A new terrorist group, Mahmuda, has escalated its attacks across Kwara and Niger States, raising alarm in several communities.

On Sunday night, suspected members of the group launched an assault on Ilesha Baruba and Kemaanji, Baruten, and Kaiama local government areas in Kwara State, leaving several dead and others wounded. The violence comes just days after more than 50 farmers were killed in similar attacks in Ukum and Logo local councils. 

Reports suggest the assailants, dressed in military camouflage and riding motorcycles, stormed a market square at 9:30 p.m. and opened fire on residents before fleeing the scene. Among the casualties were four Fulani individuals, a vigilante, and a 19-year-old who was hit by a stray bullet. The attack is believed to be part of a series of reprisal attacks by the terrorists targeting local vigilantes.

According to Daily Trust, residents suspect that the motive behind the attacks is to displace local farmers and occupy their land. One local source described how the attackers fired at the Fulani individuals at close range, particularly targeting the vigilante who was armed with a dane gun. The violence also spread to Kaiama, where another vigilante was killed in a similar assault.

Terrorist Group Mahmuda’s Growing Influence

The Mahmuda group has been linked to an increasing number of violent incidents across the region, including kidnapping and killings in villages such as Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, as well as in parts of Yashikira District of Baruten Local Government Area. The group’s activities have extended into the Babana and Wawa districts of Borgu LGA in Niger State, prompting concerns over the spread of terrorism within these areas.

Despite previous claims from the federal government about successes in containing the violence, security experts believe the rise of Mahmuda suggests that more needs to be done to combat terrorism. Some experts have criticized the country’s intelligence system for failing to anticipate and prevent the emergence of such a group.

Governor AbdulRazaq Leads Delegation to Assess Situation

In response to the worsening situation, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led a high-level delegation that included military and intelligence chiefs to visit Kaiama and assess the security concerns. The delegation held a “strategic security interface” with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar, and other key stakeholders. During the meeting, the governor confirmed that the recent attacks were a reprisal targeting vigilantes.

Governor AbdulRazaq assured the public that the state government is collaborating with the military and other relevant agencies to bring peace to the affected communities and dismantle the terrorist group. He expressed confidence that the ongoing efforts will lead to a resolution of the security challenges.

In the wake of the attacks, the Kwara State Police Command reassured residents that adequate security measures were in place to prevent further violence. Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi urged citizens to go about their lawful activities while remaining vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement. She warned that any individual or group attempting to destabilize the community would be dealt with decisively.

Fear and Tensions in Affected Communities

The Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umaru Seriki, expressed growing concern for the safety of his subjects, who are living in fear of the frequent attacks by the Mahmuda group. The violence is not confined to Kwara alone but has spilled over into neighboring Niger State, with incidents like the recent destruction of a security vehicle purchased by locals for vigilante operations.

Experts, including Abdullahi Garba, an intelligence and counter-terrorism specialist, have questioned the failure of Nigeria’s security agencies to anticipate the rise of the Mahmuda group. Garba pointed to the need for more proactive intelligence gathering, urging the Department of State Services (DSS), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to better address emerging threats.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Garba said, “I think the DSS, DIA, and NIA have questions to answer regarding how the new terror group penetrated the country. Why do we have intelligence agencies if we can’t determine this type of scenario in our country?” He emphasized that countering terrorism effectively requires intelligence agencies to be more proactive and thorough in their efforts.

Security Agencies’ Response

While the police spokesperson directed inquiries to the military, a source within the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) confirmed that both the police and DSS are working around the clock to curb the activities of the Mahmuda group.

The source stated, “It is not an external threat; it is already an internal issue, and the police as the lead agency in maintaining internal security have taken over. The results will be obvious soon.”

A group of protesters on Tuesday stormed the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to demand the prosecution of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

The protesters, under the banner of Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, asked the AGF to conduct a thorough investigation into NNPCL’s transactions over the past five years.

Led by its convener, Kabir Matazu, the group expressed disappointment that despite President Bola Tinubu’s removal of Kyari and the entire NNPCL board on April 2, 2025, no steps had been taken to investigate the alleged corrupt practices during Kyari’s tenure.

