Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

At least eight people have been killed in a fresh gunmen attack in Plateau State after armed attackers invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area during a late-night raid.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday around 11pm in Plateau State, saw gunmen storm the community and open fire on residents, leaving several others injured and many still missing.

Victims were largely members of the same family, with the deceased identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

Confirming the attack, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, said the gunmen operated for hours without resistance.

“There was an attack last night at Mbwelle village. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead this morning,” he said.

Mallai added that the attackers moved freely during the operation, firing indiscriminately at residents and escaping before security forces arrived.

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He also alleged a delayed response from security operatives, claiming that residents were left vulnerable despite the proximity of security formations in the area.

According to him, “The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.”

The development has sparked anger among residents, with reports that some community members were considering protests over what they described as repeated failures to protect rural settlements.

Youth leader Christopher Luka also confirmed the killings, describing the incident as devastating and targeted.

“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. Eight people are confirmed dead, some injured, others still missing,” he said.

Three additional victims were reported injured and are currently receiving treatment at undisclosed medical facilities.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson in Plateau State were unsuccessful, while military officials attached to the Joint Task Force said they would provide updates later.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State’s Bokkos and surrounding LGAs, where rural communities have repeatedly come under assault by armed groups.

In recent weeks, neighbouring areas including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have also recorded deadly attacks, further heightening fears across the state.

Community groups have continued to accuse attackers of targeting farming settlements and rural roads, while calling for stronger security presence and improved surveillance across vulnerable corridors.

Security analysts warn that the recurring violence reflects a deepening insecurity crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities face frequent night raids, ambushes, and displacement.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while additional security deployments are expected in the affected area to prevent further escalation.

Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

US Embassy Suspends Abuja Visa Appointments Over Security Concerns

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has suspended visa appointments in Abuja following heightened security concerns, a move that has disrupted travel plans for hundreds of applicants in Abuja.

In an official notice released via its communication channels, the embassy confirmed that all visa interviews in Abuja have been cancelled until further notice, urging affected applicants to check their emails for updates on rescheduled appointments.

“U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments,” the statement read. It added that visa services in Lagos remain operational at the United States Consulate General Lagos, providing an alternative for applicants who can access the facility.

The embassy further clarified that American citizen services in Abuja will continue only in emergency situations and strictly by appointment, indicating a temporary scale-down of operations in the capital.

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The suspension follows a recent directive by the United States Department of State authorising the departure of non-essential staff and their families from Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

An updated U.S. travel advisory has also placed Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” status, warning of persistent threats including terrorism, kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. Several states have been categorised under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory due to high-risk security conditions.

States listed include Borno State, Yobe State, Taraba State, Niger State, Plateau State, and parts of Adamawa State, where threats linked to terrorism and kidnapping remain high. Other states such as Kaduna State, Katsina State, Zamfara State, and Sokoto State were also flagged over insecurity concerns.

The advisory has triggered reactions from the Federal Government of Nigeria, which described the assessment as “unbalanced” and not fully reflective of ongoing efforts to address insecurity nationwide. Authorities warned that such reports could negatively impact Nigeria’s global image and economic activities.

Despite the disruption in Abuja, visa processing and consular services continue in Lagos, offering a temporary alternative for applicants. However, the development is expected to cause delays in visa processing, particularly for students, business travellers, and individuals with urgent travel needs.

The US Embassy visa suspension in Abuja highlights the broader impact of security challenges on diplomatic operations and international travel, as uncertainty remains over when normal services will resume in the capital.

US Embassy Suspends Abuja Visa Appointments Over Security Concerns

Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Senior Strategic Adviser to Africa CDC

Former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has been appointed as Senior Strategic Adviser to the Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as the agency pushes forward the continent’s Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.

The appointment, announced on Monday, comes at a critical time as Africa CDC seeks to enhance health systems, boost domestic financing, expand local production of medical supplies, and strengthen Africa’s influence in global health governance. In this role, Osinbajo will provide strategic guidance on pandemic preparedness, sustainable healthcare financing, policy direction, and continental collaboration.

Director-General Jean Kaseya praised Osinbajo’s wealth of experience, highlighting his expertise at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy. “At a time when Africa must act with greater authority on the future of health, his leadership will be invaluable,” Kaseya said. He added that Osinbajo’s appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising top African leadership in service of the continent’s health security and development.

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Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023, during which he chaired the Economic Sustainability Committee, contributed to reforms enhancing the ease of doing business, and played a key role in implementing Nigeria’s social investment programmes. Earlier, he was Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. His legal and governance background positions him to offer critical insights on health policy, regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships.

The AHSS agenda, which Osinbajo will help drive, seeks to strengthen Africa’s self-reliance in health, improve disease surveillance, and foster regional collaboration to respond more effectively to pandemics and other public health emergencies. Experts say his advisory role will be crucial in promoting local production of vaccines and medical equipment, ensuring Africa can meet its own health needs while influencing global health decisions.

Africa CDC, operating under the African Union, aims to support member states in building resilient health systems capable of confronting future outbreaks and public health crises. Osinbajo’s appointment is expected to further amplify Africa’s voice in global health while ensuring sustainable health development across the continent.

Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Senior Strategic Adviser to Africa CDC