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Gunmen invade mining site, kill three people in Plateau village
Gunmen reportedly invaded Nyango village on Tuesday and killed three miners in the Gyel district of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
In a statement to the Peoples Gazette, Rwang Tengwong, the spokesman for Berom Youth Moulders-Association, said the incident occurred at about 11 a.m.
Mr Tengwong said two people were also injured in the attack.
According to him, the association, under the leadership of Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, noted with deep concern that the attack is not the first violent incident recorded in Gyel and its surrounding communities.
“The association observes that residents of Gyel, as well as neighbouring communities in Bassa Local Government Area, have repeatedly raised the alarm over attacks and insecurity perpetrated by armed elements operating from the Gyero and Rafin Buna areas, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents and disruption of economic activities,” he said.
Mr Tengwong called on security agencies and government authorities to urgently dismantle criminal hideouts and take decisive action to end the cycle of violence threatening peaceful communities in the affected areas.
“The association commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives, and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.
Mr Tengwong urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies in the interest of lasting peace and security in Plateau State.
Alfred Alabo, the spokesman for the state police command, was not immediately available for comment. Text and WhatsApp messages sent to him remained unanswered as of press time.
On June 16, the Gazette reported that gunmen killed five miners at a mining site in Geri village, Gyel district of Jos South Local Government Area.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to include his name in the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election or face legal action.
The demand was contained in a letter written by his lawyers, led by Ahmed Raji, SAN, dated Monday and addressed to INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan.
This comes after Pantami’s name was omitted from the list published by INEC on October 10.
His legal team described the omission as unlawful and unexplained, insisting that their client emerged as the party’s candidate in a fresh governorship primary conducted in compliance with court orders.
In the letter jointly signed by Raji, A.T. Kehinde, Abdul Mohammed, Wale Balogun and Chief Tunde Falola, the lawyers gave INEC until Wednesday, October 14, to publish Pantami’s name alongside those of other candidates.
They said Pantami is a registered member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Pantami Ward, Gombe State, and participated in the party’s governorship primary held on May 26, 2026, where he emerged as the winner.
According to the lawyers, the PDP forwarded Pantami’s personal details to INEC on August 8, and the commission published his name on August 29 without raising any objection at the time.
The letter explained that the May 26 primary was later challenged in two suits before the Federal High Court in Gombe: Suit Nos. FHC/GM/CS/9/2026 and FHC/GM/CS/10/2026.
It said that although the court nullified the primary over the manner in which it was conducted, it ruled in Pantami’s favour on the issues of party membership and eligibility.
Citing the judgment in Suit No. FHC/GM/CS/9/2026, the lawyers quoted the court as saying: “I therefore find that the Plaintiff has not established that the 3rd Defendant was legally incapable of being recognised by the 1st Defendant as its member.”
On the second suit, they quoted the court as saying: “As to PDP membership, even though the 2nd Defendant’s name does not appear in Exhibit A, that fact alone is not conclusive of his non-membership.”
The legal team said the court affirmed the party’s authority to determine its membership, noting that the PDP tendered a membership card and register bearing Pantami’s name.
They added that in its judgments delivered on September 24, the court ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primary within 30 days, in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026, the party’s constitution and its guidelines.
According to the lawyers, the court limited its consequential orders to nominations arising from the May 26 primary.
“In compliance with the Court Order, the PDP gave the Commission due notice of the court-ordered primary, and conducted the fresh gubernatorial primary election on Tuesday, the 29th day of September, 2026,” the letter stated.
Gombe 2027: Publish my name within three days – Pantami issues INEC ultimatum
News
“He’s Not at the Level We Want, But I Believe in Him” — Simeone Backs Lookman to Rediscover Best Form
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has thrown his weight behind Nigerian international Ademola Lookman despite admitting that the Super Eagles forward is yet to reach the performance level expected of him at the Spanish club.
Simeone acknowledged that Lookman has not been performing at the standard either the player or the coaching staff desires, but insisted that his commitment in training and willingness to improve remain encouraging.
“Ademola isn’t at the level he wants or we want, but he works hard every day,” Simeone said.
The Argentine tactician also highlighted Lookman’s attacking qualities, particularly his ability to take on defenders, explaining that losing possession is sometimes an unavoidable part of a player’s efforts to create opportunities.
“He’s a dribbler, and he needs to lose the ball sometimes,” the Atlético manager explained.
Despite his assessment of the Nigerian’s current form, Simeone made it clear that he retains confidence in Lookman’s ability to deliver.
“I believe in him,” he declared.
The comments underline the balance Simeone is seeking between demanding improved performances and allowing the forward the freedom to express himself in attacking situations.
Lookman’s reputation has been built on his pace, movement and ability to unsettle defenders in one-on-one situations, qualities that have made him an important attacking option for both club and country.
However, Simeone’s remarks suggest that the Nigerian still has work to do to consistently meet the demands of his manager’s tactical approach.
Rather than questioning Lookman’s effort, the Atlético coach appears encouraged by his attitude and daily commitment, indicating that the player continues to enjoy the backing of the technical staff.
For Lookman, the challenge will be to translate that hard work into more decisive contributions on matchdays while retaining the attacking boldness that defines his game.
Simeone’s message is clear: Lookman has not yet reached the desired standard, but his manager remains convinced that the Nigerian has the qualities and determination to improve.
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