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Bandits kill pregnant woman, husband in fresh Plateau attack
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed a couple, Iliya Gyang, 30, and his pregnant wife, Grace Iliya, 25, in a fresh attack on the Angwan Ishaku community in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), told Peoples Gazette that the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
In a statement sent to the Gazette, Mr Tengwong condemned the gruesome attack carried out by terrorists on Wednesday evening.
“The couple were both shot by the assailants while the husband was working in front of their home, leading to the immediate death of Mrs Grace Iliya at the scene, while her husband, who sustained serious gunshot injuries, was rushed to the hospital but sadly later gave up while receiving treatment,” he said.
Mr Tengwong noted that the attack came a day after the State Security Council meeting, where the Plateau government announced decisive measures aimed at addressing persistent attacks and destruction of farmlands across communities.
According to him, the attackers arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on the couple and others in the area, and fled through the road leading to Fulani settlements in Fass along the Rakung-Sho road.
“The deceased woman had only recently finished breastfeeding their one-year-old twin boys and was pregnant again. The tragic killing of the couple has now left the innocent twins orphaned and devastated their entire family.
“Two other persons also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, while their health conditions are yet to be confirmed,” Mr Tengwong said.
The group described the attack as barbaric, wicked, and inhuman, saying it reflects the worsening insecurity confronting residents of Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities.
Mr Tengwong also called on the Plateau government to immediately provide support for the orphaned twins left behind by the deceased couple.
Efforts to reach the police spokesman in the state, Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful. Text and WhatsApp messages sent to him remained unattended as of press time.
Described as the youngest Igwe Plateau State has ever had, his coronation is being celebrated as a new beginning for the Igbo community in the state.
The new traditional leader has pledged to unite the Igbo community, promote peaceful coexistence with their host communities and contribute to the development of Plateau State.
Earlier after the election in his acceptance speech, Nwosu thanked members of the Igbo community for their overwhelming support and pledged to unite the various factions while promoting peace, harmony and cooperation.
He called on members to put their differences aside, stressing that no society could achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of division and rancour.
Nwosu also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to contributing to Plateau State’s economic and commercial development, while expressing readiness to partner with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
Similarly, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, congratulated Nwosu, describing his election as a demonstration of unity among Igbo-speaking people.
Onah called on members to rally behind the new traditional leader, noting that the community must speak with one voice and work together to advance its collective interests.
The ceremony attracted representatives of the six Igbo-speaking states, as well as representatives of the Council of Chiefs representing Igbo communities across Plateau State.
Other special guest present were the Chief of Bayelsa and Senior Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on South-South Affairs, Hon. High Chief Seigha Smooth Ebide, and Hon. Ikenna Mbanefo, former Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs to the immediate past Governor of Plateau State.
A NEW BEGINNING FOR NDIGBO IN PLATEAU STATE!
Congratulations to the new Oche Ndi Igbo IV!
The Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement in the United Kingdom has criticised the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and the Director-General of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Campaign Council over alleged preoccupation with political disputes rather than their assigned responsibilities.
The UK Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adebayor Brown, made the criticism in a statement on Tuesday, urging political appointees to focus on organising, mobilising supporters and strengthening political structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Brown expressed concern that the attention of the political actors appeared to have shifted from their responsibilities to what he described as unnecessary personal and political disagreements.
He said the approaching 2027 elections required serious leadership, strategic planning and grassroots mobilisation, adding that those entrusted with important positions must demonstrate commitment to their assignments.
Brown particularly faulted repeated claims by the Obidient Movement coordinator that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had distanced themselves from the OK Movement.
He questioned the relevance of repeatedly making such claims, asking how they would contribute to the success of the party or advance the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
He urged the Obidient Movement coordinator and other political actors to focus on rebuilding, revitalising and restructuring the organisation, noting that the responsibility required leadership, organisational competence and measurable results.
Brown also insisted that any position concerning Obi and Kwankwaso should be established through clear and verifiable communication rather than individual assertions.
He called for an end to what he described as divisive rhetoric, stressing that the OK Movement, Obidient Movement and NDC should not be regarded as enemies.
According to him, the groups face a common democratic challenge ahead of the 2027 elections and should prioritise mobilising Nigerians, strengthening political structures and working towards credible elections.
"The OK Movement and the Obidient Movement are not enemies. Neither is the OK Movement in conflict with the NDC," he said.
Brown added that the OK Movement would not be distracted or intimidated by criticisms, insisting that its commitment remained focused on justice, equity, fairness, credible elections and a better Nigeria.
"The time for division is over. The time to work is now," he declared.
2027: NDC campaign DG, others have abandoned their duty, focusing on disputes – OK Movement
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