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Group Express Concern Over Recent Plateau Killings, Urges Immediate Withdrawal of GOC/STF Commander

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A resounding call has been made for the immediate withdrawal of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Special Task Force (STF) Commander, citing concerns over their handling of the security situation in the state following the multiple attacks in Plateau State leaving destruction, displacement, and the killing of scores of persons.

This call was made in a press conference held at the Taken Headquarters Hall in Jos, Plateau State, by Comr. Jerry Tongle Datim, President of the Global Society for Middle-Belt Heritage, while addressing the media to shed light on the recent wave of devastating attacks that have plagued several local government areas in Plateau State. The attacks, primarily targeting Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi LGAs, have resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

Comr Datim expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, highlighting two significant incidents. On April 14, 2023, during the transitional period under Governor Simon Lalong’s leadership, three villages—Murish, Jwak-Maitumbi, and Kyampus—fell victim to well-armed Fulani militias, resulting in the cold-blooded killing of six individuals. Additionally, on May 15, 2023, a simultaneous attack on thirty-nine villages took place, including Kantoma, Manja, Tyop, Alohon 1 and 2, Madi-Mangul, Dan-Hausa, Gaude, Kikyau, Farinkasa, Gudum, Dung-Munan, Kirana, Dungwel, Sarbot, Tukur, Gyambwas, Fungzai, Ruvwang, Kubwon, Timnanle, Mper, Danper, Chisu, Kombon, Changal, Ajing, Washna, Jwankchom, Kombili, Larkas, Kwakas, Tugun, Ndai, Jwakchan, Kuwes, Nting-Kombum, Sabon Layi, Vodni, Gongong, and Mbwon. The attacks claimed the lives of an estimated two hundred individuals, adding to the growing list of casualties.

In response to the dire situation, President Datim expressed gratitude to the Plateau ethnic communities that have shown support to the affected people. However, he expressed disappointment in the perceived lack of response from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), organizations known for their swift action during crises. President Datim urged SEMA to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by promptly attending to the needs of the approximately thirty thousand internally displaced persons (IDPs) scattered across Mangu, Panyam, Mangu Halle, Yilpo (Sabon Gari), Fan in Barkin Ladi, Maikatako in Bokkos, Marish in Bokkos, Bukuru in Jos-South, and Jos North LGAs.

President Datim also drew attention to the alleged involvement of Sheik Yahaya Sani Jengre, a religious leader, in the attacks. He claimed that Sheik Jengre had previously voiced his opposition to the return of Jonah Jang’s regime and had mobilized mercenaries to execute his long-standing plan. President Datim called for the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of Sheik Jengre, emphasizing that no religious leader should be above the law.

The impact of the attacks extends beyond loss of life and destruction. President Datim highlighted the disruption caused to education, with primary, secondary, and tertiary institution students in the affected LGAs missing examinations such as the Junior NECO Exams for JSS 3, ongoing Senior Secondary School Examinations (SSCE), and tertiary examinations due to forced migration as IDPs.

Regarding the role of the Special Task Force (STF), President Datim voiced concerns about their handling of the situation. While he acknowledged their attempts at mediation, he felt their response was inadequate or biased. He called for justice to be sought through the court system rather than relying solely on mediation.

President Datim mentioned specific incidents that have further exacerbated tensions, including the destruction of Pastor Finidi Bitrus’ farm, the attack on a local in Kyampus, the looting of food items and building materials by Fulani militias, and recent attacks on churches in Ajing and Kwahaslalek villages. He criticized the displacement of Fulani communities and accused the Ardos of harboring assailants, cautioning that any subsequent attacks would be the responsibility of the Ardos.

Despite the grim situation, President Datim emphasized the resilience and unity of the affected communities. He stated that while they have resorted to self-defense due to the failure of the Federal and State governments to safeguard their basic rights, they continue to seek justice through legal means. President Datim acknowledged the professionalism of the police and security agencies, expressing gratitude to sympathetic sister states and stakeholders for their support.

In conclusion, the press statement issued by the Global Society for Middle-Belt Heritage called for immediate action from government authorities to address the security challenges in Plateau State. The urgency to protect lives, provide assistance to displaced persons, and restore peace and stability to the region cannot be overstated. As the affected communities face uncertainty and anguish, their prayers for lasting peace remain steadfast, echoing throughout the land in the hope that their voices will be heard and their suffering alleviated. The gravity of the situation demands a swift and comprehensive response from all stakeholders involved, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the people of Plateau State.

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Akor Adams Says Super Eagles Focused On Improvement, Not Unbeaten Record Under Eric Chelle

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Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has revealed that the national team is not overly focused on its unbeaten record under coach Eric Chelle despite extending the streak after the 2-2 draw against Poland.

