News
Tension: Plateau residents in shendam kick against the use of the word Yelwa in the creation of a new district
Tension: Plateau residents in shendam kick against the use of the word Yelwa in the creation of a new district
By Bodunrin Kayode
Security operatives are battling to maintain the fragile peace is shendam as some residents mostly young peo cple have kicked against the addition of the word Yelwa to the creation of Nshar district out of shendam council area.
The Goemai Youth Movement (GYM) at the end of a meeting held in Shendam recently had warned that there was nothing like Yelwa Nshar when they got wind that some people were agitating for the creation of an additional District in shendam.
This sparked high tension which resulted into the pelting of some government buildings last week when they realized that indeed the government had included “Yelwa” to the name of the proposed district instead of Nshar which is the original name of the place which the Goemai are the ancestral owners.
An impeccable source close to the ministry in charge of traditional institutions however revealed that “it was not the government but the settler community that were trying to manipulate the government not to identify the place with the original name and the Goemai through their youths are saying no to that word Yelwa.
“They the settlers are the ones clamouring for the Creation of the District and the District Head which the government is planning to give to them but we will not let that happen because remember that the so-called Yelwa is the biggest market in the whole of Shendam council area.” Said the source who preferred anonymity.
Shendam council area is dominantly a traditional Gomei territory with a mixture of muslim settlers who have been living with them for years when issues of religion was never a big deal until settlers claim to land became a dicey one which caused a big crisis in 2004.
“As it is today, there are among them grand children of Goemai, whose mother’s are Goemai but their fathers are not Goemai but they are Muslims instead of christians which is why beneath all this tension is the issue of religion which may not be too obvious because the muslims now dominate Yelwa.
“However, there are Jarawa from Bauchi who settled in Nshar too all of mixed religions. Taroks, Mwaghavul, jukuns, angas and several other ethnic groups including the Hausa.
“The fear of domination by non Goemeis is usually the case and that was also the Crux of the last crisis in 2004 in which over 1000 souls perished. However, there is no dispute about ownership of the land because, there are official documents that confirm the ownership of the place by the Goemai. Equally, the Report of the the 2004 Plateau Peace Conference ‘Plateau Resolves ‘ confirms that.” Said our source
The tension of last week this reporter learnt was so palpable that the Long Goemai Miskoom Martin Sheldas “was whisked out through the back door and brought to Jos for security reasons”.
“This was because the youths came out in their large numbers after their meeting held on August 6 and marched to meet the Paramount ruler Sheldas to present their resolutions to him as stated in their communique.
He is the paramount ruler now and it is expected that he will do the coronation when the district is finally approved if the government acceeds to the demand of the residents.
” This desperate move to create a Yelwa- Nshar district may not be unconnected with the ambition of the Governor who may be pushing for this whole thing to manifest as part of his campaign promises to please a group against his senatorial ambitious inspite of despite persuasions by the Long Goemai to restrain him from going ahead based on superior intelligence.” Said the source
Issues bothering on land, chieftaincy are very intricate to Goemai people because they are warriors like the jukuns who never give up on their traditional lineages be it land, religion or any sociological aspect not related to their beliefs.
This reporter learnt that even when the Europeans came they did not tamper with the Goemai like the jukuns of wukari.
The Goemai people have held unto their traditional worship and other practices despite the advent of Christianity which penetrated through the Catholic faith.
Reaction from the Plateau peace building agency
The Plateau Peace Building Agency, (PPBA) in a reaction to the development expressed worries about the sudden twist of events in Yelwa-Shendam council area of the State.
In a release signed by it’s Director General Joseph Lengmang over the weekend, it noted that they are particularly worried that the issue of the selection of a traditional leader that will fill the vacant stool in that area, that ordinarily should be a peaceful exercise, is causing unwarranted uproar and restiveness amongst the people.
It went on “We should not be in a hurry to forget the ugly events of the recent past in Yelwa-Shendam where scores of precious human lives and property worth many millions of Naira were destroyed through mindless and needless violence that served no one any good.
” For the avoidance of doubt, the protest in Shendam yesterday was for the name “Yelwa” to be expunged from the newly-created Yelwa-Nshar District with the Shinbu automatically assuming the position of District Head and; not against the installation of an Emir as being bandied around by some curious individuals and groups.
“We therefore sue for calm, with the understanding that the issues in contention can be amicably resolved without a recourse to violence.
“We cannot afford to allow the horrific incident of the past rear its ugly head once again. And therefore , we must rise up and say no to any attempt by unscrupulous elements who are determined to turn the hand of the clock backwards.
“We call on all religious, traditional and other community leaders to rein in their followers and supporters by exploring peaceful means of finding amicable solution to the impasse.
