Oshiomhole Finally Takes Over From Oyegun As Bloodbath Leaves Scores Dead In Plateau And Other Newspaper Headlines

There is a new leadership for the Ruling All Progressives Congress APC. It is led by Adams Oshiomole. After the conclusion of the National Convention which is the highest decision making organ of the party, the new Chairman and party leaders took to the podium to assure party members of qualitative leadership especially as the 2019 General Elections approach.

THE NATION and DAILY SUN make the story their front-page headlines with different captions. In a speech after he was sworn in by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, the former Edo State Governor, said: “ We have the  capacity to face the challenges and the instruments required do not need to be rocket science, but basic commitment to the provisions of our constitution, commitment to internal democracy, mutual respect for each and every one of us— purge ourselves of any arrogance— and a commitment to honesty; listen, discuss, persuade and find a common ground so that in the end, we can have a win-win solution in any state we have challenges and even on issues affecting various arms of government elected on the platform of our party.”

Oshiomhole added: “We are ready and tomorrow (today), we will resume work because there is no time to waste. That is why we promptly swore in members of the National Working Committee.

But as the APC is rejoicing of the completion of its Convention without any fracas, those in Plateau State are mourning. Yesterday, scores were killed. This morning, it’s a tale of conflicting figures. The NIGERIAN TRIBUNE, PUNCH, GUARDIAN, INDEPENDENT, VANGUARD and NEW TELEGRAPH all make it their top story.

The report reveals that No fewer than 120 persons were killed in several villages in Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State in fresh attacks by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, while over 200 others sustained gunshot injuries. However, Commander of the Special Military Task Force, Major General Anthony Atolagbe, last night confirmed that 56 persons were killed. Major-General Atolagbe, who spoke from the bush where he was directing operations to apprehend the perpetrators, also said three of the killers had been arrested, adding that they confessed to participating in the killing.

But Plateau State Police Command said at press time last night it had counted 86 bodies, asserting that it could not ascertain the actual number of casualties since some families took away bodies of their loved ones without notification. Meanwhile Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong who cut short his participation at the All Progressives Congress National Convention in Abuja imposed curfew in Barakin-Ladi, Riyom and Jos South local government areas of the state to avert a breakdown of law and order. According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Rufus Bature, the movement was restricted from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am except those in essential duties.