By Israel Adamu

The Plateau State High Court has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging the June 9 judgment recognising some Hausa residents as indigenes of Jos North Local Government Area until October 29, 2026, following a dispute over the legal representation of the respondents.

Justice C. Donglong fixed the date to rule on a preliminary objection challenging the appearance of a new legal team for the judgment creditors before hearing applications seeking to set aside the judgment.The June 9 judgment was delivered after Jos North Local Government Council did not enter an appearance when the case was heard. The council is now asking the court to vacate the judgment.

At Friday’s proceedings, counsel to the local government and the indigenous ethnic groups, Chief Garba Pwul (SAN), argued that the respondents’ new lawyers had not complied with the Plateau State High Court Rules governing a change of legal representation.

According to Pwul, Order 52 of the court rules requires a formal notice before new counsel can take over a matter. He urged residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to continue.Counsel to the Berom ethnic group, Edward Pwajok (SAN), said the Berom, Afizere and Anaguta communities had filed separate applications seeking to join the case and have the judgment set aside.

Responding, counsel to the judgment creditors, Yakubu H. (SAN), maintained that the respondents were constitutionally entitled to engage legal practitioners of their choice. Another counsel, Idris Mubakar, said his clients were satisfied to allow the court to determine the matter in accordance with the law.

By Israel Adamu

Herders in Kwok community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, have alleged harassment, intimidation and destruction of property following a security operation in the area.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, community members claimed that security operatives conducted a raid on Saturday and returned to the community on four consecutive days. They alleged that cash, metal containers and other valuables were missing from their homes after the operation.

A community elder, Yusuf Muhammad, alleged that the operatives entered the settlement around noon on Saturday, firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among residents.

According to him, the operation disrupted the community, scattered livestock and left some residents, including children, with injuries. He urged security agencies to conduct operations professionally and in accordance with the law. Another resident, Zainab Abubakar, alleged that armed operatives forced their way into her home during the exercise.

Community leader Abubakar Usman called for improved cooperation between security agencies and residents, saying the community would support lawful efforts to identify criminal suspects if properly engaged. Efforts to obtain official responses from the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven, the military task force responsible for security in the area, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has appointed former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, as co-chairmen of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund Board.

The inauguration, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, marks a major step in the North’s regional response to worsening insecurity.

The board comprises retired military officers and former security chiefs drawn from the 19 northern states to provide strategic oversight, mobilise resources, enhance intelligence sharing and coordinate efforts against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

Other members include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Sokoto); former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (Yobe); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha (Adamawa); Sen. Napoleon Bali (rtd) (Plateau); former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Inuwa (Jigawa); AVM Kabiru Aliyu (Taraba); Prof. Usman Tar (Borno); Maj. Gen. A.M. Dikko (Niger); AIG Sunday Babaji (Gombe); AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (Kogi); Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani (Kano); Maj. Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (Kebbi); Maj. Gen. John Malu (Benue); and Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Agbab (Kwara), among others.

Speaking at the inauguration, NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Trust Fund would complement, rather than replace, the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.

He said the initiative must remain focused, responsive and credible, stressing that its success would be measured by its ability to protect lives and property.

The governors also resolved that each of the 19 northern states, alongside their local government councils, would contribute ₦1 billion monthly for 12 months to fund the initiative.

Traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, endorsed the initiative, describing it as a practical and long-overdue response to the region’s security challenges.