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Democracy Day: Take It Back Movement Demands Transparent Probe Into Plateau Killings
As Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day, the Plateau State chapter of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has issued a sobering statement, describing the day as a “mourning period” for citizens in conflict-ridden regions. The group condemned rising insecurity, mass killings, and displacement across Plateau State, calling on the Federal Government to initiate an independent and transparent investigation into the violence.
Speaking during a press conference in Jos, the State Coordinator of the movement, Comrade John Onah, accused the government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives. He urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to respond urgently to what he called a “full-blown humanitarian crisis.”
“Every day, Plateau citizens wake up to the sound of gunfire, burning homes, and the lifeless bodies of their loved ones,” Onah lamented. “This is no longer just a security issue — it is the collapse of governance and responsibility.”
Citing data from Amnesty International Nigeria, Onah revealed that at least 2,630 people have been killed in Plateau State since 2023. Nationally, over 10,217 lives have reportedly been lost to violent attacks, with 672 villages sacked across Benue, Niger, and Plateau states.
He warned that communities in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs remain under siege, with more than 150,000 persons displaced, schools shut down, and access to food, shelter, and healthcare severely limited.
Federal Government Must Act
The TIB movement outlined a series of demands directed at the Federal Government:
- Immediate deployment of intelligence-driven security operations to high-risk areas.
- A coordinated humanitarian response to hunger, displacement, and healthcare needs.
- Restoration of destroyed communities and livelihoods.
- An independent investigation led by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) into all cases of mass killings and displacements.
Onah emphasized that Plateau State has been sidelined from critical federal interventions and infrastructure support, accusing the central government of “indifference” in the face of widespread suffering.
State Government Must Move Beyond Condolences
Turning to the Plateau State Government, the movement criticized Governor Caleb Mutfwang for offering condolences rather than decisive action.
“If the governor cannot protect his people or empower them to defend themselves, he should resign,” Onah declared, referencing Section 14(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which prioritizes the security and welfare of the people.
TIB’s demands to the state government include:
- Full funding and empowerment of local peace commissions and community-based security outfits, particularly Operation Rainbow.
- Regular public updates on investigations and justice efforts.
- Inclusion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in recovery and trauma counseling programs.
- Support for displaced children to return to school.
Call to Security Agencies and Civil Society
The group also called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and coordination, and to hold personnel accountable in cases of negligence or complicity.
It further appealed to civil society organizations and the media to amplify the voices of survivors, demand transparency, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice and peace.
“Though the situation in Plateau may seem dire, it is not hopeless,” Onah said. “We speak not to spread fear but to inspire urgency. For the sake of democracy, justice, and human dignity, we must take it back.”
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.
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.
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