Insecurity: Niger Governor, Bago, canvases strengthening of cooperation in visit to CDS

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has reiterated the need for the strengthening of cooperation with the Armed Forces to guarantee a peaceful environment for citizens of the state.

The governor made the call Monday during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher G. Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

A press release signed by Group Captain O. O. Ademosu in the office of the Director of Defence Information noted that the governor lamented the wave of insecurity in the state and solicited more partnerships to defeat insecurity bedeviling the area.

The release quoted the governor saying that with the largest land mass in Nigeria and surrounded by a lot of ungoverned spaces, the situation in Niger State called for security concerns.

Gov Bago reminded Gen. Musa that the state’s proximity to Abuja, the Federal Capital City, was also a reason for increased insecurity which necessitated the need for stronger cooperation.

He congratulated the CDS on his well-deserved appointment and subsequent promotion by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The CDS acknowledged the support of the state government towards the military and assured the governor of the AFN’s readiness to put everything humanly possible to assist Niger State curb insecurity to attract meaningful development.

Gen. Musa stated that the AFN is fully aware of the situation on the ground, reassuring that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain strong, committed, and steadfast in the discharge of its constitutional mandate and ready to defeat the insurgency.

After Killing and Displacing us, Fulani now Occupy our Ancestral Communities: Riyom IDPs Cry Out

Internally Displaced Persons at the Riyom IDP camp in Riyom local government area of Plateau state have cried out to the government to assist them in reclaiming their communities under the occupation of Armed Fulani Herdsmen in the area.

The IDPs from different affected communities in Riyom made this call during a humanitarian intervention visit organised by The Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation on Saturday August 12th 2023.

Some of the IDPs who said they’ve been displaced from their communities since 2014 appealed to the government to help get them back to their communities so they could live a normal life again.

The displaced persons numbering over 2,000 said the herdsmen who attacked their communities are now the occupants of some lands in their communities. They said they cannot return back to their communities because the herdsmen have built houses there.

One of the IDPs who gave her name as Amina Yakubu (not real name) told this reporter that her community, Attakar under Ganawuri ward is now under the occupation of the Armed Fulani Herdsmen that attacked the area in April 2023.

“It all started in the fourth month of this year, when the Fulanis came to our community and killed 18 people.

“My husband, Yakubu and son Emmanuel were killed during the attack and since then we were forced to leave the community because the attackers never stopped coming.

“Right now I had to do menial jobs at the mining site to cater for myself and the remaining 3 children.” Teary Amina said.

A community leader, Saleh Bayana, also corroborated Amina’s claim. He said in his community, Shonwan under Bakki district, the herdsmen have also built their houses there.

“I used to be the Mai Angwa of my community but since 2014 when we were attacked and displaced, no one has been be able to go back there. The Fulani now live there with their cattle.

“They’ve built normal houses and are living there, we dare not go near there.” He said.

It is estimated, that about 60 villages have been occupied by the Fulani herdsmen in Riyom and neighboring local government areas of Plateau state.

This is not the first time victims of these attacks have alleged occupation of their farmlands and communities by herdsmen. In 2020, survivors of herdsmen attacks in communities in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state alleged that their communities were occupied by the herdsmen that attacked the area.

Todays revelation by the IDPs gave a new understanding of the violence on the Plateau and other areas in the Middle Belt of Nigeria. It shows that the violence are not just clashes between farmers and herders as widely reported in some sections of the media but also a well calculated attempt to dispossess the indigenous people of their ancestral lands.

The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation is a household name in Plateau and neighbouring states affected by violence. Speaking at the occasion, an Associate Staff of the Peace Foundation, Nenfort Gonchen, who addressed the IDPs said that they are not alone, stressing the fact that God is with them and that the world is with them.

“We are here today not just to present these relief materials to you but to also tell you that you are not alone in your hour of adversity. God is with you, the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation is with you and the world is with you.

“We bring you a message of hope from Jos and we want to encourage you to remain steadfast and prayerful as we continue to trust God that you all would soon return to your respective communities.” Nenfort said.

The items delivered to the IDPs include 35 blankets, 4 bags of garri(90kg) 3 bags each of rice, beans and maize (90kg).

