News
Seven youths killed at mining site in Jos South, in retaliation of 102 livestock theft
Seven youths killed at mining site in Jos South, in retaliation of 102 livestock theft
By: Zagazola Makama
Atleast seven youths have been killed at a Tin mining site in Gakok area of Kuru community, Barikin Ladi in Jos South LGA of Plateau State in response to the attack and theft of 102 livestock belonging to pastoralist.
On Wednesday, gunmen struck at dawn in Gakok, mowing down young men who had gone to earn a living at a legal mining site. The Plateau Youth Council (PYC), Jos South LGA Chapter, described the victims as “hardworking youths” whose lives were “brutally cut short” by suspected armed herdsmen.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Comr. Gyang Sunday Pwajok on Thursday, the council described the incident as “gruesome and senseless,” and blamed suspected armed herdsmen for the attack.
“This tragic incident further deepens the pain, fear and anger of our people, as Plateau State continues to witness an unending cycle of orchestrated violence and bloodshed. The persistent wave of killings is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” the statement read.
Their statement did more than mourn: it demanded urgent regulation of mining sites, stronger security coordination, and a ban on night mining, recognition that poorly governed spaces have become killing fields.
The brutal killing was the latest in a spiral of violence in plateau in what began as disputes over land and livelihoods has metastasized into a tit-for-tat pattern where cattle rustling, livestock poisoning and armed raids trigger swift reprisals, dragging entire communities into a vortex of fear. Gakok attack did not erupt in isolation. It is the tragic crest of a wave that has been rising across the Barkin Ladi–Riyom–Jos South axis for weeks.
The current escalation tracks back to Wednesday, Jan. 14, when no fewer than 102 cows were rustled at Dan Sokoto in Ganawuri District, Riyom LGA. Witnesses said armed men suspected to be Berom Militia stormed the area in broad daylight, forcing herders to flee and driving the cattle away at gunpoint. The animals reportedly belonged to two pastoral families from Jos East, but were seized in Ganawuri, an inter-LGA fault line that complicated response and recovery.
Local accounts allege the attackers came from Vom District in Jos South. The Dan Sokoto raid was not an aberration. In the same month, at least seven cows were poisoned in Kwi village (Riyom LGA), while three others were shot dead near Kuru Gadabiyu in Barkin Ladi. Each incident deepened attacks and retaliation.
Days after the Dan Sokoto rustling, violence crossed from fields to homes. In the early hours of Saturday, at about 2:30 a.m., gunmen attacked Kasuwa Denkeli village in Barkin Ladi LGA. One person was killed on the spot; two others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Police confirmed the incident, said a team led by the DPO moved to the scene, and announced an investigation to track the perpetrators.Residents linked the assault to retaliation over the stolen cattle in neighbouring Riyom.
This pattern attack on herds, reprisal on villages has repeated with grim regularity. On Jan. 6, coordinated attacks on Jol community in Riyom and Gero in Gyel District of Jos South left three people dead. The violence followed the shooting of two Fulani youths earlier that day in Jos South, one of whom later died. Witnesses described the ambush as unprovoked. What followed was swift retaliation and counter-retaliation, with communities caught in the crossfire.
The warning signs were already flashing in December. On Dec. 12, more than 130 cattle were reportedly rustled in Nding community. Around the same period, livestock poisoning was recorded in parts of Jos East and Riyom LGAs. Those incidents were followed by deadly clashes, including the killing of four children in Dorong village, Barkin Ladi LGA, and attacks on Gero that left deaths, injuries and the loss of more livestock.
On Dec. 16, an attack on an illegal mining site in Tosho, Barkin Ladi LGA, left 12 miners dead and others abducted. Security sources linked the violence to earlier rustling of 171 cattle belonging to Fulani. Again, a familiar sequence: cattle taken, emotions inflamed, guns answer.
Across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South, residents now speak of “no-go” zones. Areas like Vwang in Jos South and parts of Fan District in Barkin Ladi are whispered about as holding grounds for rustled cattle belonging to the Fulani.The claims, wether true or not, reinforce suspicion and hinder cooperation. Recovery becomes harder; rumours spread faster than facts.
Security agencies respond to each incident, but the terrain is complex, in most cases lacked accessibility by roads. Attackers move across forested LGA lines; victims come from multiple communities; reprisals target the nearest symbol of “the other.” Investigations start, but arrests lag. In the absence of swift, impartial justice, communities seek their own.
The through-line is unmistakable: attacks on pastoralist livelihoods ignite attacks on lives. Cattle rustling and poisoning are not isolated crimes. The perpetrators are known and they came from within the society and they are the accelerants in the landscape primed for reprisal. Mining sites, when left unregulated, become flashpoints. Each incident becomes the justification for the next.
The plateau state government had remained largely silent while violence continued to claim lives across Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs and other part of the state. The government is treating dialogue with Fulani communities as “selling out,” rather than as a necessary step toward de-escalation and peace-building. Instead of opening channels of communication and trust, the government has chosen silence and dangerous political games.
Non-kinetic approaches such as inclusive dialogue, reconciliation, intelligence-driven community policing and traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms were essential to breaking the cycle of attacks and reprisals in the state. The continued reliance on force alone, without parallel political and social engagement, had failed to address the root causes of the crisis, deepen suspicion and prolong the violence in Plateau state.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region.
Seven youths killed at mining site in Jos South, in retaliation of 102 livestock theft
Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on aspirants seeking various elective positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and party stakeholders to adopt consensus as the preferred mode for candidate emergence ahead of the party primaries.
The APC primary elections are scheduled to commence on Friday, 15 May, with the House of Representatives primaries and climax on Saturday, 23 May, with the presidential primaries.
Governor Zulum made the call on Thursday during a critical stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, stressing that consensus remains the most viable option for strengthening party unity.
“Let me start by appreciating all our stakeholders for the support and commitment to advancing the course of our great party, APC, and our administration,” Zulum said.
“As we prepare for the party primaries, which will commence on Friday, I want to remind all our aspirants contesting various elective positions that consensus is the best and most viable option for the party in our state. However, if we are unable to arrive at a consensus, we will go for direct primaries,” he added.
The governor further emphasized his commitment to democratic principles, assuring stakeholders that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency.
“As a democrat, I will not force any candidate on a particular constituency, but rather encourage us to continue consultations with stakeholders for consensus candidates to emerge,” Zulum stated.
He urged aspirants to reflect on the past, project better opportunities in the future and maintain party loyalty, noting that those who may not secure tickets in the 2027 elections could still have chances ahead.
Governor Zulum also announced that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw from contests would be considered for appointments and other opportunities at both the federal and state levels.
To facilitate consultations across the state, the governor constituted zonal consultative committees headed by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, for the Southern Zone; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, for the Central Zone; and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Northern Zone.
Governor Zulum also formally presented the APC consensus governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, to stakeholders, fulfilling the promise he made during the high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on 25 April.
APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, and State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Bello Ayuba, all re-echo the need for consensus as the means of primary election in the state.
They emphasized that consensus will strengthen party cohesion and unity in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was attended by prominent personalities, including Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, the APC consensus Gubernatorial candidate, Engr Mustapha Gubio, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, serving and former members of the House of Representatives, APC state chairman, former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, and other members of the House.
Others include the Secretary to the state government, the acting Chief of Staff, the Commissioner’s designate, Special Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, APC party executives, and other stakeholders.
Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation
By: Michael Mike
The bail application filed by
Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, on Thursday suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja after two lawyers, Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar, clashed over who to represent him.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had, on May 4, fixed today for hearing of Mark’s bail request shortly after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) and pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge.
The adjournment followed an application by Mark’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, who told the court of the need to admit his client to bail pending trial.
The DSS had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, sued Crack, as sole defendant over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.
Mark was alleged to have circulated a false information and publication of materials capable of causing public unrest.
The defendant, who was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army, was accused of publishing the viral video and accompanying statements through his X handle, @JusticeCrack, alleging inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.
When the case was called on Thursday, Leyii Abueh, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the matter from the DSS in line with the relevant section of the law.
However, things took a dramatic twist as Femi Balogun and Abubakar stood up to announce appearance for the same Crack.
Balogun told the court that he was briefed by Mark’s family to take up the case.
He notified the court about the defence bail application already filed.