The group highlighted controversies surrounding the rehabilitation and recommissioning of government-owned refineries, alleging that billions of dollars were spent without transparency.

“It is on record that the removal of the erstwhile corrupt leadership of the NNPCL was widely applauded by Nigerians, especially groups like ours that have been at the forefront of demanding accountability and transparency in the management of institutions,” Matazu said.

He further stated, “It is also notable that Kyari’s leadership of the NNPCL was plagued by numerous allegations of corruption due to a lack of transparency. Nigerians are disillusioned that the President has only stopped at removing the former leadership without initiating steps to investigate Kyari and his team’s management of the organisation.

“A key issue is the alleged fraud surrounding the rehabilitation and recommissioning of government-owned refineries. The figures and facts simply do not add up.

“In addition to the billions of dollars claimed to have been spent on refinery repairs, Kyari’s administration also alleged that Matrix Energy Limited invested $400m in rehabilitating the Port Harcourt Refinery, even though the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5bn for the same facility.

“More perplexingly, the NNPCL is now reportedly indebted to Matrix Energy by over $2bn. This debt is being serviced through daily crude oil allocations to Matrix Energy, for which no payments are being made.

“This situation raises urgent questions: Why and how is the Federal Government, through the NNPCL, indebted to Matrix Energy for $2bn? Why is the debt being serviced with daily crude oil supplies? Who were the parties involved in negotiating this deal? Why are Nigerians being kept in the dark about these agreements?”

The group also emphasised that addressing these issues would enable the Federal Government to account for how public resources were used under Kyari’s leadership.

“An investigation into these questionable transactions would help the government identify funds that need to be recovered and from whom, especially considering Nigeria’s dire economic condition,” Matazu said.

“Furthermore, such an investigation would ensure that the current leadership is held accountable and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.”

The group charged the AGF to immediately review all agreements entered into by the NNPCL during Kyari’s administration.

“This investigation should uncover the Federal Government’s financial losses and recommend actionable steps to recover these funds. We demand an immediate judicial review,” Matazu stated.

The protesters vowed to continue demanding accountability and transparency in the management of institutions, emphasising that Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the alleged corrupt practices under Kyari’s leadership.

The United Kingdom has received a total of 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals between 2010 and 2024, according to figures from the UK Home Office.

Nigerians accounted for one in every 30 asylum claims made in the UK during this period, ranking 11th among all nationalities, based on the Home Office’s recently published year-end Asylum and Resettlement statistics.

In a significant year-on-year spike, asylum claims by Nigerians nearly doubled in 2024—rising from 1,462 in 2023 to 2,841 in 2024.

The UK saw an overall surge in asylum requests in 2024, recording 108,138 applications—a 378 per cent increase compared to 2010.

A majority of these were first-time applicants from South Asia and the Middle East.

Iran topped the asylum claims chart with 75,737 applications, driven largely by “the increasing persecution of dissidents by the Iranian regime.”

Pakistan followed with 57,621 claims, including 10,542 in 2024 alone, a development linked to “post-election turmoil, soaring inflation and a spike in blasphemy prosecutions,” which human rights groups say strengthen grounds for asylum.

Afghanistan placed third with 54,363 applications since 2010. In 2024, 8,508 Afghans applied, reflecting ongoing fallout from the Taliban’s return to power in 2022. That year, 11,358 Afghans sought asylum in the UK, followed by 9,710 in 2023.

Other top nationalities included Albania (50,944), Iraq (45,711), Eritrea (37,687), Syria (34,997), and Bangladesh (31,744), where asylum seekers rose from 5,097 in 2023 to 7,225 in 2024 amid political upheaval following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sudan and India rounded out the top ten with 30,897 and 30,179 claims, respectively.

Nigeria ranked just ahead of Sri Lanka (22,059) and above Vietnam, China, and Turkey. Nations like Brazil, Kuwait, Yemen, Colombia, and Jordan each registered fewer than 6,500 claims.