Reported by: Steven Kefas.

Mangu Killings: Para-Mallam Peace Foundation Brings Humanitarian Aid to IDPs

As the situation of the internally displaced persons displaced by recent attacks on farming communities in Mangu local government area of plateau state continues to deteriorate, a peace advocacy group known as The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, led by clergy Rev. Dr Gideon Para-Mallam, on Sunday, expressed deep concern over the living condition of internally displaced persons camped in schools and other open places in Plateau State.

Para-Mallam, who spoke during a humanitarian visit to the internally displaced persons in Mangu local government area of the state, described the condition of the IDPs as a “humanitarian disaster”.  The intervention is part of the Touching Lives Initiatives, an initiative of the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation that supports victims of violent attacks. Sunday’s visit was made in collaboration with the Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Societies (CWEENS).

The Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam, speaking to the IDPs stated that what happened to Mangu people happened to “all of us”. He empathized with them over the unfortunate situation they have found themselves in and emphasized the need for patience, stating that patience is not foolishness.

“What has happened to you people, happened to all of us because we are all humans. You must be patient and you must know that patience at a time like this is not foolishness.”

Para-Mallam pleaded with the people not to think of vengeance because God has heard their cries and by His grace the killings will stop like they stopped in Bassa.  He informed the people that the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation would do all it could to fight for them and assured them that no one would steal their lands because the world is with them. He added that the Foundation will soon organize a peace meeting between them and the Fulani people. 

Speaking to journalists after the visit to the IDP camp, the Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam stated that the intervention is part of the Early Presence model for peacebuilding. He called on the government to carry out some infrastructural development for the people of Mangu such as fixing the bad bridges that are at some strategic areas through which the attackers come into the land. He spoke strongly on the need for the government at all levels to put an end to the impunity of people killing and going scot-free. He added that the narrative that it is a farmer-herder clash is simplistic and abates the killings.

“The government needs to stop the impunity of people coming to kill people and walk away. It’s unacceptable. I think the government needs to sit up and say enough is enough.

Para-Mallam also called on the government to redouble its efforts to end the killings to enable the people to return to their ancestral villages.

He said, “The humanitarian disaster that has befallen the people of Mangu has been catastrophic, disturbing.

“The visit is to identify with the victims and support them in a little way to cushion the effects of the tragedy and devastation of their properties by the attackers.

“We can see the vast number of IDPs; over 18000 of them here (Mangu primary school) comprising children, women, orphans, widows, husbands, widowers. You can imagine that less than two years old baby whose mother and father were killed. I was moved to tears but I have to control myself.

After the visit to the IDP camp, Para-Mallam and his team paid homage to the palace of the paramount ruler of Mwaghavul (Mangu), HRH Da John Putmang Hirse. Speaking at the palace of the Mishkagham, the Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam thanked the traditional ruler for the opportunity to be there and informed him that the visit was both a courtesy call and a visit to offer the monarch condolences for the tragic events that had occurred in his land. He gave the Mishkagham encouragement by saying that he and his people are not alone and that many across the world are supporting them. Para-Mallam also thanked the Chairman of the Christian Association (CAN), Mangu Chapter, the Secretary General of the Mwaghavul Development Association, and the media for their various contributions.

Para-Mallam also made a strong case for peace, appealing to the Miskagham to speak to his people against embarking on revenge mission as it is counterproductive. He stated that the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation will fight until justice prevails and it is to that effect, he wrote a report titled: “Mangu Killings: It’s Time for Peace”. The report which has generated international discussions was written to expose what is going on in Mangu and champion the cause for justice. He further stated that the problem in Mangu is not just the problem of Mangu people but a collective problem. He added that the Foundation works for peace that is predicated on justice and it will fight until justice is established in Mangu because people cannot be killed over reasons that do not warrant people getting killed.

In his remark, the Mishkagham expressed gratitude to the Para-Mallam ane his team, stating that he was honoured to receive them. He said the attacks came as a surprise because the Mwaghavul people had been living peacefully with the Fulanis for years and they even intermarried with them. He added that his people have engaged in peace talks with the Fulani people led by the GOC but after 2 or 3 days, they’ll break whatever agreement was reached. The king lamented over the destructions of lives, farms and houses stating that churches that have been destroyed are now converted to houses by the Fulani people even though no mosque has been destroyed.

