Afo Heritage Magazine, Keffi (2026)

07/05/2026

Hon. Gaza Gbefwi Leads Federal Push For Udege Victims, Earns Widespread Praise For Standing Beyond Constituency Boundaries

Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has won widespread commendation for championing urgent federal intervention following the devastating attacks on communities in Udege Development Area of Nasarawa State.

During plenary, Hon. Gbefwi moved a motion drawing national attention to the April 3 and 4 assaults that reportedly claimed over 70 lives, destroyed more than 130 homes, and displaced more than 10,000 residents across the affected communities.

His passionate call for immediate action has been described by many residents and stakeholders as a rare demonstration of selfless leadership, especially as the affected Udege communities are outside his direct constituency. Despite this, he chose to rise in defense of vulnerable citizens, placing humanity, justice, and peace above political boundaries.

The House, following his motion, called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to displaced victims, while directing security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to intensify investigations and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

Observers say Hon. Gbefwi’s intervention has further reinforced the importance of responsive representation, where elected leaders speak not only for their immediate constituencies but for the broader interest of peace and national stability.

Community leaders and citizens have particularly praised his courage, noting that his advocacy has amplified the cries of affected rural populations who are largely agrarian and depend heavily on farming for survival.

The lawmaker stressed that without stronger security architecture, farming activities in the region could face severe disruption, worsening food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and hunger in Nasarawa State and beyond.

With thousands displaced and livelihoods shattered, there are increasing calls for prompt federal and state intervention not only in humanitarian relief but also in rebuilding destroyed homes, restoring local economies, and implementing sustainable peacebuilding measures.

Stakeholders warn that protecting farming communities such as Udege is essential for sustaining food production, reducing youth joblessness, and preventing deeper socioeconomic hardship.

Hon. Gbefwi’s stance has now positioned him as a leading voice for justice, reconstruction, and security reform in Nasarawa, with many urging government authorities to match his advocacy with swift and tangible action.

For the people of Udege, his voice at the National Assembly has become a symbol of solidarity and hope in a time of profound grief.

25/04/2026

APPRECIATION

The Akaki Dynasty, comprising the extended family of the first Osu Ajiri of Edege Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Musa Akaki (of blessed memory), wishes to express its profound appreciation to the many distinguished personalities, friends, associates, and well-wishers who shared in the loss of a revered father figure, Sheikh Jibrin Musa Akaki, the eldest surviving son of the late monarch, who returned to his Creator on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026.

The Dynasty is deeply grateful for the outpouring of sympathy through condolence visits, phone calls, messages, prayers, and the remarkable presence at the Janazah prayer and burial rites. These gestures of compassion and solidarity have brought immense comfort to the family in this moment of grief.

We also sincerely acknowledge and appreciate those who have continued to stand by the family after the burial, offering emotional support and prayers. Your kindness and brotherhood have not gone unnoticed.

The Akaki Dynasty prays that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives the shortcomings of Sheikh Jibrin and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah rewards all those who stood with the family during this difficult time and blesses them abundantly. Ameen.

Yahaya Abdulrahman

For and on behalf of the Akaki Dynasty

23/04/2026

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Raji'un

With a heavy heart but total submission to the will of Allah, the family of His Royal Highness, Alh. Musa Akaki, the first Osu Ajiri of Edege Chiefdom announces the passing of their father, Sheikh Jibrin Musa Akaki (Malam Bala), which sad event occured a moment ago.

His last remains is scheduled to be prayed upon tomorrow, Thursday, at the Angwan Wada family residence along Nasarawa Emir's Palace by 9:00 am. Afterwards, he shall be committed to the mother mother earth at the Nasarawa cemetery in line with the teachings of Islam.

It is our fervent prayer that Allah pardon his shortcomings and admit his gentle soul into the highest position in Jannatul Firdsus. Ameen.

17/04/2026

ALH. SULE KOKU CONGRATULATES NEW OSU AJIRI, PLEDGES LOYALTY AND SUPPORT

Alh. Sule Koku, the Turaki of Edege Chiefdom and contender for the revered stool of the Osu Ajiri, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Royal Highness, Alh. Suleiman Ahmed Eko, on his emergence as the 4th Osu Ajiri of Udege Chiefdom.

