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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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2027: We dumped Peter Obi for Tinubu – Charismatic Bishops

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The Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, under the leadership of Leonard Kawas, has explained why its group of clerics switched support from the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Kawas, in an interview with Channels Television, said he supported Obi against Tinubu in 2023.

According to the cleric, he and his group believe President Tinubu is on the right track, which is why they decided to back his re-election bid.

“Well, in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was contesting against Peter Obi, but I chose Peter Obi. If it was for convenience, I would have chosen Tinubu, but I did not in 2023. It is my fundamental human right. Based on the issues on the ground and the leading of the Spirit, I and my group are supporting President Tinubu for 2027 because we believe he is on the right course. He will definitely take Nigeria to very high heights in all ramifications,” he said.

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DAILY POST reports that the Charismatic Bishops became a subject of political discussion following their endorsement of President Tinubu.

This comes as Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and other presidential candidates are set to battle in the January 16, 2027, presidential election.

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Army warns of possible attacks on churches, schools

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The Nigerian Army has warned that terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), may be planning coordinated attacks on churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public places across Nigeria.

The warning was contained in a communication dated September 9, 2026, signed by AM Sodiq and addressed to the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan. SaharaReporters obtained the document.

According to the Army, intelligence indicates “increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers” by terrorist groups for possible attacks in parts of the North-East, North-West, North-Central and some areas of the South-West.

It warned that the attacks could happen “any moment from now” and identified Catholic and Protestant churches, primary and secondary schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations as possible targets.

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The Army also said it had received information about the movement of scores of armed fighters from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

The military further disclosed that suspected ISWAP members had started monitoring some of the identified targets, allegedly with the help of local collaborators.

“Further intelligence revealed that suspected members of Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) have commenced surveillance and reconnaissance activities against identified targets with support from their local collaborators,” the document stated.

The Army expressed particular concern about schools ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.

It said the terrorists could be planning to exploit the return of large numbers of students and teachers to cause mass casualties and create fear.

“Of particular concern is the targeting of educational institutions, with the anticipated period of the attack assessed to coincide with the resumption of schools for the 2026/2027 academic session,” the document stated.

It added that the timing was “intended to exploit concentration of students and staff to cause mass casualties and heighten public fear and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The Army said the intelligence suggested that the groups may have moved beyond planning and could already be preparing for the attacks.

“This development suggests possible progression from intent to preparatory activity and therefore warrants heightened vigilance around identified locations and similarly exposed facilities,” it said.

The military consequently called for increased surveillance and stronger security measures around the identified targets and other public places considered vulnerable.

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