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States on high alert as Adamawa flood death toll rises

Published

8 months ago

July 28, 2025

Following the devastating flood that swept through parts of Adamawa State on Sunday, leaving dozens — many of them children — missing and hundreds displaced, other states across the country are scrambling to avert a similar catastrophe.

With floodwaters wreaking havoc in communities like Shagari Low Cost and Yolde Pate in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, the disaster has triggered widespread emergency response efforts nationwide. From Anambra and Sokoto to Gombe, Edo, Ogun, Bayelsa, and beyond, state governments are activating flood preparedness plans, clearing drainage channels, assessing dam stability, and intensifying public sensitisation campaigns as warnings from meteorological agencies signal a potentially severe flood season ahead.

The PUNCH learnt the torrential rain began around 1am and intensified through the early hours. By 3am, homes in the Shagari and Sabon Pegi areas were already collapsing as floodwaters surged through streets and into buildings.

Initial reports claimed two people died from the disaster with dozens of unconfirmed number of people, especially children, declared missing following the over six hours of downpour in parts.

Over 600 houses were washed away, according to some of the victims, who narrowly escaped death but were still searching for their family members.

As at the time of filing this report, reports indicate that at least eight people have been found dead.

According to HumAngle, a media platform committed to coverage of Africa’s conflict, humanitarian, and development issues, two children were swept away in Sapon Pegi. The victims bodies were recovered by the National Emergency Management Agency.

In Ibunu Abbas community, also known as Yola bypass, locals said NEMA officials pulled out six dead bodies, four of the bodies men who were said to be workers in a bakery while the other two were children found alongside a drainage system.

The bodies have been deposited at the morgue in the Moddibo Adamawa Teaching Hospital, Yola.

A tearful Abubakar Adamu, a resident of Sabon Pegi, said, “Many lives were lost, especially children. We’re still trying to confirm the exact number of casualties in this ugly disaster.”

When The PUNCH sought confirmation of the death toll, the PPRO, Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said he could not give a definite number, adding that efforts were still ongoing to rescue more residents of the affected areas.

“The Adamawa State Police Command’s operatives deployed to the affected areas are still searching and rescuing the victims of the flooding,” Nguroje said.

“As law enforcement officers, we stand with full strength and solidarity with the affected communities during this difficult time.”

Following the devastating flooding in Mokwa that claimed several lives, NEMA last month deployed officials to 15 high-risk states, including Adamawa, to intensify public awareness on the looming flood threats and the urgent need for residents in vulnerable areas to relocate.

Just last week, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Celine Laori, issued a fresh warning to residents living in low-lying communities, urging them to move to higher ground to avoid loss of lives as flooding risks escalate.

Anambra constitutes committee

Ahead of the looming flood threats, Anambra State Government expressed its preparedness to respond effectively and strategically to flood-related emergencies by taking precautionary measures across the state to avert any disaster.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, made this known in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, stating that the state government had embarked on a campaign and sensitisation, in response to early warnings from NiMET indicating that Anambra was among the states at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

Odimegwu said Governor Chukwuma Soludo had shown great concern to flood devastations in the state in the last three years and as a result, has constituted committees headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim.

According to him, the committees constitute officials of the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Education, local government chairmen, and the State Emergency Management Agency.

“The reason for constituting the committees is for us to strategise and put measures in place ahead of this year’s flooding, in case it occurs. The committees were formed since 2022 when flood devastated about nine local government areas of the state.

“After the first six months seasonal prediction by NiMet, we disseminated the information and notified residents, especially those living at the coastal areas about the upcoming rainfall and flooding consequences, and urged the general public to be absolutely careful and prepared for it.

“The state government has consistently sensitised the people to desist from blocking water channels and drainages in and around surroundings of their houses to pave way for easy flow of flooding. The blockage of water drainages is the root cause of man-made flooding.

“What we are doing is that whatever would cause flooding in the urban areas by man, we will try to prevent it. But if it is the flooding caused by river rising above the sea level, we will give warning to people living in the riverine areas to prepare on how to vacate.”

