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.”

News

‘I’m not dead’ – Abia APC Senatorial candidate, Erondu cries out over alleged name substitution

Published

7 minutes ago

August 1, 2026

Preport

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr., has rejected the alleged substitution of his name as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election, describing the purported action as unlawful and unconstitutional.

In a press statement personally signed on Saturday, Erondu said he is not dead and remains the duly nominated APC candidate for Abia South.

Erondu, who is currently a member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Obingwa West Constituency, said the primary election conducted on May 16, 2026, across the 65 electoral wards in the six local government areas of Abia South Senatorial District returned him as the winner.

Erondu Jr. said his mandate was declared by the APC National Working Committee in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). He added that he was issued a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the APC Abia South primary election results on June 30, 2026.

He expressed concern over reports that his name had been replaced with Paul Ikonne in violation of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Citing Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, he explained that a political party can only substitute a candidate where the candidate dies, voluntarily withdraws through a personally signed written notice addressed to the party, or where a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order affecting the nomination.

“I am alive. I have not withdrawn my candidature. I have never signed or submitted any notice withdrawing my candidature to the All Progressives Congress,” Erondu Jr. declared.

Erondu therefore called on the APC National Working Committee and INEC to remain guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Abia State chapter of the APC had, on July 1, 2026, declared Erondu Uchenna Erondu as the party’s candidate to challenge the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

News

Portable Reacts to Chaotic Boxing Rematch With Charles Okocha

Published

2 hours ago

August 1, 2026

Preport

Nigerian street-pop star Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has expressed regret over the controversial ending to his celebrity boxing rematc against actor Charles Okocha in Lagos.

The highly anticipated bout, billed as an opportunity to settle the rivalry between the two entertainers, ended prematurely after Portable walked away from the contest following a chaotic opening round.

The dramatic development left fans and spectators stunned, as the expected boxing showdown quickly descended into disorder, with tensions between the two fighters spilling beyond the normal boundaries of the contest.

In a statement issued by his management, Zeh Nation/Dr Zeh, the singer’s team apologised to the organisers, Balmoral Group, the event crew, fans, friends and family members who had turned out to support him.

The management acknowledged the disappointment caused by Portable’s decision to leave the fight after the opening round while appealing to the public to respect his decision and perspective.

“We understand the disappointment caused by the outcome of the fight and by Portable’s decision to step away after the first round,” the statement said.

The team also accepted responsibility for the disappointment generated by the incident and expressed appreciation to Portable’s supporters for their continued loyalty despite the controversy surrounding the bout.

Zeh Nation further commended Balmoral Group and everyone involved in organising the celebrity boxing event, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected conclusion.

According to the management, the reaction to the incident has been noted, with the experience expected to serve as a learning opportunity for Portable and his team.

“We have taken note of the feedback, and we are committed to learning from this experience. We promise to come back stronger and do better next time,” the statement added.

Portable’s early departure brought an abrupt end to a rematch that had attracted considerable attention from both entertainment and sports fans in Lagos.

Rather than producing the decisive conclusion many had anticipated, the contest ended in controversy, leaving Charles Okocha and the event organisers to deal with the fallout from a chaotic night inside the ring.

The singer’s management concluded by thanking fans for their continued support, understanding and belief in Portable, despite the circumstances surrounding the bout.