A Grade A Customary Court sitting at Mapo in Ibadan, Oyo State, has heard a divorce case involving a pastor, Abayomi, and his wife of 25 years, Abosede, following allegations of infidelity and persistent marital conflicts.
Abayomi approached the court seeking the dissolution of the marriage, accusing his wife of being aggressive, troublesome and constantly engaging him in fights. He told the court that he had never enjoyed peace of mind throughout their 25-year union.
According to him, disagreements were frequent as both of them hardly saw eye to eye on issues. He alleged that his wife often created tension in the home through her behaviour and claimed that relatives, friends and fellow pastors had repeatedly intervened to settle their disputes without success.
Abayomi further alleged that Abosede sometimes bit him during fights and on several occasions locked him out of their house. He added that the last incident occurred after an argument when she allegedly attacked him and refused him entry into the house, forcing them to live separately since then.
He told the court that their relationship had broken down irretrievably and asked that the marriage be dissolved.
However, Abosede, while agreeing to the divorce, gave a different account of the breakdown of the marriage. She said their relationship was initially peaceful until her husband allegedly impregnated a young female member of his church.
She told the court that she was shocked when she discovered the pregnancy, which triggered serious disagreements between them.
Abosede explained that she had accepted Abayomi’s marriage proposal partly because he was a pastor, believing it would bring stability to their home. She said they had both a traditional wedding and a church ceremony and were issued a marriage certificate by the church.
She alleged that after the incident, her husband neglected her and showed little concern for her well-being, even when she was ill. She also denied ever locking him out of the house, claiming instead that he moved in with the woman after she gave birth to his child.
According to her, several attempts by relatives, friends and Abayomi’s co-pastors to reconcile them failed because he had already expressed his intention to end the marriage.
President of the court, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case for judgment.
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) hosted a high-level delegation from the World Bank Group as part of an assessment visit to ongoing water, sanitation and hygiene interventions being implemented in Plateau State under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.
The delegation, led by the Global Director for Water at the World Bank, Saroji Kumar Jha, and the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, visited the state to review progress made in the sanitation and hygiene sector and to formally witness the handover of sanitation facilities constructed under the programme.
Speaking during the visit, the Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya stated that the ongoing fight against open defecation in Plateau State is based on a standing mandate given by the State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, directing the agency to take deliberate and practical steps toward ending open defecation across the state through sustained social and behavioural change campaigns, promotion of household toilet construction and use, and inclusive sanitation interventions that ensure vulnerable members of society are not left behind.
The Director General explained that the Governor’s political will has continued to guide sanitation reforms in the state and has strengthened the implementation of the SURWASH Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative being carried out in selected states across Nigeria, with Plateau State among the participating states due to its demonstrated commitment to improving water, sanitation and hygiene services.
As part of the activities reviewed during the visit, PEPSA presented progress recorded in community-led sanitation efforts in Jos South Local Government Area, where more than 200 household toilets have been constructed or upgraded in eight communities through behaviour-change campaigns and community participation.
Under the Institutional WASH component of the programme, the agency has also constructed 27 sanitation facilities in schools and primary healthcare centres to provide safer and more hygienic environments for pupils, patients and residents.
The World Bank delegation expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded so far and commended the Plateau State Government for the commitment shown toward achieving improved sanitation outcomes.
PEPSA noted that while Nigeria’s national target for ending open defecation is 2030, the Plateau State Government has set a more ambitious target of 2028, with officials expressing confidence that the goal is achievable with sustained government support, continued partnership with the World Bank, and active participation from communities.
PEPSA added that the formal handover of the sanitation facilities and the positive feedback from the assessment visit serve as encouragement to sustain ongoing efforts aimed at protecting public health, restoring environmental dignity, and ensuring that Plateau State becomes one of the leading states in Nigeria to end open defecation.
The Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony has stepped up efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence in the state through a series of advocacy visits to key traditional and religious leaders.
The delegation on Thursday, March 12, 2026, visited the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos as well as leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), seeking collaboration in addressing recurring security and communal tensions across Plateau State.
During the visit to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, emphasized that lasting peace on the Plateau can only be achieved through sincere dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among religious and community leaders.
The paramount ruler noted that both Christianity and Islam worship the same Creator and therefore should not allow differences in faith to become a source of conflict.
According to him, many crises experienced in the state are often driven by political interests rather than genuine religious differences.
He urged clerics and community leaders to be cautious in their messages and avoid statements capable of inciting division among residents.
The monarch stressed the need for unity, love and understanding among Plateau citizens, adding that leaders must take collective responsibility for promoting peace and stability in the state.
Co-Chairman of the council, His Royal Highness Muhammad Sambo Haruna, explained that the visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos was to seek royal blessings and guidance for the council’s peacebuilding mandate.
