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

Published

1 year 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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NJC recommends new judges across five states, two appellate courts

Published

1 hour ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.

The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.

Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.

One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.

Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.

The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.

For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.

Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.

The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.

Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.

For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.

Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

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Nigeria Get Second Chance as CAF Reportedly Considers Flying Eagles for 2027 U-20 AFCON

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.

Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.

However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.

The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.

Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.

The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.

Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.

For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.