According to him, drainages and reservoirs such as Nkissi Reservoir in Onitsha, Ogboji Reservoir in Ogboji and Okpuru Okwor-Ngbo Reservoir have been upgraded to hold more flood waters.

One of our correspondents also gathered that officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, have embarked on sensitisation programme in two flood-prone local government areas: Anambra East and Ogbaru, as part of measures to prepare the people ahead of the 2025 flood.

Eight local government areas of the state namely, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Idemili South, Awka North, Ihiala and Ekwusigo, are usually affected by the annual flood disaster.

Inspection in Edo

The Executive Director/CEO of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, Ahmed Momoh, said the government, through the agency, had fared well in the management of flood in the state after NiMET’s geria warning earlier in the year.

He said, “In a renewed effort to tackle the persistent challenge of erosion and flooding in Edo State, we embarked on a strategic inspection tour across critical gully erosion sites in Edo North. The visit underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to identifying and addressing environmental degradation, especially in erosion-prone areas.

He said the agency was desilting drains and water passages in the state to reduce the effect of flooding.

He said, “FEWMA got approval from Governor Monday Okpebholo to desilt our drainages and water passages which has not been done as more rain this year in some states including Edo.

“We have desilted and freed drainages of debris and opened the way for water to flow and that will reduce the flooding.

“We are also looking at other measures that will curtail flooding and save Edo people who suffer from the devastating effect of the flood.

“There are camps already set up to relocate residents in highly flood prone areas like Ilushi, Udaba, Aghenebode, as a result of the River Niger overflowing.

“SEMA Edo State has arrangements to ensure that residents are also taken care of. The state government has already put up all the machinery to ameliorate the effect of flooding in the state.”

Bayelsa prepares buffers

Also, the Bayelsa State Government says it has prepared buffers against the anticipated flooding by carrying out the clearing of natural water channels in the capital, Yenagoa, and other parts of the state.

Bayelsa, lying six feet below sea level, is also the flood plain of Nigeria as both the Niger and Benue channel their waters into the Atlantic Ocean through the riverine state.

It has no dams and there are no permanent IDP camps as well as higher grounds hence any huge flood affects nearly all the local government areas of the state except the areas close to the Atlantic Ocean.

Bayelsa has established a flooding break for both public and private schools across the state and the vacated public schools are used as IDP camps for those displaced by floods.

Head, Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, Walson Omusu, while reacting to the heavy rainfall on Sunday, said the state was prepared to ensure there was no devastating effects from flooding this year and beyond.

Due to the devastation caused by the 2012 floods, then governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, directed that all future public roads should be raised by another 12 inches.

After the 2022 floods that caused destruction, current governor, Senator Douye Diri, set up the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control to mitigate the effects of flooding in the state.

And, Omusu, the pioneer head of the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control said, “We are ready. We are always ready.”

Omusu said the agency had carried out massive clearing of natural water channels in Yenagoa and other areas in a bid to reduce the impact of this year’s flood.

Sokoto LGs assessment

In the wake of recent heavy rains that triggered severe flooding across parts of Sokoto State, SEMA, in collaboration with NEMA, has embarked on a joint impact assessments in the worst-hit local government areas: Yabo, Shagari, and Tureta.

In Yabo town, the joint team visited several flood-ravaged areas, including Shiyar Hegin-Rafi, Shiyar Sarkin Fawa, Shiyar Ubandoma, Shiyar Ubandawaki (Garkar Audu), and Kofar-bai.

At Shiyar Sarkin Fawa, six apartments belonging to Malam Rufa’i Bala were completely destroyed. In Shiyar Ubandawaki, two rooms belonging to Balan-Bawa Dankande suffered heavy damage, while five rooms owned by Malam Sabo Maikaji at Hegin Sarkin Fawa were affected.

One of the worst-hit families is that of Muhammadu Dan Nanuwa at Garkar Audu, where six of the eight rooms in their compound were washed away.

Similarly, at Kofar-bai, the 89-year-old Malam Bango Altine lost five rooms to the flood, leaving six family members temporarily sheltered by neighbors.

