Category: News

The Riyom APC Youth Council has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Dalyop Fom Chollom, for continuity in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced during a press conference held on Tuesday, where the group said its decision followed extensive consultations with party elders, stakeholders, youths, women groups, and community leaders across Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Chairman of the Riyom APC Youth Council, Comrade Pam Nuhu Daniel, alongside the Secretary, Comrade Patience Shishang Chaimang, declared total support for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term, citing what they described as bold economic reforms and strategic efforts aimed at repositioning Nigeria.

The youth council also endorsed Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo for a second term in office, commending the Plateau State administration for achievements in infrastructure, peacebuilding, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, and youth engagement.

According to the council, the Mutfwang administration has demonstrated commitment toward rebuilding Plateau State despite prevailing economic and security challenges.

On the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency seat, the council threw its weight behind Hon. Engr. Dalyop Fom Chollom for a second term in the House of Representatives.

The group said its decision was in line with resolutions reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Jonggrand Hotel, Bukuru, on April 28, 2026, where political leaders from Riyom and Barkin Ladi reportedly agreed that Barkin Ladi should retain the House of Representatives seat in 2027, while Riyom would take its turn from 2031 to 2039.

The council described Hon. Dalyop Fom Chollom as a performing lawmaker who has demonstrated accessibility, effective representation, youth empowerment, healthcare support, and commitment to constituency development.

They argued that returning an experienced lawmaker would strengthen representation, attract more federal projects, and sustain ongoing empowerment programmes across the constituency.

The Riyom APC Youth Council also called on all political actors, youths, elders, and stakeholders within the constituency to remain united and avoid divisive politics capable of threatening the peace and political harmony between Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs.

The group further condemned the recent attacks in communities including Rim, Jol, Bachit, Fan, and Nding in Riyom and parts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, describing the killings and destruction of property as barbaric and unacceptable.

They urged security agencies to intensify efforts toward apprehending perpetrators of the attacks while appealing to youths not to take the law into their hands.

No fewer than 13 persons, including three pregnant women and several children, have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected gunmen on Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, leaving many residents injured and forcing others to flee for safety.

Residents said the assailants invaded the community at about 2:00 a.m., shooting indiscriminately before attacking victims with machetes and other dangerous weapons.

A resident, Philip Alanga, said the attackers moved from house to house, targeting innocent villagers and causing widespread panic.

“They came into the community around midnight and started shooting and hacking people to death. They moved from one house to another, attacking innocent people,” he said.

Another resident, Chigoji Rocku, disclosed that three pregnant women were among those killed during the attack.

The Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Danjuma Auta, confirmed the incident and described the killings as tragic and condemnable.

Auta lamented the recurring attacks on communities in Bassa Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State, urging security agencies to strengthen surveillance and provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities.

He also called on security operatives to arrest those behind the attack and ensure they are brought to justice to prevent further bloodshed.

Also reacting to the incident, Asama condemned the killings, describing them as horrific, inhuman, and unacceptable.

According to him, the continued targeting of defenseless citizens by terrorists represents a serious threat to peace, security, and the collective conscience of society.

He stressed that repeated acts of violence against peaceful communities in Plateau State must be brought to an end.

As of the time of filing this report, a mass burial has been conducted for the victims, while those injured are receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

The Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the attack as of press time.

Journalists and media professionals from across Plateau State have concluded a three-day intensive Media for Peace workshop organized under the Peacecore Project implemented by GIZ Nigeria at Crispan Suites and Hotel, Jos.

The workshop, which marked the Second Cohort of the Media for Peace training, focused on conflict-sensitive reporting, communication development and peacebuilding, artificial intelligence, and the use of fact-checking tools in journalism practice.

Speaking during the training, Susan Gopuk of GIZ Nigeria highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and livelihoods support in Nigeria. She explained that GIZ, a German agency for international cooperation funded mainly by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, operates in over 120 countries and has maintained a presence in Nigeria for 51 years with more than 30 projects nationwide.

According to her, the Peacecore Project currently operates in Kaduna, Plateau, and Taraba states in collaboration with governments, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and international partners. She noted that while the project’s first phase focused on strengthening peacebuilding and conflict resolution between farmers and herders, the second phase now emphasizes conflict transformation and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable groups including women, youth, children, internally displaced persons, farmers, herders, and persons living with disabilities.

Susan stressed that gender equality remains central to the project, with deliberate efforts aimed at improving women’s access to rights, representation, and resources. She also highlighted interventions in dialogue, mental health support, youth engagement, climate-smart livelihoods, and infrastructure development.

She further emphasized the role of the media in promoting peace and countering hate speech, misinformation, and divisive narratives, especially in fragile communities like Plateau State.

