The Takum Renaissance Forum(TRF)has condemned a press release issue by STYCOP headed by Rikwensi Muri associating’s increasing surge in insecurity and unrest in Southern Taraba to former Takum local government chairman Shiban Tikari.

In a statement issue by the group secretary Emmanuel Joro, it says for the avoidance of doubt, they wouldn’t have dabbled into the issue, but for the sake of records, they’ve chosen to react.

In Muri’s press release which states that “We must also remember the actions of Hon. Shiban Tikari, former chairman of Takum Local Government Council, who similarly exploited the “Tiv Militias,” “Kuteb Militias,” and “Fulani Militias” narrative to destabilize the region”.

The Group responded by saying “It is on records that Hon. Shiban stabilized the atmosphere of Takum and environs during his tenure. His administration was not marred by state-sponsored kidnappings, murders and sacking of more than 100 communities by mercenary bandits brought against the Kuteb communities as claimed by Rikwensi Muri, in his usual false accusations. Muri and his co-travellers are the same ones who were bent on throwing Takum and Ussa communities into the pool of crisis. Everybody knew it. Fulani herdsmen were said to have paid millions to their kuteb Chiefs before being given permission to bring their cows to graze in ussa LGA. Muri is quiet about it.”

The group further stated that the former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku agreed to compensate the herders on the lost of their cows to stop attacking Kuteb communities, but instead after the money had come to their possession for compensation to be paid to the Fulani, it was diverted. They instead opted for the money to be used for arms procurement to fight the Fulani herdsmen.

“Why are the likes of Muri and their cohorts, who wanted war with Fulani and called for it, still turning around to blame Gov DDI led administration alongside the then chairmen of Takum and Wukari for their woes”?

“It’s good to note that we are above media trials and other sensational lies to curry public sympathy. Muri has been attacking the image of the Governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas and other notable personalities in the state like our fathers, Gen TY Danjuma and the Aku Uka, The Chief of Takum and other notable personalities, but we are not beginning to take this as an exception. Muri’s height of media rascality is a charade taken far”.

“Of all these, none of us or even the authority have chosen to arrest him for defamation. Why? Because of his lunatic approaches and the cheap relevance he is looking for, we can’t give him. The public is always aware of his sponsors and where he is driving. But we repeat, with exception, if he decides to take this further because at hand, we are beginning to gather his incisive and inflammatory posts for litigation against him in court” the statement reads.

The group further highlights that Muri press Release is to incite the gullible public against Hon. Shiban over lies and fabrication of falsehood and also maliciously attacking the present chairman of Wukari local government, Hon Agbu Samaila “having known that the attackers of those innocent KYK members of CRCN in Jootar were Tiv militia, those he has been calling for coalition with”.

The group defend that Hon. Shiban Tikari has never been on the run, but in his hometown in Takum. And the media trial being stage-managed by Muri to demean his image has long fallen.

“We are therefore calling on the general public to be wary with the activities of the so-called STYCOP being handled by Muri. It is not a peace building organization as being peddled but an organization aimed at stirring chaos in the southern part of Taraba state. It is a potential terrorist breeding camp”.

Supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have issued a stern warning to Aminu Sani Jaji, the member of parliament representing Kaura/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, accusing him of misleading the public and betraying the party’s values.

The group has called on Jaji to cease associating himself with the APC, claiming his actions are a deliberate attempt to undermine the party and its leadership.

In a statement released on Sunday, Muhammad kabir Birnin Magaji, chairman of the APC supporters’ group, lambasted Jaji for what he described as “anti-party activities” that led to his suspension from the APC.

“We have repeatedly warned him to stop linking himself with the party, as his actions and utterances do not reflect the values of the APC,” kabir said.

“His continuous attempts to associate with us are deceptive and unacceptable.”

The supporters dismissed Jaji’s criticisms of Matawalle as baseless, asserting that the lawmaker owes much of his political career to the influence of Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari.

Kabir highlighted a specific point of contention: Jaji’s apparent frustration over the distribution of seven trucks of rice donated by President Bola Tinubu during Ramadan, which Matawalle oversaw.

“The minister launched the distribution, and genuine APC members witnessed it being shared peacefully across the state,” he said.

“Why is Jaji so pained about this? He is not the only lawmaker in the party from Zamfara—there are senators and other representatives ahead of him.”

The chairman went further, noting that Matawalle has personally funded the distribution of over 50 trucks of rice,
distributed sum of one billion naira to the party’s stakeholders,too
and 100 cows to APC supporters in Zamfara during this Sallah celebrations.

“Why is Jaji concerned about this if he is not working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?” kabir questioned.

The APC supporters accused Jaji of aligning himself with PDP Governor Lawal Dare to destabilise the APC in Zamfara.

Kabir, said Jaji held meetings with PDP members during Ramadan, but there’s no evidence he distributed anything—not even to them,” kabir added.

Jaji’s conduct, the group argued, exposes him as a “two-faced and unprincipled figure” more interested in personal gain than party loyalty.

The group pointed to his ongoing antagonism towards Zamfara APC Chairman Tukur Danfulani and his alleged attempts to tarnish the reputations of Matawalle and Yari—two of the state’s most influential political heavyweights—as evidence of his disloyalty.“

It is absurd for Jaji to compare himself to Matawalle, whose leadership and political experience far surpass anything Jaji has achieved,” kabir said.

“His hypocrisy in parading himself as an APC member while secretly working with the opposition to sabotage us is disgraceful.”

The supporters urged Jaji to leave the APC and test his political relevance independently.

“Jaji’s politics is based on eye service. Whenever he comes to Abuja, he acts like a big man, but in Zamfara State, he is a nobody. If he thinks he is popular, he should join another party and test his popularity.

“The APC in Zamfara has no room for treachery and disloyalty—his charade must end now.

“If he truly believes he is significant, let him join another party and see if he can secure re-election without the support of Matawalle, Yari, and their loyal followers,” Kabir challenged.

As Muslims in Nigeria and around the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle,
urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

has praised the resilience and dedication of the country’s Armed Forces and security agencies.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, Dr Matawalle commended the tireless efforts of security personnel in safeguarding the nation.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

While acknowledging that security challenges have not been entirely eradicated, the minister expressed confidence in the administration’s achievements, rating its performance in tackling insecurity at 9 out of 10. He assured Nigerians that, by the end of the year, the country would be “99 per cent free from insecurity, by God’s grace.”

“As we celebrate today, let us remember the families of our fallen heroes—those who have paid the supreme price in defending our sovereignty. Their sacrifices shall never be in vain,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of our troops and their loved ones, as well as strengthening our military capabilities to address security challenges effectively.”

Dr Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national security, economic growth, and social development.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities through enhanced military operations, strategic partnerships, and intelligence-driven approaches.

However, he stressed that security is not the sole responsibility of the government and security forces, but a collective duty of all citizens.

He urged community leaders, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information and fostering peace.

“Eid-el-Fitr is a time of love, kindness, and reconciliation,” he said. “Let us use this period to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, forgive one another, and embrace the spirit of tolerance and understanding.”

The minister also called on Nigerians to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, including orphans and widows, emphasising that the true essence of Eid lies in sharing and caring for others.

“As we mark this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. May He grant us peace, prosperity, and continued progress as a nation. May He protect our gallant Armed Forces, bless their efforts, and reward them abundantly for their sacrifices.

“Eid Mubarak to you all! May this celebration bring renewed hope, joy, and divine blessings to our homes and communities.”