A Nigerian man, Olufemi Ojaleye convicted of stealing Covid bounce-back loans has avoided deportation from the UK after successfully appealing on human rights grounds due to his children’s special needs.

Ojaleye who played “a leading role in a sophisticated fraud” involving the government’s Covid-era Bounce Back Loan Scheme, was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Despite this, a UK tribunal has ruled that he cannot be deported to Nigeria, primarily because two of his children have autism and “very significant additional needs.” 

Ojaleye, who first arrived in the UK as a visitor in 2002 and last visited Nigeria in 2004, was targeted for deportation by the Home Office following his conviction.

However, a First-tier Tribunal initially ruled in his favour last November, citing the potential impact on his family.

That decision was challenged by the Home Office, but it has now been upheld by the Upper Tier Tribunal (UTT) of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

Lawyers argued that deporting Ojaleye would have “unduly harsh consequences for his children,” referencing evidence from the specialist school they attend.

The tribunal heard that their autism affects “every aspect of [their] daily life” and that they “need support with even the smallest tasks such as dressing, eating, and toileting.”

While the Home Office maintained that Ojaleye’s deportation would not make a “materially different” impact on the children since he is already in prison, the tribunal disagreed.

According to the court, Ojaleye speaks to his children “where possible on a daily basis” and they visit him while he serves his sentence.

The children’s mother, already emotionally and financially overwhelmed by his imprisonment, told the tribunal that visiting him in Nigeria would be impossible due to their special needs.

She was described as being “drained both emotionally and financially” and struggling with breakdowns.

The Home Office also argued that the tribunal failed to give due weight to “the nature and seriousness of the appellant’s offending” and insisted that the consequences for the children were “simply not harsh enough to meet the high threshold necessary to outweigh the public interest in deportation.”

However, in her ruling, Judge Elizabeth Ruddick stated the original decision “contains no material error of law,” allowing Ojaleye to remain in the UK.

The case, revealed in court documents, is one of several highlighted by The Telegraph where deportation has been halted by human rights claims.

Currently, the UK faces a backlog of 41,987 outstanding immigration appeals, many on human rights

grounds—posing a significant challenge to efforts to expedite the removal of illegal migrants.

Legendary musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has shut down swirling rumours of his death, declaring that he is very much alive, healthy and in high spirits.

In a video released on Tuesday morning, the 83-year-old icon appeared energetic and vibrant, countering the false reports with a musical performance.

Singing in a blend of Yoruba, English and Pidgin, Obey-Fabiyi sang: “Hello, my name is Professor Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. Satan, you don lose o, Satan, you don lose o, you don pafuka. Na lie lie you dey talk, you don pafuka.”

He followed the performance with a statement to his fans and the public: “It is fake news that started a few hours ago claiming that I, Evangelist Obey, have passed on to glory. It is a lie. I am alive, and that is not the word Jesus has written.”

The death rumour, which surfaced on Monday, quickly gained traction online and prompted an outpouring of premature tributes from fans.

However, his personal assistant, Tope Olukole, dismissed the claims in an interview with TVC later that evening.

“Let’s set the record straight: Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is alive and thriving! He recently celebrated a joyous occasion — the 50th birthday of his second child’s spouse,” Olukole said.

“Rumours of his passing are baseless and entirely unfounded. We’re glad to see him active and well.”

The hoax comes just weeks after the music legend celebrated his 83rd birthday.

Afrobeat superstar Davido has addressed his past relationship with convicted fraudster and socialite Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi.

In a recent podcast interview, Davido acknowledged their friendship but insisted he was unaware of Hushpuppi’s fraudulent activities.

Despite the controversy surrounding the former Instagram influencer, the ‘Awuke’ singer expressed sympathy and hope for his eventual release from prison in the United States.

“Hushpuppi is coming out soon. He lived life. To me, it is not worth it to be locked up. But let me not make excuses for them (fraudsters). Some people are happy to ball for five years and that is it,” he said.

The “30 Billion Gang” frontman also cited Nigeria’s intense economic struggles as a driving force behind the rise of illegal activities.

“In Nigeria, there is a kind of hardship you would face and you will be like, you know what? Let me ball for two years then I am good,” he explained.

