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JUST IN: Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Fresh Benue, Plateau Killings

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1 hour ago

July 13, 2026

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, the former Anambra State governor lamented the killing of at least 16 people in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, as well as the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Obi called for a more proactive, intelligence-driven security strategy to curb the persistent violence, insisting that the government must move beyond reacting to attacks after they occur.

The weekend attacks also claimed two additional lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, bringing the death toll in Benue to at least 18.

In Plateau State, community sources said the victims, all members of one family, were killed on Saturday night when gunmen invaded the Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

Reacting to the incidents, Obi said the latest killings underscored the country’s prolonged security crisis.

“The reported murders are a painful reminder that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long,” he said.

“For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have become orphans overnight, farmers have abandoned their lands, and entire communities have been left devastated. We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not.

“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short,” he said.

Obi urged authorities to replace routine condemnations with decisive action by strengthening the country’s security framework.

“The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability. Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end,” he added.

He also sympathised with the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those grieving and speedy recovery for those injured.

“This is not about politics; it is about humanity. We must summon the collective will to secure our nation and restore hope to our people. No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked,” Obi said.

Related Topics:Benue Breaks Fresh Killings Obi Peter plateau Silence

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2027: Why Nigerians no longer talk about Muslim-Muslim ticket – Osita Okechukwu

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2027: Why Nigerians no longer talk about Muslim-Muslim ticket – Osita Okechukwu

Published

1 hour ago

July 13, 2026

Preport

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Osita Okechukwu, has said Nigerians are no longer focused on the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, insisting that they are now more concerned about stomach infrastructure.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV’s Sunday Politics programme, Okechukwu said the rising cost of living and economic hardship have become the major concerns of Nigerians.

“Nigerians are no longer talking about the Muslim-Muslim ticket; they are now talking about stomach infrastructure,” he said.

According to him, President Tinubu’s policies over the past three years have demonstrated that his administration is not driven by religious considerations.

“Tinubu has shown in the last three years that he is not making policies based on the Muslim-Muslim ticket or because he wants to favour Muslims,” Osita added.

He also urged President Tinubu to delegate more responsibilities to Vice President Kashim Shettima, particularly in the areas of economic management and national security.

Citing a recent report by the International Monetary Fund, IMF, which warned that rising prices of essential goods could worsen poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria despite improved macroeconomic stability, Osita argued that Shettima could play a greater role in addressing some of the country’s economic challenges.

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PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CONVENER OF (JOGAMA-THE GREEN AWARDS) ANNOUNCING THE COMMENCEMENT OF ENTRIES FOR THE 16TH JOGAMA– THE GREEN AWARDS 2026

Published

4 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Preport

Protocol

Distinguished members of the press, respected fathers and mothers of faith, leaders of the creative industry, our esteemed partners and sponsors, gospel ministers, fellow creatives, ladies and gentlemen, I warmly welcome you to this important gathering.

Today marks another significant milestone in the history of the Joint Gospel Arts and Music Awards (JOGAMA). It is with profound gratitude to God that we officially announce the commencement of entries for the 16th edition of the JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS, and unveil the official theme for this year’s awards.

For sixteen years, JOGAMA has remained committed to celebrating excellence in gospel music and the creative arts across the Middle belt region and Northern Nigeria as a whole. What began as a vision to recognize and encourage gospel creatives has grown into a movement that has discovered, celebrated, and inspired hundreds of artists, producers, filmmakers, dancers, comedians and other creative professionals whose gifts continue to impact lives for Christ.

JOGAMA has always stood for more than an award ceremony. We exist to build the gospel creative industry, preserve its values, promote excellence, encourage innovation, and ensure that those who faithfully use their talents for the Kingdom receive the honour they deserve.

This year, however, our gathering carries a deeper significance.

Across many parts of Northern Nigeria, Christian communities have endured enormous hardship. Many families have experienced violence, displacement, the destruction of churches and communities, and the painful loss of loved ones. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, one thing has remained constant: the Gospel has not been silenced.

Our churches continue to worship. Our choirs continue to sing. Our pastors continue to preach. Our filmmakers continue to tell stories of redemption. Our spoken word artists continue to proclaim hope. Our dancers continue to minister. Our creative community continues to lift the name of Jesus.

It is from this reality that the theme for the 2026 JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS is born.

“A Sound That Cannot Be Silenced:

Rooted in Faith, Rising in Influence.”

This is not merely a slogan. It is a declaration. It is a declaration that no amount of persecution can silence the message of Jesus Christ. It is a declaration that while circumstances may seek to discourage us, our faith remains firmly rooted in Christ. It is a declaration that the Gospel will continue to rise above fear, above hatred, above violence, and above every force that seeks to suppress it.

As gospel creatives, our assignment is greater than producing good music or beautiful performances. We are custodians of a message that transforms lives. Every song, every film, every dance, every design, every spoken word piece, and every creative expression should point people to Christ and strengthen His Church.

