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Miyetti Allah (MACBAN) condemns Plateau killings, urges Tinubu to hunt down perpetrators

Published

7 months ago

April 1, 2026

Explainer Drawing A Line Between Nigerias Two Miyetti Allah Groups.jpg

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has condemned the recent killing of over 30 innocent citizens in Jos, Plateau.

The president of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, in a statement, said the tragic loss of lives was yet another painful reminder of the unending bloodshed that had plagued the state.

According to him, such an ugly situation must not continue.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by this senseless violence.

“MACBAN views with grave concern the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau, which continues to undermine peaceful coexistence and threaten national unity,” he said.

Mr Othman-Ngelzarma decried that Plateau had suffered too long from division, mistrust, and retaliatory attacks, saying, “It is time to break this cycle. We are particularly disturbed by the alleged role played by some religious leaders and influencers.”

“Instead of promoting peace and tolerance, they have chosen to fan the embers of division through reckless and inflammatory rhetoric,” he added. “Such actions are irresponsible, dangerous, and contribute directly to the escalation of violence and intolerance in our communities.”

He reiterated the need for religious leadership to be a force for unity, not a platform for incitement.

Mr Othman-Ngelzarma called on all religious, traditional, and community leaders to exercise restraint, promote dialogue, and actively work to de-escalate tensions.

“Words matter. In fragile environments like ours, they can either heal or destroy. MACBAN also calls on security agencies to act decisively and professionally.

“Those responsible for instigating violence, whether through direct action or inciting statements, must be identified, investigated, and brought to justice without fear or favour. Impunity only emboldens further violence,” he said.

The pastoralist leader urged the relevant authorities to intensify intelligence gathering to identify perpetrators and their sponsors.

Mr Othman-Ngelzarma implored security agencies to ensure the prosecution of individuals inciting violence, including any religious figures found culpable. He also advised security agencies to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.

“The sanctity of human life must remain non-negotiable. MACBAN reiterates its commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and national unity.

“We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders, government, civil society, religious institutions, and community leaders to restore lasting peace in Plateau and across Nigeria. The time for decisive action is now. Enough of the bloodshed,” Mr Othman-Ngelzarma said.

(NAN)

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NJC recommends new judges across five states, two appellate courts

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.

The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.

Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.

One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.

Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.

The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.

For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.

Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.

The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.

Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.

For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.

Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

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Nigeria Get Second Chance as CAF Reportedly Considers Flying Eagles for 2027 U-20 AFCON

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.

Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.

However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.

The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.

Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.

The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.

Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.

For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.