The monarch said there’s something fundamentally wrong which he is yet to find out and he is open to hear what the attackers want. He said Mwaghavul people are not ready to retaliate but they’re asking for justice and calling on the government to ensure that people whose farms and properties have been destroyed are compensated. He said the people of Mangu are wondering why the attacks are coming now that they have their son as governor. He also said, it appears the attacks have been planned over a long time for it to have engulfed the entirety of Mwaghavul land as it has. In addition, he stated that the world needs to know what is happening and he is glad that the Para-Mallam Foundation is helping in that regard. The revered monarch also expressed willingness to engage in a dialogue with the Fulani people so that they can tell the Mangu people what their problem is. At the end of his remark, the Royal Father thanked the Foundation for the relief materials they brought and encouraged them to continue with the good works so that peace can return to Plateau State. He said “we need to work together as Nigerians for the progress of everyone.”

Middle Belt Times reports that over 300 people including women and children have been brutally murdered and hundreds of houses destroyed between April and July 2023 in attacks believed to be perpetrated by terrorists suspected to be herdsmen according to data released by the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation.

An authoritative source who spoke to Middle Belt Times on condition of strict anonymity said the villagers have had to endure watching their farmlands destroyed by the marauding herdsmen.

“As at yesterday, some of the natives ran away for safety while cows grace their farmlands unhindered from what we heard. 

“Even on Friday before we arrived Saturday, some crops and farmlands were destroyed the people complained.”

Army of Nigeria accused of extrajudicial killings of vigilantes in Mangu

Army Says Vigilantes Who Were Killed Were “Terrorists”

According to reports by Truth Newspaper, residents of Central Plateau State and human rights watchers from as far away as Washington, D.C. have expressed indignation over the execution of three neighborhood watchmen by Nigerian military.

The Nigerian military which did not dispute the deaths and declared on July 12 that the three armed individuals who were murdered in Panyam, a town 42 miles southeast of Jos, were terrorist bandits who set up an ambush in the Ampang East neighborhood of Mangu County.

However, Truth Nigeria is told by witnesses to the killings who chose not to give their names out of concern for reprisals that the young men killed were valiantly fighting off terrorists. Locals refer to them as “vigilantes,” but they are actually neighborhood watchmen who only defend their towns with weapons when they are attacked.

During a normal patrol, the vigilantes were attacked after getting off a broken-down motorcycle on a nearby roadway, according to the witnesses. Since May 16, more than 350 people have died as a result of Islamic terrorist strikes across the Central Plateau counties, according to town authorities.

A leader of the Plateau State Assemblyman was compelled by the occurrence to demand a public investigation into the killings. In a one-on-one interview with Truth Nigeria, Del. Dewan K. Gabriel demanded “a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged human rights violations committed by the Nigerian military in central Plateau State,” referring to what he called “the recent reported murder of three self-defense volunteers, who were shot while courageously protecting the villages from terrorists.”

“One thing is certain, the Nigerian military is not empowered to commit street-side execution of suspects whether they are terrorists or vigilantes,” said Dede Laugesen, executive director of Save the Persecuted Christians in a text to Truth Nigeria. “This case demands immediate international attention and review by the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial killings,” Laugesen added. “The embattled people of Plateau—mostly Christian populations enduring officially unrecognized Islamic jihad—deserve far more professional concern, compassion, and response from Nigerian security forces who unfortunately are often compromised and complicit with the terrorists bent on their exile and extermination.”

Gov. Mutfwang addresses military leaders directly

The Nigerian Army boasted of neutralizing three “bandits” after “gallantly fighting through an ambush” in Mangu on July 12, as the newly elected Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, met with the nation’s newly appointed Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, in Abuja to plead for an end to ongoing terror raids in the State.

On July 12, Mutfwang paid a personal visit to the CDS to appeal to the generals because he appeared to be tired of making public statements for the military to step in and put an end to the killings.

