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Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation Extends Lifeline to Displaced Communities in Riyom, Plateau State

Published

3 years ago

August 14, 2023

Para Mallam Peace Foundation Aids Plateau's IDPs (10)

As the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) stemming from recent violent attacks on farming communities in Plateau state continues to escalate, The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, a prominent peace advocacy group under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, has taken a resolute stand to address the dire situation. On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the foundation extended a helping hand by donating essential food items to IDPs sheltered in Riyom Local Government, while simultaneously voicing deep-seated concern over the deplorable living conditions.

The gesture of goodwill is not the first of its kind from the Foundation. In a like manner, the organization previously provided relief in the form of food, clothing, and bedding to internally displaced persons in the Mangu local government area of the state on July 22. The initiative sought to alleviate the suffering of victims who had fallen prey to violent attacks in the region.

In a conversation with journalists on Saturday, Nenfort Clifford Gonchen, a volunteer staff member of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, articulated the motivation behind the donation. Gonchen emphasized that the contributions were aimed at offering solace and alleviating the pressing food shortages faced by those residing in the camp. The unsettling reality of over 2000 individuals being uprooted from their homes due to escalating violence, which resulted in the destruction of farms, loss of lives, and property damage, prompted the foundation’s action. Gonchen also seized the opportunity to implore the government to adopt a proactive approach, ushering in peace and much-needed respite for the beleaguered community.

Stephen Solomon, also hailing from the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, shed light on the organization’s vision of cultivating peace and extending assistance to humanity. The outreach efforts are, at their core, a demonstration of solidarity with those affected by displacement and turmoil.

Representatives of the traditional council in Riyom, including Dauda Dachu, the Mai Angwa Kwallak, expressed profound sadness at the relentless onslaught of attacks that have claimed lives, left people hungry, and rendered them homeless. Dachu’s poignant lamentation highlighted the distressing reality that innocent inhabitants of Riyom community continue to endure at the hands of assailants. He issued a fervent appeal to the government to restore tranquility, enabling residents to resume farming activities and reclaim their homes.

Within the IDP camp, voices echoed the sentiments of gratitude and desperation. Camp Chairman Mr. Sunday Baren and Leader Mrs. Davou Noro conveyed that the camp now shelters over 2000 individuals hailing from various communities in Riyom LGA, including Jol, Kwi, Sharubutu, Shunon, Rim, Kum, Biye, and Wereng. The camp has become a sanctuary for those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, farmlands, and homes. Both Baren and Noro expressed their appreciation for the intervention of the foundation and implored fellow Nigerians of goodwill to extend their support.

As the community navigates its path to recovery, a unanimous plea is directed at the government to institute proactive security measures to curb the incessant attacks that continue to plague the region. This appeal comes in the aftermath of yet another tragic incident, where 21 innocent lives were lost in a gruesome attack in Heipang community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. This relentless violence has plunged Plateau state into a state of turmoil, especially within Barkin Ladi and Mangu, Riyom, where hundreds have tragically lost their lives since May 2023, forcing villagers into displacement camps and disrupting daily life.

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Yari Defends Tinubu on Insecurity, Says Opposition Failed to Tackle Crisis for Over 20 Years

Published

2 hours ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration against criticism over rising insecurity, accusing previous administrations of failing to address the challenge for more than two decades.

Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, where he challenged critics of the ruling party to account for their records on security before accusing the current administration of lacking a clear strategy.

“Those who are saying we don’t have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time,” Yari said.

The former Zamfara State governor assured Nigerians that the APC remained committed to implementing its manifesto, expressing confidence that the party would fulfil almost all its campaign promises by 2031.

He also expressed optimism about the APC’s political fortunes in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming that political leaders and influential stakeholders in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.

Yari further commended Tinubu’s leadership, particularly his handling of the nation’s revenue, citing what he described as a significant increase in funds accruing to the Federation Account.

According to him, Tinubu inherited a Federation Account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but the figure has since increased to trillions of naira.

He said the development reflected the administration’s efforts to strengthen government revenue and improve the country’s financial position.

Yari’s remarks come amid continued public debate over the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity and the performance of the Tinubu administration as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general election

eau State ahead of 2027.

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2027: We won't endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas

Published

2 hours ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.

Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.

Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.

He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.

Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.

"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.

Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.

He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."

Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.

2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas