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BYM Condemns Renewed Killings in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Calls for Government Action

Published

12 months ago

October 18, 2025

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The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has condemned in strong terms the renewed wave of killings in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where at least 31 persons, including minors, were killed within one week in what the group described as coordinated attacks by suspected militias.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, President of BYM, and Bature Iliya Adazaram, Secretary, the association said heavily armed assailants launched simultaneous attacks on the night of October 15 on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, both in Barkin Ladi LGA.

According to the statement, 11 persons, including five children, were killed in Rachas, while two others lost their lives in Rawuru. The attackers also reportedly rustled over 255 cows during the assault.

“The victims of the Rachas massacre included Chollom Danjuma (37), Christy Dung (32), and three children aged between five and ten years. The attackers opened fire while the victims were asleep and later herded away the stolen livestock to Fass settlement,” the statement said.

BYM further reported that on October 13, two persons were killed and two injured in Wereng community of Riyom LGA, alleging that the attacks occurred despite the presence of security personnel in the area. The group accused some operatives of bias and selective response in handling security incidents.

The association expressed concern over what it described as a “dangerous pattern” in which violent attacks tend to follow security meetings involving Fulani and Berom representatives. It cited a recent incident where community leaders returning from a meeting at Sector 4 Headquarters were ambushed, leaving four dead, two injured, and two missing.

BYM also recalled that on October 8, an attack in Gabwat village of Fan District claimed the lives of a one-year-old baby and three adults. In total, the group said 12 people were killed in Fan District, 11 in Heipang, and two in Wereng within a week — describing it as “one of the darkest weeks for the Berom Nation.”

The association called for an outright ban on open grazing in Berom communities, alleging that the practice has become a cover for terrorist activities and forceful land occupation.

While urging government and security agencies to act decisively, BYM warned that communities may resort to constitutionally backed self-defence if authorities fail to protect them.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace built on justice and extended condolences to families affected by the recent attacks, urging security operatives to discharge their duties with equity, fairness, and professionalism.

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2027: Obidients warn Wike over alleged rigging plot

Published

1 hour ago

October 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to stay away from any plan to rig the 2027 general elections.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Movement’s Directorate of Media and Communications.

The Movement said Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders through a free, fair and credible process.

This comes after Wike recently declared that he would lead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.

The Movement also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to remain neutral and resist any form of political interference in the elections.

It stressed that no individual or political party has the right to decide the outcome of an election before citizens cast their votes.

Recall that Wike had on Monday described himself as the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in both territories.

The minister also said he would coordinate political activities in support of the President’s second-term ambition.

In response to the declaration, the Obidients said, “Wike must understand that coordinating a political campaign does not confer ownership of the electorate, control over voters, or authority over the electoral process.”

2027: Obidients warn Wike over alleged rigging plot

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Shendam Council Invests in Standard Hotel to Boost Revenue

Published

1 hour ago

October 14, 2026

PlateauReports

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The Shendam Local Government Council of Plateau State is investing in a standard hotel in Karu, Nasarawa State, to boost internally generated revenue, create employment opportunities and provide accommodation for residents visiting Abuja and its environs.

The Shendam Guest House, which is currently 40 per cent complete, is expected to partner with Continental Hotels and other top hospitality brands to ensure professional service delivery and sustainable returns for the council.

The council chairman, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, disclosed this during an inspection of the project attended by lawmakers, government representatives, stakeholders and other local government chairmen.

Nshe explained that the project involved redeveloping an old facility comprising 13 flats constructed during the administration of former chairman Sebastian Bukhari more than two decades ago.

He said the council negotiated with the occupants and arranged alternative accommodation to pave the way for construction, adding that the project was expected to be completed within six months.

The facility will feature 84 en-suite rooms, event halls, a restaurant, laundry services, a swimming pool, a lounge and a gym.

Nshe said his administration was focused on investing public funds in sustainable projects that would deliver long-term benefits to the people.

“We are not thinking of taking the money, but we are thinking of investing the money,” he said.

The project consultant, Engr. Lawi Abdalla of ATM EARTH Creatives, expressed confidence that the hotel would be completed within six months, citing the commitment of workers despite challenges posed by the rainy season.

He explained that the nature of the terrain required stronger reinforcement materials and extensive retaining walls to ensure the building’s stability.

The member representing Shendam Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Bukar, commended Nshe for the initiative, describing it as a visionary investment capable of generating revenue and creating jobs.

Bukar said the project aligned with the Plateau State Government’s The Time Is Now mantra and expressed confidence that it would deliver lasting benefits to the people of Shendam.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, described the project as an investment in the future and urged the contractor to ensure timely completion.

He encouraged local government chairmen to learn from one another and pursue sustainable development initiatives that would strengthen their councils’ financial capacity.

The Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, who spoke on behalf of other council chairmen, commended Nshe for the initiative.

Pwajok said the hotel would provide accommodation for Plateau indigenes visiting Abuja while serving as a potential source of revenue for the council.

He also commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting development initiatives across the state’s 17 local government areas, expressing hope that the project would inspire similar investments elsewhere.