The Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa has called for accountability and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security response following renewed violence in Jos, Plateau State, which has left dozens dead in recent weeks.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Abuja-based peacebuilding organisation expressed condolences to affected families, describing the recurring attacks as both a security failure and a reflection of the human cost of prolonged conflict.

Rising death toll raises concerns

The group highlighted a pattern of escalating violence across Plateau communities in early 2026.

At least 10 people were reportedly killed in February during night attacks in Barkin Ladi and Riyom. By March, more than 30 others had died in Angwan Rukuba, many described as vulnerable residents.

Despite repeated assurances from authorities, local communities say protection remains inconsistent and unreliable.

‘Security must be a lived reality’

CORN West Africa’s Head of Programmes and Operations, Lara Raji, said security efforts must go beyond visible deployments.

“Security is not merely the deployment of boots on the ground; it is also the presence of justice and the assurance of safety,” the organisation said.

She added that for residents in affected areas, safety must be something experienced daily not just promised.

“For parents in rural settlements and young people across affected communities, security must be a felt reality… not just read about in policy documents or news reports.”

Gaps in early warning and response

The organisation raised concerns over what it described as a persistent gap between early warning signals and actual response by authorities.

According to the statement, communities often detect warning signs such as rising tensions or suspicious movements, but lack effective systems to escalate threats quickly.

“The absence of a real-time mechanism to escalate and act on this intelligence continues to create a dangerous response lag that leaves civilians exposed.”

This gap, it said, has contributed to repeated cycles of violence in the Middle Belt region.

Calls to Tinubu, National Assembly

CORN West Africa urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen political will around civilian protection by enforcing accountability within security agencies.

It also called for an operational review to improve intelligence use and ensure faster response times.

The group further reminded the National Assembly of its constitutional oversight role, particularly in monitoring defence spending and ensuring resources are effectively utilised.

“The National Assembly’s lawful oversight on defence spending… is critical to achieving lasting peace in the country,” Raji said.

Why it matters

Plateau State has long been a flashpoint for communal and sectarian violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Analysts say recurring attacks not only threaten lives but also undermine economic activity, displace communities, and weaken trust in public institutions.

The latest killings highlight ongoing challenges in translating security policies into real protection on the ground.

What’s next

CORN West Africa called for coordinated action across all levels of government, including stronger collaboration between state authorities and local communities.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peacebuilding initiatives and promoting data-driven tools to prevent future violence.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Mr Eze made the claims in a press statement on Friday, reacting to the removal of key ADC officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

The development involves the delisting of Senator David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s national chairman and secretary respectively.

Mr Eze described the move as politically motivated, alleging that it reflects growing tension as political alignments begin ahead of 2027.

“Even with 33 serving governors in the ruling party, President Tinubu is afraid of a competitive election in 2027,” Mr Eze said.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s next presidential election is still over a year away, but early political manoeuvres are already shaping the landscape.

Disputes over party leadership and INEC’s role in maintaining party records could influence how opposition parties organise and present candidates.

Analysts say internal cohesion within opposition parties will be critical if they are to mount a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Allegations against government and INEC

Mr Eze accused the Tinubu administration of interfering in party affairs through state institutions, including INEC.

He said:

“This latest illegal move of using INEC to destabilise the ADC is politics taken too far.”

He also alleged that the government was attempting to weaken opposition parties broadly, referencing internal challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The target and game plan is to ensure a sole presidential candidate across party lines in 2027,” he claimed.

The presidency and INEC have not publicly responded to these specific allegations.

Legal context and Supreme Court ruling

Mr Eze cited a recent Supreme Court judgment to support his argument that INEC should not interfere in internal party matters.

According to him, the ruling in a case involving the PDP emphasised that leadership disputes within political parties are internal issues.

“The Supreme Court has made a pronouncement stopping INEC from interfering in the affairs of political parties,” he said.

Legal experts note, however, that while courts often avoid internal party disputes, INEC still has statutory responsibilities to maintain accurate party records and ensure compliance with electoral laws.

Industry and public perspectives

Political observers say such disputes are not uncommon in Nigeria’s pre-election period.

Some analysts argue that accusations of interference often reflect deeper struggles within parties over leadership and direction.

Others warn that prolonged disputes could weaken opposition coalitions and reduce voter confidence.

Civil society groups have also called for transparency from both political parties and electoral bodies to maintain trust in the democratic process.

What’s next

The ADC has indicated it will continue with its internal political activities despite the dispute.

Mr Eze urged party members to proceed with planned congresses and organisational processes.

Meanwhile, attention is likely to shift to INEC for clarification on the status of party officials and its role in the controversy.

As political activity intensifies, stakeholders are expected to monitor how institutions manage disputes in the lead-up to 2027.

Nigeria’s banking regulator has intervened in the operations of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc after uncovering what it describes as large-scale financial mismanagement linked to former directors, raising concerns about corporate governance and financial stability.

What happened

According to findings referenced in a press statement, former directors of the bank allegedly concealed over ₦250 billion in losses and exposed the institution to significant risk through unprotected foreign borrowing.

The report also claims that more than $300 million in external loans were improperly structured, leaving the bank solely responsible for repayment obligations.

Investigators further allege that over $100 million was withdrawn irregularly, while internal funds were used to acquire shares in the bank—actions that may breach financial regulations.

Regulatory intervention

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stepped in amid fears that the bank’s financial position could deteriorate further.

Officials say the intervention was necessary to stabilise operations and prevent wider risks to Nigeria’s banking system.

“Without timely regulatory action, the situation could have escalated into a systemic crisis,” a financial analyst familiar with the matter said.

Why it matters

Union Bank is one of Nigeria’s long-standing financial institutions, and any instability could have ripple effects across the economy.

Experts warn that such cases highlight ongoing concerns about corporate governance, transparency, and risk management in the banking sector.

For customers, the episode raises questions about how deposits are protected and how regulators monitor financial institutions.

Industry and public reactions

Banking analysts say the situation underscores the importance of stronger oversight and accountability.

Some stakeholders have also called for stricter penalties for financial misconduct to deter future violations.

Signs of recovery

Since the intervention, Union Bank is reported to be stabilising, with efforts underway to restore financial health and rebuild trust.

Regulators and industry observers say recovery will depend on sustained reforms, improved transparency, and stronger internal controls.

What’s next

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the actions of former directors, with potential legal and regulatory consequences.

The CBN is also likely to strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in other financial institutions.