News
Bagos Demands Justice for Binda Attack Victims, Donates Relief Materials
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, has urged the government and security agencies to bring to justice those responsible for the July 15, 2025, attack on Binda in Tahos Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Bagos made the call during a sympathy visit to the community on Saturday, where he commiserated with victims, inspected the level of destruction, and provided relief items through his foundation. He donated bundles of roofing sheets and wood to assist in rebuilding houses burnt during the attack, which claimed several lives, injured many, and destroyed homes, including a church.
“We are here to commiserate with the community and conduct a needs assessment for possible interventions. Today we brought bundles of zinc and wood to help in roofing some of the burnt houses. But beyond this, we must continue to demand justice,” Bagos said.
He expressed concern that two months after the incident, no suspects had been arrested or prosecuted, warning that impunity could fuel further violence.
“Lives were lost and blood was shed. Who has been arrested, who is in court, and who has been convicted? Until justice is served, these attacks will continue. Enough is enough; our leaders must act,” he stressed.
Reiterating his long-standing position, Bagos called for a nationwide ban on open grazing, which he described as a major driver of insecurity. According to him, outlawing the practice would help curb recurring farmer-herder clashes.
“It is simple: ban open grazing. Today people have been killed, farmlands destroyed, and yet we allow this system to persist. In the 21st century, we should not be trivializing insecurity with ethnicity or religion. This affects everyone,” he noted.
The former lawmaker also urged the Plateau State Government to implement recommendations from the recently submitted fact-finding committee on insecurity, describing such action as a potential lasting legacy for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
During the visit, His Royal Highness Pastor Kim Nani Manja, the traditional ruler of Tahos, commended recent changes in Sector 6 security leadership, noting that it had already led to the arrest of hundreds of cattle involved in farm destruction. He called for sustained government commitment and accountability.
Also speaking, Rev. Davou Dabo of COCIN LCC Binda, whose home and car were burnt, recounted the trauma faced by survivors. He disclosed that seven members of his church were killed alongside nine relatives in the incident, which claimed a total of 27 lives within the area.
“I have not received any direct intervention apart from roofing materials provided through the state and local government. Our people are still displaced, children are out of school, and farms destroyed. We are pleading for more support,” he said.
The July 15 attack on Binda remains one of the deadliest in Riyom in recent months, leaving the community devastated and intensifying calls for stronger security measures, justice for victims, and sustainable peace efforts.
Nigerian youngster Godwin Raphael Itotomi has taken a significant step in his football career after completing a move to French club Stade de Reims, where he will continue his development with the club’s youth setup.
Sports247 reports that the highly-rated centre-back, who captained Grassrunners FC of Ogun State, officially signed his contract with the French outfit and is expected to feature for Stade de Reims Révélations, the club’s reserve and youth development team competing in the Groupe Élite Championnat des Réserves Professionnelles.
The transfer marks another milestone for the promising defender, whose leadership qualities and commanding performances at the heart of Grassrunners FC’s defence earned him recognition and opened the door to European football.
Renowned for his composure on the ball, strong aerial presence, tactical awareness and ability to organise the backline, Itotomi now has the opportunity to further develop his game in one of Europe’s respected youth development environments.
The move is expected to expose him to a higher level of competition and professional coaching as he works towards breaking into senior football.
Speaking on the move, those close to the player believe the switch to France represents the perfect platform for the young defender to realise his enormous potential.
Joining Stade de Reims provides him with access to world-class training facilities and a structured development pathway that has produced several top talents over the years.
For Grassrunners FC and Ogun State football, the transfer is another testament to the quality of young players being nurtured at the grassroots level. It also reinforces the growing reputation of Nigerian academies in producing talented footballers capable of earning opportunities with European clubs.
As he begins life in Reims, located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, Itotomi will be aiming to adapt quickly to his new environment, impress the coaching staff and establish himself as a key figure in the club’s youth ranks.
The move is expected to serve as an important stepping stone in his career, with the long-term ambition of progressing into Stade de Reims’ first team and eventually making his mark at the highest level of European football.
For Nigerian football enthusiasts, Godwin Raphael Itotomi’s transfer is another encouraging success story, highlighting the increasing pathway from grassroots football to elite European clubs.
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