One of the resource persons, Lady Irene David-Irene, delivered a presentation on Communication Development and Peace Building, where she underscored the influence journalists and media professionals wield in shaping public perception and social cohesion.

She warned that every action or inaction by journalists carries consequences, particularly in conflict-prone societies where reports can either promote peace or escalate tensions. She identified misinformation, sensationalism, hate speech, and biased reporting as key issues threatening peace and stability.

Lady Irene urged participants to embrace ethical, balanced, and conflict-sensitive journalism capable of fostering dialogue, unity, and mutual understanding within communities.

Thaddeus Yilmen said the sessions refreshed journalists on the ethics, responsibilities, and expectations of the profession, particularly the “do’s and don’ts” of responsible reporting. He called for more regular trainings to enable more media practitioners to benefit and contribute to peace-focused journalism.

Similarly, Tongnaan Bawa appreciated the organizers and facilitators for what she described as a valuable and enlightening experience. She assured that participants would apply the knowledge gained and continue promoting responsible journalism and peaceful narratives in their respective platforms.

The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by GIZ through the Peacecore Project to strengthen peace-focused communication, counter misinformation, and build the capacity of journalists and young people as advocates for peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention in Nigeria.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies in a fresh push to rehabilitate and expand the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, both of which have been inactive for several months.

The agreement, sealed on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City, China, was executed by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, , alongside senior officials of the partner firms. The deal marks a renewed effort to restore Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.

NNPC said the partnership will tackle longstanding technical and operational issues that have limited the efficiency of the refineries. The scope of work includes completing pending rehabilitation projects, as well as overseeing the operation and long-term maintenance of the facilities to ensure sustainable performance.

In addition to restoring production, the agreement outlines plans to upgrade infrastructure, improve product quality, increase output, and enhance profitability. It also extends to expanding petrochemical capabilities and unlocking opportunities within Nigeria’s gas and downstream sectors.

The national oil company noted that the collaboration could pave the way for the development of integrated industrial hubs around the refineries, where petrochemical and gas-based industries can operate in synergy—transforming the facilities into broader engines of industrial growth.

Ojulari described the MoU as a significant milestone following months of negotiations, emphasizing the importance of engaging technically competent and financially capable partners to prevent a recurrence of past inefficiencies.

The deal comes after prolonged shutdowns of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, which were taken offline on May 24, 2025, for maintenance initially expected to last only weeks. However, deeper structural and financial challenges later discovered extended the downtime.

By February 2026, NNPC disclosed that the refineries had been operating at substantial losses prior to their closure, raising concerns about their long-term viability without major reforms.

Despite setbacks, including a previously reported $1.5 billion rehabilitation effort on the Port Harcourt refinery that failed to achieve sustained output, NNPC has maintained that it will not sell the facility, opting instead for rehabilitation through strategic partnerships.

While the success of the new agreement remains to be seen, it signals a more structured and determined approach to addressing Nigeria’s refining challenges. It also aligns with NNPC’s improved financial position, having reported a profit after tax of N276 billion for March 2026.

The initiative represents a cautious but critical step toward boosting local refining capacity, strengthening energy security, and easing the economic burden of fuel imports.

The Plateau State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on crime, with the arrest of multiple suspects linked to illegal arms possession, cult violence, and banditry across the state.

Briefing journalists on May 1, 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Jos, Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, disclosed that operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a 31-year-old suspect, David Ponnan, in the early hours of April 29 at JUTH, Lamingo area. Items recovered from him include a locally made double-barrel pistol, a pump-action cartridge, and a human skull. The suspect reportedly claimed he took the firearm from a local vigilante operative and converted it for personal use. Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the disturbing discovery.

In a separate operation, nine suspects were arrested on April 30 by officers of the Nassarawa Gwong Division over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, assault, and cult-related activities in Jos North Local Government Area. The suspects, all residents of Bulbula and Dilimi communities, were accused of attacking several individuals with dangerous weapons, leaving one victim with serious injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to rival cult groups known for terrorizing residents in the Dilimi axis.

Meanwhile, the Command also confirmed the arrest of two suspects, Musa Adamu and Mohammed Abubakar, in Gudus village of Wase LGA for suspected involvement in banditry. The duo was intercepted along a route commonly used by bandits to launch attacks on nearby communities. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to supplying cash and materials to bandits in their hideouts. Recovered items include cigarette packs, ₦50,000 cash, Airtel recharge cards, and substances linked to illicit drug use.

CP Ewah assured residents that all suspects remain in custody and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged the public to continue providing useful information to aid security operations.