The army authorities in Abuja said they killed terrorists in the village of Perr and collected weapons in a statement released that day’s evening by their Director of Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.

Residents of the neighborhood, which is in the Ampang East District of Mangu County, however, claimed to Truth Nigeria that the vigilantes posed no danger to them or the military and that they voluntarily surrendered when they were stopped by soldiers on a local highway.

“They were just pushing their motorcycle which had broken down during a routine patrol of the area,” said one witness on background for fear of retaliation by the military. “The soldiers bumped into them and arrested them without resistance,” the source said in a telephone interview. “They laid them down on the ground and shot them one after the other,” said the source.

Since huge attacks by radicalized mercenaries started setting Plateau towns on fire, dozens of neighborhood watchmen, sometimes known as “vigilantes,” have perished.

State in a wide area starting on May 12. Two vigilantes were buried five miles away at the time of the murder on July 12 at 2 p.m. local time, according to Jethro Jacob, a youth leader in Mangu. According to Jacob, the memorial service was held for two vigilantes who were killed in an ambush in the terror-infested village of Perr. But according to Jacob, the Secretary of the Mwagavul Youth Movement, a local tribe organization, their bodies had remained unburied at the scene because of persistent threats.

“We had to beg for the soldiers and police to give us protection to bury them,” said Jacob in a telephone interview. “All the people living in the village were displaced when they attacked and they are the ones controlling the area,” he said, refuting the military’s claim the three vigilantes killed on 12 July were terrorists. “There was no distress call whatsoever from that area. We are usually the first point of contact for the villagers, so if there was any problem, we will be the ones to relay it to the military. But there was nothing like that,” Jacob told Truth Nigeria.

“There was no distress call whatsoever from that area. We are usually the first point of contact for the villagers, so if there was any problem, we will be the ones to relay it to the military. But there was nothing like that,” Jacob told Truth Nigeria. “The terrorists have killed more than 350 of our people and taken over 50 of our villages in just two weeks. All along, the military never responded to any distress calls. Even when they did, they were either overpowered or unwilling to pursue them. But all of a sudden we hear of terrorists killed after a distress call. Something doesn’t seem right to me,” Jacob said.

“The terrorists have killed more than 350 of our people and taken over 50 of our villages in just two weeks. All along, the military never responded to any distress calls. Even when they did, they were either overpowered or unwilling to pursue them. But all of a sudden we hear of terrorists killed after a distress call. Something doesn’t seem right to me,” Jacob said.

Vigilantes Felled in Multiple Engagements Three days prior to the killing of the three vigilantes, 14 people including vigilantes were killed in the west of Mangu County. An evening attack by a band of 200 terrorists armed with assault rifles led to the killing of six vigilantes and eight other residents in Sabon Gari village according to witnesses. A group of 20 vigilantes battled in vain to push back the attack, which was preceded by a series of advance notices, including some by Truth Nigeria. The Nigerian authorities did nothing to prevent the attacks which later spread to the southwest of Jos the following day, killing nine other residents including a vigilante member, Truth Nigeria has reported. For persecuted Christians in Nigeria’s war-torn Middle Belt, their only hope for survival are the volunteer neighborhood-watch forces. These brave community members, often untrained and carrying homemade rifles, put their lives on the line every day, facing off against superior numbers of terrorists armed with assault rifles. Many have lost their lives in combat, paying the ultimate price for their bravery. But tragically, a growing number have been cut down deliberately by the Nigerian soldiers themselves, Truth Nigeria has learned. Solomon Dalyop, a human rights attorney told Truth Nigeria while the Nigerian laws prohibit the use of automatic firearms for self-defense, the increasing sophistication of the attacks has called for extreme measures. “These terrorists attack with highly sophisticated weapons including machine guns,” said Dalyop in a telephone interview. “The law allows the use of proportionate force to defend against any attack,” said Dalyop who is also a tribal leader in Plateau State.

The Dilemma of Nigerian Army’s Credibility: Dissecting the Twitter Account Incident in Mangu

by Mary Vou

In a recent development that took place on July 12, 2023, the official Twitter account of the Nigerian Army announced a significant accomplishment in Mangu, a region located in Plateau State within the Middle Belt of Nigeria. The tweet highlighted the successful operation carried out by the army, resulting in the elimination of three notorious bandits and the recovery of various weapons. The accompanying photos showcased the lifeless bodies of the deceased criminals, along with the assortment of confiscated items, including AK-47 rifles, a significant quantity of 7.62 mm special rounds, a motorcycle, and even a Constabulary Police Identity Card.

However, beyond this particular incident, it is crucial to delve deeper into the prevailing issue at hand. By examining the response from local inhabitants and considering the broader context, we encounter the troubling matter of public mistrust in relation to the Nigerian army. This article aims to shed light on these multifaceted aspects, seeking to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation.

The recent social media post triggered a wave of outrage due to the widespread awareness regarding the identities and motivations of these groups. To gain a better understanding of the situation, it is necessary to examine the statements made by the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, and Kaduna in the past. These regional leaders have been explicit about the groups’ affiliations and underlying motivations, providing crucial context to the current discourse.

Moreover, prominent figure Sheikh Gumi has been vocal in discussing these groups and shedding light on the ideological factors that inform their actions. With such authoritative voices bringing attention to these issues, it becomes evident why the aforementioned post has ignited a strong sense of indignation among the public.These armed groups are not unfamiliar to us; their language of communication and their physical attributes are well-known.

Attempting to twist facts that have already been established, documented, and published is futile and serves no purpose. These militias, who do not originate from the affected areas, mercilessly slaughter people in their own homes. They launch sporadic heavy artillery attacks and employ individuals armed with machetes to finish off any survivors. What term should we use to describe such actions? Moreover, let us not forget the presence of another group that stands by, waiting for both factions to wreak havoc, setting fire to entire community structures using petrol as their weapon of choice.

The reality is that these individuals are terrorists, and it is crucial not to shy away from this fact for the sake of political correctness. Coordinated and preemptive attacks targeting a specific demographic can be categorized as genocidal, and all groups, such as Miyetti Allah and others, who claim responsibility for such heinous acts should be identified as such without any apologies.

Furthermore, on March 7, 2010, at around 2 am, locals identified a group of strange Fulani men who invaded the community, resulting in the slaughter of numerous children, infants, and elderly individuals, while many others were severely injured. Shockingly, the operation was executed flawlessly, despite the imposition of a curfew at the time, and neither the police nor the military intervened throughout the three-hour massacre.

This is deeply insulting because the locals could always identify these invaders as Fulani. These instances highlight the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for effective intervention and justice.

In discussing the concerning issue of Fulani ethnic militias, it is important to acknowledge that even Miyetti Allah, the umbrella association of cattle breeders in Nigeria, has taken responsibility for some of the attacks. In Plateau State in 2018, they claimed that their actions, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals, were merely retaliatory measures against the persecution of their members.

What becomes evident from this latest social media post is that it will only serve to exacerbate the existing mistrust that citizens have towards law enforcement agencies in the country. General Theophilus Danjuma (retired) previously expressed his belief that the army lacks impartiality, alleging that certain elements within the military colluded with the bandits. Similarly, Colonel Adewunmi echoed these sentiments by highlighting how the Department of State Services (DSS) possesses a wealth of information and documents regarding the situation, implying that the government is fully aware of the sponsors behind these acts of violence and possesses the capability to resolve the issue if they have the determination to do so.

It is highly deplorable that someone responsible for managing the official Army Twitter account would seek to ignite ethnic tensions and intensify the blame game among the different groups within the Middle Belt. It has become evident that these conflicts reach far beyond the grassroots level and involve high-ranking officials, with security experts during the previous administration revealing that government officials may be implicated in sponsoring these conflicts.

This incident is just one example of how the Nigerian army has further eroded public trust. Another notable incident was the attack in Owo, which resulted in the loss of many lives and was initially attributed by the government to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

However, numerous analysts cautioned the government against hastily assigning responsibility to the group. This was primarily due to several discrepancies surrounding the government’s narrative concerning the involvement of ISWAP.

Vincent Foucher, a respected research fellow at the National Centre for Scientific Research, was among those who emphasized the need for caution and urged the government to carefully consider the complexities of the situation.During an interview with Al Jazeera, another expert named Hassan raised doubts about the authenticity of the government’s claims regarding ISWAP’s involvement in the recent church attacks. Hassan expressed concerns and questioned whether the officials might be attempting to quell the rising threat of reprisal attacks that followed the bloody incidents that occurred that fateful day.

The Nigerian government is facing a mounting case of inconsistencies and discrepancies between civilian and military accounts, as well as conflicting research findings. One notable analysis conducted by the International Crisis Group highlighted that ISWAP primarily targets military installations and avoids attacking civilians or local groups such as vigilantes, politicians, or informers. This assessment contradicts the government’s attribution of the Owo church attack to ISWAP, which was clearly aimed at civilians, thereby raising further doubts.

Several incidents demonstrate the disparity between the actions of ISWAP and the government’s narrative. For instance, the attacks on Kangwara, a major army base on Lake Chad, between August 2016 and January 2017, the assault on an army battalion in Jilli Yobe in July 2018, the takeover of the towns of Gudumbali, Baga, and Doro Gowon on December 26, 2018, all indicate a divergence from ISWAP’s usual targets.

Moreover, when ISWAP claims responsibility for its attacks, it is typically a display of bravado, as they have no motive to withhold such claims. Analysts have also pointed out the high cost of training their fighters, suggesting that they would not risk sending only a few operatives to enemy territory where their lives could be lost. Instead, they prefer to showcase their full force during operations, as seen in the notable incident at the Kuje prison.

These discrepancies between ISWAP’s actions and the government’s account reveal a pressing need for greater transparency in reporting conflicts by the Nigerian army and other law enforcement agencies. The local communities affected by the atrocities perpetrated by Fulani militias in the Middle Belt continue to demand that the government thoroughly investigate these cases and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Plateau Killings: Foundation to full blown nationwide terrorism is being laid says Para-Mallam Peace Foundation

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

A Peace Foundation known as the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation based in Jos, Plateau state has added its voice to the conversation on the renewed killings and violence ongoing in Mangu local government area of Plateau state. The Foundation said the Federal government cannot afford to continue to remain silent amidst what it described as act of terror unleashed on innocent civilians in Plateau state.

In a statement signed by the President of the Foundation, Rev. Dr Gideon Para-Mallam and made available to Middle Belt Belt Times, the Peace Foundation known for its peace efforts across the Middle Belt said a “Foundation is being laid for a full blown nationwide terrorism in the country.”

Para-Mallam called on the Federal government to be more proactive and decisive in tackling the violence which has been ongoing for several years. The statement also claimed that 346 people have been killed in Mangu local government area of Plateau state between April and July 2023.

The statement reads in full:

“Sunday night – July 9th 2023, around 9:00pm, 8 people were killed in Farin Lamba in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. One woman, a 2-year-old baby and 6 young men on riding their motor bikes and conveying their passengers. The gun men came on a killing mission and not finding those they targeted, they started killing those on the highways. Monday morning July 10th 2023 in Vwang Village, Jos South, 2 women were shot dead @ Wereng Rim in the same Riyom LGA. Prior to this on Friday July 7th , 15 people were killed and the following day Saturday night July 8th , 13 people: 12 men and a little boy of under 6 years old were killed in Sabon gari village in Mangu LGA. Mangu LGA has become the latest killing fields of Nigeria.

Death is an equalizer. It will find anyone of us at some point in life’s journey. This is a fact of life. However, why must human agents serve as life’s terminators? The degrading of the value of human life without respect to our common humanity is beyond comprehension in Nigeria. This is what we are witnessing in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area. There have been sustained attacks which have continued unabated since April 17th , 2023 till date. Over 300 lives have been lost on the Plateau from April to date. Out of this number, over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA, as at Saturday, July 8th , 2023. The current harvest of deaths in Mangu LGA must be treated with the utmost urgency it deserves.