READ ALSO: Eric Ejiofor Urges Nigerians To Trust Eric Chelle After Super Eagles’ Impressive Run

Nigeria have now gone 24 matches without losing in normal time under the Franco-Malian tactician, but Adams insists the players are more concerned about improving performances and getting positive results.

“We are not too focused on the unbeaten record,” Adams said.

According to the Super Eagles forward, the team’s main objective remains continuous improvement and representing the country positively.

“Our focus is on performing better and getting results for Nigeria,” he implied.

Adams also praised Chelle for introducing a fresh tactical identity and philosophy to the national team since taking charge.

“The coach has brought a different dimension and philosophy to the team,” he noted.

The striker believes the tactical changes have contributed significantly to the team’s recent performances and growing confidence.

“You can see the improvements in the way we play,” he added.

Nigeria’s unbeaten run under Chelle has continued generating optimism among supporters as the team rebuilds following recent disappointments.

“The team appears more organized and competitive now,” many football observers believe.

The Super Eagles continue preparing for future competitive fixtures while integrating new players into the squad.

“There is growing belief around the direction of the team,” supporters continue to say.

For Akor Adams, the message is clear.

Records are not the priority.

Improvement and results matter more.

And Eric Chelle’s philosophy is helping shape a stronger Super Eagles side.

 

Because lasting success in football comes from growth, consistency, and collective ambition.

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Dangote refinery raises processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals says it has increased its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), surpassing its installed nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd following a performance assessment by its process licensors.

The development marks a significant operational milestone for the refinery, which is widely regarded as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refining facility.

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, the company explained that the increase demonstrates the refinery’s ability to process additional feedstock while optimising performance across its production units.

In his remark, Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said the refinery’s latest output increase forms part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at scaling capacity to 1.4 million bpd within the next 30 months.

Mr Edwin said the proposed expansion could position the facility among the largest refining complexes globally, while strengthening Nigeria’s drive for energy self-sufficiency.

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“The refinery’s growth trajectory reflects a deliberate move toward continental and global refining dominance, not just domestic supply sufficiency,” he said.

The announcement of reaching 70, 000 capacity comes a few days after the refinery chief executive disclosed that the production target of 70,000 barrels per day would be reached by 2028.

On Tuesday, the refinery CEO, David Bird, while speaking during the S&P Global Energy Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference in London, said the refinery is currently operating at full nameplate capacity and is planning what he described as a “ruthless replication” strategy to expand output.

“We will bring 700,000 barrels per day of fully complex refining capacity on stream by the end of 2028,” he said, adding that long-lead equipment has already been procured while construction contracts are being awarded.

He added that the group could eventually increase refining capacity to 2.1 million bpd, supported by plans for another refinery in East Africa, positioning the company as a major player in global crude and refined product markets.

“Nigeria has gone from fuel scarcity to absolute fuel abundance since the Dangote refinery came online,” Mr Bird said.

According to Kpler data cited last month, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery exported an estimated 57 million barrels of jet fuel between April 2024 and April 2026.

The data showed exports rose from about 20,000 barrels per day in April 2024 to around 65,000 barrels per day by the end of that year before peaking at approximately 160,000 barrels per day during the review period.

The figures highlight the growing role of refined petroleum exports in Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly aviation fuel, as the country seeks to strengthen domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported products.

Expansion plans and export ambitions

Owned by industrialist Aliko Dangote, the refinery commenced fuel production in 2024 and has since expanded output to include petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other refined petroleum products.

The company said the facility now supplies both domestic and international markets, exporting refined products to several African countries and to European destinations, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.

It also said refined products from the facility have reached markets in the United States, while jet fuel exports have extended to Saudi Arabia.

Dangote Industries argued that the refinery has increasingly played a stabilising role in regional fuel markets amid supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with more African countries turning to the facility for energy security.

Growing global footprint

The refinery’s rising output has further strengthened its position in global fuel markets.

The company noted that the facility emerged as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April, citing data from S&P Global Commodities.

Industry analysts say the refinery’s operations have already contributed to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, easing pressure on foreign exchange demand and improving local fuel availability.

READ ALSO: Dangote refinery can supply Jet Fuel Globally — Official

As production volumes increase, the refinery has also attracted stronger engagement from international crude suppliers and commodity traders, sourcing feedstock from both domestic and foreign producers to sustain rising throughput.

Dangote Industries said the planned expansion to 1.4 million bpd by 2028 is expected to generate broader economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial activity and improved trade balances.

The refinery also expects to deepen downstream industrialisation through increased supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), polypropylene and other industrial feedstocks used in manufacturing.

Plans also include production of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), a key raw material used in detergent manufacturing, as part of efforts to expand the country’s petrochemical value chain.


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