However, Abubakar stood his ground, insisting that he was the defendant’s lawyer, who had been appearing in the case and he had not been disengaged from handling Crack’s matter.
Justice Abdulmalik then asked the defendant to identify his lawyer and Mark pointed at Balogun.
Against this development, Abubakar applied to withdraw all the processes he filed in respect of the case, including the bail application which Balogun had relied on.
The judge struck out the processes filed by Abubakar and adjourned until May 18 for hearing of the fresh bail application.
Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation
News
Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced
Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Germany have reinforced their long-standing development and economic partnership with new commitments spanning financial cooperation, private sector investment, skills development, energy transition, agriculture, and digital transformation.
The renewed collaboration was reaffirmed during high-level bilateral engagements and the signing of a Summary of Record in Abuja, where both governments reviewed progress in ongoing programmes and agreed on expanded areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s reform and development agenda.
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the partnership as a key milestone in Nigeria–Germany relations, noting that it reflects shared priorities anchored on mutual respect, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.
He expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Government of Germany, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, KfW Development Bank, GIZ, and other implementing partners, for what he described as constructive and forward-looking negotiations.
A major outcome of the engagements is Germany’s commitment of approximately €65 million in new financial and technical cooperation across agreed priority sectors. In addition, both countries discussed a proposed €300 million export credit guarantee framework, designed to mobilize private investment and expand long-term financing for strategic infrastructure and development projects in Nigeria.
Officials from both sides said the financing arrangements are intended not only to provide direct support but also to unlock broader capital flows into key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The expanded partnership prioritizes agricultural transformation, climate and energy transition, skills development, health systems strengthening, and inclusive economic growth.
German institutions and private sector actors including Siemens and SAP played a visible role in the engagement, showcasing ongoing projects in Nigeria. Siemens highlighted its involvement in energy sector skills development and power infrastructure-related initiatives, while SAP presented digital solutions aimed at modernizing tax administration and strengthening Nigeria’s digital governance systems.
The German delegation, led by Africa Director at BMZ, Mr. Philip Knill, also referenced ambitions to support large-scale skills development programmes, including proposals aimed at training up to one million Nigerians in technical, digital, and vocational competencies to enhance productivity and employment outcomes.
Both sides acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including macroeconomic stabilization efforts, energy sector reforms, healthcare transformation, and initiatives to improve the investment climate and stimulate private sector-led growth.
Knill expressed confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory, describing the country as a key partner in Africa with significant potential for industrial expansion, agricultural modernization, and energy transition.
Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all agreed programmes are nationally owned, properly coordinated, and aligned with long-term development frameworks, including the National Development Plan 2026–2030 and Agenda 2050.
As part of the broader engagement, German officials undertook field visits and technical discussions with Nigerian ministries and agencies, including energy infrastructure sites and development programme locations.
They highlighted existing cooperation outcomes, noting that joint Nigeria–Germany programmes have already supported hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers, improved access to training, and strengthened thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. These interventions, they said, have contributed to increased incomes and improved productivity in key sectors.
In the energy sector, both sides discussed ongoing efforts to expand generation capacity and improve transmission systems, with Germany expressing readiness to continue supporting Nigeria’s power sector reforms and renewable energy ambitions.
A key feature of the engagement was the emphasis on development cooperation as a catalyst for private sector investment, innovation, and job creation. Officials stressed that future cooperation must go beyond aid, focusing instead on leveraging private capital and building sustainable economic partnerships.
Knill also noted the importance of strengthening economic ties between Europe and Africa in the context of global instability, including conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related challenges.
Both governments described the agreements not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of deeper implementation-focused cooperation.
German officials emphasized a “signing today, implementation tomorrow” approach, underscoring the importance of translating agreements into measurable development outcomes. Nigeria echoed this position, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring effective coordination and delivery of agreed programmes.
The renewed Nigeria–Germany partnership marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation across economic, technological, and development sectors. With fresh financing commitments, expanded private sector involvement, and a shared focus on structural reforms and human capital development, both countries say they are positioning the partnership for greater impact in the years ahead.
The engagement is expected to accelerate ongoing programmes and open new pathways for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth across Nigeria’s priority sectors, particularly energy, agriculture, digital economy, and skills development.
Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced
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Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation
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