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Group Rues Surge In Terrorism In North, Alleges Plot to Subvert 2027 Poll

Published

7 months ago

March 18, 2026

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A prominent Northern Nigerian group, under the aegis of the Arewa Discussion Group (ADG), has expressed profound shock and outrage over the recent spate of heinous attacks and mass killings targeting civilians across Northern Nigeria, saying it’s a ploy to subvert the 2027 general elections.

The spokesman for the Arewa Discussion Group, Dr. Garba Abari, while extending the group’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the communities devastated by these senseless acts of violence during the holy month of Ramadan, specifically condemned the recent
massacre of worshippers in Zamfara State and the coordinated terrorist attacks in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, resulting in the brutal murder of at least 50 civilians.

The group expressed dismay that the attack lasted over 10 hours, with armed men on motorcycles storming the village of Tungan Dutse, firing indiscriminately, burning houses, and abducting scores of women and children despite early warnings to security forces.

It added: “We abhorred the desecration of a mosque in Kebbi State on February 25, 2026 as the sanctity of the Ramadan period was violated when suspected Lakurawa terrorists attacked a mosque in the Dadin Kowa community of Maiyama Local Government Area, Kebbi State. Worshippers were murdered in cold blood while observing their Tarawweeh prayers. At least five people were killed and several others injured in what police described as a reprisal attack.

“The return of bombings in Borno State: On March 16, 2026, the relative calm of Maiduguri was shattered by multiple coordinated explosions. At least 23 people were killed and over 100 injured in suspected suicide bombings that struck a hospital entrance, the Post Office area, and the Monday Market during the busy Iftar period. This represents one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years and a terrifying return of urban bombings.”

Aside from these high-profile attacks, the Arewa Discussion Group notes with grave concern the escalating violence and loss of lives and property across multiple states in Northern Nigeria. In Bauchi State, on March 1, 2026, armed bandits attacked Gwana community in Alkaleri Local Government Area, displacing 446 individuals from 73 households and leaving 55 people injured. The Alkaleri area has become a new hotbed of banditry, with communities like Digare, Kargo, Yelo, and Mansur witnessing repeated attacks, deaths, and abductions .

“On Benue State, the House of Representatives has raised the alarm over continued killings in Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency. On February 3, 2026, attackers invaded Abande and Anwase communities, killing at least 17 people. Another deadly assault on March 5, 2026, claimed 16 lives in Mbaav and Mbachoon communities. On March 13, 2026, suspected armed herdsmen attacked Ojatele community in Apa Local Government Area, killing at least 15 people and leaving many others injured or missing.

“In Plateau State, on March 13, 2026, heavily armed terrorists ambushed a patrol team in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area, killing approximately 20 security personnel, including soldiers and vigilantes. This represents one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in the region in recent times . Communities across Wase and Kanam LGAs have suffered repeated attacks throughout January, February, and March 2026.

“In Kwara State, recall that the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has raised concern over worsening kidnappings across Kwara South Senatorial District. On March 11, 2026, suspected kidnappers killed an ECWA member, Omoniyi Ajise, in Oyatedo-Oro-Ago, Ifelodun LGA, and abducted his wife along with four other residents. Many farmers have abandoned their farms for fear of attacks, and several ECWA churches have been forced to close in affected communities . Meanwhile, on March 15, 2026, troops arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kaiama LGA who were planning to supply motorcycles to ISWAP/Boko Haram operatives.

“In Niger State, also recall that Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has disclosed that over 300,000 persons have been displaced across 10 local government areas due to persistent insecurity . On February 28, 2026, terrorists killed at least 15 farmers in three separate attacks in the Malale axis of Borgu LGA.

“In other affected States, thousands of villagers have been displaced in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Adamawa states. In Adamawa, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked Shuwari community in Madagali LGA in February 2026, killing 17 people and burning homes. In Sokoto, at least 28 villages in the Tidibale area of Isa LGA were deserted in January 2026 following threats from bandits.”

The Arewa Discussion Group has, therefore, expressed grave concern that the Northern Region is now under systematic siege by criminal non-state actors who operate with impunity, eroding the very fabric of state authority and threatening the survival of Northern communities.