“People are like that. My prayers go out to him (Hushpuppi). He was my friend. I just see him around, I never really knew what he was doing. But he lived a good life.”

In 2022, United States District Judge Otis Wright II sentenced Hushpuppi to over 11 years in prison for conspiring to commit fraud running into millions of dollars. The judge also ordered him to pay $1,732,841 in restitution to two fraud victims.

Hushpuppi pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. He was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in June 2020 and has remained in federal custody since his expulsion from the UAE.

“Abbas bragged on social media about his lavish lifestyle – a lifestyle funded by his involvement in transnational fraud and money laundering conspiracies targeting victims around the world,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada.

Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has responded to widespread online ridicule over his spoken English with a fiery comeback, emphasising legacy over language.

In a now-viral video clip from a recent public gathering, the Lagos transport union boss addressed critics who mocked a slip he made while speaking English, particularly his mispronunciation of “kudos” as “Kundus.”

Rather than apologise or shrink from the criticism, MC Oluomo doubled down, asserting that while English may not be his strength, his life achievements far outweigh any grammatical errors. 

“I stayed there and worked hard, but I wasn’t educated. See, they said I said Kundus, is Kundus not my son/ You are educated; what have you done? They should go and compete with my children. I raised my children in wealth. My children are citizens of America, citizens of the UK. I worked hard to get to that level. Kundus, kudos, what’s the difference? What do you want to hear? English is not my mother tongue, Yoruba is,” he said.

MC Oluomo, who rose from being a bus conductor in Lagos to becoming the chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Committee, used the moment to highlight his journey of resilience.

He credited his success to sheer determination and strategic effort, stating that his lack of formal education did not prevent him from making an impact or securing a better future for his family.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants vying for the different seats in the July 12 local government election in Lagos State.

The fees are contained in the party’s election guidelines, jointly signed by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Dr Adeola Jokomba, the APC chairman and secretary, respectively.

The party, in the guidelines released on Tuesday , said chairmanship aspirants are to pay N5 million as a nomination fee and an additional N500,000 as an administrative fee.

According to the party, female chairmanship aspirants are to pay N2.5 million as a nomination fee and the same N500,000 as an administrative fee.

APC noted that aspirants below the age of 40 years would have a 50 per cent discount on their nomination fee but will pay the same administrative fee of N500,000.

The party, however, waived the nomination fee for aspirants with disabilities while charging an administration fee of N250,000.

“For the councillorship position, male aspirants will pay N1 million for the nomination form and N100,000 as an administrative fee, while female aspirants will pay N250,000 for the nomination form and N100,000 as administrative fee.

“Youths aspiring for councillorship positions will have a 50 per cent discount for the nomination form fee, while the administrative fee remains the same.

“Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) will collect the nomination forms free for councillorship seats, while the administrative fee is N50,000.

“There shall not be a separate fee for Vice Chairman. These fees shall be paid by way of bank draft in favour of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State, State”,the party added.

Giving more details, the party said the nomination form for chairmanship position shall be supported by five registered members, who are registered voters in all the aspirants’ wards , local government or LCDA.

It noted that for the councillorship seats, the nomination form shall be supported by 20 registered members, who are registered voters in the aspirants’ wards.

The party said all aspirants must be Nigerian citizens in addition to possessing other qualifications and meeting other conditions for the election.

“An aspirant must be educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent, and a higher qualification will be an added advantage.

“For council and LCDA chairmanship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 30 years, while for councillorship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 25 years.

“All aspirants are to submit evidence of membership of the party. Aspirants are to submit demonstrable evidence of active party support.

“Aspirants must provide a portfolio of loyalty to the party. All aspirants must sign the party’s Code of Conduct.

“Only aspirants cleared by the Screening Committee shall be eligible to stand for election at the party’s primaries,” the party said.

According to the party, any party officeholder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of election or party primary.

It said that all aspirants “shall comply with constitutional provisions and requirements applicable to the public office they seek to contest for.” (NAN).

