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Zagazola raises alarm over another possible reprisal attacks in Plateau, urges Govt. to act
Zagazola raises alarm over another possible reprisal attacks in Plateau, urges Govt. to act
By: Zagazola Makama
Security analyst Zagazola Makama has raised the alarm over another looming wave of reprisal attacks in parts of Plateau State, warning that failure to act urgently on intelligence reports could plunge the state into another round of deadly violence.
Credible intelligence indicated that armed groups were mobilising for coordinated attacks in the Fan and Foron axis, following the rustling of dozens of cattle from the Ganawuri, Vom and Riyom areas.
He said the groups had allegedly identified locations where the stolen cattle were being kept in the Foron/Fan corridor and were planning daring, simultaneous strikes to recover them, a move he warned could result in heavy casualties and destabilise large parts of the state.
According to him, the Mangu–Barkin Ladi boundary and the Bisichi–Foron corridor are emerging as critical flashpoints that require round-the-clock surveillance and patrols.
“The danger signs are clear. There is a risk that reprisals could happen at any moment if urgent preventive measures are not taken,” Makama said.
He urged the Federal Government and national security agencies to intervene decisively and ensure the immediate recovery and release of rustled cattle, stressing that cattle theft has repeatedly served as the spark for wider communal violence in Plateau.
Makama also called on the Plateau State Government to abandon what he described as a “conspiracy of silence” over the issue and to act transparently in de-escalating tensions.
For long, the political government in Plateau is treating dialogue with Fulani communities as “selling out,” rather than as a necessary step toward de-escalation and peace-building.
In Plateau, there are two types of bandits; those from within who the state government empowered to protect their lands but turned it into a criminal franchise and the bandits that carry out reprisals attacks following lost of their livestock.
There is always a dangerous silence around this matter while lives are at risk. The priority must be prevention, recover the cattle, protect all communities and stop any reprisal before it starts.
The state must come out clean, first, it must demonstrate zero tolerance against its own militia activity as well as other criminals profiteering from rustling. Failure to act quickly could make the state government appear complicit in what is going on by omission, and that would only deepen grievances and crises.
Lives are being wasted on daily basis while the state government looks away. While the media continue to mask it as a “Genocide”. If this is not handled quickly and fairly, the consequences ahead could be catastrophic.
Zagazola further advised sustained non-kinetic engagements with community leaders of both warring parties alongside intelligence-driven operations, to prevent surprise attacks and dismantle militia networks in the affected areas.
The continued reliance on force alone, without parallel political and social engagement, had failed to address the root causes of the crises.
Therefore, the Plateau State Government should immediately convene broad-based dialogue involving traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, farmers, pastoralists and security agencies to chart a new path to peace.
They must know that peace cannot be achieved by bullets alone. It requires listening, fairness and courage to talk to those we disagree with.
Plateau people deserved leadership that would prioritise lives over politics and action over silence. ACT NOW!!!!
Zagazola raises alarm over another possible reprisal attacks in Plateau, urges Govt. to act
Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state
By: Zagazola Makama
Nine people were abducted and one man killed when armed bandits attacked Macitta village in Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State late Wednesday night, sources confirmed.
Sources said that around 11:30 p.m., a large group of armed bandits entered the community via Kotonkoro District, shooting sporadically. One of the residents, Aliyu Dan Tsohon Soja, 35, was shot dead during the attack. The identities of the nine abducted victims are yet to be confirmed.
Security forces , local vigilantes, and hunters were mobilized to the area, and the body of the deceased was evacuated to the General Hospital, Bangi, for autopsy. Efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers and ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped individuals.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any information that may assist in the rescue operations and apprehension of the bandits.
Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state
Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state
By: Zagazola Makama
Three children lost their lives after being engulfed by fire while grazing cattle in Tungan-Noma village, Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State on Wednesday, sources confirmed.
According to sources, the children Huzairu (12), Aliru (11), and Kabiru Surajo (12) went out for cattle grazing around 12:30 p.m. and entered a deep gully in the bush.
They reportedly set dried grasses on fire in an attempt to trap small bush animals. Unfortunately, the flames spread rapidly, trapping the children and preventing their escape.
The lifeless bodies were recovered and evacuated to the General Hospital, Mokwa, for autopsy. Authorities visited the scene to assess the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The incident draw attention to the dangers children face in rural areas, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities without supervision.
Parents have been urged to exercise caution and ensure children’s safety during such activities.
Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state
Police foil kidnap attempt on Benin-Lagos expressway, rescue 14 victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Fourteen passengers, including four juveniles, were rescued after an attempted kidnap by armed gunmen along the Benin–Lagos Expressway at Isiuwa, Edo State, police sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m., when about 20 gunmen, divided into three groups, emerged from the bush and opened sporadic fire on moving vehicles.
The assailants attempted to attack policemen stationed at a checkpoint but were repelled by responding officers, who coordinated with the Operation Rescue Team, CP Intelligence Squad (Buffalo Team), and Nigerian soldiers.
Two Toyota Sienna vehicles were targeted. One, with registration number RSH 210 CH, was carrying seven passengers from Imo State to Ondo State, while the second, AME 211 YL, carried six passengers.
Police stormed the bush where the gunmen had taken the victims, successfully rescuing ten adults and four juveniles. The rescued included Frederick God Bless, Prosper Admijom, Oluyemi Bolu, Amoo Muyiwa, Ifoma Uchije, Daniel Chibuzo, Solomon Audu, Samuel Chibuke, Kemi Olayiwola, Ugochukwu Irozuruike, and juveniles Chidera Ochije, Augustine Ochije, Chukwuka Ochije, and Obiakor Chisom.
During the chaos, one Abba Adam, a conductor of a Howo truck with registration DED 638 XB, jumped out of his vehicle and was struck by an oncoming truck, dying on the spot. His body was recovered and deposited at Emiloju Medical Center, Okada Junction.
Three passengers are still missing, and search efforts are ongoing. Some of the rescued victims have since continued their journey safely.
Police foil kidnap attempt on Benin-Lagos expressway, rescue 14 victims
Four killed, three injured in lakurwa bandit attack on baidi village, sokoto state
Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state
Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state
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