Tragedy struck Zike hamlet in the Kimakpa community of Kwall District, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Sunday night as no fewer than 49 people were killed in a violent attack by yet-to-be-identified assailants.

According to Sam Jugo, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), the incident occurred around midnight when residents were asleep. The community was jolted by sporadic gunfire, with eyewitnesses reporting that the attackers struck from multiple directions.

“The leadership of the Irigwe Development Association woke up to yet another massacre,” Jugo said. “By Monday morning, 49 corpses had been recovered. The number of injured victims is still unknown. Witnesses claim the attackers were Fulani.”

Jugo disclosed that despite prior intelligence and community warnings about the impending threat, the attack still occurred. He questioned the lack of aerial surveillance from a nearby drone station and expressed deep concern over the rising death toll in the region, which has reached at least 75 since December 2024.

He urged the Federal and Plateau State governments to act swiftly to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis and appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.

The Plateau State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, condemned the assault. “This is an attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the state,” she said, warning that the Mutfwang administration would hold perpetrators accountable and urged residents to remain vigilant.

Troops Rescue 16 Abducted Passengers

In a separate development, troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) rescued 16 kidnapped passengers along the Jos-Mangu road in the Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, confirmed that the rescue followed the discovery of an abandoned vehicle near Mararaban Kantoma at about 9 p.m. on Sunday. Troops immediately launched a search operation in the surrounding bushes.

The kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the soldiers but were overpowered. All 16 captives, including six children, were rescued unharmed or with only minor injuries.

Troops administered first aid where necessary and escorted the victims safely to resume their journey to Jos. A manhunt is currently underway for the fleeing suspects, some of whom are believed to be injured.

These twin developments underscore the persistent insecurity challenges in Plateau State, despite recent efforts to restore peace across affected communities.

The Federal Government has strongly criticized a recent social media post by the United States Embassy in Abuja and testimonies presented at a U.S. Congressional hearing on religious persecution in Nigeria, describing the claims as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the country’s security efforts.

In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed concern over the publication and the testimonies of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, which it said oversimplify a complex national security situation.

“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression, and association as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution,” the statement noted.

The Ministry rejected claims that the Nigerian government has allowed violence to escalate unchecked, calling such assertions “both inaccurate and unfair.” It stressed that the government has taken “decisive actions” including deploying security forces, initiating peace-building efforts, enhancing intelligence operations, and introducing policies to address root causes of violence such as land disputes and poverty.

“It is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent. The reality is that Nigeria is battling multiple security threats—banditry, terrorism, and organized crime—that affect communities regardless of religious identity,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom and freedom of expression, the government promised to investigate any threats made against religious leaders and take appropriate actions.

The Ministry also rejected narratives that frame the crisis as an “Islamist extermination” of Christians, emphasizing that the government remains focused on protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity. It called for responsible reporting and urged all parties to promote dialogue over division.

“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarization,” the Ministry added.

A thunderstorm-induced fire on Sunday razed the Saint Peter’s Primary School building in Igbemo, Ekiti State, leaving pupils displaced.

The fire, which started after a lightning strike during a heavy downpour, destroyed five blocks of classrooms. Following the incident, teachers relocated the pupils to a nearby school, AUD Pilot Nursery Primary School, to continue their learning.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, visited the school on Monday and assured that the structure would be rebuilt soon.

“I am saddened by this fire, but grateful that no lives were lost,” Oyebanji stated. “We will rebuild the school promptly so that the pupils and teachers can return to their base.”

The governor also addressed concerns about residents dumping waste and defecating within the premises of AUD Pilot School, ordering an immediate halt to such practices.

Education Secretary, Mrs. Adesola George-Ojo, emphasized the need for perimeter fencing to prevent further health hazards in the school environment.