By Abigail David

The Federal Government has confirmed plans to replace the traditional khaki uniform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with locally produced Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the scheme.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the plan on Thursday during an interview on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, saying the initiative is designed to promote local textile production and keep government spending within the Nigerian economy.

According to the minister, Adire is produced in states including Ogun and Kwara, and adopting the fabric for NYSC uniforms would support local manufacturers and strengthen the country’s textile industry.

Olawande also said corps members would increasingly be deployed based on their academic qualifications under the proposed reforms. He explained that graduates of education-related courses, for example, would be posted to schools in line with their professional training to improve the impact of the scheme.

On security, the minister said the government is considering posting corps members to regions where they studied or are familiar with the environment, particularly in areas facing security challenges. He noted that the approach would address safety concerns while making deployments more practical.

He also dismissed reports that the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing such claims as inaccurate. According to him, the armed forces will continue to provide security support for corps members nationwide.

The proposed changes follow the approval by the Federal Executive Council of a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC, the first major reform of the scheme since its establishment in 1973. As part of the reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to accommodate the new framework.

Under the approved structure, the operational leadership of the NYSC will be headed by a civilian, while the military will retain its role in providing security support.

By Israel Adamu

Two residents were killed in an attack on Zargwok community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, while four suspected assailants were reportedly killed in a separate confrontation in Jos South Local Government Area, according to the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM).

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association said gunmen attacked Zargwok community at about 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, killing Ayuba Danladi, 33, and Luka Macham, 35, who were reportedly on community patrol. BYM said their bodies were deposited at the ECWA Clinic.

The association also responded to claims by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that four of its members were killed around the Gero–Rafin Bauna axis of Jos South Local Government Area.

According to BYM, the four individuals were among a group that allegedly attacked a mining site in Nyango, Gyel District, on June 29, resulting in the deaths of three local miners and injuries to two others. The association claimed local vigilantes later confronted the group, during which four suspected attackers were killed.

These claims have not been independently verified.

BYM called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into both incidents, identify those responsible, and strengthen security in affected communities.As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful.

By Israel Adamu

Two residents were killed in an attack on Zargwok community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, while four suspected assailants were reportedly killed in a separate confrontation in Jos South Local Government Area, according to the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM).

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association said gunmen attacked Zargwok community at about 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, killing Ayuba Danladi, 33, and Luka Macham, 35, who were reportedly on community patrol. BYM said their bodies were deposited at the ECWA Clinic.

The association also responded to claims by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that four of its members were killed around the Gero–Rafin Bauna axis of Jos South Local Government Area.

According to BYM, the four individuals were among a group that allegedly attacked a mining site in Nyango, Gyel District, on June 29, resulting in the deaths of three local miners and injuries to two others. The association claimed local vigilantes later confronted the group, during which four suspected attackers were killed.These claims have not been independently verified.

BYM called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into both incidents, identify those responsible, and strengthen security in affected communities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful.