Social commentator and Plateau advocate, Masara Kim, has accused security analyst Zagazola Makama of distorting narratives surrounding violent attacks and insecurity in Plateau State, intensifying an ongoing debate over how the state’s security challenges are reported.
In a lengthy statement circulated online, Kim alleged that Makama had repeatedly downplayed attacks in Plateau communities by describing them as farmer-herder clashes, cult-related violence, or communal conflicts rather than acts of terrorism and organized violence.
Kim argued that such characterizations fail to reflect the experiences of affected communities and could undermine efforts to address the root causes of recurring attacks in the state.
According to him, Makama’s reporting has often relied on what he described as selective interpretations of events, while dismissing accounts from local residents, youth leaders, and community-based reporters.
The critic also referenced previous controversies involving Makama’s reporting on security matters, including disputes over images and narratives connected to military operations and violent incidents in parts of northern Nigeria.
Kim further challenged Makama’s dismissal of video footage and reports from Plateau communities, insisting that victims and eyewitnesses should not be disregarded without thorough investigation.
He maintained that while scrutiny and fact-checking are important in conflict reporting, the same standards should be applied consistently to official narratives, security briefings, and independent accounts from affected communities.
The statement also touched on recent tensions surrounding comments attributed to Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Peter Gwom. Kim noted that the commissioner had since apologized over the remarks that generated controversy, arguing that external commentators should not exploit internal disagreements within Plateau communities to advance broader narratives.
“The public does not need more personality wars. It needs rigorous reporting, transparent methods, and a refusal to weaponize uncertainty against victims,” Kim stated.
The accusations come amid heightened discussions over the portrayal of insecurity in Plateau State, where recurring attacks, displacement, and communal tensions have remained major concerns for residents and stakeholders.
As of the time of filing this report, Zagazola Makama had not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
The exchange highlights growing concerns over the role of media practitioners, security commentators, and citizen journalists in shaping public understanding of conflict situations, particularly in regions affected by persistent violence.