This year’s theme also challenges us to rise in influence, not for personal fame, but for Kingdom impact. The world needs authentic Christian voices now more than ever, voices that speak truth with love, excellence with humility, and creativity with purpose.

Today, I am pleased to officially declare entries open for the 16th JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS.

Entry submissions will commence today Monday, 13^thJuly 2026, and close on Sunday 9^th August 2026.

We invite eligible gospel creatives from across Northern Nigeria to submit their works for consideration. We encourage every qualified artiste, producer, filmmaker, designer, dancer, comedian, spoken word minister, and creative professional to participate in what promises to be another memorable edition of JOGAMA.

As we prepare for this year’s celebration, I wish to announce that the 16th JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS will be a two-day event. The first day, Thursday, 19th November 2026, will feature a Gospel Creative Industry Conference, with speakers from across the nation and beyond while the second day, Friday, 20th November 2026, will be dedicated to the Award Night. This structure is designed to deepen engagement within the gospel creative sector, provide learning and networking opportunities, and culminate in a glorious night of honour and celebration.

The categories for consideration in this year’s edition includes:

1. Song Of The Year

2. Artiste Of The Year

3. Male Artiste Of The Year

4. Female Artiste Of The Year

5. Group Of The Year

6. Dance Group of The Year

7. Video Of The Year

8. Video Director of The Year

9. Audio Producer of The Year

10. Indigenous Traditional Song of The Year (any song done with purely indigenous dialect or Hausa)

11. Indigenous Traditional Fusion Song of The Year (Any song done with a combination of dialect, hausa and English)

12. Afro Hip Hop Song of The Year (Rap song)

13. Short Film Of The Year

14. Collaboration Of The Year

15. Next Rated Artiste Of The Year

16. Album Of The Year

17. Graphics Designer of The Year

18. New Artiste of The Year

19. Gospel Comedian of The Year

20. Spoken Word Artiste of The Year

21. Middle Belt Artiste of The Year

22. North West Artiste of the Year

23. North East Artiste of The Year

CRITERIA

i. Content must be gospel

ii. Content must have been released between January, 2025 and June 2026

iii. Content must be accompanied with duplicatecopies of recent photograph(s)

iv. Content must be on a streaming platform

v. Content art must be submitted alongside entry.

vi. Content creator must reside Northern Nigeriaincluding the FCT.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN ENTRY:

All entries are to be send to our email address jogamagreen@gmail.com with the following detailsor follow the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSex5Lq_vzlnUCqtS1wMAi9gSk58qRla5gsgUIqeK_USp-jo4g/viewform

1. Content creator full name

2. Stage name (where applicable)

3. Content title

4. Valid WhatsApp number

In view of the scale and importance of this year’s event, we are making a sincere appeal to individuals, government, corporate organizations, ministries, agencies, churches, and well-meaning partners to come on board and sponsor this year’s edition of JOGAMA. Your support will go a long way in helping us deliver a successful conference and award night, and in strengthening the gospel creative industry for greater impact. We believe that together, we can raise a platform that will continue to inspire excellence, nurture talent, and advance the Gospel through creativity.

I also wish to sincerely appreciate our Chairman Boardof Trustees our Father Dr. Panam Percy Paul and the , The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, partners, media organizations, volunteers, and every individual who has believed in this vision over the past sixteen years. Your unwavering support has made JOGAMA one of the most respected gospel creative platforms in our region.

To the media, we thank you for consistently amplifying our vision. We count on your continued partnership as we spread this message and encourage participation from every corner of Northern Nigeria and beyond.

Before I conclude, permit me to leave a word of encouragement to every gospel creative and every believer.

Never underestimate the power of your gift. Every song you write, every film you produce, every dance you choreograph, every spoken word you deliver, and every creative expression you offer in service to God has the potential to transform lives and draw people closer to Christ.

The challenges confronting the Church today should never silence our voices; rather, they should deepen our conviction and strengthen our resolve to proclaim the Gospel with greater boldness. The history of the Church has consistently shown that the Gospel advances even in the face of opposition because its foundation is Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

And our Lord Jesus Christ declared in Matthew 16:18: “…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

These promises assure us that persecution cannot silence the Church, and opposition cannot stop the Gospel. Therefore, let us remain rooted in faith, unwavering in our conviction, and committed to using our gifts to proclaim Christ with excellence and integrity.

To every gospel creative, keep singing. Keep writing. Keep preaching. Keep producing. Keep creating. Keep shining the light of Christ. The world needs your voice, and this generation needs your witness.

As we begin this journey towards the 16th JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS, let us continue to raise “A Sound That Cannot Be Silenced: Rooted in Faith, Rising in Influence.”

Thank you,

God bless you,

God bless Plateau State

God bless Northern Nigeria

And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS, appreciating talents, glorifying the Master!

Further details and enquires, visit our website onwww.joagama.com.ng and follow us on all social media platforms @jogamagreen or call 08034295946