Category: News

A suspected gun runner has allegedly disappeared after collecting ₦95 million from a notorious bandit leader in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, promising to procure and deliver firearms.

The allegation was made by the member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu, popularly known as General. According to him, the suspect received the money to supply sophisticated weapons but fled with the entire amount and has not been seen since.

Hon. Aliyu disclosed the incident during an interview with NTA Hausa, as reported by News Century TV.

The lawmaker said the development comes amid rising security concerns in the Matazu axis, linking it to reports that a feared bandit leader, Kachalla Maha, recently withdrew from local peace agreements.

According to him, since abandoning the truce, the bandit kingpin has allegedly imposed heavy livestock levies on several communities, worsening insecurity and placing additional pressure on residents.

The incident underscores the volatile nature of criminal networks involved in illegal arms trafficking and the growing security challenges confronting parts of Katsina State.

In a separate development, more than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were reportedly killed during an intelligence-led security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), with support from members of the Katsina State Community Vigilante and specially trained local hunters.

The operation was reportedly launched to thwart a planned reprisal attack on communities in the area, although security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the reported casualties.

The Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation (FTGMF) has called on civil society organisations, human rights groups, faith-based organisations, professional bodies, youth groups, community leaders, the media, and all Nigerians of conscience to unite in the fight against jungle justice following the gruesome mob killing of 25-year-old University of Jos student and model, Ibrahim Mbaya.

In a statement titled “Civil Society Action Alert No. 001: Justice for Ibrahim Mbaya – A Collective Call to End Jungle Justice in Plateau State,” signed by the Foundation’s Programme Manager, Bright Habila, the organisation described Ibrahim’s death as a tragic reminder of the growing culture of mob violence and the urgent need for collective action to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.

The Foundation expressed profound sorrow over the killing, stating that Ibrahim was more than another victim whose name would eventually disappear from public attention. According to FTGMF, he was a son, brother, friend, student, and a young man with enormous potential whose future was cut short by an act of lawlessness.

The Foundation noted that Ibrahim’s family is now left with the painful burden of burying a loved one whose life had barely begun, stressing that no parent should experience such a cruel and senseless loss.

Beyond the brutality of the attack, FTGMF lamented what it described as society’s disturbing response to the incident. It observed that as videos of the attack circulated online, many bystanders chose to record the violence instead of intervening or calling for restraint.

According to the Foundation, the tragedy extends beyond the death of one young man, reflecting a worrying decline in society’s collective humanity.

“A society where more people reach for their phones than step forward to protect a life is a society in urgent need of moral renewal,” the statement read.

The Foundation explained that Ibrahim Mbaya’s death resonates deeply with its mission because it was established following the mob lynching of Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan in September 2023. It said members of the Foundation understand the emotional devastation, unanswered questions, and lifelong trauma that accompany such tragedies, making it impossible to accept jungle justice as a normal occurrence.

FTGMF stressed that every new case of mob violence reopens painful wounds for families who have suffered similar losses and warned that unless decisive action is taken, more innocent lives will be lost.

The organisation strongly condemned Ibrahim’s killing and called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to carry out a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. It urged security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute everyone involved while keeping the public regularly informed of the progress of the investigation.

According to the Foundation, justice must neither be delayed nor allowed to fade into another unresolved statistic.

While demanding accountability, FTGMF emphasized that preventing mob violence must become a national priority rather than reacting only after lives have been lost. It advocated community-based education aimed at helping citizens identify escalating conflicts, de-escalate tensions, discourage mob actions, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure suspects are handed over to lawful authorities instead of being subjected to violence.

The Foundation highlighted its community engagement efforts, including the SCOHAHA Mob De-escalation Model, through which it intends to work with communities and partner organisations to strengthen peaceful conflict resolution and prevent future incidents.

It noted that every individual trained in violence de-escalation represents another opportunity to save lives.

Recognising that the challenge cannot be addressed by one organisation alone, FTGMF appealed for sustained collaboration among civil society organisations, human rights defenders, faith-based organisations, professional associations, student bodies, and justice advocates across the country.

The Foundation identified two major areas for collaboration. The first is public education through joint advocacy campaigns, community sensitisation, dialogue sessions, youth engagement programmes, and de-escalation training to rebuild a culture that respects human life and rejects mob violence.

The second is ensuring that justice for Ibrahim Mbaya does not lose momentum after public attention fades. FTGMF pledged to continue monitoring the case and engaging relevant authorities until justice is achieved, while inviting civil society groups, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates to join in ensuring that every perpetrator is identified, prosecuted, and held accountable in accordance with the law.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice and accountability, the Foundation concluded that citizens must refuse to look away whenever human life is threatened.

“Ibrahim Mbaya deserves justice. His family deserves answers. Our society deserves better,” the statement declared.

FTGMF urged Nigerians to allow Ibrahim’s death to become a turning point in the campaign against jungle justice, calling for renewed commitment to the rule of law, protection of human dignity, and the preservation of every human life.

The statement was signed by Bright Habila, Programme Manager of the Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation (FTGMF), headquartered at Suite 26, Pench Plaza, Tudun Wada, Jos, Plateau State.

The Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to appreciate the State Director, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, for delivering the keynote address at the association’s recently concluded 2026 World Social Media Day celebration.

The delegation, led by the association’s General Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, was received by the NOA management team at the agency’s state office in Jos.