In a statement, Alh. Koku described the outcome of the keenly contested selection process as an expression of Allah’s divine will, which he wholeheartedly accepts in good faith and with a deep sense of responsibility to the unity and progress of the Chiefdom.

He reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Osu Ajiri and pledged his full support and cooperation towards the peace, stability, and development of Edege Chiefdom.

The Turaki expressed confidence in the capacity of His Royal Highness to foster unity among the people, promote harmony, and lead with wisdom and foresight.

Alh. Koku further urged the new Osu Ajiri to uphold the sanctity of the exalted throne by ruling with justice, fairness, and the fear of Allah, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership in advancing the collective aspirations of the people.

The elder statesman further assured His Royal Highness of his continued solidarity and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the growth and progress of the Chiefdom under his reign.

16/04/2026

Secure The Farms, Support The Farmers

Rain has begun to fall across many parts of Nigeria, signaling the start of another farming season. In communities like mine in Nasarawa State, farmers have already taken to their fields with determination and hope. Egusi (melon) has already been planted, and the land is gradually coming alive with activity.

But beyond this promising start lies a pressing question: will the necessary support, planning, and protection be provided in time ?. Year after year, Nigeria approaches agriculture with urgency but without the structured planning required to maximize results. This recurring gap continues to undermine the efforts of hardworking farmers.

Farming must be treated as a priority that requires deliberate coordination. Inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, and improved seeds must be made available early, not when the planting window is already closing. Extension services must be strengthened, and modern techniques must reach rural farmers in practical and accessible ways.

However, the most urgent issue confronting farmers today is insecurity. Across Nigeria, banditry, insurgency, and persistent farmer-herder clashes have continued to push farmers away from their lands. In many areas, people can no longer farm freely due to fear of attacks, destruction of crops, or outright displacement. This situation is both tragic and economically disastrous.

Food production cannot thrive under fear. There must be intense and sustained security measures to protect farming communities. Beyond general assurances, authorities must ensure that law enforcement is proactive and visible in rural areas. Security agencies should be deployed strategically to safeguard farmlands, especially during planting and harvesting seasons.

Crucially, the rule of law must be upheld without compromise. Those who trespass on farmlands, destroy crops, or engage in violent disruptions of farming activities must be apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law. Impunity only encourages repetition; when offenders go unpunished, it sends a dangerous message that such acts are tolerated.

To dissuade these habits, government and community leaders must adopt a combination of firm enforcement and preventive strategies. Clear grazing regulations should be established and strictly enforced. Designated routes and ranching systems, where applicable, should be pursued to minimize conflict.

Traditional institutions and local vigilante structures should also be empowered within the bounds of the law to support intelligence gathering and early warning systems.

At the same time, dialogue mechanisms between farmers and herders must be strengthened to reduce tensions before they escalate into violence. Prevention remains far more effective than reaction.

In addition to insecurity, the rising cost of farming has become a major burden. The prices of fertilizers, herbicides, seeds, and other essential inputs have soared. Hiring tractors and other mechanized equipment is increasingly expensive. Labour costs are high, while fuel prices continue to strain every stage of production; from cultivation to processing and transportation.

For many farmers, these challenges are becoming unbearable. Without intervention, farming risks becoming unviable for the average Nigerian. This would have severe consequences for food availability, affordability, and national stability.

Government must therefore step in with targeted and practical support. Mechanization services should be expanded and made affordable. Credit facilities must be simplified to reach genuine farmers without unnecessary bottlenecks. Investments in storage and processing infrastructure are also essential to reduce post-harvest losses.

It is important to emphasize that Nigerians are not unwilling to work. On the contrary, people are ready to farm, ready to produce, and ready to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. What they require is an enabling environment; one that guarantees safety, reduces costs, and supports productivity.

Nigeria has the land, the manpower, and the potential to achieve food security and even become a major agricultural exporter. However, this potential will remain unrealized without timely and decisive action.

