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PMB: Peace Must Return To Plateau, As Stakeholders Interrogate The FG Over Nation’s Maladies

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President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged all parties in the intractable conflict that engulfed Plateau state recently to sheathe their swords and let peace reign in the interest of all. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
 
President Buhari made the call in Jos, Plateau state at a dialogue forum organized by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in conjunction with the Federal government and the country’s governors to discuss how to resolve the Jos crises and show concern over the unfortunate events that occurred in parts of the Plateau recently..
 
Stakeholders at the gathering also interfaced on peace on the Plateau and how to forge ahead by deepening peace building process taking cognizance of what has been happening in the past.
 
Às contained in a release by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to governor Tambuwal, Muhammad Bello, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr  Boss Gida Mustapha, the President while conveying his heartfelt condolence to the state government, the victims and their families, pledges to mobilize all resources to bring the perpetrators to book.
 
According to him, the current security situation in the entire country  calls for constant dialogue and the strategy for overcoming such problems should be all inclusive. 
 
He admonished NIREC, community leaders and religious leaders to sustain their current intervention as government alone cannot succeed in the fight against crimes and criminalities without the cooperation of the people. 
 
Stating that the “task of this meeting is to build upon what has been raised in order to halt the circle of violence,” in the state and beyond, President Buhari said the federal government will continue to collaborate at all levels to ensure that peace returns to the Plateau and other parts of the country, further assuring that: “peace must return to the Plateau. That is our prayer.”
 
The co-Chairman of NIREC, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar who narrated that he was at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos when he became a monarch, expressed gratitude to the Federal government and the incumbent Governor of Plateau for keeping the peace. 
 
He affirmed his belief that the Governor should be encouraged to do more, indicating that the meeting was not a jamboree but a concerted effort to make the state remain as part of the nation.
 
“Plateau people should know they’re part of Nigeria. The whole country is here to talk to ourselves about how this came about. While the two religions enjoin brotherly love, why have politicians divided the people? Is killing people a religious revelation by God?, the Sultan asked, posing that: “If the evil being perpetrated isn’t nipped in the bud it will further escalate.”
 
The monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), also encouraged Gov. Lalong to continue with the good work he is doing, stressing that “unless government wakes up, these crises won’t end.”
 
“It hurts when we hear things being said on the pulpits-either as Christians or Muslims; and we allow it. We’re in a very bad situation but we have hope. Only Nigerians can stabilize the country not anyone from abroad, the Sultan emphasized, further stressing that the earlier the government address the many problematic issues bedeviling the country, including the resolution of the industrial action by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and other negative things, the better for all.
 
He urged politicians to close ranks and put politics in the background until electioneering campaign begins; and tasked Nigerians to have patience. “We cannot continue killing one another in the name of religion or ethnicity,” he submitted.
 
Corroborating the Sultan, himself also a co-Chairman of NIREC, Olasupo Ayokunle, said those involved in the killings on the Plateau are Muslims and Christians, to whom he appealed that they should allow dialogue to prevail, failing which the government should come in.
 
“Nobody has the monopoly of violence. If you get advantage today don’t assume same it will be the situation tomorrow. God is love because he gives man free will and the opportunity to live. To know God, you must love your neighbor,” he said, asking Nigerians and the law enforcement agents to ensure that peace reigns. 
 
He also said for peace to become a reality justice should not be delayed and efforts should be made by the federal government to ensure that modern technology is deployed in fighting against the unfolding criminality, which is itself sophisticated in nature.
 
“Government should react to the plight of victims of conflicts. The people of Plateau who have witnessed the mayhems for so long should speak out with love about the causes- remote and immediate,” he advised, observing that Nigeria can’t develop with shameful and embarrassing conflicts ravaging it.
 
The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman, Kayode Fayemi who led his counterparts from Sokoto and Niger states to the meeting said they were in Jos to physically demonstrate concern of the governors to the government and people of the state.
 
“We’re experiencing challenging times. But we can draw lessons from the adversities. Plateau has learnt a lot. 
 
