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Plateau Peace Practitioners Network express sadness over renewed attacks in the state

Published

3 years ago

April 29, 2023

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The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), has expressed sadness over the resurgence of violence in parts of Plateau state.

Pwakim, Jacob Choji the Chairman of the Network made this known in a statement in Jos the Plateau state capital on Friday following the recent attacks within parts of Riyom Local Government Area.

The Statement Reads:

We are using this medium to extend our condolences and solidarity to the immediate families of the victims, the state, and humanity as a whole because, a violation of the rights of anyone is a violation of all people. May the souls of the deceased find peace, and may their deaths be a reminder of the need for leaders saddled with the mandate to protect and be true to their responsibilities.

There is no doubt that the government, non profit organizations, most members of the network, the donor community, and people of goodwill have made concerted efforts to address the persistence of violent conflicts in Plateau State through diverse approaches and interventions that have reduced the fragility of the state in the past.

Nonetheless, the fragility of the Plateau state has taken on new dimensions. From the usual religious antagonism Plateau state is regrettably known for, where parties to the conflict are identified for dialogue, peace treaties are signed, capacity building of the parties for conflict transformation is enhanced, and other engagements are done to address violent conflicts and build a peaceful Plateau state, Plateau is now faced with major concerns where gun people who have been conveniently called “unknown gunmen” attack citizens of this state without documented evidence of arrest and prosecution.

This is worrisome and unacceptable to the network. We wrote to the governor and made the following requests:

1. He should address the citizens of the state through a state broadcast on the actions that have been taken or should be taken to address the widespread tension, fear, and anxiety caused by the upsurge in attacks. The address should also provide citizens with hope, knowing that those tasked with protecting them have not abandoned them to their fate.

2. We also appealed that the medical needs of the survivors be met by the government, including assurance of security and safety, to avoid the clear case of praying for people to “rest in peace” rather than to “live in peace.”

3.We called on him to make a frantic effort to hand over a state free of heightened insecurity as a legacy to the next government and the Plateau people. This should be done by directing the Plateau Peace Building Agency to collaborate with the Peace Practitioners Network and other critical stakeholders to avoid the escalation of these attacks while charging security to deal with this resurgence as a major threat to life and property, particularly during this transition period when conflict marchants may seek to exploit the state.

While we have requested proactiveness on the part of the government and the state agencies to take responsibility for the enforcement of law and order, we have the following appeal for the citizens:

1. Community members should activate early warning and early response mechanisms in their communities in collaboration with state agencies. Where early warning is shared with state authorities without satisfactory action, communities can reach out to the National Human Rights Commission at Plot 12677, Laminga/Liberty Dam Road, Rikkos Village, Jos, and also report to any credible civil society organization. Let’s put it straight, the state security agencies have also made commitments to the peace of the state, but they may not be devoid of bad elements who decided to act unprofessionally, thereby denting the good image of the agencies.

2. Communities must avoid isolated movements, especially as the farming season is fast approaching. They must think of safety and security first.

3. As legitimate as community protests and demands for safety and security are, people must avoid situations in which road users are inconvenienced as they draw attention to their plights. People must be more diplomatic and use less vulnerable methods of seeking enforcement, no matter how difficult it is. Communities are put at greater risk as a result of jungle justice due to these protests being taken advantage of.

While we hope for a
peaceful Plateau and Nigeria, we are confident that by working together, these attacks will one day be a thing of the past. Dear citizens of Plateau State, PEACE is a goal; let’s pursue it, grab it, and live it. Live and let’s live…

The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), a network of local and international NGOs and CSOs whose members are committed to a just and peaceful society where everybody lives in harmony despite political, religious, and ethnic differences for the attainment of sustainable development, is saddened over what appears to be the resurgence of violent attacks in rural communities in Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi local government councils of Plateau state

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Only Wike-led PDP is recognised – Kelechi Anosike

Published

31 minutes ago

June 26, 2026

Preport

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has insisted that only the Wike-led faction of the PDP is recognised by law and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing the existence of any other faction of the party.