Speaking during the visit, Kallamu described the meeting as a “thank-you visit” on behalf of the association’s Chairman, Mr. Matthew Tegha, who was unavoidably absent.

He explained that PLABOMA, established in 2020 with 15 pioneer members under its first Chairman, Friday Bako, has grown into a professional association of more than 30 bloggers and online media practitioners committed to promoting responsible digital journalism.

Kallamu expressed gratitude to Pam-Hworo for accepting the association’s invitation at short notice and for delivering what he described as an insightful keynote address during the 2026 World Social Media Day celebration held at the Usiju World Event Centre.

According to him, the State Director’s presentation enriched the event and reinforced the importance of responsible information dissemination in the digital age.

“We are here to appreciate you for honouring our invitation and for the support you continue to give in promoting accurate, timely and responsible information to the public,” Kallamu said.

He also commended the National Orientation Agency for its sustained public enlightenment campaigns across Plateau State, recalling the agency’s active role during the 2024 local government elections.

Kallamu noted that PLABOMA and the NOA share a common responsibility of providing credible information to the public and pledged the association’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the agency in combating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

Responding, the Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, thanked the association for the visit, describing the gesture as thoughtful and encouraging.

She noted that although the association’s Chairman was unable to attend, his consistent communication ahead of the visit reflected the cordial relationship between both organizations.

Pam-Hworo reflected on the evolution of information dissemination, recalling a time when journalists manually wrote reports and transmitted them through fax machines before the rise of digital media.

She acknowledged that social media and online journalism have transformed communication by enabling information to reach audiences almost instantly.

While commending the rapid growth of new media, she cautioned practitioners against sacrificing accuracy for speed, stressing that every report should be thoroughly verified before publication.

She cited the circulation of false information regarding the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as an example of how misinformation can mislead the public if left unchecked, noting that the report was promptly verified and debunked through the appropriate authorities.

“Be careful with the kind of news you publish. Verify your stories and avoid spreading fake news. Your reports should unite the country, not divide it,” she advised.

Pam-Hworo urged bloggers and online publishers to uphold professional ethics by reporting factual, balanced, and credible stories capable of strengthening public confidence in the media.

She assured PLABOMA of the agency’s continued support, emphasizing that the NOA remains committed to working closely with online media practitioners to promote civic education, public awareness, and national development.

The State Director further explained that the agency’s mandate extends beyond civic education to include public health campaigns, climate awareness, anti-human trafficking initiatives, and other national advocacy programmes.

She expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the NOA and PLABOMA would enhance the dissemination of credible information and contribute significantly to combating fake news across Plateau State.

The visit concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to continuing their partnership to promote responsible journalism, public enlightenment, and the dissemination of accurate information across the state.

By 4wardwego News

Coffee enthusiasts, farmers, marketers, lovers, and other stakeholders gathered at the Jos Coffee Hangout held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Secretariat Junction (Under Bridge), Jos, where Lingzhi Global renewed its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s coffee industry through awareness, job creation, and economic empowerment.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Lingzhi Global, Mrs. Nanman Blessing, said the initiative was organized to educate Nigerians on the enormous opportunities available across the coffee value chain. She noted that widespread misconceptions about coffee had deprived many farmers and entrepreneurs of economic opportunities, leading to lost revenue and abandoned coffee farms.

According to her, the Coffee Hangout is designed to enlighten the public on opportunities in coffee farming, processing, roasting, barista services, marketing, and distribution, while creating employment, empowering young people, and promoting community development.

Mrs. Blessing explained that Lingzhi coffee is specially infused to promote wellness while encouraging healthy coffee consumption. She added that increased coffee consumption would stimulate production, improve farmers’ incomes, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

She disclosed that Lingzhi Global has served over 20 million cups of coffee in less than one year, increased its workforce from about 50 to over 100 employees, and established a nationwide distribution network involving thousands of distributors. She further assured coffee farmers that the company has created a reliable market for their produce, eliminating the challenge of unsold harvests.

Mrs. Blessing called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to embrace the coffee industry as a sustainable source of employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic prosperity.

Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Plateau State Road Maintenance Agency, Engr. Luka Davou, described the Jos Lingzhi Coffee Hangout as a visionary initiative capable of transforming Nigeria’s coffee sector. He commended Mrs. Blessing for championing the movement and expressed optimism that Lingzhi coffee would soon become a household brand across the country.

Engr. Davou encouraged young people and farmers to invest in coffee cultivation, describing it as a profitable long-term venture that provides steady returns after establishment while reducing the recurring production costs associated with seasonal crops. He noted that expanding coffee farming would create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to economic development.

Sharing her experience, coffee farmer Mrs. Margaret Ishaku Fei said the coffee business in Plateau State has experienced a remarkable revival since Lingzhi Global hosted its Coffee Festival in the state. She recalled that farmers previously struggled to find buyers, forcing many to abandon or cut down their coffee plantations.

According to her, the situation has changed significantly, as buyers are now actively seeking coffee, resulting in improved incomes for farmers and renewed confidence in coffee production.

The Jos Coffee Hangout served as an interactive platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s coffee industry, encourage investment across the value chain, and strengthen collaboration aimed at positioning Plateau State as a leading coffee production hub in the country. Organizers expressed optimism that sustained awareness campaigns would further increase coffee consumption, create employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across Nigeria.