“Similarly, we call on those social media enthusiasts who are mischievously peddling all sorts of unverified and fake news about Yelwa-Shendam to desist henceforth.
“This ill-wind you are blowing will not spare you when the situation degenerates to a point of no gravitation.
“We must also commend the local authority in Shendam and the various security agencies for the prompt response to what would have been another disastrous chapter in our history.
“We call on those communities to continue to cooperate with security agencies to prevent Yelwa-Shendam and Plateau State from sliding back into the abyss of violence that has once been the persistent plight of our people.
“We must guard this hard-earned Peace with all sense of responsibility and duty to both God and humanity.” It stressed.
No plans to install an Emir in shendam…. Commisioner of information
Equally responding to the tension in the area, the Commissioner of information Dan Manjang noted that the attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to fake news circulating in some conventional and social media platforms alleging that there are plans to establish an emirate council or install an Emir in Yelwa, Shendam Local Government Area.
And this is leading to tension mounting in the area and culminating in criminal elements pelting some prime buildings in Shendam town including the Palace of the Long Gamai and looting some shops.
The went on to state that government hereby states categorically and unequivocally that such stories are unfounded and should be disregarded while at the same time condemning such behaviors in its entirety.
“The Government wishes to put in on record that there has never been any time that such idea was contemplated or even discussed. To say the least, this is the imagination and machination of mischief makers aimed at throwing the State into the dark old days thereby drawing the hands of the clock backwards and making nonsense of the peace we have achieved since the coming of the rescue administration.
“In the light of the foregoing therefore, Government hereby warns such mischief makers to desist from their evil intentions as it will not take it kindly with anyone found to mastermind such retrogressive tendencies.
Manjang noted that Governor Simon Bako Lalong has already directed security agencies to go after those mischief makers by ensuring that there is no escalation of the breakdown of law and order in the area, Shendam council area and Plateau State as a whole.
Government hereby beckons on the general public particularly residents of Shendam council area to be circumspect and go about their normal duties by disregarding such dangerous rumours and providing timely information to security agencies to enable them act swiftly.
“Government hereby advises the public to always cross check their facts from constituted authority and seek for dialogue rather taking the laws into their hands.” He noted.
News
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The international Police Academy (UNIPOL) has Appointed Deputy Commander General (DCG) Joseph Icha,
Director Training and Manpower Development, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section.
A statement from the academy’s management stated that “the academy proudly announces the appointment of
DCG Joseph Icha, Director Training and Manpower Development, NDLEA as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section.
“This appointment recognizes
DCG Joseph Icha, Director Training and Manpower Development, NDLEA. exceptional contributions to national security, law enforcement leadership, and international cooperation.”
Icha has served the Agency in various Senior Management capacities as Principal Staff Officer, Assistant State Commander, Assistant Director, State Commander, and Deputy Director among others, with commendations.
The new international counter narcotics boss has attended several law enforcement courses on Drug Supply Suppression and Drug Demand Reduction within and outside the country.
“He is a Master Trainer with the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC) in Drug Law Enforcement intelligence led investigation strategies and Criminal Intelligence. ” said the statement.
Joseph Icha has facilitated training programmes on behalf of UNODC to various law enforcement agencies in the country.
DCG Joseph Icha is a Law Enforcement Operative, mentor, curriculum designer, and advisor per excellence.
He is also a member of several international professional Organizations and currently is the Director Training and Manpower Development of NDLEA.
This important appointment was pronounced under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Jan M (Hany El Zahar), Executive Director, Founder, and CEO of the International Police Academy – UNIPOL, and IPA President (Rtd.) Senior Superintendent of Police Shuaib Adam HSC OLY VJ, International Director of Law Enforcement, Police, and Military, with the support of Prof. Yuval Binstoc (IPA) and Sir Junustia Brecen.
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Plateau State Accountant General Naanret Manset has said that it was not true that Plateau state has refused to comply with the deadline given to states for the submission of 2024 audited financial statements.
Reacting to a report published recently, the accountant general in a statement noted that “the attention of the Office of the Accountant-General of Plateau State has been drawn to a publication by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) titled ‘It’s Past Deadline, 5 States Fail to Publish 2024 Financial Statements’, which wrongly lists Plateau State as one of the defaulters.”
Naanret Manset maintained that “For the record, Plateau State fully complied with all statutory timelines for the preparation, audit, and publication of its 2024 audited financial statements
“Submitted same to the Auditor-General in May, 2025 which is within the stipulated period of 6 months.
“Audit completed in June, 2025 and forwarded to the House of Assembly which is also within the stipulated period of 3 months.
“Approved by the House of Assembly
Published online on 27 July 2025, below the legal timeline of 9 months.
