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Plateau crisis: Group commend OPSH for eliminating notorious bandits

Published

3 years ago

July 18, 2023

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A Jos-based peace advocacy group, operating as Conference of Plateau State Peace Builders Network (COPPEBN), has hailed the internal military outfit, in Plateau State, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) for its recent prompt action in quelling what could have been an escalated crisis in the state by neutralizing three notorious bandits.

Recall that the internal security outfit had during routine operations in Mangu, Riyom, Bokkos, and other parts of the state, eliminated three notorious bandits and recovered sophisticated weapons from them

Reacting to the latest security breakthrough in the state, the Conference of Plateau State Peace Builders Network (COPPEBN), said the development besides other milestones recorded by the military in the state had led to relative peace and calm in the once-troubled area.

The group, in a statement,,by its National President, Dr Dung Bot, and Secretary General, Barr. Mrs. Lucy Wuyep appealed to Operation Safe Haven not just to sustain the tempo but also to extend the operation to all the local governments areas of Plateau State.

The group which particularly commended the General Officer Commanding, GOC 3rd Jos for leading his men in the frontline, described the development as a game changer that we must all commend.

It, however, expressed shock at what it described as “a reckless, sentimental, and callous statement made by one of our state lawmakers, Hon. Kundagbenia Dewan Gabriel of Plateau State House of Assembly, condemning the gunning down of the three bandits in Mangu and further described the criminals as people supporting the military in fighting crime in the area.”

“This statement is not only callous and unfortunate but it’s also unbecoming of a lawmaker who should have put patriotism and honesty at the forefront instead of political sentiment,” the group said.

“We passionately appeal to the military authorities to sustain the tempo and extend the operation to all the local governments of Plateau State. The action of the GOC by leading his men from the front at the battleground and moving the operational headquarter of OPSH to Mangu Local Government Area is a game changer that we must all commend,” it said.

The statement read in parts: “We write to express our profound satisfaction with the robust, and massive ongoing military operations led by the General Officer Commanding, GOC and Commander of Operations Safe Haven, Jos, Major General AE Abubaker, in Mangu, Riyom, Bokkos and other parts of Plateau State which have led to the killing of three notorious bandits with sophisticated weapons recovered from them and other milestone recorded leading to the relative calm in the once troubled area.

“We passionately appeal to the military authorities to sustain the tempo and extend the operation to all the local government areas of Plateau State.

“The action of the GOC in leading his men in the frontline at the battleground and moving the operational headquarter to Mangu Local Government is a game changer that we must all commend.

“The killings of the three bandits in Mangu no matter who they are, have sent a clear message to troublemakers that the military means business and will go to any extent to comply with the presidential directives that anyone found with prohibited firearms should be gunned down. We’re so happy and proud of Operation Safe Haven so far,” it said.

The group said it was, “however shocked by a reckless, sentimental, and callous statement made by one our state lawmaker, Hon. Kundagbenia Dewan Gabriel of Plateau State House of Assembly, where he condemned the gunning down of the three bandits in Mangu and further described the criminals as people supporting the military in fighting crime in the area.”

“This statement is not only callous and unfortunate but is also unbecoming of a lawmaker who should have put patriotism and honesty at the forefront instead of relying on political sentiment

“Playing politics with peace and security will only keep us in Plateau in the same circle of crisis and endless violence.

“As leaders that he’s , what we expected from the young lawmaker was not to misinform the public but rather, stand for the truth by calling a spade a spade no matter who is involved.

“We must rise above ethnic, political and tribal sentiments when dealing with security issues.

“We must condemn criminality even if our siblings are involved. This is the only way we can get it right and return our communities to peace and prosperity and not to take sides with people carrying Ak47 rifles just to get a nod from his constituents,” the group said.

The organization said while people must join hands to fight the attackers in our communities” we must be bold to tell some of our criminal youths the truth.”