“The work of the state PEACE COMMISSION has been remarkable. The government of Plateau should not  be distracted from the pursuit of peace and good governance,” he said.
 
He said the Forum have irrefutable values intended to strengthen the unity of the country. “Whatever stands in the way should be addressed. As residents you know that Jos is a globe that binds as many Nigerians have lived here for over a century,” he explained.
 
Applauding Gov. Lalong for doing his best to keep the peace and bond between Nigerians, he said his colleagues, the governors, will not fail in associating  fully with community and religious leaders who have shown commitment in difficult times.
 
In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state, noted that all the Nigerian governors are worried about the latest ugly trend of violence in the Plateau.
 
He recalled that in March 2017 his entire cabinet, 
along with the Sultan and other prominent citizens of the state, came to Plateau for a  retreat. “This was to demonstrate to the world that peace has returned to the Plateau back then. It was to prove to the world that Sokoto people, like other Nigerians, were at home in Plateau. 
 
“We must continue to live together as brothers and sisters. None of the two major religions encourages killing. Why are we pretending to be killing in the name of religion or ethnicity?,” he indicated.
 
“Why can’t we follow the trajectory of what gives us peace? Nobody will  come to Nigeria to invest when there’s no peace. It is in our collective interests to live in peace. Security agents can’t help if we are not working together, he said while appealing to Nigerians to embrace the real teachings of our religions.
 
Pointing out that the monumental loses occasioned by conflicts over the years have shown that violence is counter-productive, Gov. Tambuwal, who is also the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party- Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) admonished religious leaders to step up their efforts in this regard.
 
Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state, 
who recalled with nostalgia his fond memories of Jos, which we use to know was a peaceful place, “with warm and friendly people…like London,” have suddenly changed over the years.
 
“It is saddening that all that have changed. There is no need for religious animosity because we are all who we are in terms of religion by accident of birth. What should matter now is that characters must blend for people to live together. Plateau is an economically viable state with a large tourism potentials.
 
Gov. Bello, who is also the Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, observed that if not for the orgies of violence being expressed across the country, “by now we should be way ahead of where we are at the moment. We should continue to talk about peace and avoid conflicts.
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Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Insecurity: Ododo Briefs President Tinubu On Proactive Measures Put In Place

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5 days ago

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December 9, 2025

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Kogi Gov Ahmed Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state on Monday, paid a working visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the State House, Abuja, briefing him on proactive measures put in place to tackle insecurity and the overall development of the state.





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Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, indicates that Governor Ododo during the visit, highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the state government in collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

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According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his consistent and unwavering support, particularly in bolstering security operations across Kogi State.

He noted that the federal backing has significantly enhanced the capacity of security forces to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.

Governor Ododo also conveyed the profound gratitude of the Government and the good people of Kogi State to the President for the landmark approval of the Ajaokuta Economic City, also known as the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone.

He described the project as a historic and transformative initiative that will reposition Kogi as a major industrial and investment hub, create massive employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

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In his response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commended Governor Ododo for his effective leadership and strong collaboration with federal security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state. The President assured him of the Federal Government’s continued support in both security and development efforts.

The high-level meeting also featured fruitful discussions focused on advancing infrastructural development, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people of Kogi State.


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Abdulrahman Obaje

Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Kogi State Intercept Child Trafficking

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6 days ago

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December 9, 2025

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Child Trafficking Thwarted in Kogi State
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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has successful intercepted a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.








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The State’s Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement, disclosed that at about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between 6 and 17 years into Kogi State.

According to the statement “Initial investigations revealed that the children had been moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.

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“Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.

” Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors. Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.

“The rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the necessary psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.

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“Upon completion of profiling and verification, the children will be handed over to their respective State Governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families. Meanwhile, all individuals found culpable in this trafficking operation will be prosecuted in line with Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.

“The Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration, and any form of security threat. The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the State.


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Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies

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2 weeks ago

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December 1, 2025

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state.





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The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON

Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.

President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.

The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.

Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.

He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.

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The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.

Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.

He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.

The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.

He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.

He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.

He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.

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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.

In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.

He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.

The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.

The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.

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Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.

The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.


Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje

Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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