Anosike, while declaring his support for the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, argued that the other factions are not recognised by INEC and that it would be a waste of time to run under any of them.

“There are not two PDPs. We have only one PDP, and it is the one recognised by INEC, with Nyesom Wike as our national leader. The others have moved to different parties,” he said.

He also claimed that, in Abia State, he remains the only candidate of the party and that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and four other political parties have aligned with the PDP in a bid to unseat Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking on the performance of Governor Alex Otti, Anosike said the administration had failed to adequately cater to the needs of young people in the state. He claimed that many Abia residents, particularly youths, had abandoned the Labour Party and were now supporting the PDP ahead of the next election.

“The Abia State government has neglected the people, especially the youths. There is no meaningful programme targeted at them. About 75 per cent of the youths are with us, and more are joining every day.

“They have adopted our party. Nigerians will see endorsements from these parties and understand that we are serious,” he added.

Responding to claims that he is being sponsored by influential political figures, the PDP candidate dismissed the allegations, insisting that his ambition is driven solely by divine direction.

“Nobody sent me. It is the Almighty God who sent me and is driving this process,” Anosike said.

He also denied reports linking his candidacy to former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Anosike cautioned the Otti-led administration against what he described as the intimidation of opposition voices, urging the governor to be open to criticism and public scrutiny.

“If you have nothing to hide, there is no reason to clamp down on people expressing their opinions. If you believe you have performed well, present your achievements and defend them.

“During debates, we will ask critical questions and expect answers. Arresting people for speaking their minds only raises suspicions,” he said.

The PDP candidate further accused Governor Otti of focusing mainly on road construction while neglecting other critical sectors of the economy.

According to Anosike, infrastructure development alone is insufficient to improve citizens’ welfare, arguing that the state government has failed to address growing poverty and economic hardship.

He also claimed that the Otti administration has benefited from increased federal allocations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Previous administrations received as little as N3 billion monthly, whereas the current government receives as much as N30 billion.

“With such resources, road construction alone should not be celebrated as an extraordinary achievement,” he said.

News

NWFL Championship Return to Calabar, Kick Set for July Kick Off

Published

2 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Preport

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship will return to Calabar, Cross River State, for the 2026 edition, two years after the city hosted the second-tier competition in 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, the NWFL spokesperson, Samuel Ahmadu, confirmed this year’s Championship will hold from July 9 to 16, 2026, with 16 participating clubs set to battle for promotion to the NWFL Premiership.

The return of Calabar continues the city’s role in hosting major women’s football events, providing the platform for another competitive promotion race as clubs compete for a place among Nigeria’s elite women’s football teams.

Commenting on the development, NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Modupe Shabi, opened up on the schedule for second tier, with participating clubs, expected to arrive on Thursday, July 9, 2026, ahead of the commencement of activities.

Before then, Shabi also revealed that teams will be divided into four groups following a draw conducted on Monday, June 29, 2026, with full group details and access information communicated to the clubs.

The tournament schedule will begin with the pre-match meeting scheduled for Friday, July 10, before the competition officially kicks off on Saturday, July 11, with Matchday 1 featuring eight matches across two venues.

Following a rest day on Sunday, July 12, teams will return for Matchday 2 on Monday, July 13, with another eight fixtures across two venues.

The group stage will conclude with Matchday 3 on Tuesday, July 14, before another rest day on Wednesday, July 15, ahead of the decisive Matchday 4 play-off fixtures on Thursday, July 16.

At the end of the competition, the two best-performing teams will earn promotion to the NWFL Premiership, while the three lowest-ranked teams will drop to the NWFL Nationwide division.

The NWFL management has urged all participating clubs to strictly adhere to the competition regulations, schedules and directives as preparations continue for the 2026 NWFL Championship.