The residence of the Sarkin-Kabin Yabo also had its roof and ceiling severely damaged.

Also the flood in Shagari LGA, which occurred on July 24, impacted more than ten communities, including Lambara, Kambama, Mazoji, Jaredi, Shagari Town, Kajiji, Lokoko, Sanyin-Lawan, and Karoga.

Led by the Local Government Desk Officer, Ibrahim Abubakar, the assessment team reported widespread damage to houses and farmlands. In Illela-Chofal, a large expanse of farmland in Fadamar-Kangi was found to be completely submerged.

The situation in Tureta LG was equally devastating, with over 250 Internally Displaced Persons affected. Led by the Chairman of Tureta LG, Aliyu Abubakar, the assessment covered communities such as Inwala, Shiyar DanDile, and Lambar-Tureta.

The flood, which struck on July 23 and 25, destroyed numerous homes, including the residence of Federal Road Safety Corps officer Salisu Muhammad while two women sustained injuries from a wall collapse, though no fatalities were reported.

At Ala community, a house belonging to Malam Shehu Ala was completely destroyed by the July 23 flood. Preliminary findings identified poor drainage as a key factor behind the flooding in Lambar-Tureta.

Meanwhile, authorities from both SEMA and NEMA say detailed damage reports are being compiled to inform relief interventions and long-term mitigation efforts. Temporary shelters have already been provided in some affected communities, especially for displaced families and IDPs.

The agencies reiterated their commitment to supporting flood victims and working with local councils to prevent future disasters through improved urban planning and drainage infrastructure.

Imo prepare

Also, the Imo State Government, through the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Chika Abazu, held a flood preparedness planning committee meeting with representatives of key disaster management agencies.

Head of NEMA in Imo State, Nnamdi Igwe, said they resolved to form technical sub-committees to handle various components of the preparedness plan, such as logistics, health and sanitation, risk communication, and evacuation planning.

Igwe said key resolutions and action plans from the meeting are to immediately “begin a coordinated public awareness campaign in high-risk LGs, conduct joint assessment in identifying flood-prone areas in communities, preposition emergency supplies and resources across the state, activate Local Emergency Management Committees and ensure regular reporting, and that each intervention agency to submit a tailored contingency plan for harmonisation into the state’s master flood response plan.”

Those at the meeting were representatives from NEMA, Imo SEMA, Imo State Ministries of Environment and Health, National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Red Cross Society, National Inland Waterways Authority, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Local Government Emergency Officers, traditional leaders, and community-based organisations

NEMA had held sensitisation workshop in Owerri with other agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, who have trained divers to rescue trapped people in floods.

Ogun statewide sensitisation

The Ogun SEMA has begun campaign across the state to avert flooding. This move, according to a statement on Sunday, is in response to mitigating against flooding as recently predicted by NiMET.

Some of the places visited include Kuto, Amolasho, Gbangba and other locations in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

Speaking during the sensitisation tour, acting Director, Ogun SEMA, Soji Durojaye, urged residents to take proactive measures against flooding, saying flood-prone communities in the state should be on alert.

Durojaye emphasised that government was committed to safeguarding lives and property, but residents must also play their part by adhering strictly to safety guidelines.

He said, “Indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels and illegal construction on waterways remain major causes of flooding, I am therefore appealing to community leaders and residents to help spread the message of environmental responsibility.

“NIMET had predicted heavy rainfall for the year, which could lead to flash floods in some areas, so, as residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, we are to be vigilant and to consider relocating temporarily if the need arises.”

Durojaye also stressed the need for clearing blocked drainages and planting trees to reduce soil erosion.

He explained that flooding was not only caused by excessive rainfall but also by poor environmental practices adding that “if every household ensures proper waste disposal and clear their surroundings, the impact of flooding will be greatly reduced.”

