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Graves Ransacked, Peace Shattered: Fresh Wave of Jukun-Tiv Carnage Stuns Nigeria
He escaped the violence but died in exile—longing for home. Yet even in death, peace eluded him. Just hours after his burial in Wukari, Taraba State, the remains of retired school director Michael Usange were exhumed and burned by suspected ethnic militias, a horrifying act that has sent shockwaves across the nation, The PUNCH reports.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
They set my father on fire,” Joseph Usange cried, his grief raw and unrestrained.
In a country where the living already face relentless insecurity, the desecration of graves in Taraba reveals an even deeper tragedy—peace is now denied to the dead.
On June 28, 2025, a quiet funeral procession made its way to Chiina, a sleepy ancestral village along the Wukari–Chinkai road. The mourners had gathered to lay to rest their patriarch, Mr. Michael Usange—a respected retired educationist and displaced Tiv elder who had died in Kyado, Benue State, after six years in exile.
A former Director at the Taraba State Teaching Service Board, Usange had devoted his life to education and public service. But his life was upended in 2019 when the Jukun-Tiv conflict engulfed his community. Forced to flee with nothing, he sought refuge in Benue, carrying with him the heartbreak of displacement.
His final wish, according to his family, was to be buried in his ancestral homeland—a wish that, though fulfilled, was soon cruelly violated. Not long after he was laid to rest, suspected attackers stormed the grave site, exhumed his body, and set it ablaze.
What was meant to be a solemn farewell became a gruesome spectacle—a scene of unthinkable horror for the Usange family and the Chiina community.
“We only wanted to bury our father,” said Joseph Usange, his voice cracking with emotion. “We pleaded for peace, but they came with fire and hate. They treated our father like garbage.”
The desecration has reopened deep wounds and sparked widespread outrage. It is a haunting reminder of how far the decades-long Jukun-Tiv conflict has festered—mutating into an unrelenting cycle of violence and retribution, where not even the dead are spared.
The Jukun-Tiv crisis, rooted in historical grievances over land, power, and identity, has plagued Taraba for decades. The central issue remains a bitter dispute over “indigene” status—Jukun claim to be the original inhabitants of Wukari, while the Tiv assert their long-standing residence and equal rights.
The crisis is fuelled by marginalisation, political exclusion, and unresolved colonial-era divisions. The Tiv have long felt sidelined in Taraba’s governance and economic structures. These grievances are deepened by the perception that key institutions favour the Jukun, who historically aligned with the Northern establishment, while the Tiv gravitated towards southern political blocs.
Major clashes were recorded in 1959, 1964, 1976, 1991–1992, and again in 2000–2002. The 2019–2020 violence, which forced Usange into exile, erupted in Kente on April 1, 2019, and marked one of the deadliest chapters in recent years—escalated by modern weaponry and entrenched hate.
Despite decades of bloodshed and failed peace efforts, little has been done to address the roots of the conflict. Now, even the sanctity of the grave is no longer respected.
The desecration of Michael Usange’s remains is not just an attack on one man—it is a grotesque symbol of a nation’s failure to protect both its living and its dead. And unless urgent reconciliation and justice take hold, the cycle of vengeance will only dig deeper, leaving no rest for the dead—and no hope for the living.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has officially confirmed that his current deputy, Yakubu Garba, will remain his running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. During an announcement at the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago noted that Garba’s name will be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with constitutional requirements. Addressing recent speculation, the Governor reaffirmed his partnership with Garba, stating, “I have called you to come and witness that my Deputy, Yakubu Garba, is still my running mate in 2027.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In separate developments, police in Niger State have arrested 38-year-old Hamisu Abdullahi for allegedly attempting to disrupt a public event. Abdullahi was taken into custody during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja after he reportedly shouted slogans regarding utility shortages. According to police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna on charges related to suspected thuggery and the obstruction of government activities.
Option 2: Concise Summary
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has reaffirmed his commitment to his deputy, Yakubu Garba, naming him as his running mate for the 2027 election. The Governor stated that this decision fulfills legal requirements for the upcoming INEC nomination process.
Meanwhile, authorities have apprehended Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, following a disturbance during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja. Abdullahi, who reportedly shouted “no water, no light,” is currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department for suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt official government proceedings.
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has rejected claims that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies caused the current economic hardship in Nigeria. During an interview on Arise Television, Sirika asserted that Nigeria’s economy and education sector were in a “good state” and “flourishing” under Buhari’s leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Sirika maintained that Buhari “did extremely well” in managing the economy.
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He argued that it would be unfair to draw comparisons between the state of the country under Buhari and the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
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While expressing his belief that the nation was better off previously, Sirika stated he would not be drawn into debating the causes of current hardships.
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He declined to criticize the policies or decisions of either the past or current presidents, noting that he is not in a position to fully com
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the governing body is exploring the possibility of expanding the 2030 World Cup to include 64 teams. This potential shift follows the recent expansion from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, which increased the match count to 104. Infantino advocates for this change to provide smaller footballing nations with greater opportunities to qualify, arguing that increased representation motivates countries to invest in their local leagues, academies, and national programs. While the proposal remains subject to approval by FIFA’s decision-making bodies, it aims to narrow the competitive gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams. The 2030 event, which commemorates the tournament’s centenary, is already unique for being hosted by six countries across three continents: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
FIFA is considering a massive shake-up for the 2030 World Cup, with President Gianni Infantino hinting at a potential expansion to 64 teams. Building on the success of the 48-team format introduced for 2026, Infantino believes that giving more countries a seat at the table is essential for the global development of the sport. He noted that under the current expanded format, teams from all continents have proven their competitiveness, suggesting that the divide between established nations and newcomers is shrinking. If approved, this 64-team structure would be implemented for a historic tournament already set to span three continents and six host nations to celebrate the competition’s 100th anniversary. FIFA is currently evaluating the logistical and financial implications of such an expansion before making a final decision.
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