AMID the public outcry, the Presidency has defended the Federal Executive Council’s approval of N10 billion solar energy project for the State House.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, following media reports questioning the necessity of the project, especially in light of Nigeria’s current economic realities.

Onanuga contended that transitioning the State House to solar power aligns with global best practices, noting that the White House in Washington, D.C., also uses solar energy as part of its power supply.

“The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power,” he wrote, implying that the adoption of renewable energy for high-level government facilities is not unprecedented and reflects a commitment to sustainability.

The presidential spokesman backed up his point with video of a similar project executed for the American number residence, which explains the reasons the US Presidency opted for the solar alternative.

The proposed solar system, it was gathered, would provide stable electricity for the President’s residence, administrative offices, and other essential buildings within the State House complex, enhancing energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.

While some Nigerians have applauded the environmental benefits of the initiative, others have raised concerns about its price tag and whether such expenditure is prudent at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship.

Evil will be defeated — NSA

IGP orders withdrawal of MOPOL officers deployed for unauthorised purposes

As the dust raised by the continuing killings in Benue and Plateau states is yet to settle, Niger State governor, Umaru Bago, yesterday declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Minna, following incessant killings of people in the city.

The governor also said the curfew could be extended to other local government areas of the state, identifying motorcyles, otherwise known as Okada, and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) as two major vehicles used by criminals to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

The curfew came on a day 11 persons were killed by herdsmen in fresh attacks in Benue State.

The Niger governor declared the curfew as the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Plateau State yesterday asked the Federal Government to allow states establish their police forces to curb the increasing wave of killings and attacks across the country.

This is even as the presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP, in 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, yesterday took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu on the worsening security situation in the country, describing him as one who had failed to take governance very seriously.

On the curfew in Minna, Governor Bago made the declaration at a critical stakeholders’ security meeting with traditional title holders in Minna emirate and heads of security agencies at Government House, Minna.

He vowed to lead the operation to all nooks and crannies of Minna to flush out criminals who had in recent times, embarked on a stabbing-spree in the city and other parts of the state.

He, however, exempted medical emergency operators from the ban, adding that the step was taken to address growing security challenges in the state capital.

Governor Bago also warned district, village and ward heads to always ensure proper documentation of people they harbour in their domains.

“Any house found to be harbouring criminals will be demolished, while buildings where hard drugs are sold will as well be destroyed.

“The responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and properties of its citizens and I will not stay back and watch criminals continue to perpetrate evil in the state.

“However, fighting insecurity should be everybody’s business and that is why we should all join hands to identify the hideouts of these criminals and flush them out because they live within us. I am ready to lead the operation to their hideouts and bring them to book,” the governor vowed.

He called on the security apparatus of the state to ensure a clampdown on the criminals, their hideouts and their cartels.

Bago equally cautioned parents to warn their children, as anyone caught in any violence-related activity would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The governor added that the state government will continue to have zero tolerance for thuggery and rascality.

11 killed in fresh herders’ attack in Benue

Meanwhile, no fewer than 11 persons were yesterday killed in renewed attacks on Afia community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Consquently, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, lamented that President Tinubu met a bad security situation and is working hard to fix the problem.

Speaking at a meeting with the visiting NSA and selected stakeholders at Benue Government House, Makurdi, the Ter Ukum, HRH Iyorkaa Kaave, disclosed that the marauders attacked Afia in the early hours of yesterday.

He said: “The armed herdsmen attacked Afia in the early hours of today (yesterday) and 11 bodies have been recovered from that community so far and we are still searching.

“Please tell President Tinubu that we will not live with murderers as herdsmen. These are not the herdsmen we used to know that lived peacefully with us in the past.”

Addressing the gathering Mallam Ribadu, who commiserated with the people over the killings, assured that the evil would be defeated.

He said: “We will defeat it. The country is with you. I commiserate with Benue people and assure you this is a trying period for all of us, we are 100 per cent with you.

“We will confront it. Benue is an extremely important state to Nigeria. We must fight and maintain Benue as a peaceful state. The governor is doing well and we will support him. It is unfortunate but it happens sometimes.

