By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Plateau State Government says it is taking steps to restore and protect key tourist attractions as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy, create jobs and strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, who also supervises the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, disclosed this after leading government officials and technical consultants on an assessment tour of tourist sites in Jos North, Jos South and Riyom local government areas.

The delegation inspected Shere Hills, attractions in Sheher community, the Riyom Rock formations and Mado Tourist Village to assess their condition and identify priorities for restoration and development.

Ramnap said the exercise would support the integration of the sites into the Greater Jos Master Plan while informing a tourism policy focused on their protection, preservation and sustainable development.

She said the Mutfwang administration views tourism as a strategic sector for attracting investment, increasing internally generated revenue and expanding economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities.

The commissioner also expressed concern over encroachment and environmental degradation at some sites, especially Shere Hills, and said the government would investigate the situation and take appropriate action.

Ramnap added that the state plans to improve access roads and other supporting infrastructure to enhance tourism and stimulate development in host communities, with technical consultants providing guidance to ensure projects align with global best practices.

By Jabiru Hassan

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says a suspect has been arrested in connection with the vandalism of six transmission towers along the Yola–Jalingo 330kV transmission line.In a statement, TCN said the damaged towers—numbered T995, T998, T999, T1002, T1003 and T1004—were discovered during a routine patrol by its engineers on July 29, 2026. According to the company, vandals removed about 130 critical bracing members, compromising the structural integrity of the affected towers.

TCN said it carried out a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force on July 30 in the host community, where traditional and youth leaders were urged to assist in identifying those responsible. The company added that on August 1, the police informed it that a principal suspect had been arrested and that some of the stolen tower components had been recovered.

TCN officials subsequently visited the site to verify the recovered materials and called for the prosecution of the suspect in accordance with the law. The company said the police are continuing investigations and are pursuing other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged vandalism.

Condemning attacks on electricity infrastructure, TCN said such incidents threaten investments in the power sector and the reliability of electricity supply. It urged host communities and the public to report suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Plateau State Police Command says it has arrested another suspect in connection with the alleged mob killing of University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Mbaya as investigations into the incident continue.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said detectives arrested Yusuf Christopher Beskeni, 24, following what the command described as credible intelligence.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was allegedly involved in the assault that led to Mbaya’s death. The command alleged that Beskeni participated in restraining the deceased while he was assaulted by a mob over allegations of theft.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to be connected to the incident, the statement added.

Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Usman Sheikh Adamu, assured Mbaya’s family and the public that the command remains committed to a thorough investigation and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.The police also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation by providing credible information to the authorities.

The death of Mbaya sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for an end to mob violence and for suspects to be handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.