Several residents have reportedly been killed after suspected militia members attacked communities in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday and caused extensive damage to homes and farmland. About 45 residential buildings were reportedly destroyed, while attackers also looted valuables and damaged crops.

The incident was reported at about 7:45am, according to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama. Security personnel were later deployed to the affected community.

Residents flee after attack

A military security source told the publication that troops found about 45 houses destroyed when they arrived at the scene.

The attackers reportedly took valuables from residents before leaving the area. Several people were also said to have suffered gunshot wounds, while some victims were reportedly killed during the assault.

The violence forced many residents to leave their homes. Women, children and elderly people reportedly fled the community as they searched for safer locations.

The attack also affected agricultural activities in the area. According to reports, the assailants entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and allegedly destroyed large quantities of crops with cutlasses.

The destruction of homes and farmland has added to concerns about the wider impact of insecurity on rural communities. Beyond the immediate loss of lives, attacks of this nature can leave displaced families without shelter, food supplies or access to their sources of income.

Military moves to prevent reprisal

Following the attack, troops reportedly summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi.

The community leaders were asked to cooperate with security agencies and assist efforts to identify those responsible for the violence.

The military’s engagement is aimed at preventing the situation from developing into further conflict. Security concerns remain high because attacks on homes and farms can increase tensions between neighbouring communities.

Plateau State has experienced repeated episodes of communal violence. Previous incidents have sometimes led to retaliatory attacks, resulting in further deaths, destruction of property and displacement.

Zagazola Makama warned that the latest incident could create conditions for revenge attacks if those responsible are not identified and held accountable.

The publication said a failure to establish responsibility could also increase feelings of injustice and encourage affected communities to seek their own form of retaliation.

Security presence increased

Troops have reportedly maintained a presence around the affected area while working with community and traditional leaders.

The engagement is intended to reduce tensions, support the restoration of calm and prevent further violence.

For residents who have been displaced, however, the destruction of homes and farmland creates an immediate humanitarian challenge. Families who lost their houses may require temporary shelter, while farmers whose crops were destroyed could face difficulties restoring their livelihoods.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about security in parts of Mangu Local Government Area and the ability of vulnerable communities to protect their homes, farms and livelihoods.

Beyond the security response, the destruction highlights the close link between conflict, housing and community stability. When violence forces families from their homes and destroys productive farmland, recovery can become much harder and displacement can persist long after the immediate attack ends.

The post Plateau Attack Leaves Residents Dead, 45 Homes Destroyed appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A non-governmental organisation, Bincike International, has called on the Federal Government to revoke illegally issued mining permits operating within Nigeria’s protected reserves and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in unlawful mining activities.

The organisation also urged the government to ensure that degraded areas are properly restored, warning that unregulated mining is damaging agricultural land, contaminating water sources and threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on the affected environments.

The Executive Director of Bincike International, Dr Elisha Bello, said illegal mining operations are taking place in some areas with little regard for environmental regulations, human rights and worker safety. He also raised concerns about child labour and the links between illegal mining activities and insecurity in some rural communities.

Bello said Nigeria’s significant deposits of critical minerals present an opportunity for economic development, but warned that illegal exploitation is allowing criminal networks to benefit from the country’s natural resources while governments and host communities lose potential revenue.

He specifically alleged that illegal mining activities have encroached on environmentally sensitive locations, including Cross River National Park and Gashaka Gumti National Park. According to him, some operations are being conducted under improperly issued or fraudulently obtained licences, potentially violating provisions of Nigeria’s mining and national park legislation.

The group warned that mining within protected landscapes could accelerate deforestation, soil erosion and water contamination while threatening biodiversity. Species identified as being at risk include the Cross River gorilla, forest elephants and chimpanzees.

Bello also pointed to the commercial importance of Nigeria’s mineral resources, particularly lithium. He argued that the country’s high-grade deposits could generate significant economic value if properly regulated, processed locally and incorporated into formal supply chains.

To address the problem, Bincike International called for stronger transparency measures across the mining sector, including independent audits and public monitoring of mineral extraction. The organisation said such measures could help ensure that royalties and other revenues reach government coffers and host communities.

