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Zagazola Dismantles Masara Kim’s False “Jihadist Burial Attack” Narrative in Plateau

Published

2 months ago

May 10, 2026

By Zagazola Makama

The latest international media appearance by Plateau-based activist, Masara Kim Usman, has once again exposed how misinformation, emotional propaganda and outright fabrication are being weaponised to inflame Plateau’s communal crisis and falsely portray it as an “Islamic jihadist war” against Christians.

In his now-circulating interview, Masara claimed that armed Fulani jihadists attacked a burial ground during funeral rites in Barkin Ladi while mourners were burying victims of earlier attacks.

According to him, gunmen opened fire from surrounding hills, forcing locals to abandon proper burial rites and hurriedly dump corpses into shallow graves before fleeing for their lives.

He further claimed he personally witnessed someone being shot during the attack and that armed terrorists carrying sophisticated weapons and sniper rifles attempted to massacre mourners.

But there is one major problem with the entire dramatic story: absolutely nobody was killed or injured during the so-called burial attack.

Not one casualty, no one corpse, not one hospital record, not one medical or security report from multiple security agencies and not one single verified victim, except him.

The obvious question therefore remains if hundreds of armed “Fulani jihadists” attacked a crowded burial ceremony with sophisticated rifles and sniper weapons as claimed by Mr Masara, how did nobody die? How did nobody sustain injury? How does a “mass attack” end without a single casualty?

The answer is simple, because the narrative was fabricated and staged to create panic, attract sympathy and push a false genocide narrative to international audiences. Even Masara’s own videos exposed the inconsistencies.

The same man claiming he was running for his life under heavy gunfire somehow managed to hold his camera perfectly steady, maintain smooth commentary with british accent, control his breathing, avoid visible distress, remain spotless without sweat or dust, and narrate events calmly like a movie correspondent.

At different times, he claimed he ran two kilometres. Later, the distance mysteriously became five kilometres. Yet throughout the footage, there was no sign of exhaustion, panic or trauma expected from someone supposedly escaping sniper fire and a coordinated terrorist assault.

Even more damaging to the propaganda effort was what appeared in the background of the footage itself. While Masara shouted dramatically about “Fulani attackers,” some women visible in the same environment were calmly walking without panic, without taking cover and without any indication that an active attack was taking place nearby. In the same background some youths were asked to run while the documentary was being shot.

In fact, the only armed individuals clearly visible in portions of the footage were local Berom militia carrying weapons and firing toward nearby hills.

Security and community sources confirmed that before the burial commenced, armed Berom youths had already gathered around the area, allegedly mobilising for a reprisal attack on a nearby Fulani settlement following earlier killings of seven persons.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace deployed to the area reportedly intervened to stop the retaliatory mobilisation. According to findings, while tensions were high during the burial, sporadic gunshots were fired by the same local armed youths toward nearby hills, triggering confusion and panic which Masara and others immediately transformed into a staged “Fulani terrorist attack on mourners.”

Masara also falsely claimed that while the burial was ongoing, “someone was shot” some distance away from him. Again, this claim collapsed immediately because there was no recorded casualty, no injured victim, no evacuation and no corpse connected to the supposed shooting.

Not even community leaders could identify the alleged victim he claimed to have seen fall after gunshots. In his interview Masara claimed that local vigilante at the Burial responded with dane gunz but the Fulani had superior weapons than them. This further confirmed that the shooting was actually from within

The story simply never happened.
Masara also attempted to frame Plateau’s crisis as part of a broader “Islamic jihad against Christianity” allegedly aimed at establishing an Islamic caliphate and destroying Western civilisation.

According to him, Fulani attackers were fighting Christianity because “the West brought Christianity” and therefore wanted to eliminate Christians and Western influence.

This claim is not only false but dangerously irresponsible.

The reality is that Plateau State is NOT under invasion by Boko Haram, ISWAP or any international jihadist organisation.
No terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for attacks in Plateau.
No ISIS flags have appeared in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu or Bassa.