While assuring residents of the government’s readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies, the OGSEMA director disclosed that emergency response teams had been placed on alert across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

He encouraged residents to report early signs of flooding or erosion to the agency through its dedicated emergency hotline, 112.

n their separate responses, a trader at Kuto, Mrs. Adetutu Mustapha and a resident of Amolasho, Mr. Samuel Adegboyega, appreciated the initiative and promised to adhere to the warnings.

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Plateau killings: Tinubu visits Jos, IG deploys mobile police

Published

5 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, Ogun State, to prioritise a condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, over last Sunday’s attacks that left at least 27 people dead.

The decision comes shortly after President Tinubu met with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday evening, where the governor briefed him on the security situation in the state.

Also, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of Police Mobile Force units and other tactical teams to Plateau State.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday, titled “President Tinubu postpones Ogun trip, heads to Jos as he begins four-state visit.”

The President will now travel to Jos today to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State over the recent attacks in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North.

Onanuga said from Plateau, the President will travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday and, on Saturday, April 4, he will proceed to Ogun State for the inauguration of the Gateway International Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircraft for the export and import of goods.

The President will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles during the Ogun visit.

He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is expected to inaugurate infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

These include the Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building, the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school complex.

The President Tinubu would also visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to inaugurate some completed projects of Governor Douye Diri, including the independent power plant.

Earlier, Mutfwang had told State House correspondents that the President was contemplating a personal visit to the state to commiserate with the people.

“The President commiserates with the entire state, and as a matter of fact, he’s contemplating coming to the state personally to commiserate with the people.

“It’s something that has touched him personally, and he wants to show the people his love and affection for them,” Mutfwang had told State House correspondents.

Tinubu had on Monday strongly condemned the attacks in Jos and in Kahir village, Kaduna State, describing them as “barbaric and cowardly” acts that will not go unpunished.

He also disclosed that he had invited the governor to brief him on the development alongside security chiefs to stop the killings.

Mutfwang arrived at the Villa at approximately 6:45pm on Wednesday.

Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting the President, he said security forces were yet to apprehend any of the attackers responsible for last Sunday’s killings in Angwan Rukuba district.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to lay hands on the attackers yet to know their identities and their motive,” he said.

The governor said that without apprehending the perpetrators, authorities would not be able to determine the actual reasons behind the attack or establish their identities.

“In a crisis of this nature, you can’t reduce it to one reason. It is a mixture of multiple reasons, and sometimes you can only deduce the actual reasons when you are able to get two groups of people, first the victims and then the attackers.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to lay hands on the attackers yet to know their identities and their motive,” he explained.

Mutfwang also revealed that looters attempted to disrupt the fragile peace in Jos on Wednesday morning, hours after the state government relaxed the curfew imposed following the attack.

“We relaxed the curfew this morning from 8am to 3pm, but unfortunately, this morning, there were some looters who tried to disrupt the peace again.

“But I’m glad that the security forces, working together, were able to calm the situation as of noon,” he said.

The governor disclosed that President Tinubu invited him to brief him first-hand on the attack and discuss the way forward.

He said the President had approved certain security measures to be implemented in conjunction with security forces, though he did not specify what these measures entail.

Mutfwang described the attack as an act of criminality, barbaric, and terrorism, insisting it could not be justified under any religion.

He said, “We are seeing this as an act of criminality. It is barbaric. We condemn it.

“It is an act of terrorism, because whatever religion you belong to, it does not give you any basis to come and do the kind of actions that were done on Sunday.”

The governor expressed optimism that the crisis would mark a decisive turning point for proactive security actions in the state.

“What I can assure you is that this has become a decisive turning point that I’m sure going forward we’re going to see more proactive actions,” he stated.

He added that corpses had been evacuated to the mortuary and some families had already buried their dead.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP ordered the deployment of Police Mobile Force units to the state.

Additional deployment, according to the statement, included tactical teams and intelligence operatives working in collaboration with other security agencies to prevent further breakdown of law and order across the state.

“In response to the situation, the Inspector-General of Police had earlier deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Nadada, to Plateau State to assess the security situation, coordinate ongoing operations, and strengthen the existing security architecture,” the statement said.

