Plateau: JNI Confirms 4 Members Killed, 10 Missing as Death Toll Rises to 27

The Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has confirmed that four of its members were killed and 10 others remain missing following a deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area on Sunday night. The group said its findings were based on reports from Muslim communities in the area.

At least 27 people died in the incident, which was widely condemned by religious and community leaders and heightened fears over recurring violence in central Nigeria. Security sources and eyewitnesses said attackers, reportedly wearing military camouflage and riding motorcycles, stormed the Angwan Rukuba community at around 7:30 p.m., opening fire on residents and triggering widespread panic as people fled for safety.

Initial reports indicated that 14 people were killed at the scene, but the toll rose after critically injured victims later died in the hospital, bringing the total confirmed deaths to 27. Angry youths in the community reacted to the violence by staging protests, blocking major roads, and attacking some motorcycle riders and passengers in retaliation, further complicating the security situation.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, the JNI said thorough investigations and community reports revealed that four Muslims were among those killed and that 10 individuals remain unaccounted for. “The bodies of the victims have been identified at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), while the ten missing persons remain unaccounted for, with their families having no contact with them since Sunday and their phone numbers switched off,” the statement read.

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The group added that two injured victims are currently receiving treatment at JUTH and that JNI has been in contact with affected families, offering support and prayers. JNI also condoled with the bereaved families, urged residents to remain calm, and commended the government’s efforts to restore order in the aftermath of the attack.

The Plateau State Government, led by Caleb Mutfwang, imposed a 48‑hour curfew in the Jos North LGA as a precaution to prevent further bloodshed and enable security forces to operate more effectively. Additional security personnel were deployed to the area to bolster safety and assist in ongoing investigations.

Security agencies are currently combing nearby bushes and trails in a bid to apprehend the attackers, with combined efforts from the army, police, and paramilitary units. Authorities have also been collecting evidence and speaking to survivors to identify possible motives and networks behind the attack.

The incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violent clashes and gunmen attacks in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region, where disputes over land, ethnicity, and resources have fuelled cycles of violence for years. The toll in Plateau has often been underreported in national statistics, and experts say the long‑standing security challenge requires sustained and coordinated intervention from both federal and state security forces.

Religious and community leaders have condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling on authorities to ensure justice and protect lives and property. A joint statement from JNI, the Jasawa Community Development Association, and local council representatives described the killings as “barbaric and senseless,” urging citizens to uphold peace and avoid retaliatory violence.

The attack, coming on Palm Sunday, has heightened inter‑communal tensions and reignited calls for more effective peace‑building mechanisms in Plateau State, where multiple communities have endured repeated outbreaks of violence over the past decade.

Plateau: JNI Confirms 4 Members Killed, 10 Missing as Death Toll Rises to 27

Senate President Akpabio Declares Three Seats Vacant, Orders By‑Elections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially declared three Senate seats vacant following the deaths of sitting lawmakers, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct mid-term by‑elections to fill the vacancies. The announcement was made during plenary on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, with Akpabio describing the loss of the senators as a tragic blow to the legislature.

Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Akpabio formally declared the following seats vacant: Enugu North Senatorial District (Enugu State), Nasarawa North Senatorial District (Nasarawa State), and Rivers South‑East Senatorial District (Rivers State). He directed INEC to organise by‑elections within the constitutional timeframe of approximately 30 days. “May the souls of our departed colleagues rest in perfect peace,” he prayed.

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The vacancies arise from the deaths of Senators Barinada Mpigi, Godiya Akwashiki, and Okey Ezea, all members of the 10th National Assembly, leaving their constituents temporarily unrepresented in the upper chamber. Akpabio emphasised that the by‑elections are crucial for restoring full representation in the Senate and ensuring that the affected districts continue to have a voice in national legislation.

The Senate also adjourned plenary until April 21 for the Easter break, allowing lawmakers a recess before resuming duties and facilitating preparations for the elections. Political parties are expected to begin mobilising candidates and campaign strategies ahead of the by-elections, which will be closely monitored as indicators of public sentiment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Experts note that these by‑elections will test the strength of political parties in the affected regions—Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South‑East—and may influence regional political alignments in the run-up to the next general elections. The declaration also reinforces the constitutional mandate that vacant legislative seats be filled promptly to maintain a functioning democracy.

The move underscores the importance of timely electoral processes and adherence to constitutional provisions, while also paying tribute to the late senators for their contributions to national governance. As INEC prepares for the by‑elections, voters in the affected districts can expect a fully coordinated electoral process to restore representation in the Nigerian Senate.

Senate President Akpabio Declares Three Seats Vacant, Orders By‑Elections

Sanwo-Olu Unveils 2026 Lagos Economic Blueprint to Drive Growth

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday officially launched the 2026 Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to achieving inclusive growth, economic resilience, and prosperity that benefits every Lagosian. The event, held in Ikeja, featured the governor alongside Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, senior government officials, and key economic stakeholders.

The 2026 LEDU provides a comprehensive analysis of Lagos’ economic trajectory, incorporating global, national, and local trends to guide policy and investment decisions. Sanwo-Olu described the report as more than a policy document, calling it a strategic compass for shaping economic direction, guiding governance, and reinforcing Lagos’ position as a leading African economy.

“This platform has evolved beyond a mere policy document; it is a compass guiding our economic direction, shaping decisions, and reinforcing our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Lagos,” the governor said. He added that despite global economic challenges such as inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and post-pandemic recovery issues, Lagos continues to thrive through strategic policies, fiscal discipline, and key infrastructure investment under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

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The theme of the 2026 report, “Consolidating Resilience, Advancing Competitiveness, Delivering Shared Prosperity,” reflects Lagos’ current economic priorities. Consolidating resilience involves strengthening institutions, maintaining budgetary discipline, and reinforcing Lagos’ capacity to withstand economic shocks. Advancing competitiveness focuses on boosting productivity, encouraging innovation, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Delivering shared prosperity ensures that growth translates into job creation, expanded opportunities, and improved living standards for residents.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted progress achieved since the inception of LEDU, including the expansion of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems, improved digital revenue systems, and ongoing investments in roads, energy, ports, and urban planning. He emphasized the importance of human capital development, noting that “people are the true engine of growth.” The governor underlined the administration’s commitment to economic diversification, private-sector led growth, data-driven governance, and social inclusion, emphasizing collaboration with private sector partners, civil society, and international development institutions.

Ope George, Lagos Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, praised the state’s ability to respond to economic shocks while building stronger systems. He stated that growth should be measured by its impact on citizens’ lives, not just macroeconomic indicators. In a goodwill message, Biodun Adedipe, Chief Consultant at B. Adedipe Associates Limited, described LEDU as a credible framework for tracking economic performance and guiding development initiatives, noting Lagos’ central role in Nigeria’s overall economic success. Tayo Adeloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, highlighted affordable housing as a critical factor for shared prosperity, emphasizing that it would improve living standards and support inclusive growth. He also stressed fiscal discipline, efficient service delivery, and broadening the productive economic base to maintain Lagos’ status as a leading megacity economy in Africa.

Looking ahead, the 2026 LEDU sets the stage for Lagos’ strategic focus on strengthening economic resilience and fiscal prudence, encouraging private-sector led growth and innovation, promoting inclusive urban development and social equity, and expanding investment opportunities through structured public-private partnerships. The blueprint aligns with the ₦4.237 trillion 2026 budget, titled the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” ensuring that Lagos’ growth continues to be inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.

Sanwo-Olu Unveils 2026 Lagos Economic Blueprint to Drive Growth