The audited report is publicly available here:
“We urge FIJ to promptly correct their publication and remove Plateau State from the list of non-compliant states.
Plateau State remains committed to transparency, accountability, and timely financial reporting.” It noted.
The FIJ had recently published that six Nigerian states are yet to publish their audited financial statements for the 2024 fiscal year.
It revealed that five of such erring states have already past their statutorily implied deadlines which Plateau is saying is not true as it applies to them.
The publication had said that ” erring states are Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau and Rivers.
“In Akwa Ibom’s case, its amended 2021 audit law gives the auditor general up to nine months to publish the report online after submitting it to the House of Assembly.
“The Accountant General has six months to present the books, followed by a 90-day audit and submission period.
” In the other five states, audit laws differ in the year they were enacted or updated, but the process is similar.
“The Accountant General must submit the financial documents to the audit office within three months after the financial year ends.
” The Auditor General is then required to audit the report, send it to the House of Assembly and publish it immediately.
“The Ogun State Audit Law (2021), Rivers State Audit Law (2021, as amended), Akwa Ibom State Audit Law (2021), Oyo State Audit Commission Law (2021) and Plateau State Audit Law (2021) all set out these requirements.
” In Rivers, however, publishing the audit is left to the discretion of the Auditor General.
“In past years, these states have published their audits between June and August. Some have also been ranked among the lowest in transparency.
” The CJID Openness Index, released in July 2024, placed all six in the bottom tier along with 10 others.”
Recently, FIJ reported Akwa Ibom’s repeated disregard for budgetary transparency despite binding provisions in its Fiscal Responsibility Law.
The FIJ report maintained that two states Yobe and Ekiti, scored above average for transparency and accountability in 2024, with 73 per cent and 54 per cent, according to the Sub national Audit Efficacy Index, published by the Paradigm Leadership Initiative.
The report noted that the annual assessment, which measures financial transparency and policy adoption across Nigeria’s state governments, shows a familiar trend: “stagnation or decline.”
Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset
Prof. Ribah clarifies stance on dialogue, says he does not support ransom or levies to bandits
…cautions against misrepresentation of position on dialogue with bandits…
By: Zagazola Makama
Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, a peace advocate and member of the Peace Committee, has cautioned social media users against misrepresenting his views on dialogue with bandits as a strategy for sustaining peace in the troubled North West Zone.
Ribah, in a video made available to newsmen on Wednesday, said his comments on dialogue had been twisted and circulated on Facebook, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), in ways that fuel misunderstanding and hostility.
He urged users to “fear God and stop changing the narrative to suit their own views,” stressing that selective quoting of his remarks was misleading and unfair.
“Social media users should fear God and stop changing the narrative that goes contrary to our own views. You are quoting a segment that suits your narratives, leaving out the rest, and continue to circulate it. That is misrepresentation,” Ribah said.
He explained that his position on dialogue was not in support of paying levies or ransoms to bandits but in favour of a government-led engagement that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
“We believe that fighting with guns only prolongs crises. For 10 years, it has not yielded results, and that is why we wanted to end it through dialogue.
“And the dialogue we are seeking is not the one where villagers go on their own to negotiate with bandits, pay levies in order to farm, or pay ransom to release family members. That type of dialogue is not sustainable. It is betrayal.
“The dialogue we support is the one led by government, where authorities can solve the pressing issues between farmers and herders, and address the needs and demands of all conflicting parties,” he said.
Ribah clarified that his advocacy for dialogue predated the current administration and had been consistent for more than seven years.
“This did not start with this government. I have been engaging in dialogue for over seven years. You can go through my pages. War cannot end war, but dialogue will, if both conflicting parties agree. This is what we are talking about,” he said.
The peace advocate dismissed allegations that he and other members of the Peace Committee were shielding or supporting bandits.
“Some are accusing us of supporting bandits, some are accusing us of giving them protection. But how can we protect bandits that are killing people? No way. What we want is to stop the bloodshed, where everyone will be allowed to go about his normal life,” he stressed.
Ribah further accused some social media commentators of being “conflict entrepreneurs,” whom he said benefitted from circulating negative reports of attacks.
“Some people benefit from telling negative stories of attacks. They are conflict entrepreneurs. We want them to focus on telling positive stories instead of dwelling on negativity,” he added.
The North West Zone, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States, has for years been plagued by banditry, mass killings, abductions, and forced displacement, with government and stakeholders divided over the most effective approach to peacebuilding.
Prof. Ribah clarifies stance on dialogue, says he does not support ransom or levies to bandits
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset
Prof. Ribah clarifies stance on dialogue, says he does not support ransom or levies to bandits
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