Indigenous youth associations in Plateau State have raised the alarm over renewed attacks in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas, claiming that no fewer than 50 people were killed within one week, while hundreds of residents have been displaced.
The groups called on the Federal Government to ensure justice for victims by arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the attacks. They also urged the National Assembly to fast-track the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle the worsening security situation.
The demands were contained in a communiqué presented during a joint press conference in Jos by the Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Aten, Berom, Irigwe, Kulere, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Pan and Ron Youth Associations.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, said the recent attacks had left at least 50 people dead and forced hundreds from their homes, with many victims yet to return to their ancestral communities.
According to Mwantiri, the first form of relief victims deserve is justice through the arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks.
“The first relief victims deserve is justice, but they have not received it. Those behind these attacks must be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
He also called for improved security, noting that the deployment of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to one of the affected local government areas had previously brought relative peace through intelligence-led operations.
Mwantiri described the condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as “very pathetic,” despite ongoing efforts by the Plateau State Government to construct 100 housing units for displaced persons in Bokkos Local Government Area.
While commending the state government for deploying security personnel and providing humanitarian assistance, he stressed that more support was needed to help displaced residents return to their communities and rebuild their lives.
The coalition further appealed to the Federal Government to deploy additional DSS personnel to vulnerable communities, arguing that intelligence-driven operations had proven effective in restoring peace.
It also endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to expedite action on the relevant legislation and calling on President Bola Tinubu to assent to the bill once passed.
Mwantiri added that traditional rulers should play a key role in the recruitment and screening of personnel for the proposed state police to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the security outfit.
The coalition further urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, prosecute perpetrators of attacks, facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes and sustain humanitarian assistance for victims of violence across Plateau State.