Haruna said the council, established by the Plateau State Government, has been actively engaging communities and stakeholders following recent crises in parts of the state.
He observed that Christians and Muslims have lived peacefully together for generations and must resist narratives that seek to divide them.
The Emir also urged community leaders to act as the council’s “eyes and ears” by encouraging dialogue and promptly addressing issues that could escalate into violence.
Speaking during the engagement, the council’s Co-Chairman, Rt. Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat, stressed the importance of unity and shared responsibility among religious and traditional leaders in sustaining peace in Plateau State.
Yamsat explained that the council was established to strengthen peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims and ensure that Plateau remains a safe and welcoming home for all residents.
He noted that the council comprises respected representatives from both faith communities who are committed to fostering understanding and reconciliation.
According to him, the advocacy visits were aimed at introducing the council’s mission and encouraging religious leaders to actively support peacebuilding efforts.
Yamsat urged clerics to remember their influence within society and to ensure that their teachings reflect the principles of peace, unity and tolerance.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Plateau State, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, welcomed the council’s delegation and expressed optimism that the initiative could help restore harmony across communities.
Gomwalk noted that the composition of the council includes respected Christian and Muslim leaders with a genuine commitment to building bridges between faith groups.
He added that many Plateau residents already live peacefully as friends and neighbours across religious lines, stressing that such relationships should serve as the foundation for rebuilding trust and unity.
Also speaking, Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Salim Sale, said genuine peace requires honesty, justice and commitment from all stakeholders.
Citing the Qur’an, he noted that taking an innocent life is equivalent to killing all humanity, emphasizing that violence in the name of religion contradicts the true teachings of faith.
Sale called on religious leaders to work sincerely toward reconciliation and also advocated greater inclusiveness in governance to address feelings of marginalization among communities.
He acknowledged that previous efforts at sustaining peace had faced challenges but said there was now a renewed opportunity to chart a new path through dialogue and cooperation.
Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Julie G. Sanda, commended the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening interfaith collaboration in the state.
Sanda noted that the council had earlier visited the Gbong Gwom Jos and the Christian Association of Nigeria as part of its outreach to religious institutions.
She expressed optimism that renewed cooperation between Christian and Muslim leaders would reinforce ongoing peacebuilding initiatives and help restore Plateau State’s long-standing reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
Also speaking, Ambassador Abdullahi Shehu, representing Jama’atu Nasril Islam, urged the council to clearly articulate its framework, mandate and achievements in promoting peace.
He stressed that peace cannot simply be proclaimed but must be achieved through deliberate action, sincerity and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Shehu assured the council of JNI’s readiness to partner with other groups to advance lasting harmony across Plateau State.
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has announced an adjustment to the timetable for the 2026 Local Government Elections, extending the period for political parties to conduct their primaries.
In a press release issued on March 12, 2026, the commission said the changes became necessary following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to PLASIEC, political parties will now conduct their primaries from March 7 to April 7, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of March 12, 2026.
The revised timetable indicates that political parties will collect nomination forms between April 8 and April 10, while submission of completed forms to the commission will take place from April 13 to April 17, 2026.
PLASIEC will publish the personal particulars of candidates on April 20, followed by the screening of chairmanship candidates and their running mates from April 22 to April 25. Screening of councillorship candidates will hold from April 26 to April 30.
The list of qualified candidates will be released on May 20, with appeals by aggrieved aspirants scheduled for May 21 and hearings on May 22. The final list of nominated candidates will be published on June 8, while political campaigns will officially begin on June 9, 2026.
Other activities remain unchanged, including the publication of the official register of voters on July 21, submission of polling agents by political parties on August 12, and publication of the Notice of Poll on August 17.
Campaigns will end at midnight on September 7, ahead of the local government elections slated for September 9, 2026, across the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
PLASIEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections and urged political parties to strictly comply with the revised timetable and guidelines.
The Plateau State Chapter of the (APC) has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Governor of Plateau State, , as he marks his 61st birthday.
In a message issued in Jos, the APC State Chairman, , conveyed the party’s congratulations on behalf of its executives and members across the state.
Bature said the party joins well-wishers in celebrating the governor on the occasion, while praying for his continued good health, strength, and wisdom in the service of the state.
According to him, the party stands in unity with the governor as he celebrates the milestone and expressed hope that the administration will continue to focus on initiatives that promote the development and progress of Plateau State.
“We wish you long life, good health, and divine wisdom to pilot the affairs of our dear Plateau State to greater heights,” Bature said in the statement.
The on Wednesday amended Section 77 of the recently assented to impose stricter penalties on individuals who maintain membership in more than one political party at the same time.