It added that the IGP had further intensified operations through the deployment of additional mobile police units and other security assets to tackle the ongoing security challenges.

“The Inspector-General of Police states that these actions will continue until normal conditions return.

“He has instructed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities,” the statement added.

The police boss also commiserated with the Plateau State Government, the people of the state, and the families of the victims affected by the attack in Angwan Rukuba.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, warning against taking the law into their own hands.

Earlier on Wednesday, tension remained high as security operatives struggled to restore calm, following the relaxation of the curfew.

Our correspondent reports that the curfew was initially imposed after gunmen attacked residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, leaving at least 28 people dead.

However, the state government eased the curfew earlier imposed on the Jos North Local Government Area following improved security in the area.

The Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, explained that the curfew would run from 7 am to 3 pm daily, effective Wednesday, April 1, to allow residents to attend to their normal activities within the permitted hours.

But on Wednesday morning, hoodlums and an irate mob reportedly attacked many motorists and passersby in different parts of the city, raising fresh fear and panic among residents.

A video of a young man hacked to death by hoodlums on the road leading to the University of Jos permanent site raised tension across the town.

It was further learnt that motorists in the Terminus and Bauchi Road, Gangere areas, had their windscreens smashed by hoodlums.

Some of the most affected areas included the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe, among others.

Banks and schools located in the affected areas were forced to close down operations.

“We are scared to open our shops, we don’t know what might happen. But there is no need for the current tension in Jos.

“The governor has done well by relaxing the curfew in the interest of the people, but it’s very unfortunate how some people can decide to take the law into their hands for no reason, and I think the government should not allow them to have their way.

“The government needs to do more to ensure our safety,” a resident, Joy Bature, who runs a provision shop at the Terminus Market, said

UNIJOS evacuates students

Our correspondent reports that following the disturbances, the University of Jos ordered the evacuation of students from its hostels, citing the worsening security situation.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu.

The statement read, “In view of the general security situation in Jos, and particularly the near chaotic scenarios that unfolded today (Wednesday 1st April 2026), in areas near the university which heightened tensions and threatened the safety of students in the hostels, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Tanko Ishaya, has directed the immediate evacuation of students of the university from the hostels.

“The evacuation is facilitated by HE Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who has provided transport services, fully authorised to carry out the assignment even within the curfew hours.”

Students residing within Jos and its environs were directed to vacate the hostels from 3 pm on Wednesday, while those whose parents or guardians live outside the state are to be evacuated from 8 am on Thursday.

The management assured all that adequate security had been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the institution.

It also urged students and members of the university community to remain calm, adding that further updates would be communicated as necessary.

UNIJOS alumni worried

The University of Jos Alumni Association, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed concern over the recent rise in tension and reported threats affecting students, staff, and the broader university community within Jos North Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Shamaki, the association urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to deploy an enhanced security presence across all University of Jos campuses, student hostels, residential areas, and major access routes.

“We specifically request round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units to ensure that any potential threats are proactively addressed and swiftly neutralised,” Shamaki said.

The association also advised students to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity, prioritising their safety and well-being.

A cross-section of residents who also reacted to the situation called for increased security deployment, particularly around the University of Jos, where students are stranded.

“There’s an urgent need for security deployment to the University of Jos environment, precisely the students’ village hostel.

“We appeal to the security agencies to beam their searchlight around that axis,” said a resident.

Another resident, Ishaku Mark, who lamented the situation, noted, “The Plateau State Government has relaxed the curfew, allowing movement from 7 am to 3 pm daily, effective April 1, 2026, following relative calm in the area after a violent attack that claimed 28 lives.

“What needs to be done is for the residents to maintain peace and not escalate tensions. Those responsible for the renewed tension should be fished out and dealt with.”

When contacted, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not readily available to comment on the situation, but sources at the command headquarters in Jos assured all that security agencies had been deployed to the affected areas and were working to restore calm and maintain law and order”

Fresh curfew announced

In a bid to maintain peace, the chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Emmanuel Mwolpun, imposed a fresh curfew in Mangu metropolis, effective from April 1, 2026, until further notice.

