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Traditional Ruler Advocates Stronger Role for Monarchs as Shendam Hosts Plateau Fact-Finding Committee

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His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, the Long Gamai of the Gamai Nation and President of the Shendam Traditional Council, has called for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s security framework, stressing that sustainable peace is more achievable when communities are led by those who understand them.

The monarch made the call on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, during an engagement with the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee on Conflict and Security, which visited Shendam Local Government Area as part of its statewide consultations.

Shendam, widely regarded as one of the most peaceful local government areas in Plateau State, provided a unique case study for the committee led by retired Major General Nicholas Rogas. The team held separate meetings with the local council leadership, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and other stakeholders.

Addressing the press at his palace after a closed-door session, Long Gamai emphasized the role of communal trust, respect for elders, and localized administration in ensuring peace in Shendam and surrounding communities.

“In the past, traditional leaders were at the center of local governance—we managed security, collected taxes, ran hospitals, even bought vehicles for community services. It worked because everyone knew everyone. Peace was easier to maintain,” he said.

“Today, you bring in police or military from far away who don’t understand the terrain or the people. That’s why we’re asking: give us an institutional role again. Let us help.”

His views echoed those of Shendam LGA Chairman Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, who said the council has prioritized engagement, dialogue, and youth empowerment to curb crime.

“We work honestly with our people. When you give them a sense of ownership, crime drops. That’s how we’ve maintained peace. We ensure transparency, use our resources for real development, and the people respond with trust,” he said.

Committee Secretary Barr. Timothy Parlong assured stakeholders that the team’s recommendations would be rooted in the realities of each community visited.

“Every LGA is unique, and we want the truth. Please be specific—mention names, give facts. We can’t recommend lasting solutions without sincerity,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Rogas (rtd) also commended Shendam for its model of coexistence, particularly among diverse groups such as the Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba, and indigenous Gamai communities.

“We are impressed. Shendam has shown that peace is possible when there’s inclusion and strong local leadership. What we’ve seen here today proves that some communities have solutions that others can learn from,” he said.

The fact-finding committee was inaugurated by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on May 20, 2025, and includes respected Nigerians drawn from across the country. Its findings will help shape the Plateau State Government’s long-term strategy for ending violent conflicts and rebuilding trust in affected communities.

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

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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.

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Plateau Govt Declares War on Terrorists, Tightens Security Measures

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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.

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