocols are weak.
Responding to the emergency, MSF launched a three-month intervention in March aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further transmission. The mission was initiated at the request of state authorities, especially in light of rising infections among health workers and persistent shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Healthcare workers and patients are at significant risk when infection prevention measures are not fully in place,” said MSF Emergency Coordinator, Juniper Gordon. “Strengthening IPC and improving the organisation of care are critical to reducing transmission in health facilities.”
MSF teams are now providing hands-on support in selected facilities, focusing on strengthening clinical practices and improving patient management systems. This includes training healthcare workers on IPC protocols, reorganising triage processes, and establishing clearly defined high-risk and low-risk zones to limit cross-infection.
The organisation is also supplying essential materials, including PPE, hygiene kits, and sanitation supplies, while reinforcing waste management systems and infection control procedures. Handwashing stations are being installed across supported facilities, and surveillance efforts are being strengthened through improved data collection and monitoring.
In a move to support patient welfare, MSF is also providing food assistance to individuals in isolation centres, helping to ease the burden on affected families.
MSF said it is coordinating closely with global and national partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the NCDC, to scale up response efforts and curb the spread of the disease.
Despite these interventions, public health experts warn that the outbreak underscores deeper systemic challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in infection control preparedness and rapid response capacity.
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
Troops arrest 20 suspects, recover cash, electronics in Adamawa raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical) have arrested 20 suspects and recovered cash and electronics during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on April 10 in Agwan Rami and Agwan Mallam areas, following credible intelligence.
The sources disclosed that troops, in collaboration with local hunters, stormed the identified hideouts and apprehended the suspects.
“During the operation, 20 suspects were arrested in criminal hideouts, while others were picked up for loitering during curfew hours,” the source said.
Items recovered include seven mobile phones, eight touch lights, one ThinkPad laptop and the sum of ₦2,137,285, among other items.
The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and enforce law and order in Adamawa State.
Troops arrest 20 suspects, recover cash, electronics in Adamawa raid
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt, rescue victims in Kaduna
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