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Over 50 Killed, Scores Injured as Gunmen Attack Mangu Communities in Plateau

Published

2 months ago

August 18, 2026

Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang

Over 50 Killed, Scores Injured as Gunmen Attack Mangu Communities in Plateau

More than 50 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following coordinated attacks on two communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, with gunmen moving from house to house and slaughtering residents while they slept. The attacks, which occurred on Sunday, August 16, and Monday, August 17, 2026, have heightened concerns over the escalating cycle of violence in Plateau State, where farmer-herder conflicts and communal reprisals have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.

The latest assault targeted Binper community in Mangu Local Government Area, occurring between midnight on Monday and the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, 2026. According to eyewitness Daniel Musa, the attackers were heavily armed and moved systematically from house to house, forcing their way into homes where residents were sleeping. Musa told Vanguard: “Our village came under attack last night and in the early hours of today, Tuesday, by heavily armed persons. They were moving from house to house, opening the doors of people who were sleeping and slaughtering them. As of this morning, we have confirmed over 20 deaths, while several others sustained serious injuries and some people are still missing” . Another resident, John Dalyop, condemned the attack as barbaric and expressed frustration over the continued violence, stating: “We expected the new Commissioner of Police in the state to act quickly and go after those responsible” . He urged the state and federal governments to urgently strengthen security around vulnerable communities in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State. Victims who sustained injuries have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while community leaders and residents are making efforts to account for those still missing. Security operatives were reportedly deployed to the community on Tuesday morning to restore calm and prevent further attacks, though efforts to obtain reactions from security operatives were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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The Binper attack came just two days after a separate, deadlier assault on the nearby Jwak Maitumbi community on Sunday, August 16, where over 30 people were feared killed and more than 50 houses, shops, churches, and food barns were set ablaze. A resident and youth leader of the village, Lonji Zuhumnan, told New Telegraph that the rampaging gunmen, numbering over 100 and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community at about 7:30 am on Sunday, shooting indiscriminately for several hours. Zuhumnan said: “Our community, Jwak Maitumbi, came under severe attack yesterday morning. The Fulani terrorists numbering over 100 and carrying sophisticated weapons stormed the village at about 7:30 am as people were either in churches or preparing to go to their worship centres” . He further lamented that distress calls to security operatives for help were not responded to until the gunmen had finished their mission and fled into the bushes and rocks, stating: “At the end of the carnage, we counted over 30 dead bodies while several others were injured. Apart from the people they slaughtered, the terrorists also burned down over 50 houses, shops, health centres, churches and food barns” .

A counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the Jwak Maitumbi incident, citing an anonymous military source that troops were deployed to the community after the attack was reported at about 7:45 am. The military source said troops discovered about 45 houses destroyed and valuables belonging to residents looted during the assault. The attackers also reportedly entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and used cutlasses to destroy large quantities of crops. Following the incident, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community, directing the community leadership to assist security agencies in identifying and producing those responsible for the attack. Makama noted that the conflict in parts of Plateau has frequently been characterised by tit-for-tat attacks, in which an attack on one community is followed by retaliation against another community, often resulting in further deaths, destruction of property, and displacement. The destruction of shelters and crops could become a trigger for revenge if affected residents believe that perpetrators have not been identified or brought to justice. “The danger is that the latest incident could similarly be interpreted through the lens of previous attacks rather than as an isolated criminal act,” Makama stated, noting that failure to establish accountability could deepen perceptions of impunity and increase the temptation for affected communities to seek their own form of justice.

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Plateau State has experienced repeated outbreaks of violence linked to farmer-herder conflicts, communal tensions, and reprisal attacks that have left hundreds dead in recent years, with weak policing and impunity for killings often sparking indiscriminate reprisals along communal lines in the religiously mixed state. Between April and July 2026 alone, no fewer than 200 people were reportedly killed in violence around the Barkin Ladi axis before the deployment of Department of State Services operatives to the area. The attacks have persisted despite federal assurances, with President Bola Tinubu visiting Plateau State on April 3, 2026, and promising that recurring killings would not happen again—only for fresh attacks to continue in the weeks that followed. Security analysts from SBM Intelligence have identified Mangu Local Government Area as a significant flashpoint following renewed clashes between the Mwaghavul community and Fulani residents at Jwak Maitumbi, warning that “the likelihood of further reprisals remains moderately high given that the causative factors remain unresolved, and the recent violence has only added fresh grievances on both sides” .

