News

Three Killed in Fresh Attack by Suspected Militias in Plateau State

Published

1 year ago

April 9, 2025

vicky

Three people have been killed following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Hwrra Village in the Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Monday, April 7, 2025.

The victims—Yakubu Mali, 48, Mangwa Ive, 40, and Ezra Riti—were all members of the Irigwe community.

The latest incident comes days after gunmen attacked 6 villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state, k!lling 52 people.

National Publicity Secretary, Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, April 8, said several attacks have claimed the lives of our people in the last four weeks.

“On April 6, 2025, just a day after our people celebrated the Zrrechi festival, Fulani militias also launched an ambush on our people heading to Hukke which they narrowly escaped via the whiskers,” the statement read.

“This incident is part of a disturbing trend of attacks that have claimed the lives of our people in the last four weeks:

1. On April 2, 2025, Mr. Dewi Terry Nah, 33 years old, from Nzharuvo was stabbed to death by Fulani militias along Twin Hill (Gyu).

2. On March 24, 2025, Fulani militias launched an ambush opposite the shooting range, Twin Hill, k!lling Mr. Dumba Yohanna Monday, 33 years old, and another person who narrowly escaped.

3. On March 23, 2025, Fulani militias launched a devastating ambush on our people from Dundu, k!lling three individuals: Mr. John Avia, 48 years old, Mr. Sunday Dickson, 32 years old, and Mr. Peter Dickson, 30 years old.

4. On March 13, 2025, Fulani militias attacked two Irigwe sons at their farm in Yhwiba, k!lling Mr. Audu Buge, 24 years old, while Mr. Iche Sunday narrowly survived with serious injuries and is receiving treatment in an undisclosed location.

“The atrocities committed by Fulani militias in Irigwe land extend beyond ambushes and attacks on our people. Their cattle have been grazing on hecters of our irrigation farms with impunity, rendering countless families jobless and hungry as their only source of livelihood is destroyed.

“The continued k!llings and destruction of our people’s means of livelihood are deliberate attempts to turn the Irigwe community into a lawless one. However, we remain undeterred, and our resolve to seek justice for our people is unshaken.

“The leadership of the Irigwe Youth Movement calls on:

1. The Executive Chairman of Bassa LGA, Hon. Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti, to:

a. Collaborate with the state government and relevant security agencies to immediately arrest, halt, and prosecute the perpetrators and accomplices of these heinous crimes in Irigwe land.

b. Empower local vigilante groups within Bassa Local Government to boost security intelligence gathering and early warning signs, as these continued killings of our people must stop.

2. All political bigwigs in Irigwe land, illustrious sons and daughters, members of the state and national assembly, to come out openly and not only condemn these acts of inhumanity but also create measures to stop their reoccurrence.

3. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3-Division Nigerian Army Headquarters, Bassa, and also the Commander of Operation Safe Haven Headquarters Jos, to beef up security architecture in Bassa by arresting the perpetrators of these heinous crimes in Irigwe land, Bokkos, and other communities of Plateau State, and all their accomplice and sponsors and bringing them to face the full wrath of the law.

4. Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), non-governmental organizations, private and public servants, and other compassionate Nigerians to come to the aid of these attacked and troubled communities whose families and means of livelihood have been cut short by these marauders with essential materials, especially at these critical moments.

“To our dear Irigwe people, may your spirits never be broken. Continue to pray and intensify vigilance within the ambits of the law. The Irigwe Youth Movement will continue to explore legal ways to seek justice and bring an end to these happenings in our land.”

Business

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

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

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.

News

Plateau Govt Declares War on Terrorists, Tightens Security Measures

Published

3 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

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.