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Bagos Demands Justice for Binda Attack Victims, Donates Relief Materials

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Bagos Binda Attack Victims 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.

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Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust

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NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has paid over ₦5.5 billion in claims to policyholders as at April 2026, reaffirming its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dependable and customer-focused insurance brands.

The claims payout, according to the company cuts across both General and Life businesses, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises to customers promptly and consistently, even as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to evolve amid recapitalisation and increased market scrutiny.

A breakdown of the claims settlement shows that the sum of ₦3,668,742,117.69 was paid under the General Business portfolio, while ₦1,914,029,614.93 was disbursed under the Life Business portfolio, covering Group Life and Retail Life policies.

The payouts covered a broad spectrum of claims including motor, engineering, marine, life protection, death benefits and other insured risks.

Equally important, Mutual Benefits has consistently earned commendation from policyholders for its responsiveness during difficult moments.

A retail customer whose motor insurance claim was recently settled by the company described the experience as reassuring:“You never truly know the value of insurance until something goes wrong. What stood out for me was how quickly Mutual Benefits responded and resolved my claim without unnecessary stress.”

Another Group Life beneficiary noted: “At a very difficult time for our family, Mutual Benefits came through professionally and compassionately. The support made a real difference.”

Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Olufemi Asenuga described the payout as more than a financial transaction.

“Insurance is ultimately about trust. At Mutual Benefits, we understand that our relevance is not measured merely by policies sold, but by our ability to stand by customers when they need us most.”

He noted further that the consistent settlement of genuine claims reflects the company’s strong operational structure, disciplined underwriting approach and enduring commitment to policyholders across Nigeria.

Industry analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of prompt claims settlement in deepening insurance penetration and restoring public confidence in the sector.

A Lagos-based insurance and financial services analyst, Chinedu Okafor, stated that: “In a market where customers are increasingly demanding accountability and proof of value, insurers that consistently pay claims promptly will continue to earn long-term trust and market relevance.

Claims payment is the strongest form of marketing any insurance company can undertake.”

The latest payout comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, as operators continue to position for stronger financial capacity, operational efficiency and increased consumer confidence in line with ongoing recapitalisation conversations across the sector.

Mutual Benefits noted that while financial strength remains important, long-term sustainability in insurance is ultimately built on trust, service delivery and the ability to honour obligations consistently.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, deepening insurance awareness and delivering innovative products tailored to the realities of individuals and businesses.

With over three decades of operations and a growing footprint across Nigeria, Mutual Benefits continues to position itself as a reliable partner for protection, wealth creation and peace of mind.

The post Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust appeared first on Business Today NG.

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Plateau Govt Declares War on Terrorists, Tightens Security Measures

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The Plateau State Government has declared that the state is “at war with terrorists and enemies of the state” as it vowed to intensify efforts to tackle the wave of coordinated attacks recorded across the state over the past four months.

The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted fresh measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

Jatau said the emergency session brought together members of the State Security Council, chairmen of the 17 local government areas and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

According to him, the council concluded that Plateau had come under sustained attacks in recent months, with clear signs of coordinated assaults across communities.

“The council identified and unanimously agreed that the state has been under siege in the last four months with evidence of coordinated attacks unleashed on the state,” he said.

To curb the insecurity, the council resolved to intensify enforcement of the ban on motorcycles, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which it described as factors fuelling insecurity.

The government also directed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned areas and public spaces across the state.

Jatau disclosed that the government would immediately boost logistics support for security agencies through the provision of additional motorcycles and operational vehicles to strengthen security operations.

The council further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between local government security structures and host communities, noting that intelligence sharing and synergy must be improved.

On public order, the government warned that any group found blocking highways would henceforth be treated as engaging in criminal activity and would face the full weight of the law.

The council also pledged to ensure the protection of farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee the safety of farmers and agricultural activities.

Traditional institutions were equally urged to tighten control over cultural groups and associations operating under their supervision.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Jatau declared, “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”

He added that the government remained fully committed to protecting lives, property and communities across the state.

As part of broader security measures, the council also resolved to launch a crackdown on drug dealers, traffickers and substance abusers operating within Plateau State.

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