Residents of the affected communities have called on the state and federal governments to urgently strengthen security around vulnerable communities in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State, while the Berom Youth Moulders Association has previously condemned the continued killings, attacks, destruction of farmlands, and sexual harassment of women across communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Councils. Meanwhile, the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged killings of Fulani herders by suspected gunmen, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend perpetrators. In a recent statement, MACBAN condemned the killing of three herders in separate attacks around Kpanchuku in Jebbu Bassa and Gana Ropp communities, describing the acts as “barbaric, inhumane, unprovoked and unacceptable” . MACBAN’s State Secretary, Muhammad Salihu Isa, stated: “In the last one week, we have lost many herders and cattle to gunmen. We cannot move freely to tend to our cattle” . The association urged all members and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding, and not to take the law into their own hands, while appealing to security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

The attacks on Binper and Jwak Maitumbi communities represent a significant escalation of violence in Plateau State, with over 50 people killed in two days and hundreds displaced, while the destruction of homes, churches, and food barns has deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region and fears of reprisal attacks continue to heighten tensions. Efforts to obtain reactions from security operatives regarding the Binper attack were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, but troops have maintained a presence in the general area while engaging community and traditional leaders in efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliatory violence, and restore calm.

Over 50 Killed, Scores Injured as Gunmen Attack Mangu Communities in Plateau

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Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani

Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building

The Federal Government has launched Nigeria’s National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, giving addressable buildings across the country unique 11-character digital postcodes linked to their precise geographical locations.

The system was officially launched on October 1, 2026, through the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s addressing infrastructure and make it easier to identify homes, businesses, schools, farms, offices and other locations.

The new digital postcode system uses Geographic Information System technology to provide a precise and verifiable digital reference for buildings. Unlike the traditional postcode system, which generally identifies broader geographical areas, the new system is designed to pinpoint individual addressable buildings.

The 11-character code is organised across five geographical levels: state, local government area, district, area and building. The characters progressively narrow the location down to a specific building.

The Federal Government said the system is designed to address longstanding problems associated with inaccurate or incomplete addresses, including missed deliveries and difficulties faced by emergency responders, businesses and government agencies.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said accurate location information was essential to improving commerce, public services and economic participation.

Tijani urged Nigerians to find, save and use their digital postcodes, saying the system could help businesses reach customers, enable families to provide precise locations during emergencies and support government agencies in delivering services.

The government estimates that Nigeria loses between ₦50 billion and ₦80 billion annually through missed and failed deliveries associated with poor addressing. Officials said the impact extends beyond logistics to emergency response, security operations, financial services, business activities and government planning.

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The NIPOST digital postcode belongs to a building rather than an individual. This means the code remains associated with the property even when residents or businesses occupying it change.

The new system is also designed to complement existing street addresses and mapping services rather than replace them. Users can provide their digital postcode alongside their conventional address when receiving deliveries or accessing services.

Nigerians can search for their postcode through the official Digital Postcode platform or mobile application. Users can search for their building or use location services to identify the building where they are.

Where a building cannot be found, users can submit its location and address details for verification and assignment of a postcode.

The service allows individuals to find, save and share their postcodes with family members, businesses, delivery companies and other service providers that require accurate location information.

Organisations can also integrate the digital postcode into their platforms for functions including address verification, customer and merchant onboarding, logistics, deliveries and location-based services.

The system is expected to have significant applications in e-commerce and last-mile delivery, where inaccurate addresses and dependence on informal landmarks can cause delays and additional costs.

Emergency response agencies are also expected to benefit from the system because responders can use a standard location reference to identify specific buildings during emergencies.

Security agencies, financial institutions, government departments and other organisations can similarly use the location data for planning, verification and service delivery.

The launch followed preparatory work by NIPOST, including a nationwide postcode validation exercise aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of location data ahead of the national rollout.

The Federal Government has described the initiative as an important part of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, with potential applications in logistics, e-commerce, emergency services, security, financial inclusion, urban planning and digital public services.

NIPOST is encouraging Nigerians to identify their 11-character digital postcode and begin using it whenever precise location information is required.

The rollout is expected to provide Nigeria with a common digital location reference and reduce some of the challenges associated with identifying and reaching specific buildings across the country.

Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building

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Military Personnel Begin Receiving FG-Approved Salary Increase

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Military Personnel Begin Receiving FG-Approved Salary Increase

Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have begun receiving their September salaries with the Federal Government-approved salary increase reflected in their payments, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the implementation marked the fulfilment of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and conditions of service of military personnel.

The revised military salary structure followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval in August and took effect from September 1, 2026.

Under the approved arrangement, personnel from the rank of Private to Sergeant are entitled to an 80 per cent salary increase, while those from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase.

Officers from the rank of Brigadier-General and above are to receive a 30 per cent increase.

The Federal Government had said the adjustment would raise the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from about ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in personnel expenditure.

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The implementation comes as the military continues operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats across the country.

The government has linked the salary review to broader efforts to improve troop welfare and conditions of service, alongside investments in military infrastructure, equipment and manpower.

The Defence Headquarters’ confirmation also comes amid the Federal Government’s wider expansion of the Armed Forces. The Nigerian Army is being expanded from eight to 12 divisions, while additional personnel are being recruited to strengthen the military’s operational capacity.

In a related development, the Federal Government is also implementing infrastructure projects aimed at improving accommodation and living conditions for military personnel and their families.

The revised pay structure is expected to provide increased remuneration for serving personnel according to their ranks, while further implementation details will determine how the new salary package is reflected across the different services and categories of personnel.

The Army, Navy and Air Force remain covered by the revised salary arrangement as the government continues its broader military welfare programme.

Military Personnel Begin Receiving FG-Approved Salary Increase

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2027 Hajj: Nigeria Secures 10,000 Extra Slots, Allocation Hits 60,000

Published

3 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

2027 Hajj: Nigeria Secures 10,000 Extra Slots, Allocation Hits 60,000

Nigeria has secured an additional 10,000 Hajj slots from Saudi Arabia, raising the country’s total allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development on Thursday, October 1, 2026, saying the additional allocation followed sustained engagements between the Federal Government and Saudi Arabian authorities.

Of the additional 10,000 slots, 7,500 have been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 slots have been assigned to seven lead licensed private tour operator companies.

The additional allocation represents a 20 per cent increase over Nigeria’s previously approved 50,000-slot quota for the 2027 Hajj.

Before the increase, Nigeria’s allocation stood at 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed private tour operators.

The latest approval followed an earlier decision by Saudi Arabia to reject Nigeria’s request for additional slots. NAHCON had announced in September that the request was turned down due to capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of adhering to approved country quotas.

Further engagements between Nigerian officials and the Saudi authorities subsequently resulted in the additional allocation.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and Saudi authorities for the additional slots.

Yusuf also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and Deputy Minister Dr Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, for the Kingdom’s cooperation.

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The NAHCON chairman said the development reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly their cooperation in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.

He assured intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the additional slots would be administered transparently and judiciously, in line with Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.

NAHCON also reiterated its commitment to making Hajj accessible and affordable to Nigerians, while maintaining standards in service delivery, accountability and operational efficiency.

The commission said it would work with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, to implement the expanded allocation.

The increase comes as preparations for the 2027 Hajj are already underway. NAHCON had earlier required the biometric data of intending pilgrims to be uploaded to the designated Nusuk-Masar platform in line with requirements from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The additional allocation means NAHCON and relevant state and private pilgrimage operators will now have to incorporate the extra beneficiaries into the existing operational arrangements.

The precise breakdown of the additional 7,500 state-controlled slots among individual states was not contained in the commission’s announcement.

The new allocation is expected to provide additional places for Nigerian Muslims seeking to undertake the 2027 Hajj, following strong demand from intending pilgrims and requests for increased allocations.

NAHCON said it would continue working with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj exercise and protect the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

With the latest approval, Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj allocation now stands at 60,000 pilgrims, comprising the original 50,000 slots and the newly approved 10,000 additional places.