“How can the bandits killed be described as locals helping the military to defend the land? Who authorized them to carry Ak 47 to defend the land? Was it the military or who? Is it possible to be defending the land with the military and the military does not know or assigned you? The group asked.

It charged the public, particularly the citizens of the state to ignore what it described as “attention-seeking young legislator who is only out to seek relevance and weep cheap sentiment for political points.”

Related Topics:COPPEBN OPSH Plateau crisis: Group hails OPSH for eliminating notorious bandits

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Plateau relaxes curfew in Jos North after attack by bandits

Published

8 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has reviewed the curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area following a satisfactory security assessment carried out in the affected area.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Joyce Ramnap, the commissioner for information and communication.

According to her, the decision followed a satisfactory assessment of the security situation in the area.

“Curfew earlier imposed on the area is hereby further relaxed. Effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the curfew will now run from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily,” Ms Ramnap said.

“Residents are advised to continue to comply strictly with the directive and cooperate with security agencies,” she added.

She urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and report suspicious activities to security agencies, while appreciating their cooperation and understanding.

Ms Rambap also advised residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The curfew was imposed following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba community where more than 30 persons were killed in the attack.

Business

Cornerstone Insurance Backs Lagos Flood Insurance Scheme for Four Million Residents

Published

10 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

Cornerstone Insurance Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening climate resilience and expanding financial protection for vulnerable communities through its participation in the Lagos Flood Risk Transfer Scheme, an innovative flood insurance initiative expected to benefit approximately four million residents across Lagos State.

Flooding remains one of the most significant environmental and economic challenges confronting Lagos State, with poor and vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by recurring incidents during the state’s annual rainy seasons. As a low-lying coastal city with an average elevation of approximately 1.5 metres above sea level, Lagos faces increasing flood risks driven by rising sea levels, land subsidence, rapid urbanisation, and drainage systems frequently obstructed by waste.

Over the years, the state has experienced increasingly severe flooding, particularly between April and July, resulting in widespread disruption to infrastructure, livelihoods, businesses, and economic productivity. Estimates place the annual economic impact of flooding in Lagos at nearly $4 billion.

To address these growing risks and strengthen the financial resilience of affected communities, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Insurance Development Forum (IDF), with funding support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), developed the Lagos Flood Risk Transfer Scheme in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.

The initiative is designed to provide rapid financial support to vulnerable residents through an innovative parametric insurance solution that enables faster response and recovery following major flooding events.

Following extensive modelling and technical assessments, a flood footprint-based index was selected as the most suitable insurance model for Lagos State, taking into consideration the city’s exposure to pluvial, fluvial, and coastal flooding risks. Under the scheme, payouts are triggered when flood depths reach 50 centimetres.

After regulatory approval by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the scheme is being underwritten by Cornerstone Insurance Plc alongside three other leading insurance companies, with Africa Re providing reinsurance support.

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director of Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Stephen Alangbo, said: “at Cornerstone Insurance, we understand that climate-related risks such as flooding continues to threaten livelihoods, businesses, and vulnerable communities across Lagos State. Our participation in the Lagos Flood Risk Transfer Scheme reflects our commitment to providing innovative insurance solutions that strengthen resilience, support rapid recovery, and deliver meaningful financial protection to those most affected by environmental challenges.”

The sustainability of the initiative is further strengthened by the Lagos State Government’s commitment to incremental premium payments over the next three years. The scheme has also been integrated into the state’s broader disaster management framework, reinforcing coordinated efforts to improve preparedness, response, and recovery for flood-prone communities across Lagos State.

About Cornerstone Insurance

Cornerstone Insurance Plc is licensed and re-certified by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to provide both general and life insurance services. As the first insurance company in Nigeria to offer customers an online platform for insurance transactions, its services are driven by cutting-edge technology, making them easily accessible via internet and mobile platforms.

At Cornerstone Insurance Plc, we remain committed to our core values of integrity, empathy, professionalism, innovation, and team spirit. Our mission is to deliver value beyond expectations through need-based products and exceptional service delivery.

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