By Our Correspondent

At least 102 Tiv Christians have been feared killed with dozens of churches burnt in 33 days in Taraba state.

According to Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), the killers, suspected to be militia Fulani men, have committed the crimes between 2nd January to 3rd February 2026 in Chanchanji ward, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state.

NOCRELA also disclosed that the body has interacted with the Tiv community and the affected NKST pastors extensively when they were told that the killings were perpetrated by Fulani militia and were specifically targeting the Tiv community and NKST churches.

In a submission, the Taraba State Chairman, NOCRELA, Rev. Dr. Micah Dopah, on Monday condemned the continuous, horrific, brutal, and targeted killing of the Tiv Christians brethren and their properties.

“Within an interval of 33 days only from 2nd January 2026 to 3rd February 2026, the militia killed at least 102 people and injured over 31 as analyzed by the local authorities.

“The local authorities also complained that the government and security agencies have not done enough to protect their lives, houses, and churches. stating that the laxity of the government in defending their people and properties has encouraged the militia to perpetrate the satanic killings.

“Ten murderous attacks in 33 days is horrific. Where is the government? And where are the security agencies?

“We interacted with the Tiv community and the affected NKST pastors extensively. They told us that these killings were perpetrated by Fulani militia, and are specifically targeted at the Tiv community and NKST churches.

Relatedly, similar attacks are going on in Benue state by suspected Fulani against the Tiv settlements in Kwande local government where whole communities have been sacked with many indigenous people killed.

Anwase and Abande, among other villages, have been deserted and there is great apprehension that they would be occupied by the invading Fulani militias whose aim to seize Tiv lands and occupy them is no longer new as the case of Moon.

The invasion is partly to take over the lands now known to be rich in gold and other minerals.

By Our Correspondent

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has been asked to dismiss the ₦100.5 billion defamation suit instituted against Prof Zacharys Anger Gundu, VC of University of Mkar, Mkar by the Nasarawa State Government and Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

The request is contained in a notice of preliminary objection filed by the defendant through his legal team led by Sebastian Hon, SAN.

Gundu flawed the competence of the suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/3554/2025, and asked the court to decline jurisdiction, describing the case as frivolous and an abuse of court process.

The legal team said the claimants did not comply with a mandatory condition precedent required for the validity of the originating processes, as stipulated under Order 2 Rule 8 of the FCT High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2025.

This faulty premise, the alleged non-compliance, the team asserted, renders the suit procedurally defective and liable to be struck out.

By Saint Mugaga

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that Nigeria will defeat terrorism and banditry, describing the security threats as “unacceptable” and alien to the nation’s core values.

Declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, President Tinubu assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to strengthen the country’s security forces and restore peace across affected communities.

“I promise you here that I’ll play my part. Seven zones of mechanisation are coming. I promise Nigerians that this will be delivered, and I am here again to further find ways to strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism.

“That, I promise you, is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you we will win with determination and resilience. We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us,” he said.

The President described insecurity as an economic hindrance, stressing that all hands must be on deck to find an immediate solution.

He particularly commended the governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, as well as others, for doing “so much to defend our freedom, liberty and our commonwealth,” he added.

Welcoming state governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, development partners and private sector leaders to the two-day conference themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” President Tinubu described the gathering as a reflection of collective dedication to national progress.

He praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for sustaining a vital platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue.

“I am pleased to address the second edition of the National Economic Council Conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s development journey. NEC remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in our country,” he said.

Highlighting the key achievements of his administration thus far, President Tinubu said the economic reforms undertaken since inception have helped stabilise the economy and restore confidence.

“I must say again at this juncture, the monetary policy that we have embarked on since the reforms has yielded positive results and gained recognition around the world,” he noted.

He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Yemi Cardoso for restoring confidence in Nigeria’s monetary policy.

President Tinubu said state and local governments now receive increased, more predictable federal allocations, enhancing their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure, and deliver social services.

He added that infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation has been prioritised.

The President also highlighted expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses, alongside grassroots-focused initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Renewed Hope Ward Development Project further demonstrates our commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development.

“These successes reflect strong collaboration among the federal and state governments, development partners and the private sector,” he said.

In the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, President Tinubu explained that it represents the next phase of Nigeria’s national journey, anchored in inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable growth.

“The Plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity; human capital development; subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage; private sector-led growth; and climate resilience.

“Its success will depend largely on effective implementation at the state and local government levels, making NEC central to aligning national priorities with subnational realities.

“This Conference has reinforced collaboration, shared accountability and a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes.

“We must move decisively from declarations to implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states and innovative financing models,” he said.

President Tinubu told the conference that while the task before the nation is challenging, the opportunity is historic.

He expressed confidence that resolutions from the conference would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching.