News

Indigenous Plateau Youths Tackle Solomon Dalung Over Security Comments, Says Government Actions Contradict Claims

Published

5 months ago

June 8, 2026

A group under the aegis of Indigenous Concerned Youths of Plateau State has faulted comments made by former Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, regarding security on highways in Plateau State, described his remarks as misleading and inconsistent with realities on the ground.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 7th June, the group said Dalung’s comments on national television, suggesting that Plateau highways had become unsafe, did not represent the views of the state’s people and could negatively affect Plateau’s image.

The youths maintained that Plateau remains a peaceful and hospitable state as well as a major transit route connecting the North-Central region with other parts of the country.

According to the statement, portraying the state’s highways as being overtaken by displaced communities attacking travellers and leaders’ vehicles was false and capable of undermining peaceful coexistence and national security.

The group commended the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what it described as proactive efforts in addressing security challenges across the state.

They noted that the governor had convened emergency security meetings involving heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, and members of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council to strengthen security measures across the state.

The statement highlighted some of the measures adopted by the government to include heightened enforcement of bans on motorcycles, night grazing, and night mining, as well as efforts to reclaim ungoverned spaces.

The group also stated that the state government had declared any obstruction of highways by any group as criminal activity punishable under the law.

It further referenced Executive Order 003 signed by Governor Mutfwang on March 1, 2024, which prohibits religious centres from blocking roads and mandates worship centres to provide building approvals and off-road parking spaces.

According to the youths, the governor has also visited communities affected by attacks in Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and Jos North local government areas to sympathise with victims and reassure residents of government support.

The statement added that the administration had taken steps to support farmers and improve food security through fertilizer subsidies and security arrangements ahead of the farming season.

The group criticised Dalung for allegedly failing to provide support or visit affected communities during his years in public office, accusing him of making statements capable of creating fear among travellers and damaging the reputation of the state.

They also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling security challenges in Plateau through collaboration with security agencies.

The youths insisted that roads linking Plateau State to Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Taraba, and other neighbouring states remain operational and safe for travellers, investors, and tourists.

They urged members of the public and the media to disregard what they described as alarmist narratives and instead support ongoing efforts by government and security agencies to maintain peace and security in the state.

The statement was jointly signed by several members of the Indigenous Concerned Youths of Plateau State, including Miapyil Thomas Replong, Gwakjul Lar, Muntasir Mohammed, Nanyak Gwakzing, and others.

News

Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.

Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.

“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 governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.

Yari also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.

Yari further praised Tinubu’s leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.

News

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

Published

1 hour 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