No evidence exists showing any coordinated jihadist structure operating in the state.
What Plateau is experiencing is a long-running communal conflict driven by reprisals, cattle rustling, farm destruction, land disputes, livestock poisoning and cycles of revenge killings between armed groups from different ethnic communities.

The killings are real.But they are happening on BOTH sides. Fulani communities have suffered attacks. Berom communities have suffered attacks. Livestock have been rustled and poisoned. Farms have been destroyed.

Villages on both sides have buried victims.

Even as this report is being compiled today 9th May 2026, fresh incidents involving attacks on livestock were again recorded in Bassa, where criminal youths reportedly shot and killed four cows, while in the night of 8th May 2026, attack was reported in Riyom where some people were killed in a cycle of reprisals that repeatedly triggers counter-attacks.

Masara conveniently ignored these incidents because acknowledging them would destroy the false “one-sided jihad” or Christian Genocide narrative being sold internationally.

He also falsely alleged that a Muslim soldier attached to Operation Enduring Peace aided attackers and was later arrested after refusing to engage the assailants.

This allegation was another blatant fabrication.

Checks revealed that the soldier in question, a naval rating, was away on an administrative assignment approved by his unit commander — who incidentally is also a Christian officer.

He was neither armed nor deployed at the attacked location during the incident.
But because the soldier was Muslim, propagandists immediately framed his absence as “evidence” that he collaborated with Fulani attackers.

This reckless weaponisation of religion is exactly what continues to poison Plateau’s fragile environment. Every incident is instantly branded “Islamic terrorism.” Every criminal becomes “Fulani jihadist.” Every reprisal attack becomes “Christian persecution.”

Meanwhile, the actual realities of criminality, communal reprisals and illegal arms proliferation are ignored. The same activists defending armed youths and illegal militias are often the loudest voices accusing security agencies of bias whenever arrests are made.

Only recently, troops uncovered illegal arms fabrication factories in Plateau and arrested suspects manufacturing AK-47 rifles and ammunition components. Instead of condemning the criminal arms operation, some individuals openly defended the suspects and justified illegal weapon production as “community self-defence.”

This dangerous normalisation of militancy or terrorism is precisely why Plateau remains trapped in endless violence. No society survives when civilians begin manufacturing assault rifles while activists celebrate them online. It is also important to note that several attacks highlighted by Masara conveniently omitted the reprisal context surrounding many incidents.

Zagazola repeatedly maintain that many retaliatory attacks follow earlier incidents involving cattle rustling, poisoning of livestock, attacks on herders or destruction of farms.

According to security source familiar with operations in Plateau: These attacks always have history behind them. Something usually happens before reprisals occur. We have repeatedly warned communities against poisoning cows, attacking herders and carrying out retaliatory raids. But propaganda often overshadows the real causes.”

The source added that illegal arms in the hands of youths across affected communities remain one of the biggest threats to peace. The truth remains that Plateau’s crisis cannot be solved through emotional manipulation, fake genocide narratives, staged videos or international propaganda tours.

The violence in Plateau is tragic and real.
But turning a complex communal conflict into fictional “Islamic conquest” propaganda only deepens mistrust, fuels retaliation and prolongs the bloodshed.

Peace will only come through accountability, disarmament, justice and honest engagement on ALL sides not through staged narratives designed to deceive the world and inflame tensions further.

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World Cup: South Africa Hold Off South Korea For 1-0 Win

Published

1 hour ago

June 25, 2026

Yusuf Musa

South Africa opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a determined 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday night. The match, played in Los Angeles, was a showcase of grit, tactical organisation, and a decisive finish that gave the African side three crucial points.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when striker Lyle Foster timed his run perfectly to meet a defence-splitting pass from Themba Zwane. Foster calmly slotted the ball past the Korean goalkeeper, sending the South African fans into wild celebration. The goal proved to be the difference in a contest where both teams fought hard for control.