Across Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Sokoto states, the group noted with grave concern that state governments have been forced into negotiating peace deals with armed bandit groups, a controversial experiment that signals the weakening of state authority, adding that these negotiations, while offering temporary respite, risk legitimizing non-state actors who have built their power on extortion, violence, and impunity. “When violence becomes a means of extracting concessions from the state, criminal networks are emboldened, and new groups emerge to exploit the same logic,” it added.

The ADG decried that armed groups now control vast swaths of territory across the North, such as Bauchi Plateau and Taraba States,where several communities have been completely deserted, while bandits now move freely at operate with impunity.

Due to massive displacements of people from their communities by the bandits and kidnappers, the group said humanitarian toll has now become sobstaggering, adding that in Niger State alone, over 500,000 internally displaced persons are scattered across Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna States, the FCT, and even the Benin Republic.

The group added: “These people were forced from their ancestral homes by the bandits hiding in the Kainji Lake National Park forest. These bandits are not mere criminals; they are architects of ethnic cleansing, driving entire communities from ancestral lands.

“In Kwara South, farmers have abandoned their farms at the peak of cashew harvesting season, their primary source of livelihood, for fear of attacks. Economic activities have been severely disrupted, and families pushed into hardship . This is a calculated strategy by non-state actors to starve communities into submission.

“The desecration of mosques during Tarawweeh prayers in Kebbi State and the murder of worshippers in cold blood represents an unprecedented assault on the spiritual heart of our communities. When criminals attack people at prayer, they declare war not just on the state, but on God Himself.

“The ambush in Plateau State that claimed 20 security personnel including soldiers and vigilantes demonstrates that these non-state actors now possess the firepower and tactical capability to confront and defeat uniformed forces . When terrorists can kill 20 security operatives in a single engagement, the state’s monopoly on force has been fundamentally breached.

“These criminal networks operate across state lines with impunity, shifting operations when pressure mounts in one area. They coordinate attacks, share intelligence, and maintain supply chains for weapons and motorcycles. They are not disorganized bandits; they are a parallel governance structure that has emerged to fill the vacuum left by the retreating state.”

The Arewa Discussion Group has, therefore, warned that “we are witnessing the slow-motion collapse of state authority in parts of northern Nigeria. Criminal non-state actors now tax communities, control forests, displace populations, dictate who can farm and who cannot, and kill with near-total impunity. This is the very definition of a region under siege.

“The Arewa Discussion Group views with grave concern the timing and coordination of these attacks spreading across virtually every corner of Northern Nigeria. We believe desperate elements are deliberately trying to undermine our already tenuous security situation ahead of the upcoming elections so that anti-democratic forces can capitalize on the chaos and subvert the people’s will. We must not allow them to succeed.

“These attacks are occurring against a backdrop of growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. Civil society organizations have repeatedly warned of attempts to manipulate the system.

“The Arewa Discussion Group warns that the current wave of violence spreading across the North fits a disturbing pattern: creating an atmosphere of fear and instability that can be exploited to justify extraordinary measures, suppress voter turnout, and ultimately rob the Nigerian people of their democratic rights.”

The ADG has, therefore, called on the Federal Government to
immediately deploy enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities across all affected states and prevent further atrocities, ensure swift and transparent investigations to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice, and determine whether there is any political linkage to the attacks, dismantle criminal enclaves in the forests and border areas, and end the practice of negotiating with armed bandits from a position of weakness.

It added: “The Federal Government should provide urgent humanitarian assistance and support to the survivors, the injured, the abducted, and the hundreds of thousands of displaced families across the region.

“Safeguard the integrity of the 2027 electoral process by resisting any attempts to manipulate the security situation for political gain and ensuring that all elections are free, fair, and credible.

“The Arewa Discussion Group stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria during this difficult time. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and to resist any forces that seek to undermine our democracy through violence and intimidation. We urge the international community to closely monitor Nigeria’s security and electoral situation and to support efforts to restore peace and democratic integrity.”

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

18 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

18 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”