The Federal Government cannot afford to remain silent. Silence suggests looking the other way while the current inhumanity continuous. The Federal Government or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not issued any official statement condemning the present killings since his being sworn into office on May 29th 2023 till date. Two months on yet we still do not have a formal Presidential comment on these killings? What signals is being communicated by such silence remains to be seen but the impunity demonstrated by the immediate past government of President Mohammadu Buhari should not be sustained by his successor. Why keep silent when hundreds of men, women and children are being killed almost daily in Plateau State?

The Mwaghvul Development Association (MDA), through its National Secretary Dr. Solomon Mangvwat, reports that a total of 54 villages have so far been attacked during this short period. 208 of their people have been killed, hundreds are missing as several bodies were burnt either in their homes while sleeping at night or in the bush as they fled were killed in the process of escape. Handicap persons unable to flee the attackers were mercilessly killed.

There are currently Eighteen Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-One (18,751) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are now housed in Fourteen Camps. The 14 camps are hosted by the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Local Church Councils (LCCs). A Breakdown of the IDPs shows: 2,081 widows, 6,066 Orphans between the ages of 0-5 years old. Old people account for 1,057 old aged persons and teenagers and adult orphans accounting for 828. A total of 6,603 households are currently affected by these deadly attacks. Meanwhile, the Fulani community claim that the attacks in Mangu are part of a crusade to get rid of them from. This claim was made in a letter dated 19th May, 2023, addressed to the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, Rukuba Barracks, and the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Jos, signed by Muhammad Nura Abdullahi, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). Similarly, in a report by Daily Trust Newspaper, 10th July, 2023, Muhammad Nura Abdullahi stated that there was an invasion of Fulani villages in Mangu LGA on Friday, 7th July, 2023 which led to the death of 15 Fulanis and 78 houses destroyed.

Take it or leave it, a foundation to full blown nation-wide terrorism is being laid. No country should localize and allow acts of terror on its citizens. Whatever the motivation behind these attacks on the Plateau, the fact remains – people are being killed in their hundreds. The burden of these killings should not rest only on the shoulders of the newly sown-in Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Muftwang. The burden should not also rest only on the shoulders of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In fact, the burden rests on the shoulders of all Nigerians. The MDA have a role to play in the search for peace and so also Miyetti Allah in seeking an end to the killings and finding ways to save lives and property. There is wisdom in collective action devoid of finger pointing or political calculations. The lives of all the citizens of Mangu LGA residents matters.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

There is need for strategic action on the part of the Nigerian government and international community to ensure sustainable peace returns to Plateau State. As a Peace Building Foundation, we believe that peace is possible in Mangu LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria. The Federal Government and Plateau State; indeed all States in Nigeria need to work together with unity of purpose, across political party lines to find peace for all the troubled hotspots in the entire country. How long must we sit-out these religiously motivated and criminal killings in Nigeria while the rights of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) are being trampled upon? Focusing on misleading narratives of the violence is itself not only misleading but unhelpful and glaring political correctness and hypocrisy. The narrative of reprisal attacks is not only simplistic but it hides the real issues and therefore the unjust killings have lingered on for too long not just in Mangu LGA but in other hotspots in the Middlebelt areas in particular.

It is important to take cognizance of the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who observes that: “Violence begets violence; hate begets hate; and toughness begets a greater toughness. It is all a descending spiral, and the end is destruction — for everybody. Along the way of life, someone must have enough sense and morality to cut off the chain of hate.”

What is happening in Plateau State has impact on Nigeria. What more, what is happening in Nigeria has global consequences in the medium and long-run. It is time to act and stop localizing Plateau’s killings fields. The time to put an end to violence in Plateau State and Nigeria is now!.”

Recall that Middle Belt Times earlier in the week reported the decision of the military to relocate its special task force codenamed, Operation Safe Haven to Mangu in its effort to address the incessant attacks on rural communities in the area.

Give us freehand to wipe out terrorists, Nigerian Army tells Northern state governors 

The Nigerian Army has appealed to the governors of the Northern region to give the troops freehand to eliminate terrorists.

The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, made the appeal at Army Headquarters, Abuja while playing host to the Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal

While ruling out the possibility of granting amnesty to bandits terrorizing the North western region of the country, Mr Lagbaja warned the criminals to flee the country with immediate effect.

