The captives, including men, women, and children, were kidnapped by gunmen at Zak community in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area while travelling to attend a Maulud Nabbiy event.

According to some family members of the victims, the abductors later got in touch with them and demanded the amount for each of the kidnapped persons before they would be released.

The family member, who earlier raised the alarm, said they had pleaded with them that they were poor farmers and could not raise such an amount, but that the gunmen had insisted on their demands.

Another relative of a victim, Ibrahim Musa, who spoke on the new condition, said the kidnappers’ anger came after the Chairman of Wase LGA, Muhammed Hamisu, mandated security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the abductees.

In response to the order, the state police spokesman, Alfred Alabo, said a combined team of soldiers and police has been mobilised to the area. At the same time, helicopters have been deployed to search for the victims, rescue them, and arrest those responsible.

Musa said the deployment of the security team and helicopters must have angered the kidnappers, who have now vowed to kill the victims if the ransom is not paid within 24 hours.

Read Also: Kidnappers Abduct Kwara Ex-PDP Ward Chairman in Midnight Raid

“After the kidnappers stopped calling for a few days, they called again on Sunday and said they had seen helicopters flying in the bush and searching for the victims,” Musa told newsmen.

“They told us they will kill our relatives if the ransom is not paid within 24 hours. At the moment, we don’t know what to do.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid as we are poor people and cannot possibly raise such an amount within the period they have given us,” Musa pleaded.

Source: Dailypost

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In a statement, the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Government House, Gyang Bere, said the rumour was “a blatant lie, a shameless concoction peddled by desperate mischief makers” intent on creating confusion.

The government reaffirmed that Mutfwang remains committed to his mandate and “has not defected to any party.” Bere emphasized that any change in political status would be communicated through official and verified channels.

Supporters and residents were urged to ignore the false claims and remain focused on the administration’s development agenda.

Read Also: PDP Unveils New Officials in Plateau for 2023-2027 Term

The statement added that the state “remains safe, stable, and steadily rising brighter, stronger, and more resilient” under the governor’s leadership.

Rumours of the governor’s defection have circulated for months, drawing mixed reactions from members of the All Progressives Congress. However, Mutfwang, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, has again reiterated that he remains firmly in the party.

Source: Punch

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In his address, Governor Mutfwang outlined that the proposed budget comprises N341 billion, 37.32%, for recurrent expenditures and N573 billion, 62.68%, for capital projects. He emphasized that the budget was designed to address the immediate needs of the state’s residents, focusing on sustainable growth and critical infrastructure.

“This budget, titled Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability 2.0, is presented with the goal of ensuring long-term economic stability and delivering results that benefit the people of Plateau State,” Mutfwang said. “It is my honour to present the 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, alongside this budget proposal, for your consideration and approval.”

Governor Mutfwang highlighted several priority sectors that the budget will address, including agriculture and rural development, mining and mineral resources, industry, trade, tourism, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The administration’s focus, he said, will be on people-oriented programs that promote peace, security, good governance, and a sustainable economic rebirth.

The Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to utilizing the state’s strategic development framework, which is anchored on three main pillars: peace, security, and good governance; sustainable economic rebirth; and physical infrastructure development.

The proposed N914 billion budget represents an increase of N306 billion over the 2025 budget, reflecting the administration’s drive to accelerate development. The breakdown of the 2026 budget includes, Administration: N125 billion, Economic Sector: N232 billion, Law and Justice: N21 billion, Social Services: N119 billion.

Governor Mutfwang added that the budget would be funded through a combination of internally generated revenue, IGR, the federal government’s share of the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, as well as external aids, grants, and the Capital Development Fund, CDF.

The Governor urged the state House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the budget to ensure timely implementation of key development projects. He also expressed gratitude to the legislature for their continued support, which he said was vital for maintaining democratic stability and the seamless execution of the state’s developmental goals.

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Daniel Naalong, assured the Governor of the legislature’s commitment to fast-tracking the passage of the budget.

With the 2026 budget proposal now on the table, the Plateau State government aims to build on the progress made in previous years, continuing its efforts to enhance the state’s socio-economic development and overall prosperity.

Source: Punch

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According to a statement issued by the state’s Ministry of Transportation, led by Commissioner Davou Gyang, described the accident as a tragic reminder of the critical need for adherence to safety measures and traffic regulations, especially around rail crossings.

“We are deeply saddened by this devastating event and extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” the statement read.

The Ministry also expressed its concern for those injured in the crash, wishing them a swift recovery. It assured the public that efforts are underway in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Commissioner Gyang emphasized the importance of strict compliance with safety rules, urging motorists, tricycle operators, and pedestrians to always respect safety signs and signals at railway crossings.

He warned that failure to do so could result in tragic accidents, as was seen in this case.

“The Plateau State Government is committed to enhancing transportation safety through public education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and the improvement of safety infrastructure across the state,” the statement concluded.

Source: Punch

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Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr. David Umbugadu, announced the successful election of 39 individuals who contested for various positions. While the positions were filled through consensus, delegates still cast votes for the candidates vying for each role.

Umbugadu emphasized that the election process was transparent, with the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other key election stakeholders ensuring the integrity of the results.

“The process was transparent and clear,” Umbugadu stated. “We carried out the election in full view of INEC and other stakeholders, and by the authority vested in me by the PDP, I hereby declare all 39 candidates elected.”

In his brief acceptance speech, Raymond Dabo, the newly elected Chairman of the PDP in Plateau, expressed his commitment to serving the party with dedication and responsibility over the coming years.

