Plateau State Youths Threaten A Resort To Self Help Over The Inability Of Security Agencies To Protect Citizens
The Oasis Reporters
April 30, 2023
By Asile Abel, Jos
A coalition of youth groups under the aegis of the Plateau State Youth Council, comprising of state indigenous youths and the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has raised alarm over the renewed attacks and killings in some LGAs in the state by alleged Fulani militias.
The coalition revealed that over 20 people were reportedly killed in separate attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom local governments in the month of April 2023.
Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council, Lot Sunday Adas who raised the alarm while addressing newsmen on behalf of the coalition groups said the attacks are a calculated attempt to disrupt farming activities, people’s economic livelihoods, and a displacement of people from their ancestral homes, coupled with land grabbing.
According to Adams, “it has come to our notice that Fulani militias have resumed and are also planning coordinated attacks and killings in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South and Bassa LGAs of the state.”
He said that the coalition have observed a seeming serious collusion between some compromised personnel of operation Safe Haven and the attackers, hence the need for the government to rejig Operation Rainbow and other security outfits for effective community policing.
“We demand the release of Mr Jatau Yakubu of Kuru station in Riyom LGA unconditionally with immediate effect who was wrongfully arrested and continuously detained by operatives of Operation Safe Haven at it’s headquarters in Jos.
” The Operation Safe Haven has been complacent and seems compromised on several occasions and therefore, should be substituted with the Mobile Police Squadron in all the affected areas, given their proactive and more effective response to distress calls.
“Plateau state government should as a matter of urgency, inaugurate the taskforce on anti-land grabbing law of the state to enforce compliance.
” The state Security Council should take immediate measures against the influx of armed Fulani who have infiltrated the state and are now in places such as Shonong and Bangai in Bachi district, Ranku (Mahanga), Guava and Fass in Jol of Riyom LGA, Josho in Daffo District of Bokkos LGA to continue the attacks.
The youth coalition groups also pleaded with the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka, to unseal the State House of Assembly complex for effective legislative business.
“The state House of Assembly should expedite legislative action to pass the Anti-open grazing law of Plateau State, which shall inter alia, restrict cattle from roaming around, and hopefully check the influx of alien Fulani nomadic herders.
“Politicians are therefore, strongly warned to, in their best interest, steer clear and never attempt to take advantage, or jeopardize this effort and process.
“Failure of the appropriate authorities to comply with the demands of the coalition, Plateau youths will be left with no option than to resort to self help”, Adas concluded.
