At least nine people, including a pastor, have been killed in separate attacks in communities across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring areas of Plateau State.

The attacks occurred between Saturday night, September 19, and Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, with residents reportedly left in fear as violence spread across parts of the affected communities.

Five of the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were attacked on Saturday night.

The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the killing of the five passengers, condemning the attack and calling on security agencies to identify and bring those responsible to justice.

Dabit said the recurring attacks were causing fear and distress among residents, urging authorities to take urgent steps to protect communities and prevent further violence.

The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, also confirmed the incident.

According to Garaba, the bodies of five people were evacuated from the area. He said the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp as labourers.

In a separate incident at Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while on their way to church on Sunday morning.

The identities of the two victims had not been disclosed as of the time of filing the reports.

Another woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attacks and condemned the killings.

Tengwong called on security agencies to strengthen their presence in the affected communities, investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

He also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant amid the renewed security concerns.

The latest attacks have reportedly heightened tension in Dorowa Babuje and surrounding communities, particularly around the Kantoma axis, where gunshots were still being heard on Sunday.

Reports also indicated that women and children were being moved to safer locations.

Meanwhile, several cattle were reportedly killed or stolen at Dorowa Maranba and around the Kantoma axis at about 3am on Sunday.

The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, confirmed reports of cattle rustling in the area and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and restore calm.

The Plateau State Police Command had not publicly responded to inquiries about the killings at the time of the initial reports.

However, sources at the command headquarters said the state Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, had deployed additional security personnel to the affected communities.

The fresh attacks have renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of Plateau State, with community leaders calling for sustained security operations and investigations to prevent further loss of lives.

Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77.

Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the United Kingdom.

His death has triggered condolence visits from political leaders and government officials in Kogi State, with the state’s incumbent governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and former governor, Yahaya Bello, among those who visited the deceased’s family in Abuja.

The visit was disclosed by Onogwu Muhammed, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Public Relations and Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Yahaya Bello, in a post shared on Facebook on Sunday.

According to Muhammed, Ododo, Bello, Kogi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdullahi Bello, and other senior government officials visited the late former governor’s Abuja residence to commiserate with his family.

He said, “Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo; former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon.

Abdullahi Bello; and other top government officials have arrived at the Abuja residence of the late former Governor Ibrahim Idris, who passed away this afternoon.”

Photographs accompanying the post showed Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello at the deceased’s residence.

Idris was a prominent figure in Kogi State politics and served as the state’s governor from 2003 to 2012.

He assumed office in May 2003 and was re-elected in the 2007 governorship election, allowing him to serve a second term.

His administration ended in January 2012, when he was succeeded by Idris Wada.

During his time in office, Idris was one of the key political figures in Kogi State and remained active in the affairs of the state after leaving office.

The former governor’s death comes as the state’s political leadership and other associates begin paying tribute to him and commiserating with his family.

As of Sunday evening, details surrounding the cause of his death had not been made public.

Further information on funeral arrangements and other burial rites is expected to emerge from the family and relevant authorities.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the winners of the five legislative by-elections conducted across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the polls in one federal constituency and four State House of Assembly constituencies.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won four seats, while the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) secured one. �

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The APC candidates who emerged victorious were Kallamu Usman MaiJama’a in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Husseini Datti in the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State; Okolosi Ator in the Udu State Constituency of Delta State; and Yakubu Ali in the Disina State Constituency of Bauchi State.

Adamu Yakubu of the APM won the Sakwa State Constituency seat in Bauchi State.

In Gombe, MaiJama’a polled 41,121 votes to win the federal constituency seat. Datti secured 22,890 votes in Dawakin Kudu, while Ator won Udu with 8,724 votes.

In Disina, Bauchi State, Ali polled 5,846 votes, while APM candidate Adamu Yakubu won Sakwa with 8,515 votes. �

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In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the victories recorded by APC candidates demonstrated the confidence Nigerians at the grassroots had placed in the party and its administration.

The President said he was encouraged by the support shown for the APC and the reforms being implemented by his administration.

He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and said the benefits of the government’s reforms would become increasingly evident as the administration moved into the next phase of its programme.

Tinubu also charged the newly elected lawmakers to justify the confidence reposed in them by their constituents through diligent and effective representation.

He urged candidates who lost the elections to accept the results in good faith and continue to contribute to the democratic process.

The President commended voters and security agencies for maintaining peace and order during the exercise.

He also praised INEC for conducting the polls, urging the commission to build on the experience gained from the by-elections and address identified shortcomings ahead of future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had described the by-elections as important operational tests that would provide lessons for preparations for the 2027 elections. �

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The five constituencies were among those scheduled by INEC for the September 19 exercise to fill legislative vacancies created by different circumstances. �

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