It was learned that the curfew will run from 8pm to 6am, effective on Wednesday, April 1.

The spokesman for the Mwaghavul Development Association in the council area, Friday Derwan, confirmed the development in an interview with The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday.

Derwan said, “Yes, it’s true. There is a curfew in Mangu. It was imposed by the LG chairman in consultation with the security agencies and other stakeholders.

“It is not as if there is any crisis anywhere in the LGA. We felt there was a need to take proactive measures to protect the citizens, given what is happening in Jos and given the past experience of the Mangu LGA.”

A statement later issued on Wednesday by the LGA authority also confirmed the curfew, stating that the move was aimed at ensuring the safety and security of residents and property within the metropolis.

The statement signed by the Director of Press and Publicity to the Chairman, Mangu LGA, Jeremiah Dakahap, read, “Following a careful deliberation with heads of security operatives, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government, Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, has imposed a curfew in Mangu metropolis, effective from April 1st, 2026, until further notice.

“The curfew hours have been set from 8pm (night) to 6 am daily. This measure is taken to ensure the safety and security of residents and property within the metropolis.”

“The Local Government Administration urges all residents to comply with the curfew directive. Members of the public are advised to stay indoors during the curfew hours and cooperate with security personnel on duty.

“The Executive Chairman appeals to residents to go about their daily activities peacefully and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

“This curfew is imposed in the interest of public safety and security.”

NYSC suspends clearance

The National Youth Service Corps on Wednesday suspended the ongoing biometric clearance across all local government areas in Plateau State.

The suspension, approved by the NYSC Director General, affected all the LGAs in the state.

According to a statement signed by the NYSC state coordinator, J. Yavala, the suspension was due to security concerns.

The statement assured that clearances done for April remained valid, adding that the exercise would resume as soon as normalcy returned to the state.

It advised corps members to stay indoors and stay safe.

Lawyers demand tougher action

The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum called for stricter penalties against commercial motorcycle operators who violate the ban on their activities within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman, Ledak D. Dafer and Secretary, Dr D.N. Dashe, strongly condemned the killings and urged the state government to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

The lawyers called on the government to identify, arrest and prosecute the attackers and anyone found to have sponsored the assault.

They also demanded an investigation into what they described as a delayed response by the police, noting that security formations were located close to the scene of the incident.

“The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum has found it imperative to unequivocally condemn the dastardly and mindless killings of defenceless residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, by armed criminals,” the statement said.

The forum urged the Plateau State Government to strictly enforce the existing ban on commercial motorcycles across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis without exception.

Police arrest fake soldier

Operatives of the Plateau State Police Command arrested a fake soldier in the state capital.

It was learnt that the suspect was immediately taken to the police headquarters in Jos to be paraded by the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.

In a statement confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, invited members of the press to cover the event, stating that the arrest was made in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North LGA of the state, still reeling from a recent deadly attack that claimed 28 lives.

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Alleged coup: Families of detained officers protest at N’Assembly

Published

5 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.

The visibly distraught protesters gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moving in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”

Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.

Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lt Col Mohammed Almakura, said, “Please don’t kill our daddy. We want justice for him.

“Since he was arrested by the government, our lives have not been the same again. My mummy cries every day. I really miss him so much.”

Nine-year-old Ibrahim Bala, son of Major Bala, also expressed deep longing for his father.

“Let the government bring my daddy back safely.”

The last time I saw him was nine months ago. I really miss him. He used to teach me things about school and how children should behave towards adults.

“I’m in primary four. But I last saw him about six months ago. Our house has been lonely without him. I also miss him because nobody used to take me out as he used to do before,” he said.

Four-year-old Fatima Yusuf, daughter of Wing Commander Yusuf, made an emotional plea to the nation’s leadership.

She said, “I want to beg the President and our First Lady to bring my daddy safely back. Since he left, I have no one to play with. He always helped me to learn things I didn’t know and took me out.”

Eleven-year-old Nana Aisha Usman urged the authorities to either release the detained officers or charge them in court.

