News
Silent Triggers of Conflict: The Poisoning of 28 Cattle and Another Unfolding Crisis in Plateau
Silent Triggers of Conflict: The Poisoning of 28 Cattle and Another Unfolding Crisis in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
In the quiet, hilly expanse of Zamura community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, a tragic scene unfolded on April 16. 28 cows, while grazing under the afternoon sun, dropped dead allegedly poisoned by unknown individuals. What may appear to be an isolated incident is which doesn’t appear in news or make headlines, in fact, a window into the deeper and more enduring fault lines that continue to plague Plateau State.
This was just few days after cattle were rustled in Murish village, Mangu Local Government Area, by a group of about 30 youths. One of the herders, 21-year-old Abdullahi Suleiman, remains missing. Of the rustled livestock, only 11 have been recovered. No trace of the perpetrators or arrest were made. At the time, this incidences were taken place, the people of Kimakpa Village in Miango District have not overcome the aftermath of the brutal massacre of innocent men, women and children who were attacked in their sleep by what the government agencies said were unknown gunmen. But are the perpetrators really not known,”? NO.
The recurring cycle of these violence and reprisal in parts of Plateau is often viewed through the lens of religious, land occupation and ethnic tensions. But it is not about land. It is no longer credible to suggest that these attacks are merely about land grabbing or cattle grazing disputes. However, beneath these headlines lie silent triggers of unreported incidences that stoke anger, fuel mistrust, and perpetuate conflict in communities already teetering on the edge.
The individuals who are perpetrating these attacks are known. They lived within the communities. Yet, no one is willing to point fingers in the right direction. No one dares to break the silence and no arrest will be made at the end of the day. And even when perpetrators are caught in the act, top officials, traditional rulers and the security agencies will always find a way to disposed the cases without allowing justice to prevail.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has recently emphasized the urgent need for a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, anticipatory action, describing it as a national security imperative. Ribadu who made the remarks at a high-level workshop on “Coordinated Risk Monitoring and Communication for Floods and Other Disasters,” held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Wednesday April 16, 2025.
He warned that poorly managed disasters could trigger cascading security risks, including mass displacement, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and the deepening of societal fragilities. “Unmanaged disasters exacerbate insecurity and fuel vulnerabilities. If we fail to prepare, we risk overwhelming our response systems when crises occur,” Ribadu added.
The reason crises continue is because no one is ever held accountable,” said a local elder in Miango District. “Whether it’s a poisoned cow or those who burnt villages, people act with impunity, knowing nothing will happen in the end. The most concerning aspect of incidents like this is not just the loss, but the aftermath. For pastoralist communities, cattle are not just animals. They represent livelihood, heritage, and sustenance. To lose nearly thirty animals in one day without warning or confrontation represents a devastating economic and emotional loss. For many herding families, this is the equivalent of losing their farms, homes, and life’s savings in a single act,”he said.
In Plateau State, mistrust between farming and herding communities has persisted for decades. Efforts at peacebiulding whether through state government panels, non-governmental interventions, or community dialogues often fail to address the granular realities of life in rural conflict prone areas. These include issues of land access, grazing routes, resource competition, and crucially, justice on both sides. For many in Plateau, peace remains elusive not because of a lack of effort, but because of the absence of consistent, fair, and timely responses to incidents that ignite violence by the state government and other response agencies. When cattle are poisoned, and perpetrators go unidentified; when farmers or communities are attacked, and no arrests are made each failure builds a wall of silence and suspicion between neighbours.
Security may contain violence temporarily, but true peace requires addressing the root causes. In Kimakpa, Kimakpa, Zamura and other parts of Bassa, these causes are deeply embedded in the daily lives of ordinary people farmers and herders, youth and elders, victims and survivors.
As Plateau State continues its journey toward recovery and reconciliation, incidents like the mass cattle poisoning are stark reminders that peace is not just the absence of gunfire. It is the presence of fairness, of justice, and of deliberate efforts to dismantle the small but deadly acts that make violence feel inevitable.
Until those foundations are built and built in truth the crisis in Plateau may remain unsolved.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Silent Triggers of Conflict: The Poisoning of 28 Cattle and Another Unfolding Crisis in Plateau
Nigerian Army decimates bandits, rescues captives in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has successfully neutralised armed bandits and rescued numerous captives in a recent operation across Eriya and A’ure communities of Mariga Local Government Area, as well as border areas of Magama LGA in Niger State.
