The President of the Plateau State Association USA (PSA-USA), Dr. Barth Shepkong, has issued a forceful appeal to federal lawmakers representing Plateau State, urging them to speak out and take decisive action as violent attacks continue to ravage communities across the state and the wider Middle Belt region.
In a statement titled “Plateau Is Under Siege: We Demand That Our Lawmakers in Abuja Stand Up and Fight for Us,” Dr. Shepkong warned that Nigeria is at a critical turning point, with escalating insecurity challenging the nation’s moral conscience and political will. He described the sustained attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Kanam, and other communities as a deepening humanitarian crisis requiring urgent national attention.
Dr. Shepkong condemned what he called the “deadly politicization of insecurity,” criticising the frequent use of terms such as “unknown gunmen,” “communal clashes,” or “miscreants” to describe the violence. Such language, he said, distorts reality, minimizes victims’ suffering, and shields perpetrators from scrutiny.
“Every euphemism is a betrayal of the dead,” he said, insisting that silence from political leaders only emboldens those behind the attacks.
Expressing deep frustration, the PSA-USA president criticised Plateau’s federal lawmakers for what he described as “unacceptable silence,” arguing that the people did not elect representatives to “warm seats” in Abuja. He noted the absence of strong public statements, legislative motions, and calls for emergency security intervention.
“Silence in a moment of moral crisis is not neutrality — it is failure,” he said, describing such inaction as a betrayal of public trust.
Dr. Shepkong emphasised that Plateau communities are traumatised, exhausted, and increasingly feel abandoned as the violence persists. He urged lawmakers to rise above political caution and demonstrate moral courage, noting that the protection of human life must outweigh political ambition or party loyalty.
He further called for renewed commitment to truth, justice, and accountability, urging leaders at all levels to confront the insecurity with honesty and resolve while challenging false or misleading narratives.
“As Plateau sons and daughters — at home and in the diaspora — our call is clear: end the politicization of insecurity, speak boldly with moral clarity, and demand protection for our people,” he stated.
Dr. Shepkong concluded by stressing that Nigeria’s peace and long-term stability depend on leaders who are willing to defend vulnerable communities without hesitation.
“This is the leadership Plateau deserves. This is the leadership the Middle Belt needs. And this is the leadership Nigeria must demand — now.”
Nigerian footballers continued to make their mark across Europe over the weekend, with goals, assists and impressive individual performances headlining another busy round of club action.
Samuel Chukwueze made an immediate impact off the bench for AC Milan, providing the assist for Alphadjo Cisse’s 68th-minute goal against Juventus. Chukwueze featured for 30 minutes before Milan conceded a dramatic 90+2-minute equaliser through Gatti as the encounter ended in a draw.
Victor Osimhen found the net for the sixth time this season for Galatasaray in their away Super Lig victory over Basaksehir. However, the Nigerian striker was forced off with an injury in the first half. Early reports suggest he could be sidelined for at least a month, although the full extent of the injury remains to be confirmed.
At Trabzonspor, Paul Onuachu enjoyed a productive but injury-hit outing, scoring twice before being forced to leave the pitch. The striker featured for 44 minutes, opening the scoring in the fifth minute before completing his brace in the 22nd minute. Chibuike Nwaiwu also impressed as Trabzonspor secured a big home victory over Genclerbirligi.
Akor Adams played 70 minutes for Venezia in their 3-2 Serie A defeat away to Frosinone, creating one clear chance as his side suffered another setback.
In the Women’s Super League, Chiamaka Nnadozie put in a solid performance in goal for Brighton, but could not prevent a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, with the decisive goal arriving inside the opening 10 minutes.
Rasheedat Ajibade started the new PSG Feminine league campaign in style, scoring after just three minutes in a 2-0 away victory over RC Lens. The Super Falcons captain played all 90 minutes, created four chances and was assisted by compatriot Jennifer Echegini, who featured for 62 minutes.
Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive scoring run, finding the net for the fourth consecutive game despite Ajax suffering a 3-1 home defeat to PSV.
In Scotland, Emmanuel Fernandez delivered a strong defensive display for Rangers, winning nine duels and making two tackles in 89 minutes during a narrow league victory over Motherwell.
Elsewhere, Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi featured for Coventry City in their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
In the Czech Republic, Emmanuel Ayaosi recorded a goal and an assist in Slavia Praha’s comfortable win over Zbrojovka Brno, while Samuel Isife also registered an assist.
In Turkey, Tosin Kehinde delivered one of the weekend’s standout displays, scoring twice and providing an assist as Bandırmaspor secured a big victory over Boluspor.
The the Social Democratic Party, SDP, presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Adewole Adebayo, has fired back at former Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, over his recent comment.
Datti had stated that none of the leading candidates for the 2027 presidential election can fix Nigeria, including his former boss, Peter Obi.
Speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Sunday, Adebayo said Datti’s conclusion could only be based on his personal experiences with politicians he had worked with.
He advised Datti not be extend such a conclusion to candidates with whom he had no direct dealings.
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“Senator Datti is talking from experience, the intimate relationship with people he has dealt with, so limit it to that. He can’t be talking about people like us, whom he has not dealt with,” Adebayo said.
The SDP presidential candidate equally said that Datti’s experience with Obi may have influenced his assessment of the other presidential contenders.
“Maybe his experience with Governor Peter Obi has convinced him that that one cannot make a good president,” he added.