News

Plateau Crisis: Berom, Ngas Youths Reject Criminality Allegations, Advocate for Peace

Published

1 year ago

April 11, 2025

vicky

The Association of Berom and Ngas Youths in Politics has pushed back against recent remarks by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, describing his comments as a misrepresentation of the character and culture of their people and potentially divisive.

The youth groups addressed the press during a conference held today at De Bridge Hotel in Jos, setting the record straight on issues surrounding peace, identity, and the ongoing insecurity in the state.

Reading the official statement on behalf of the group, the Chairman, Gyang Samuel, described the Governor’s comments as “unfounded and misleading,” particularly the suggestion that members of the Ngas, Mwaghavul, or Berom communities are involved in criminal activities such as cattle rustling.

“We categorically reject the Governor’s claim,” Samuel said. “Ngas and Berom people are not criminals or cattle rustlers. We are known for our peaceful nature, farming heritage, and culture of hospitality.”

He highlighted the long-standing history of peaceful coexistence among the Berom, Ngas, and other ethnic groups in Plateau and across Nigeria, emphasizing their traditions of mutual respect and community values.

The Chairman further stressed the significance of cultural identity, citing festivals like Nzem Berom, Mandyeng, Pusdung, and Mos Tar, which reflect the rich spiritual and artistic traditions of the two ethnic groups.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the association, Johnson Nenman, reiterated their condemnation of the growing insecurity and criminality on the Plateau, but insisted that such acts should not be attributed to their people.

“It is on record that an Ngas man has never rustled cattle,” Nenman said. “There was even a case where cattle were stolen in an Ngas community, and it was the people themselves who investigated and returned the cattle to the rightful owner. That shows who we are.”

He called on the Governor to refrain from statements that could sow division, urging instead for inclusive dialogue among stakeholders.

“We are deeply pained by the killings and insecurity affecting our people,” he continued. “The solution is not in blame games or politicizing the crisis. We call on the Governor and all stakeholders—regardless of party or ethnicity—to sit together and chart a way forward.”

The youth leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to peace and development, urging the government to prioritize unity and collective responsibility over divisive rhetoric.

Related Topics:Berom Ngas Youths Plateau Crisis

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Business

Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust

Published

1 hour ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has paid over ₦5.5 billion in claims to policyholders as at April 2026, reaffirming its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dependable and customer-focused insurance brands.

The claims payout, according to the company cuts across both General and Life businesses, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises to customers promptly and consistently, even as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to evolve amid recapitalisation and increased market scrutiny.

A breakdown of the claims settlement shows that the sum of ₦3,668,742,117.69 was paid under the General Business portfolio, while ₦1,914,029,614.93 was disbursed under the Life Business portfolio, covering Group Life and Retail Life policies.

The payouts covered a broad spectrum of claims including motor, engineering, marine, life protection, death benefits and other insured risks.

Equally important, Mutual Benefits has consistently earned commendation from policyholders for its responsiveness during difficult moments.

A retail customer whose motor insurance claim was recently settled by the company described the experience as reassuring:“You never truly know the value of insurance until something goes wrong. What stood out for me was how quickly Mutual Benefits responded and resolved my claim without unnecessary stress.”

Another Group Life beneficiary noted: “At a very difficult time for our family, Mutual Benefits came through professionally and compassionately. The support made a real difference.”

Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Olufemi Asenuga described the payout as more than a financial transaction.

“Insurance is ultimately about trust. At Mutual Benefits, we understand that our relevance is not measured merely by policies sold, but by our ability to stand by customers when they need us most.”

He noted further that the consistent settlement of genuine claims reflects the company’s strong operational structure, disciplined underwriting approach and enduring commitment to policyholders across Nigeria.

Industry analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of prompt claims settlement in deepening insurance penetration and restoring public confidence in the sector.

A Lagos-based insurance and financial services analyst, Chinedu Okafor, stated that: “In a market where customers are increasingly demanding accountability and proof of value, insurers that consistently pay claims promptly will continue to earn long-term trust and market relevance.

Claims payment is the strongest form of marketing any insurance company can undertake.”

The latest payout comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, as operators continue to position for stronger financial capacity, operational efficiency and increased consumer confidence in line with ongoing recapitalisation conversations across the sector.

Mutual Benefits noted that while financial strength remains important, long-term sustainability in insurance is ultimately built on trust, service delivery and the ability to honour obligations consistently.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, deepening insurance awareness and delivering innovative products tailored to the realities of individuals and businesses.

With over three decades of operations and a growing footprint across Nigeria, Mutual Benefits continues to position itself as a reliable partner for protection, wealth creation and peace of mind.

The post Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust appeared first on Business Today NG.

News

Plateau Govt Declares War on Terrorists, Tightens Security Measures

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has declared that the state is “at war with terrorists and enemies of the state” as it vowed to intensify efforts to tackle the wave of coordinated attacks recorded across the state over the past four months.

The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted fresh measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

Jatau said the emergency session brought together members of the State Security Council, chairmen of the 17 local government areas and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

According to him, the council concluded that Plateau had come under sustained attacks in recent months, with clear signs of coordinated assaults across communities.

“The council identified and unanimously agreed that the state has been under siege in the last four months with evidence of coordinated attacks unleashed on the state,” he said.

To curb the insecurity, the council resolved to intensify enforcement of the ban on motorcycles, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which it described as factors fuelling insecurity.

The government also directed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned areas and public spaces across the state.

Jatau disclosed that the government would immediately boost logistics support for security agencies through the provision of additional motorcycles and operational vehicles to strengthen security operations.

The council further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between local government security structures and host communities, noting that intelligence sharing and synergy must be improved.

On public order, the government warned that any group found blocking highways would henceforth be treated as engaging in criminal activity and would face the full weight of the law.

The council also pledged to ensure the protection of farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee the safety of farmers and agricultural activities.

Traditional institutions were equally urged to tighten control over cultural groups and associations operating under their supervision.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Jatau declared, “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”

He added that the government remained fully committed to protecting lives, property and communities across the state.

As part of broader security measures, the council also resolved to launch a crackdown on drug dealers, traffickers and substance abusers operating within Plateau State.