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Rise to The Occasion Over Plateau Killings, Cattle Ranches, Public Affairs Analysts Tells Govt
ELDERS, patriots, the international community and all those who have genuine interest in the nation called Nigeria and in humanity generally have been called upon to rise to the challenges that are about to rock the ship of the country completely.
Making the call is the National Association of Public Affairs Analysts (NAPAA) in a release made available to newsmen in Ibadan and signed by Honourable Seun Adelore and Comrade Jare Ajayi, president and secretary general respectively.
The association stated that it is highly concerned about the incessant killings occurring on a daily basis in parts of the country “in a manner that is not only unprecedented but bordering on genocide”.
Burning of villages and settlements, killings of tens and hundreds of people, devastation of economic activities especially farmlands and kidnappings for ransom are some of the challenges the association cited as capable of leading to the disintegration of the country if nothing is done to urgently stop them.
It would be recalled that in Benue, Nassarawa, Plateau etc, lives running into thousands have been lost in these areas as a result of their settlements being set ablaze and people being extra-judicially killed in recent times. The latest one that happened on a large scale was that of Plateau State over the weekend where as many as over 200 people were reportedly killed although the Police said that the figure is considerably less than that.
According to NAPAA, “what matters here is not the necessarily the number of people died. The important thing requiring the attention of everyone is that there is a killing at all. No life of any Nigeria should be lost extra-judicially unless it is through a natural cause.”
Referring to the reason allegedly given by the spokesman of Miyetti Allah that the Plateau incident was a reprisal for the killings by local farmers, NAPAA insisted that the government owes it a duty to ensure that criminals are apprehended and tried while innocent people do not suffer in any way as we are not witnessing in the instances cited. It maintained that the leadership of Miyetti Allah should be questioned by security agencies as it is clear that the organization knows one or two things about the unwarranted and genocidal killings.
Making reference to the recent announcement by the government to establish cattle ranches in parts of the country, NAPAA called the government to exercise caution on the way it goes about this very delicate issue.
“We all know that cattle rearing are like any other business. Nigeria is operating a capitalist system – meaning that individuals engage in businesses that suit them. If government decides to assist a segment of the citizenry in setting up its business, there is need for wide consultation. It should not be a thing to be imposed on the people in order to avoid frictions and clashes.”
Regretting that the Plateau incident happened even in spite of the planned ranches, the public affairs insisted that the government has not truly addressed the issue squarely and sincerely “hence the frequent attacks and killings”.
After itemizing various incidents in which human lives are avoidably wasted in the country, NAPAA lamented that “at no time in the history of this country has our situation been this worrisome. Armed robbery, kidnapping, herdsmen/farmers clashes, high stake corruption, not to talk of dysfunctional infrastructures are pointers to a country that is rapidly failing – if it has not already failed. It is not surprising therefore that Nigeria is reported to be among the most dangerous countries to live in now”.
Lamenting the effect this is having on the well-being of the people, the public affairs analysts said that report now has it that Nigeria has overtaken India as a country with the highest number of people living below the poverty line in proportion to its population.
They, however demanded an end to the wanton killings.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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