“Our armed forces are doing well. It is impossible to post soldiers or police to every hamlet. Give us the chance and stop politicising the killings. This will help us to restore peace. Issue of security is relative.

“We inherited an extremely bad government and things have improved and we will address all these issues cropping up. It is a matter of time, to do the harm is easy but to solve it is difficult. We have reduced considerably the number of violence we met. This one too, we will confront it.”

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who decried the activities of the marauders in the state since 2011, said the state was under siege.

He said: “These people do not have any reason to live with normal people. We are faced with series of loss of lives, farmlands and property. We have 17 IDPs camps in the state. It becomes difficult to get our IDPs back to their ancestral homes.

“Sankera is our headquarter of food. The attacks have been persistent and continuous. Instead of a good Friday, we had a black Friday with venomous attacks on Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs

“It is quite devastating. It is telling on us. 72 lives lost. It is a terrible moment for us. I have always established contact with the NSA. Our security agencies have worked assiduously to curtail the attacks. We need help like yesterday. The President has been very supportive and we hope that support will come.

“We have bought 100 hilux vehicles to support conventional security agencies, bought 600 motorcycles. This is carnage. Attack is more of onion layer, it is vicious. We ask that support be upped. ‘’We will collaborate with the federal government to stop the killings. It is evident that what we are experiencing is a bare faced attack as the attackers speak Fulani and Hausa.

‘’It is a troubling trend. It is deliberate attempt, they disbalance the people, kill a good number of them and occupy.

“The attacks are under-reported. We are helpless. We do not have AK-47 rifles, we are defenseless. We tell the people to be law abiding and the attackers take advantage of this. We are not in a banana Republic.”

The two paramount rulers of the state, the Tor Tiv VI, His Royal Majesty, James Ayatse and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Odogbo, had Monday summoned a meeting of stakeholders of the two major tribes in the state to discuss the security challenges confronting the people.

The meeting, summoned by the Tor Tiv, which was held in his palace in Gboko, had in attendance prominent individuals of Tiv extraction, including Governor Alia, former governors Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, serving federal and state assembly members, political appointees, leaders and stakeholders from the 14 Tiv speaking LGAs of the state.

Though details of the meeting were not made public, the Tor Tiv expressed optimism that attendance and commitment shown to the cause of the Tiv people by the leaders was encouraging.

Also, the meeting summoned by the Och’Idoma, which held in Otukpo, had in attendance prominent sons of the nine Idoma and Igede speaking people of the state.

It was reliably gathered that the meeting also discussed the recent armed herdsmen incursions in Idoma land and sundry issues.

Allow state police, NBA tells FG

Reacting to the spate of killings in Plateau State, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday called on the Federal Government to allow states establish their police to curb the increasing wave of killings and attacks across the country.

Chairman of the NBA, Jos Branch, Leah Hassan, made the call at a briefing attended by chairmen of the three other NBA branches in Plateau State in Jos.

Hassan condemned the recent violent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, which resulted in the deaths and displacement of many residents.

“We cannot continue to be silent in the face of these barbaric and evil acts of killing innocent citizens and taking over their ancestral lands, making them strangers in their own homes. ‘’States should be allowed to establish state police who will be armed with weapons to defend our communities,’’ he stated.

The NBA urged the Federal Government to take concrete action, including deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable communities and empowerment of those communities with means of self-defence.

It also demanded immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, along with provision of relief and rehabilitation for victims, especially women and children.

“The Nigerian Bar Association branches on the Plateau are deeply saddened and pained by the recent spate of violent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State, which have claimed numerous innocent lives and left many others injured, displaced, traumatised, and grieving.

“It is utterly heart-wrenching that while Plateau State is yet to recover from the horror and pain of previous attacks, our peace is once again shattered by another wave of senseless and barbaric killings. ‘’These acts of violence are a direct assault on our shared humanity, the rule of law, and the fundamental right to life as enshrined in our Constitution,” Hassan added.

She referred to the April 15, 2025, statement by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, which called on government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“We adopt the President’s address, calling on the government to uphold the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the right to life,’’ Hassan said.

