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New GOC Pledges Fairness and Impartiality in Tackling Plateau State Security Challenges

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2025

The newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has vowed to address the longstanding security challenges in Plateau State with fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to lasting peace. Major General Oyinlola made this pledge on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.

Plateau State has been plagued by decades of violent clashes between herding and farming communities, resulting in significant loss of lives and property. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of instigating the violence, creating a cycle of mistrust and retaliation. In his address, Major General Oyinlola emphasized the importance of restoring confidence between the warring factions through justice and equity.

“Our priority is not just to maintain the existing peace in the state but to strengthen it, ensuring that all parties feel secure and supported. The security challenges in Plateau require a multi-faceted approach. We must engage all stakeholders and ensure their voices are heard in our quest for lasting peace,” Oyinlola stated.

The GOC acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor and stressed the need to build on past achievements to ensure sustained stability in the Joint Operations Area (JOA), which covers Plateau and its neighboring states. He reiterated his commitment to a collaborative approach, involving community leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang welcomed Major General Oyinlola’s visit and expressed gratitude for the Nigerian Army’s continued support in tackling the state’s security challenges. He assured the GOC of the state government’s full cooperation and commitment to creating an environment conducive to peace and development.

“We appreciate the Nigerian Army’s dedication to restoring peace in Plateau State. The state government is ready to work closely with you and other security agencies to ensure that our people can live without fear and pursue their livelihoods in peace,” Governor Mutfwang said.

The meeting between the GOC and the governor marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address the complex security situation in Plateau State. With a renewed focus on fairness, inclusivity, and community engagement, there is hope that the state can move closer to achieving lasting peace and stability.

As Major General Oyinlola assumes his new role, the people of Plateau State and its neighboring regions will be watching closely, hopeful that his leadership will bring an end to the cycle of violence and pave the way for a brighter, more secure future.

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NJC recommends new judges across five states, two appellate courts

Published

48 minutes 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.