As rain continues to fall and planting intensifies, the window for meaningful intervention is rapidly narrowing. Government at all levels, particularly in my dear Nasarawa State must rise to the occasion with urgency and commitment. Otherwise, we risk facing avoidable consequences: food shortages, rising prices, and deepening hardship.

Yahaya Abdulrahman writes from Nasarawa, Nasarawa State.

05/04/2026

Expert Faults “Communal Clash” Narrative, Describes Nasarawa Killings As Terror Attack

A security expert and academic, Dr Abubakar Salisu Oloko, has strongly criticized claims describing the recent killings in parts of Nasarawa State as a “communal clash,” warning that such characterization distorts facts and undermines justice.

Dr. Oloko was reacting to statements allegedly circulated by Jaafar M. Loko, an aide to the Nasarawa State Government, who reportedly described the violence in Gidan-Ogiri, Akyawa-Baka, Udege Kasa, and other Ajiri communities as a communal conflict.

In a statement made available to the press, the criminologist argued that the incidents bear the hallmarks of a coordinated criminal operation rather than a clash between rival groups. “A clash implies mutual engagement between two sides. What happened was a one-sided, coordinated attack on innocent communities,” he said.

Dr. Oloko linked the violence to a failed kidnapping operation in the area, alleging that the crisis was triggered after suspected kidnappers were confronted during an attempt to collect ransom from a victim in Odenin Gida.

According to him, the killing of the suspected criminals during the operation does not justify labeling the subsequent attacks as a communal dispute.

He further alleged that armed groups, believed to be operating as kidnapping syndicates, retaliated by launching attacks on surrounding communities, resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of properties, including over 50 houses.

The expert warned that mischaracterizing the incident as a communal clash risks obscuring the true nature of the threat and could hinder appropriate security response.

“Using vague terms like ‘hoodlums’ or ‘clash’ sanitizes the identity of the perpetrators and may embolden criminal networks to continue their operations,” he stated.

Dr. Oloko called on the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged kidnapping incident in Odenin Gida, which he described as the root cause of the crisis.

He emphasized the need for accurate information in addressing insecurity, urging public officials to verify facts before making statements that could mislead the public.

The recent attacks in the affected communities have left scores dead, displaced residents, and heightened concerns over rising insecurity in the area, with stakeholders calling for decisive action to restore peace and prevent further violence.

17/03/2026

Kidnappers Abduct Mining Association Chairman In Nasarawa

A wave of concern has gripped residents of Udege-Mbeki in Nasarawa State following the abduction of a prominent community leader and mining stakeholder, Mallam Suleiman Yusuf.

Mallam Suleiman, who serves as the Chairman of the Mining Association in Udege-Mbeki and holds the traditional title of Madakin Hausawa of Udege Chiefdom in Nasarawa Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening at about 7:10 p.m.

According to available information, the incident occurred at his residence while he was observing Iftar. Eyewitness accounts indicate that unknown gunmen stormed the premises and forcefully took him away to an undisclosed location.

He was abducted alongside his Mill Manager, Mr. Joseph Uguedo, popularly known as Joe, who was working at the Mill some meters away from the residence.

The development has heightened anxiety among family members, associates, and the wider community, who have described the incident as both shocking and distressing.

Family sources have appealed to the general public, friends, and well-wishers to remember the victims in prayers, calling on Almighty Allah to grant them protection, ensure their safety, and facilitate their swift reunion with their loved ones.

11/03/2026

Concerned Citizens Petition Interior Minister Over Lack Of Fire Service In Nasarawa Local Government Area

Residents of Nasarawa Local Government Area in Nasarawa State have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the persistent failure and near-total absence of functional firefighting services in the area, warning that the situation continues to endanger lives and property.

In a formal petition addressed to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, concerned citizens of the LGA called for urgent federal intervention to address what they termed a “systemic neglect” of fire safety infrastructure in the area.

The petition, signed by Dr. A. S. Oloko on behalf of the concerned residents, lamented that the absence of functional firefighting equipment and personnel has led to recurring fire disasters that have destroyed properties worth hundreds of millions of naira.

