The tragic aftermath of a violent assault in Plateau State has deepened, with the number of fatalities now confirmed at fourteen. The attack, which targeted the Foron community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Tuesday night, was initially reported to have claimed twelve lives.
Community Mourns as Casualties Mount
Local sources confirmed the increased death toll to The Guardian on Thursday, December 19, 2025. Mr. Dung Pam stated he had just returned from the hospital where physicians pronounced two of the five originally injured victims dead. The assault, allegedly carried out by individuals suspected to be Fulani terrorists, saw locals ambushed while conducting their daily activities.
Eyewitnesses described the attackers using sophisticated weaponry to fire sporadically at residents. The incident has drawn condemnation from Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, the representative for Jos North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He expressed bewilderment at the unprovoked violence against civilians going about their normal business.
Kebbi State Courts Investors Despite Security Concerns
In a contrasting development, the Kebbi State government has moved to reassure potential investors, dismissing notions that insecurity could be a barrier to economic opportunities. The assurance was given by Dr. Mohamed Kamba, the Director-General of the Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA).
Speaking at a critical pre-investment summit engagement, Kamba framed insecurity as a global challenge that should not be exaggerated in the Nigerian context. He emphasized that Kebbi State remains conducive for business, highlighting its robust regulatory environment, clear policies, and strong institutional capacity as major selling points.
Preparing for the Kebbi Investment Summit
Ahead of the Kebbi Investment Summit scheduled for February 11, 2026, KIPA has already screened 22 investment proposals across pivotal sectors. These include energy, agriculture, mining, transport, and logistics. The pre-summit meetings aim to fast-track projects to financial closure before the main event.
While the exact value of expected investments was not disclosed, Kamba noted significant commitments, particularly in energy and agriculture. He also underscored Kebbi's strategic geographic advantage, being the closest Northern Nigerian state to the West African market, with some borders less than a kilometer from neighboring countries.
Investing in Kebbi's transport and logistics infrastructure is deemed critical for Nigeria's successful participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Kamba added.
Investors Express Confidence in Kebbi's Potential
The state's pitch appears to be gaining traction. Lawrence Osakwe, Managing Director of Carlot Energy Limited, revealed his company is exploring renewable energy investments in Kebbi. He cited plans to deploy mini-grid solutions for affordable power, with the state's relative peace and stability being a key factor.
Echoing this sentiment, Michael Oladeji, CEO of Fused Vision Ltd, described Kebbi as a land of opportunities. This investor confidence suggests a complex national landscape where security challenges persist in some regions while others actively promote an image of stability for economic growth.