The army chief’s disclosure came on the heels of the recent calls made by the former governor of the state, Sani Yerima that bandits should be given amnesty.

According to him, the Military would not allow them to enter other parts of the country.

“Your Excellency, I think we need to look at this amnesty programme. The criminal elements have proven to be incorrigible. So, the issue of amnesty has created avenue for them to be regroup and re-organise and launch attacks,” Mr Lagbaja said.

Source: Daily Nigeria

House Of Representatives Asks Nigerian National Security Adviser, Ribadu To Declare Emergency In Plateau State Over Terrorists’ Attacks

The House of Representatives has asked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to declare a national emergency situation in Plateau State over incessant terrorists’ attacks.

This was made following a motion of urgent public importance on the need for urgent intervention on the killings in some local government areas in Plateau State.

The House further requested that Operation Safe Haven identifies and evacuates all bandits’ cells in the state.

The House mandated the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Defence, Army, Air Force, Police, and Legislative Compliance (when created) to oversee compliance and report monthly until the situation was brought under control.

They stated that the recent attacks on the communities had resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals, significant injuries to others, the destruction of property, and the displacement of nearly 18,000 people.

The members also raised concern about the ongoing attacks by terrorist groups in the towns, claiming that if not addressed soon, it would result in low agricultural produce.

The house further requested that security personnel give aerial observation and assistance in capturing the terrorists and destroying their camps in order to prevent a recurrence and allow innocent farmers to return to their lands and ancestral homes.

Source: Saharareporters

JUST IN: NYSC Moves Orientation Camp From Mangu In Plateau State Over Killings

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday morning asked prospective corps members coming into Plateau State not to resume at the Orientation Camp in Mangu Local Government Area.

The NYSC in a release obtained by SaharaReporters changed the location to Waye Foundation By Buken Academy, Doi-Du in the Jos South Local Government Area of the state.

Plateau State and Mangu especially has been embroiled in crisis and killings, between the locals and the armed militias, while security agencies continued to look on helplessly.

Only on Sunday, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) yesterday said 15 people were killed following an alleged invasion of their communities in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The group also said 78 houses belonging to their members were burnt while over 2,000 cattle were still missing after the invasion.

In a statement, the NYSC asked the 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream One Orientation Camp for Plateau State not to go to Mangu LGA.

“This is to inform members of the public, especially our esteemed Prospective Corps Members that the venue of the 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream One Orientation Camp for Plateau State has been changed from the Permanent Orientation Camp in Mangu to Waye Foundation, by Buken Academy Doi-Du (Temporary NYSC Orientation Camp) in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“All prospective Corps Members are by this information expected to report at the new Orientation Camp (Waye Foundation by Buken Academy) on the dates specified in their call-up letters,” Eddy Megwa, the Director, Press and Public Relations said.

Saharareporters….

Middle Belt Killings: Terrorists Kill 24 Villagers in Benue

…Governor Alia talks tough, described the attack as “unacceptable”

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

Dozens of people were killed in a fresh attack on a remote village in Nigeria’s Benue state on Saturday. The gunmen suspect to be Fulani terrorists, opened fire on the villagers in Akpuuna village, killing 24 people and injuring several others.

The attack is the latest in a series of deadly attacks in Benue state, where violent herders have continued to invade farming communities in recent years. The state has seen more than 100 people killed in violence this year alone.

In the latest attack, the gunmen arrived in the village around midday and opened fire on the villagers, who were caught unawares. The attack lasted for more than two hours before the gunmen fled the scene.

Local officials said that the victims included women and children. The names of the victims have not been released.

The attack has sparked outrage in Benue state, with many people calling for the government to do more to protect the people.

The state governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has condemned the attack and directed security agents to hunt down the perpetrators.

“This attack is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Alia said in a statement.

“I have directed security agents to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The attack is a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. The country is facing a number of security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The government has been struggling to contain these threats, and the latest attack is a setback in its efforts to do so.

The attack on Akpuuna village is also a reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities in Nigeria. These communities are often targeted by armed groups, and the government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect them.

The latest attack is a tragedy, and it is a reminder of the need for the current government to take action to address the security challenges facing the Middle Belt and the country at large.