“Please help us beg the government to release my daddy or take him to court. He and other people locked up deserve justice. Since he was taken away, the house is empty without his presence.

“If he is at home, he takes me to the shop and buys things for me. Any time I bring my assignments, he is always happy to help me with them. I don’t think my dad is a bad person. He never meant harm to anybody. I want the government to help us investigate and free him.”

One of the spouses, Nana Ibrahim, described the circumstances surrounding the arrests and continued detention as questionable.

She said, “The whole coup allegation and arrest are shady. Investigations and statements have been conducted for over six months.

“Yet, they have been denied access to their families and lawyers. If they have any evidence about their involvement, they should come out with it boldly with their chest.

“They should let the world know how many people are indicted or in detention and charge them in court. That is all we are asking.

“After all, they have announced that they have concluded their water-tight investigation and evidence. So, why the delay? They should take them to court and come out with the evidence.

“We want an open trial where everybody will listen to the charges and defend themselves. If they can prove themselves beyond a reasonable doubt, they should be set free. Enough is enough!”

The protest comes about a month after families of the detained officers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant them access to their husbands and ensure they are either released or arraigned before a court of law.

The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.

The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.

At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.

They appealed directly to the President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene, stressing that their demand was not for favours but for adherence to constitutional provisions.

The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.

However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.

According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.

Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, and Maj M. A. Usman.

Others are Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.

The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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News

El-Rufai returns to ICPC custody

Published

1 day ago

April 1, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been returned to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai, who left custody on March 27, 2026, following the death of his mother, was re-arraigned on Tuesday.

Earlier, the court had adjourned his application for bail till March 31, 2026.

But, on Tuesday, he first appeared at the Kaduna State High Court for a separate charge filed against him by the ICPC.

The absence of the second defendant stalled the hearing, which was then adjourned to 10 April 2026.

Subsequently, he was taken to the Federal High Court, Kaduna, which was scheduled to hear his application for bail today, Wednesday.

Shortly after the court’s proceedings, the former governor was returned to the ICPC custody pending the continuation of his trial on Wednesday.

Daily Trust reports that the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was taken to the court amid tight security, less than 24 hours after he received dignitaries over the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai.

Confirming the adjournment of the bail application to one of our correspondents on Tuesday, El-Rufai’s Counsel, Upong Akpan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the hearing on the bail application would determine his client’s fate temporarily.

Akpan, who did not go into details, expressed confidence that the former governor would regain his freedom in due time.

“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he told Daily Trust.

Charges against El-Rufai

El-Rufai is standing trial before the Federal High Court on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

The charges include: alleged unlawful receipt of about N289.8 million as severance allowance above-entitled benefits; alleged receipt of $320,800 through multiple deposits into a domiciliary account; alleged receipt of $155,800 and $305,300 from separate individuals; and alleged receipt of smaller dollar deposits from different persons at various times.

He denied all allegations levelled against him.

What happened in court

In the court, the Defence Counsel filed a motion, urging the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself from the case on grounds of alleged bias and a pending petition.

However, another motion was subsequently filed to withdraw the earlier request seeking the judge’s recusal.

The prosecution also filed a counter-affidavit opposing the bail application, which contributed to the adjournment.

Earlier, El-Rufai, who was arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo before Justice Darious Khobo on separate charges, was scheduled to be docked alongside his co-defendant, one Amadu Sule, but the latter was absent in Court over reported ill-health.

Specifically, ICPC said the duo were being arraigned over allegations that border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.

It was gathered that the case, with charge number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, was adjourned to April 10, 2026, for further hearing. The anti-graft agency had earlier explained that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026.

Specifically, armed personnel of the police, DSS and Kaduna State Vigilance Service were deployed to strategic locations, while major roads, including Ali Akilu Road, witnessed heavy traffic due to movement restrictions.

Journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, as the prosecuting counsel, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, declined to speak to the media.

Similarly, the Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), also declined to comment at the State High Court.

The spokesman of the ICPC, John Odey, could not be reached last night when contacted, as calls to his mobile phone did not connect.

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