It also urged authorities to strengthen environmental and human-rights enforcement, tackle child labour, improve protection for conservation personnel and address the relationship between illegal mining, environmental degradation and insecurity.

The organisation further proposed greater involvement of host communities in protecting conservation areas, arguing that communities should have a formal stake in safeguarding protected lands and natural resources.

Bincike International maintained that Nigeria’s mineral wealth should contribute to national development rather than enrich illegal networks at the expense of the environment, local communities and public revenue.

The post Group Demands Cancellation of Illegal Mining Permits in National Parks appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Panic swept through Ayegunle Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State after suspected bandits attacked the area, killing one person and abducting more than 30 others.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 2:25 a.m., leaving residents in fear and raising fresh concerns over insecurity along major road corridors in the state.

One Killed, Several Abducted

According to preliminary reports, one person lost his life during the attack, while another sustained injuries and is receiving medical attention.

Sources within the community disclosed that two residents of Ayegunle Bunu, a man and a woman, were among those abducted by the attackers.

The majority of the victims were reportedly passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was intercepted by the gunmen while passing through the area.

Witnesses said the attackers forcefully whisked the passengers away into the bush before fleeing the scene.

Police Confirm Attack

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, confirmed the incident while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja.

Kankarofi said investigations into the attack were ongoing and assured residents that security operatives had launched efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The police commissioner stated that security personnel have intensified operations in the area as part of efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities across the state and restoring confidence among residents and road users.

Growing Security Concerns

The latest attack has renewed concerns over the rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry affecting communities and travellers across parts of Kogi State.

Residents have called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols along vulnerable routes to prevent further attacks.

The incident also highlights the growing threat posed by armed groups targeting rural communities and commercial transport corridors in the North-Central region.

Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The post Bandits Kill One, Abduct Over 30 in Kogi Community as Police Launch Rescue Operation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The dire situation has given rise to severe flooding, causing damage to properties and rendering many roads impassable.

The residents who comprise Ekiti State University students and indigenes in areas around Phase2, Iworoko Ekiti, and Yemkem call for help have largely fallen on deaf ears, as the state government has yet to prioritize the construction of drainage systems in the supposed environs.

This lack of action has left many questioning the commitment and responsibility of those in power to address this pressing issue.

Mr. Fabiyi Ayomide, a civil engineer, highlighted the dangers associated with the absence of proper drainage systems.

He stated, “Without an effective drainage system, the water has nowhere to go, causing it to seep into the soil and weaken the foundation of buildings. Over time, this can lead to buildings collapsing, putting lives at risk.”

The dire consequences of the dearth of drainage became evident last month when a resident of Yemkem and Phase2 found it difficult to get a bike to take home due to the sloppy road which prevented bikes men from mobilizing indigene and students to their respective homes

Pastor Ayoola Gabriel, a resident of Yemkem environments lamented how lack of drainage could have almost collapsed the wall of his building if not for getting a beam to support the wall and constructing a localized drainage to enable the flow of the water

“I have no option than to use my last penny to construct a pillar to support the wall, while all my church members create a channel for the water but leading to another drainage that is closed”

In response to these concerns, the Chairman of Irepodun Ifelodun local government, Hon. Sola Adebayo acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured residents that measures are being taken to address the drainage issue.

He mentioned that plans for the construction of proper drainage systems are already underway.

Adebayo also emphasized that this issue requires a comprehensive approach, involving not only the construction of drainage systems but also the rehabilitation of existing ones.

He stated, “We understand the urgency of the matter and are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.

We are committed to implementing long-term solutions that will mitigate the risks of flooding and prevent further damage to homes.”

Despite the government’s assurances, residents remain skeptical due to the lack of visible progress on the ground. They argue that immediate action is needed to prevent further deterioration of their homes and protect lives.

Local community leaders and advocacy groups have also joined the call, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

They have demanded transparency in the government’s plans and urged regular updates and timelines for the construction of drainage systems.

As the rainy season continues, it is evident that the dearth of drainage systems in Ekiti State continues to put homes at risk of collapse.

The residents anxiously await the implementation of comprehensive measures to address the issue and safeguard their properties and lives.

Only time will tell if the government will fulfil its promises and provide the necessary infrastructure to mitigate the risks of flooding and prevent further damage.

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