Under the amendment, offenders risk a fine of N10 million, two years’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
The decision was taken during the Committee of the Whole session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, , where lawmakers introduced three new clauses, 8, 9, and 10, into Section 77 of the Act. The clauses were adopted after a heated debate among members of the House.
According to the amendment, any individual discovered to be registered as a member of more than one political party simultaneously will have such memberships declared void.
Clause 8 states that no person shall be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.
Clause 9 provides that where it is established that a person holds membership in multiple political parties simultaneously, the dual membership will be invalidated, and the individual will cease to be recognised as a legitimate member of any political party until the situation is regularised in line with the provisions of the Act and the constitution of the concerned party.
Clause 10 further stipulates that any person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party commits an offence, punishable upon conviction by a fine of N10 million, imprisonment for two years, or both.
The amendment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework and promoting discipline within the country’s political party system.
Nigerian gospel artist Kate Miri has released a new worship song and music video titled “A Wurinka,” which means “In Your Presence.” The song carries a powerful message about finding peace, hope, and strength in God’s presence, especially during challenging times in Nigeria and around the world.
Through heartfelt lyrics and a spiritually uplifting sound, “A Wurinka” encourages listeners to bring their worries and burdens before God and experience comfort and renewal through worship. The music video visually reflects the song’s message, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reflection.
With this release, Kate Miri continues her mission of inspiring faith and encouraging people through gospel music. The official music video for “A Wurinka” is now available
Popular Nigerian music producer and entrepreneur, Gabriel Hodus, widely known as Elmore and nicknamed the “Mayor of Jos,” has officially declared his intention to contest for the Jos North/West constituency seat in the Plateau State House of Assembly under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to posts circulating on Facebook, Hodus made the declaration in what he described as “a clarion call for Jos North-West Constituency,” signaling his move from entertainment and business into active politics. 
Elmore is known in Plateau’s entertainment and creative industry as the CEO of BED Music Africa, where he has been involved in developing and promoting local talents and supporting the growth of the music industry in the state. 
His declaration has begun attracting attention among supporters and political observers in Jos, as many see his candidacy as an attempt to bring youthful leadership, creative industry experience, and grassroots engagement into the Plateau State legislative space.
If elected, he would represent the Jos North-West constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, one of the constituencies in the Plateau legislature responsible for lawmaking and constituency representation. 
The government of has expressed readiness to support in its fight against terrorism, describing the West African nation as a partner confronting similar security threats.
The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, , disclosed this in an interview with while commenting on Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges and the activities of insurgent groups operating in parts of the country.
According to the ambassador, Iran strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and is open to cooperating with countries battling insurgency.
“Iran condemns terrorism of any kind and expresses readiness to cooperate with governments facing it,” Raja said.
He noted that Nigeria continues to face serious security threats from extremist groups such as and the .
“Nigeria faces security challenges from Boko Haram and ISWAP, and we are ready to support the government in combating terrorism,” he stated.
Raja added that Iran’s position is shaped by its own experience with terrorist attacks, noting that the country has also been a victim of terrorism.
“As a victim of terrorism ourselves, we condemn terrorism in Nigeria,” he said.
The ambassador further emphasized the importance of international collaboration among countries confronting similar threats, stressing that such cooperation is essential to tackling global terrorism and strengthening security efforts.
The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State, describing the claims as misleading and based on unverified information.
The reaction followed a report by Sahara Reporters which alleged that the military suffered heavy casualties during coordinated attacks on several communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the publication presented a distorted account of the incident and failed to acknowledge the efforts of troops who defended communities against the assaults.
According to the army, the attacks were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained military offensives.
“The attacks on multiple communities occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained offensive operations by troops, regrouped and launched coordinated night attacks from multiple directions,” the statement said.
The military said the attackers targeted communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
It explained that troops responded swiftly to the attacks and engaged the insurgents in fierce battles to protect residents and secure the affected areas.
“The troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the statement added.
While confirming that a commanding officer and some soldiers lost their lives during the confrontation, the army said several terrorists were neutralised in the exchange of gunfire.
“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing further devastation on other communities,” the statement noted.
The army also rejected claims that its troops were overwhelmed during the incident, insisting that the soldiers maintained control while engaging the attackers from different fronts.
“It is important to note that the troops were not overrun as portrayed in the report. Rather, they engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts in a determined effort to protect innocent civilians and restore normalcy,” the statement said.
According to the military, the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire during the night assault, which also resulted in civilian casualties after residents were caught in the crossfire.
The statement further disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and boost the morale of troops.
During the visit, the army chief directed the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to intensify ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The army added that coordinated ground and air offensives are currently underway to track down the attackers, dismantle their regrouping elements and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.
It urged members of the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops, assuring Nigerians that military operations against terrorist groups would continue until they are completely neutralised.