Read Also: PDP Candidate Defects to APC In Zamfara

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State congratulated the newly elected officials, emphasizing the importance of unity within the party as they look toward the 2027 elections. He called on the new leadership to work toward resolving any existing grievances and prevent future divisions.

“Your primary task is to unite the party,” Mutfwang said. “Resolve all divisions and ensure no factionalism within the party. It’s time to put aside selfish interests and focus on the collective good of PDP.”

The Governor urged the new officials to prioritize inclusivity, fostering a sense of togetherness that would help secure the party’s victory in the next election cycle.

This version is more concise and emphasizes key details that would be of interest to readers, such as the election process, statements from key figures, and the focus on party unity moving forward.

Source: Punch

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Tarfa, said the support was part of regional efforts to strengthen humanitarian and peacebuilding responses in Plateau. The funds include ₦26 million for children’s education and ₦56 million to assist farmers whose farmlands were destroyed in violent conflicts.

“Today, ECOWAS steps in not as a distant observer but as brothers and sisters committed to healing and rebuilding. The ₦26 million support will restore education and dignity to displaced children, while ₦56 million will help farmers rebuild their livelihoods,” she said.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who was represented by Bashir Aminu, described the intervention as timely.

“This gesture from ECOWAS is not just aid, but an investment in peace and stability. It complements government efforts to protect the dignity of our citizens and restore livelihoods across conflict-hit areas,” the minister stated.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA), Ladan Amos, welcomed the donation, noting that displacement has taken a heavy toll on children and farmers across the state.

“This support from ECOWAS affirms that peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and development must go hand in hand if we are to secure Plateau’s future,” he said.

Read Also: ECOWAS Intensifies Efforts On Regional Single Currency

A representative of one of the IDP camps in the state, Matthew Malau, said the donation will afford their children the opportunity to go back to school and fulfil their dreams. He appreciated ECOWAS and other partners while urging the Plateau State government to ensure judicial use of the funds.

“Our children have been out of school, and families are struggling to survive. With this support, parents see light at the end of the tunnel, and children can dream again,” said a camp coordinator.

According to the Plateau Peace Building Agency, over 31,000 households have been displaced across Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom local government areas. Many of their ancestral lands are still occupied by armed groups, complicating return and recovery efforts.

Source: Channels

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Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur, disclosed this in Jos, saying the children, aged between four and nine, were trafficked from Plateau to Anambra State.

She added that the suspect behind the act has been arrested.

Dafur described the rescue as a significant step in the fight against child trafficking, stressing that the government is committed to defending the rights of the vulnerable.

Receiving the children on behalf of the Bassa local government, the wife of the council chairman, Miriam Riti, said measures had been taken to ensure their well-being, including medical checks, school enrollment, and monitoring through community leaders.

A parent of one of the rescued children, Mrs. Asabe Agidi, expressed gratitude to the government, saying she was misled into believing her child was being taken for a better life.

Read Also: Suspected Kidnappers Killed in Gun Battle with Police in Abia

“I am grateful to have my daughter back, and I will take care of her with the little I have,” she said.

The handover of the children took place at the J.D. Gomwalk secretariat in Jos, in an event attended by families and community representatives.

Source: Channels

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The troops reportedly intercepted several armed bandits on motorcycles attempting to enter the forest. One bandit was killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. A motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and charms were recovered at the scene.

“In continuation of efforts to deny bandits freedom of action in the Joint Operations Area, troops staged an ambush along known bandit routes leading into Odare Forest. Contact was made with bandits, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect,” Zhakom said.

He added that in a separate operation on Sunday, September 15, troops also launched coordinated offensives around Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam LGAs.

Read Also: Nigerian Army Neutralises Bandits Second-In-Command In Kogi

Armed with credible intelligence, the soldiers reportedly overpowered the criminals using superior firepower, forcing them to flee. During the operation, a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.

“These operations form part of the military’s ongoing resolve to deny criminal elements any freedom of operation and ensure they are brought to justice,” the statement added.

Source: Punch

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The decision followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Adamu Aliyu, during plenary at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos.

According to Aliyu, Governor Caleb Mutfwang had initially submitted a supplementary budget proposal of ₦74.6 billion, with ₦12.03 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and ₦62.5 billion for capital projects. However, an additional ₦35.1 billion was later introduced, raising the total supplementary budget to ₦109.7 billion. The revised breakdown allocates ₦29 billion for recurrent spending and ₦80.6 billion for capital expenditure.

The Appropriations Committee noted that several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, had exceeded their initial budget allocations, while others failed to submit mandatory quarterly reports, hampering performance evaluations.

In response, the committee recommended enhanced collaboration between the legislature and MDAs to ensure greater transparency and accountability in public spending. It also called on all MDAs to strictly adhere to financial regulations, submit quarterly performance reports, and channel all budget proposals through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to prevent extra-budgetary expenditures.

Following detailed deliberations, the House resolved into a Committee of Supply to scrutinize the proposal clause by clause. The report was subsequently adopted at the plenary session.

Source: The Nation

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Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, are facing a four-count charge in connection with the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata villages, Guma LGA of Benue State.

Both suspects are alleged to have been involved in the attack on June 13, 2025, in collaboration with others who remain at large.

Two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue State, are facing a three-count charge over alleged reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects, as well as the destruction of private property that led to the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State.

Read Also: Benue, Plateau killings: “We’ve arrested 53 suspects” -IGP

Separately, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, is being prosecuted on a four-count charge for allegedly failing to disclose vital information concerning Alhaji Sani, identified as a suspected gunrunner, bandit, and kidnapper.

Source: Channels

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