South Korea responded with urgency, pushing forward through Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan. Their attacking intent forced South Africa to defend deep, but the backline, marshalled by Siyanda Xulu and Mothobi Mvala, held firm. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was outstanding, producing a vital save in the 41st minute to deny Hwang from close range.

The second half was dominated by South Korea, who enjoyed long spells of possession and tested South Africa’s resilience. Despite the pressure, the South Africans remained disciplined, breaking up play and relying on counterattacks to ease the tension. Percy Tau and Zwane combined well in midfield, slowing the tempo and frustrating the Korean attackers.

South Korea’s best chance came in the 68th minute when Son broke free inside the box, but his shot was deflected wide by Williams. That moment summed up Korea’s evening—energetic but wasteful in front of goal.

South Africa nearly doubled their lead late in the game when Foster’s header from a corner rattled the crossbar. The close call kept the contest alive, but the South Africans managed the final minutes with maturity, slowing the pace and breaking up play to secure the win.

Coach Hugo Broos praised his team’s resilience, noting that the players executed the game plan with precision. He emphasised the importance of starting the tournament with a victory, especially against a strong Asian opponent.

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South Korea’s coach Jürgen Klinsmann admitted his side lacked sharpness in the final third. He promised adjustments ahead of their next fixture, stressing that the team must convert chances to remain competitive in the group.

Statistically, South Korea enjoyed 59 percent possession and registered five shots on target, compared to South Africa’s three. Yet, the numbers did not translate into goals, underlining South Africa’s defensive organisation and efficiency in attack.

The victory places South Africa in a promising position in their group, boosting hopes of advancing to the knockout stages. For South Korea, the defeat is a setback, but with two matches remaining, they still have opportunities to recover.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continues to deliver thrilling encounters. South Africa’s triumph will resonate across the continent, inspiring fans in Nigeria and beyond who are closely following Africa’s representatives in the tournament.

South Africa’s next challenge will be against a European powerhouse, while South Korea must regroup quickly to keep their campaign alive. The stakes are rising, and every point counts in the race for qualification.

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Mexico Beat Czechia 3-0 In the World Cup 2026 Tournament

Published

2 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Yusuf Musa

Mexico delivered a commanding performance on Thursday night, defeating Czechia 3-0 in their opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match, played at a packed stadium in the United States, highlighted Mexico’s attacking flair and defensive organisation, leaving Czechia struggling to find rhythm.

The Mexicans began with intensity, pressing high and forcing Czechia into early mistakes. Their reward came in the 12th minute when striker Raúl Jiménez calmly converted a low cross from Hirving Lozano. The early goal set the tone, energising the Mexican supporters who turned the venue into a sea of green.

Czechia attempted to respond with long balls and quick transitions, but Mexico’s midfield trio-controlled possession and dictated the pace. Captain Edson Álvarez marshalled the centre of the pitch, breaking up attacks and recycling play with composure.

Mexico doubled their lead in the 34th minute. A swift counterattack saw Lozano sprint down the right flank before delivering a precise pass to Santiago Giménez, who slotted home with confidence. The second goal deflated Czechia’s momentum and forced them deeper into their own half.

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After the break, Czechia tried to regroup, introducing fresh legs to spark creativity. However, Mexico’s defense, led by César Montes, remained resolute. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, playing in his sixth World Cup, made a crucial save in the 58th minute to deny Czechia’s Patrik Schick from close range.

Mexico sealed the victory in the 72nd minute. Substitute Uriel Antuna capitalised on a defensive lapse, racing clear and finishing past the Czech goalkeeper. The third goal confirmed Mexico’s dominance and effectively ended Czechia’s hopes of a comeback.

The final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations from Mexican fans, who believe this team has the quality to progress deep into the tournament. Coach Jaime Lozano praised his players’ discipline and sharpness, noting that the blend of experience and youthful energy is Mexico’s strength.