According to the document, Nasarawa LGA is one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria, covering approximately 5,704 square kilometres—larger than the entire landmass of Lagos State and significantly bigger than Anambra State. The petitioners argued that managing such a vast territory without a mobile and properly equipped fire response system makes emergency intervention practically impossible.

The residents further noted that the local government area has a projected population of over 290,000 people, describing the situation as a grave public safety concern affecting nearly a third of a million Nigerians.

They also highlighted the presence of major commercial and academic institutions within the LGA, particularly the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, which attracts thousands of students, traders, and visitors daily. According to them, this has created a high-density environment that requires a strong emergency response structure.

Despite reported federal budgetary allocations for modern firefighting equipment in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, the residents alleged that Nasarawa LGA remains what they described as a “firefighting desert,” with the local sector command lacking operational fire trucks, water tankers, and rapid response capacity.

The petition lamented that during fire outbreaks, residents are often forced to rely on rudimentary methods such as buckets of water to control raging fires—an approach they described as dangerous and unacceptable in modern times.

To address the situation, the concerned citizens demanded several urgent measures from the Federal Government, including the permanent deployment of at least two functional firefighting trucks and a rapid intervention vehicle to the LGA.

They also called for a comprehensive review of the local fire service command to ensure that personnel are adequately equipped and motivated to respond effectively to emergencies. Additionally, they urged the government to collaborate with relevant water authorities to install fire hydrants in high-risk locations, particularly around the main market and the Federal Polytechnic area.

The petition stressed that government has a fundamental responsibility to protect lives and property, warning that recurring fire disasters can no longer be dismissed as natural occurrences when they are being worsened by what the residents described as clear institutional negligence.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Comptroller General of the Federal Fire Service in Abuja and the Nasarawa State Command of the fire service for further action.

Residents say they are hopeful that the Federal Government will respond swiftly in line with its commitment to strengthening public safety and infrastructure across the country.

24/02/2026

To DSS Boss: What Was Good for Ese Oruru Must Also Be Good for Walida Abdulhadi

By Yushau A. Shuaib

Among the current crop of Nigeria’s security chiefs, perhaps none is as widely respected for his professional record as the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi. Since his assumption of office, he has been celebrated as a quintessential officer—one who is neither a religious bigot nor an ethnocentric partisan. His track record in states like Bauchi and Kaduna reflects a man who understands the delicate fabric of our diverse society and has often supported Muslim communal activities with the same zeal he applies to national security.

It is precisely because of this high regard that I find myself profoundly bewildered. Why is it that this same leadership, credited with a commitment to due process, appears to be wavering in the face of a clear court order? I am referring to the case of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, a young Muslim girl from Jigawa State, and the stalled prosecution of a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, accused of her abduction, sexual exploitation, and forced conversion to Christianity.

This disturbing saga echoes the 2015–2016 Ese Oruru case. The nation vividly remembers how a teenage girl from Bayelsa was taken to Kano by Yunusa Dahiru (popularly known as “Yellow”), where she was allegedly converted to Islam and impregnated. The public outcry at the time was overwhelming. The media, civil society, and the international community demanded swift justice.

The Bayelsa State Government under Governor Seriake Dickson intervened decisively — providing medical care, insisting on a thorough investigation, and ensuring prosecution. Yunusa Dahiru was eventually convicted and jailed. Ese Oruru received rehabilitation and later graduated from the University of Ilorin in flying colour

In my recent essay, “From Ese Oruru to Walida: Unmasking Selective Outrage,” I asked a rhetorical question that now feels prophetic: Would Walida’s case attract the same moral panic? Or would it be quietly buried because it doesn't fit a convenient narrative of religious persecution? My fears are being validated by the day.

A coalition of civil society and faith-based organisations recently raised the alarm in Abuja, accusing the DSS of violating a subsisting court order directing the release of 16-year-old Walida to her family. They specifically named DSS officer Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi as central to the allegations and called for his prosecution should any culpability be established.

A petition filed by Gamji Lawchain paints a disturbing picture: a minor allegedly abducted two years ago, held in unlawful custody, and denied access to her parents. Her father maintains that the trauma of this ordeal contributed directly to the untimely death of Walida’s mother.