While condemning the attacks as premeditated, asking security agencies to go beyond rhetoric and deliver visible and effective justice, the NBA chairman said: “The continued bloodletting in Plateau State, under the guise of communal crises, must no longer be treated with indifference or vague promises.

‘’The slogan should no longer be ‘enough is enough,’ but ‘this is enough, let’s stand up and take action.’”

The four NBA branches in Plateau State commended efforts made so far by the state government but urged both state and federal authorities to adopt proactive measures to prevent future attacks.

“This is not a communal clash as claimed by some, but a deliberate attempt to wipe out helpless citizens sleeping in their homes at night by wicked men who have no regard for human lives,” the association said.

The NBA’s key demands include: “Immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all perpetrators. All arrested suspects should be prosecuted in Plateau State, not relocated to Abuja, where their cases often disappear from public view.

‘’Deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable communities, with clear mandates to protect residents. Legal backing for the establishment of state police forces, equipped and empowered to defend local communities.

“Creation of a conflict resolution and early warning mechanism, in collaboration with community leaders, civil society, and security stakeholders. Empowerment of vulnerable communities with self-defence mechanisms and equipment due to the inadequacy of current security forces.

“Provision of relief, rehabilitation, and resettlement for affected persons and displaced communities within the shortest possible time.’’

Hassan reaffirmed NBA’s commitment to justice and peace in Plateau State, saying “we shall continue to use all legal and moral platforms available to us to demand justice, accountability, and peace for our people.’’

FG overwhelmed —Afenifere, PANDEF

In their reactions, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and its counterpart in the Niger Delta, PANDEF, yesterday, said the Federal Government is overwhelmed by the spike in insecurity, noting that state police remains the panacea.

Afenifere’s acting Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, in a chat with Vanguard, urged Nigerians to be alert.

He said: “The citizens should be ready and alert because the political situaton in the country is so fluid.

“The Federal Government is overwhelmed. We have been shouting and calling for state police but nobody is listening. The only panacea to what is happening now is for each state to have its police force.

“By that, you can determine who is working and who is not working. As it is now, if there is problem in a particular state, who do you call? The commissioner of police in the state says he is not answerable to the governor. He has to call Abuja before he can do anything. Each state should have its police command and then, you can talk of deployment and proper coverage of the area.”

Also, a frontline leader of pan-Niger Delta ethnic nationality, PANDEF, alleged that the country’s security agencies have no value for the lives of Nigerians, irrespective of creed.

Expressing worries over the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians, particularly in the northern part of the country, the chieftain, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said the application of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic as amended “gives the President the power to proclaim a state of emergency only when there is a verifiable evidence of threat to the peace of the country.

“I live here and I saw everything that happened before, during and at this moment of political war. I can tell you that the most appropriate thing for this government to do is to seek a window of credibility.

“What I have noticed is that whoever advised the President to take the decision of suspending all democratic structures in Rivers State, is of all men most miserable.

“We hear of killings in most parts of northern Nigeria, if the Nigerian government cannot declare emergency in those northern states, what is the morality in sacking an elected governor in Rivers State?’’

Tinubu failed to take governance seriously – SDP’s Adebayo

On his part, the presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP, in 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, yesterday lampooned President Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country, describing him as one who has failed to take governance very seriously.

Speaking with journalists during the 50th birthday celebration of his  wife, Lilian Adebayo, the former presidential candidate blamed the lack power to govern on the part of President Tinubu for the continued killings in Plateau and Benue states, stressing that renewed killings in the two states are an indication of Tinubu administration’s failure.

Adebayo, who noted that the time had come for Nigerians to come together and rise to take back the country from bad leaders, asked the president to restrategise the country’s security architecture to address the ravaging insecurity.

He said: “What shocked me about Nigerians is that they are shocked about President Tinubu, because we knew that these people don’t take governance seriously. They take elections seriously but not governance. The first duty of the president and the commander-in-chief is national security.

“It is a disappointment what is happening in Plateau and Benue. I personally don’t like to politicise security. I think the president must be serious-minded and address the issue.”

Speaking further, Adebayo urged Nigerians to form a unified coalition and opposition against the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that to defeat the APC, Nigerians need a coalition, and not a coalition of political actors.

He also declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying “one of the mistakes Nigerians made was not listening to those who spoke to them. President Tinubu never addressed Nigerians and, as such, has shown little concern for their welfare. I will run in 2027, and the party knows I am running. We will make our intentions clear.”

Adebayo disclosed that the SDP is open to discussions on coalition but warned that the party will not be used as a “getaway car” for any political conspiracy or personal vendetta.

He said: “We are listening to the talk about coalition but what we don’t want is to be used as a getaway car for a conspiracy and robbery we didn’t plan. If the coalition is for the good of the Nigerian people, SDP is available.

“But if it’s just a crime centre for those who were once with Tinubu and now want revenge, they should go back and settle their scores with him.

“If you’re in politics to ensure Nigerians aren’t shortchanged, you’re welcome. But if it’s about personal grudges over unfulfilled promises, we want no part in it.”

IGP orders withdrawal of MOPOL officers deployed for unauthorized purposes

Following the spate of killings nationwide, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday ordered the immediate withdrawal of mobile police officers deployed for unauthorized purposes to their squadrons.

He also directed squadron commanders to commence gradual withdrawal of MOPOL officers from core assignments, which had resulted in reduction of officers available for deployment to their core duties.

Egbetokun gave the directives at a meeting of PMF Squadron Commanders summoned to review operational strategies to checkmate the rising spate of attacks and killing across the country

He said: “Directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay.

‘’A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway. Concurrently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility.

“It is important that we remind ourselves of the original vision that shaped the Police Mobile Force. The PMF was established as the strike arm of the Nigeria Police Force, an elite tactical unit created to respond rapidly and decisively to riots, emergencies and internal crises.

‘’Historically, it served as the ultimate resource during moments of unrest, providing critical support to state commands during high-risk operations.

“Regrettably, that foundational mandate has, over time, been severely compromised. A significant number of PMF personnel are currently deployed as escorts, guards, or aides to private individuals and VIPs.

“While we understand the pressures driving this demand, we must not lose sight of our principal responsibilities. The diversion of tactical assets weakens our capacity where they are most needed.

“Even more concerning is the persistent misconduct by a few individuals, despite repeated efforts by the leadership to enforce professionalism on such assignments.

“These unacceptable behaviours have not only discredited the Force but have also unfairly overshadowed the honourable service of countless officers. This must come to an end.

“Let me be unequivocal: moving forward, indiscipline and misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. Today marks the beginning of a new era, one defined by accountability, discipline and a re-commitment to our founding values.

“Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times. These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention.

“Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter. These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.

“From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel. You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localized training programs that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.

“We must all rise to this challenge and take collective ownership of the task of restoring the lost prestige of the Police Mobile Force.

“The PMF must once again emerge as the elite tactical unit it was intended to be, disciplined, professional and always ready to defend the nation.

“Their continued deployment, alongside the military in the Northeast, Northwest, and other strategic areas will now be further supported by the newly established Special Intervention Squad, SIS.

“Against the backdrop of escalating and coordinated attacks on security personnel, whether from separatist elements in the South-East, bandits in the North-Central and North-West, or terrorist groups in the North-East, the urgency for a united, cohesive front cannot be overstated.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Our success depends on deepening trust, respect, and cooperation with all sister security agencies.

“Accordingly, this meeting also serves as a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to uphold operational discipline and ensure that the PMF stands as a dependable, credible, and professional arm of Nigeria’s security structure.

“Let me make this absolutely clear: the Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards, and discipline that once defined the Police to be undermined.

“As the striking force of the NPF, the PMF carries an immense responsibility, to confront armed threats, insurgency, and criminal violence with integrity and courage. We must meet this responsibility head-on.

“As part of ongoing reforms, we will immediately embark on a comprehensive review and reorganisation of the PMF. One of the first steps will be a significant reduction in the deployment of PMF personnel for escort, guard, and VIP protection roles.

“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel toward combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security.

“We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches, and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence.’’