For Czechia, the defeat was a sobering start. Coach Jaroslav Šilhavý admitted his side struggled to cope with Mexico’s pace and pressing game. He promised adjustments ahead of their next fixture, stressing the importance of resilience in tournament football.

Statistically, Mexico enjoyed 62 percent possession, completed 480 passes, and registered seven shots on target compared to Czechia’s two. The numbers reflected the gulf in performance and underlined Mexico’s superiority on the night.

This result places Mexico at the top of their group, giving them a strong platform for qualification. Czechia, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to avoid an early exit.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continues to deliver drama and excitement. With Mexico’s emphatic win, fans across Nigeria and beyond will be watching closely to see if El Tri can finally break their long-standing barrier of reaching the quarterfinals.

Mexico’s next match will be against a formidable European opponent, while Czechia face an uphill battle in their second fixture. The stakes are high, and the tournament is only just beginning.

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Boa Constrictors Shock Golfers On UK Course

Published

7 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Yusuf Musa

DARLINGTON — Golfers in County Durham faced an unusual hazard this month when two boa constrictors were discovered on the Blackwell Grange golf course. The snakes, each measuring around three metres, were found a week apart, sparking concern about the abandonment of exotic pets in the UK.

The first boa was spotted on 13 June during a junior golf lesson. A 12-year-old girl’s shot landed directly on the snake, prompting instructor Aaron Cox to act quickly. Using his golf club, Cox moved the reptile away from the course before securing it in a box.

Just a week later, on 20 June, Cox encountered another boa near the rough. He repeated the same process, removing the snake and taking it to a nearby reptile shop. Unfortunately, both snakes later died, reportedly due to illness.

Cox, originally from Australia, said he was accustomed to seeing snakes in his home country but had never encountered large boas in England. He noted that while adders are occasionally seen on UK courses, the presence of boa constrictors was unprecedented.

“I’ve been here for six, seven summers, and not once has it ever happened. Now we’ve seen two in a week, and there are reports of more in North Yorkshire,” he said.

Boa constrictors are native to South America and can grow beyond three metres. They are non-venomous and generally not considered dangerous to humans, preferring smaller prey. However, they require extensive care, food, and space, making them challenging pets.

Cox suggested the snakes were abandoned by their owner, possibly due to the high cost of care and their deteriorating health. He criticised the act as cruel, urging pet owners to seek help from animal welfare organisations rather than dumping animals.

“It’s a shame and a cruel act by whoever did it. People should think twice before keeping pets they cannot look after,” he said.

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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) expressed concern over the incident. The charity urged anyone with information about the snakes’ abandonment to come forward, stressing that exotic pets should never be released into the wild.

The RSPCA highlighted that reptiles often suffer when abandoned, as they are unable to adapt to the UK climate and may carry diseases.

The discovery has raised questions about the growing trend of keeping exotic pets in Britain. While snakes like boas are popular among enthusiasts, their long lifespan — often exceeding 30 years — and demanding care requirements make them unsuitable for many households.

Animal welfare advocates warn that abandonment poses risks not only to the animals but also to local ecosystems and communities. Exotic species can spread disease or disrupt native wildlife if released into unsuitable environments.

Golfers at Blackwell Grange expressed shock at the unusual hazard. For many, the incident highlighted the need for stricter regulations on exotic pet ownership and better public awareness about the responsibilities involved.

Local residents also voiced concern about safety, though experts emphasised that boas are not aggressive toward humans. The greater issue, they said, was the welfare of the snakes themselves.

The appearance of boa constrictors on a UK golf course has drawn attention to the challenges of exotic pet ownership and the consequences of abandonment. While the reptiles posed little danger to golfers, their mistreatment underscores the importance of responsible animal care.

Authorities and welfare groups continue to investigate, hoping to prevent similar incidents and ensure exotic pets are handled with proper responsibility.