Journalist Masara Kim has issued a strong rebuttal to recent statements attributed to security analyst Zagazola Makama, accusing him of consistently misrepresenting the nature of violence in Plateau State and promoting what he described as a “false farmer–herder narrative.”
In the statement, Kim alleged that Makama has continued to advance narratives that “lack objectivity,” insisting that such interpretations of violent incidents in the Middle Belt have contributed to public misunderstanding of the security situation in the region.
Kim specifically referenced Makama’s response to his earlier commentary on a viral video involving a commissioner speaking at a mass funeral in Plateau State, arguing that the analyst misrepresented key facts surrounding the incident. He maintained that neither the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, nor other officials publicly confirmed any of the claims suggested in Makama’s interpretation of the video.
He further questioned Makama’s credibility as a security analyst, arguing that his conclusions on Plateau-related violence were not supported by verifiable evidence, and urging greater reliance on fact-checking in conflict reporting.
“The role of a security analyst should be rooted in evidence and verification,” Kim stated, adding that public commentary on sensitive security matters must be handled with caution to avoid escalating tensions.
Kim also addressed what he described as attempts to discredit his reporting, insisting that his work remains grounded in firsthand observation and journalistic verification.
In the statement, he further alleged that Makama’s reporting history reflects inconsistencies in the interpretation of attacks across different regions of the country, though these claims were not independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Kim also questioned Makama’s professional background and credibility as a security expert, arguing that such designation should be based on formal training and sustained academic or field expertise in relevant disciplines.
He, however, did not provide documentary evidence to support some of the personal claims made in the statement.
As of the time of filing this report, Zagazola Makama has not issued a fresh response to the latest allegations.