According to sources, the operation targeted bandits who had migrated from the Ibbi–Zugurma sector of Kainji National Park. While relocating from their former camp in Ibbi Forest, the criminals reportedly attacked civilians along their route, killing some and abducting others, while transporting previously kidnapped victims.
Troops from Warari Forward Operating Base (FOB) and Gulbin Boka FOB, Kontagora Barracks, engaged the criminals in a series of coordinated assaults, neutralising a significant number of terrorists. Several fleeing bandits sustained gunshot injuries, diminishing their capacity to regroup or carry out further attacks.
The operation also led to the successful rescue of men, women, and children who had been held in captivity. Military officials described the intervention as a demonstration of superiority, discipline, and unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives.
The military sources lauded the bravery and professionalism of the troops, highlighting their contribution to restoring peace and confidence in the affected communities.
Efforts to sustain operational pressure on bandits in the region continue, with the sources urging communities to cooperate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Nigerian Army decimates bandits, rescues captives in Niger State
JUDGE’S INTERVENTION SAVES IGP EGBETOKUN FROM COMMITTAL TO KUJE PRISON
By: Michael Mike
The committal proceedings instituted against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun by Mrs Nnena Anozie, the traumatized and frustrated wife of abducted and missing Mr. John Anozie came up for hearing on Tuesday, the 17th February 2025 before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
At the beginning of the proceedings, Mrs Anozie’s Counsel, Vincent Adodo, recounted the facts of the case from the abduction of Mr. John Anozie from his Lekki Lagos residence on 15th June 2017 by police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Akwuzu, Anambra State, two separate orders made by the Anambra State High Court directed at the Police to charge Mr. Anozie to court or release him unconditionally, and another directing the police to release his corpse for burial following the claim by the police that Mr. Anozie had died in their custody.
Following an investigation conducted by the IGP X-Squad of the Police Force Headquarters based on a petition presented by Mrs Anozie in 2018, the investigation report indicted four officers in the crime whose names are: ASP Anthony Ikechukwu Obiozor, Sgt. Emeana Uzozhukwu, SP. Sunday Okpe, John Eze and Oriole all from SARS, Akwuzu, Anambra State.
Investigation also revealed that the named officers made heavy withdrawals from Mr. Anozie’s bank account just about 4 days after his abduction.
Despite the issuance of a legal opinion by the then Commissioner of Police in Charge of Legal, CP Tuesday Emienbo recommending the named officers for dismissal from service, arraignment and prosecution, nothing was done to bring the culprits to justice. Another petition written in 2023 by Falana and Falana Chambers led to the re-opening of investigation in the matter which was led by one Chinedu from the IGP-Monitoring Unit.
The refusal of the police authorities to arraign and prosecute the culpable officers despite the avalanche of evidence indicting them in Mr. Anozie’s disappearance prompted Mrs Anozie to request under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 for the certified true copies of the two investigation reports and the legal opinion of Mr Emienbo and for same to be forwarded to the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation. The request also included a demand to the IGP to handover the officers to the AGF for prosecution. The police authorities failed to honour the request, further prompting the institution of an action before the Federal High Court under the Freedom of Information Act in SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/865/2025: Mrs Nnena Anozie v. Inspector General of Police to compel the release of the case files and the officers for prosecution.
On 24th September 2025, the Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice B.F.M. Nyako delivered judgement in the case ordering the IGP to, among others, release the investigation reports and legal opinion to Mrs Anozie and the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation while also awarding the sum of #2,000,000.00 as damages against the police.
Despite service of the judgment with Form 48 on him, the IGP failed to obey the judgment, prompting the service on him of form 49 and subsequently a motion to commit the IGP to Kuje prison for contempt.
At the proceedings on Tuesday, the 17th February 2026, Stanley Nwodo appearing for the IGP informed the court of the receipt of the judgment and that he filed a counter Affidavit to the committal motion. The presiding Judge, Justice Nyako after listening to Mrs Anozie’s story offered to intervene in the matter with a view to obtaining a lasting result on the case. Consequently, the court adjourned the contempt proceedings to the 23rd April 2026 for hearing.
JUDGE’S INTERVENTION SAVES IGP EGBETOKUN FROM COMMITTAL TO KUJE PRISON
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
Nigerian Army decimates bandits, rescues captives in Niger State
Police arrest 19 suspected bandits, recover 370 cows, 58 goats in Kwara
Police repel bandit attack, recover 82 cows and 21 sheep in Katsina
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
