Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Plateau Community Attacks

Six persons have been killed and eight others injured following two separate night attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, in what residents described as a coordinated wave of violence that has reignited insecurity concerns in the state.

The attacks occurred on Sunday night in Hurum Gashish community in Barkin Ladi and Shonong Bachi community in Riyom, leaving several families in mourning and many residents displaced.

In the first incident, gunmen reportedly invaded Hurum Gashish community around 10 p.m., opening fire on residents. Four people were killed instantly, while five others sustained injuries during the attack.

Barely an hour later, another group of armed attackers stormed Shonong Bachi community in Riyom Local Government Area at about 11 p.m., shooting sporadically and killing two residents while injuring three others.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved through the communities while firing indiscriminately, causing widespread panic as residents fled into nearby bushes and surrounding areas for safety.

The incidents have further heightened concerns over rural insecurity in Plateau State, where communities have continued to suffer repeated attacks linked to armed violence and communal tensions.

READ ALSO:

• INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan
• IGP Disu Restructures Police Monitoring Unit, Appoints New Leadership
• APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Form at N100 Million

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tenglong, confirmed the attacks and said the communities had been thrown into mourning following the deadly incidents.

He condemned the renewed violence, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable, and called for urgent action to stop the recurring attacks in rural parts of the state.

Tenglong also confirmed that the injured victims have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, where they are currently receiving medical care.

Security sources say patrols have been intensified in the affected areas, with operatives deployed to prevent further attacks and maintain order.

However, attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

The latest killings add to a growing pattern of violent attacks in Plateau State, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over safety, displacement, and lack of adequate security presence in rural communities.

Community leaders are again calling on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection mechanisms and address the root causes of the recurring violence.

While calm has reportedly returned to the affected areas, tension remains high as residents await official government response and improved security deployment.

Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Plateau Community Attacks

INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has uncovered a fabricated account on X (formerly Twitter) impersonating its Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, following a detailed forensic investigation that exposed a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting the commission.

The development was disclosed through the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, who said INEC commissioned independent cybersecurity experts to carry out a multi-layered forensic investigation into the alleged account and related online activities.

According to the commission, the investigation relied on X platform data analysis, digital identity forensics, OSINT tools, internet archive records, and cross-platform tracking, all of which confirmed that the INEC Chairman does not operate any personal X account.

INEC stated that all posts, replies, and screenshots attributed to the handle in question were fraudulent, technically inconsistent, and digitally unverifiable, describing the entire activity as part of a coordinated attempt to mislead the public.

Forensic findings expose manipulation and impersonation

The electoral body outlined key findings from the investigation, beginning with the absence of any digital linkage between the alleged account and the Chairman’s verified contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers.

READ ALSO:

• IGP Disu Restructures Police Monitoring Unit, Appoints New Leadership
• APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Form at N100 Million
• Lagos 2027: Jandor Denies Tinubu Backing Hamzat, Says APC Race Open

The commission also dismissed claims suggesting ownership through financial identity data, noting that such information does not prove control of any social media account.

One of the most critical discoveries was timestamp manipulation, where an alleged reply (“Victory is sure”) was posted before the original tweet it was said to have responded to — a technical impossibility that strongly indicated fabrication.

INEC further confirmed that there was no historical record of the account on internet archive platforms and no trace of the alleged posts on X itself, reinforcing the conclusion that the content was manufactured.

Investigators also observed that the account was later renamed, switched to private mode, and labelled as a “parody account” shortly after the screenshots went viral, suggesting an attempt to conceal the impersonation.

The commission also identified at least seven additional fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram using the Chairman’s identity, describing the trend as a sustained coordinated disinformation campaign.

INEC warns against misinformation and viral fake content

INEC cautioned Nigerians against sharing unverified social media content, stressing that online virality does not confirm authenticity.

The commission urged journalists, political actors, and the public to verify all information through official INEC communication channels before dissemination, especially during politically sensitive periods.

It also called on social media platforms, particularly X, to strengthen monitoring systems and take swift action against impersonation accounts used to spread misinformation.

Case referred to security agencies

INEC confirmed that the full forensic report has been submitted to relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The commission further urged media organisations to adopt stricter verification standards when reporting social media content, particularly where public officials are involved, warning that accuracy must take priority over speed in news reporting.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting electoral integrity, strengthening digital communication systems, and preventing future social media impersonation and misinformation campaigns against public institutions.

INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan

IGP Disu Restructures Police Monitoring Unit, Appoints New Leadership

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved a major restructuring of the Police Monitoring Unit in a renewed effort to strengthen discipline, improve accountability, and enhance internal supervision within the Nigeria Police Force.

The reform, confirmed on Monday in Abuja, is part of wider ongoing Nigeria Police reform initiatives aimed at improving professionalism, restoring public trust, and ensuring stricter compliance with operational standards across all commands.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the restructuring is designed to reposition the Monitoring Unit for improved efficiency, stronger oversight, and better coordination of police activities nationwide.

He explained that the reorganisation introduces a streamlined structure that will enhance proactive monitoring, intelligence-led inspections, and real-time supervision of police personnel across Commands, Formations, and Departments.

Placid added that the new framework integrates key investigative and monitoring functions in line with the Force’s broader reform agenda, ensuring faster identification and response to misconduct and operational lapses.

READ ALSO:

• APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Form at N100 Million
• Lagos 2027: Jandor Denies Tinubu Backing Hamzat, Says APC Race Open
• NCC, CBN Launch Portal to Track Fraudulent Phone Lines

The Nigeria Police Force said the overhaul is expected to close existing gaps in supervision, improve internal discipline, and strengthen accountability mechanisms across all levels of policing. Authorities also believe the reforms will improve service delivery and reduce cases of abuse of office.

Officials further stated that the strengthened Monitoring Unit will play a more active role in tracking officer performance, enforcing compliance with professional ethics, and responding more effectively to complaints from the public.

As part of the restructuring, the Inspector-General approved a leadership change, appointing Aliyu Abubakar as the new head of the reconstituted Monitoring Unit.

Abubakar, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, brings extensive investigative experience to the role. He previously served as head of the State Criminal Investigation Departments in both the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State Commands, where he handled several high-profile cases and contributed to improvements in investigative procedures.

Police authorities said his appointment is expected to strengthen leadership within the unit and ensure the effective implementation of the ongoing police oversight and accountability reforms.

The restructuring forms part of a broader internal transformation within the Nigeria Police Force, which has in recent years introduced digital reporting systems, enhanced supervision structures, and improved complaint resolution mechanisms to modernise operations.

The new Monitoring Unit structure takes immediate effect, with expectations that it will significantly improve internal control, operational discipline, and public confidence in policing across the country.

IGP Disu Restructures Police Monitoring Unit, Appoints New Leadership