At the heart of the controversy is the DSS acting simultaneously as custodian and investigator — a clear conflict of interest. Compounding this is a suspicious dispute over her age. While the family insists she is 16, there are attempts to portray her as a 22-year-old adult. An independent, document-based verification of her age is essential. Anything less would undermine the integrity of our child‑protection laws.

Strangely, a group known as the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has issued a “counter‑message,” claiming that she left home in 2023 and was taken by a woman called Maryam — later identified as Chinaza — who allegedly converted her to Christianity. The AYA leader, Salihu Danlami, further asserted that Walida underwent a mental evaluation and is “stable” and “happy” with her captor. Such claims overlook the well‑documented psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm Syndrome.

We have seen this before in the North-East; rescued Chibok and Dapchi girls have, at times, expressed a desire to return to their abusers after rescue from ISWAP/Boko Haram, exhibiting emotional bonds with their captors as a survival-driven coping mechanism. A girl who has been serially abused and impregnated outside of matrimony cannot be declared "mentally stable" by a youth group in a press conference. She requires clinical rehabilitation, not media interviews.

The DSS must comply fully with judicial directives concerning Walida’s custody and potential reunification with her family. A neutral, independent inquiry into the allegations against the DSS operative should be conducted. If found guilty, he must face the full weight of the law—just as Yunusa Dahiru did in the Ese Oruru case.

There must also be transparent verification of Walida’s age through credible documentation and independent scrutiny. NAPTIP should assume a leading role, given the child-protection and trafficking dimensions.

Equally, the Jigawa State Government under Governor Umar Namadi must not remain on the sidelines. A decade ago, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa did not treat Ese Oruru’s case as someone else’s burden. He intervened decisively and stood by the victim. Jigawa should do no less for Walida.

The media and the public must resist the urge to frame this matter in inflammatory religious terms. During the Ese Oruru case, northern traditional rulers and religious leaders were hastily accused of complicity. We must not repeat that mistake or allow this situation to be cast as a religious confrontation. Just as many argued in 2016 that Yunusa’s actions did not represent Islam, we must also acknowledge that the alleged actions of Onyewuenyi do not represent Christianity or the DSS.

We cannot afford another cycle of collective suspicion. Responsible communication — not sensationalism — must guide public discourse. This is not a religious contest. It is a child‑rights issue. Justice must never depend on religious identity.

If Nigeria is to remain a nation governed by law rather than sentiment, then institutions — especially the DSS — must uphold due process, transparency, and accountability. This case must follow the same standard of judicial openness and constitutional procedure that defined the high‑profile Ese Oruru investigation, which the police handled with commendable neutrality.

I therefore respectfully appeal to the Director‑General of the DSS to act swiftly, transparently, and in full fidelity to the rule of law. As a man of established integrity, he must ensure that justice is neither delayed nor distorted. Let it never be said that under his leadership, the law became a respecter of persons or uniforms.

In cases involving alleged child exploitation or forced conversion, justice delayed is justice questioned. Institutional integrity is measured not by rhetoric but by response.

What was good for Ese Oruru must, in the interest of fairness and equity, also be good for Walida.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster and can be reached via [email protected].

19/02/2026

Commissioner Mohammed Sani Otto Loses Mother

The family of the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment in Nasarawa State, Mohammed Sani Otto, has announced the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Rakiya Sani Otto.

The sad event occurred on Thursday afternoon, throwing family members, friends, political associates and sympathisers into mourning.
Late Hajiya Zulai (alternatively known and addressed as Hajiya Kande Sani Otto) was widely described as a mother to many, known for her generosity, humility and strong religious devotion. Those who knew her attest to her compassionate disposition and humane nature, which endeared her to people across different backgrounds.

Her passing has left a deep void within the family and the wider community. However, mourners have expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the impactful and exemplary life she lived, noting that her legacy of kindness and piety remains worthy of emulation.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

Afo Heritage Magazine

07/05/2026

25/04/2026

23/04/2026

17/04/2026

16/04/2026

05/04/2026

17/03/2026

11/03/2026

24/02/2026

19/02/2026

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