By Ayo Ayodele
Youths under the Coalition of Northern Zone Ethnic Nationalities and the Plateau Youth Coalition on Wednesday staged a protest at the Government House in Jos, demanding decisive action to end persistent attacks across Plateau State.
The protesters expressed outrage over the continued violence, noting that even security personnel have increasingly become targets.
Their demonstration followed a fresh attack on Tuesday night in Rim Village, located in Riyom Local Government Area, where gunmen killed two people and injured two others.
Residents said the assailants stormed the community around 10:30 pm, firing indiscriminately before fleeing into nearby bushes. The injured victims were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement, Rwang Tengwong, described the attack as another troubling episode in the cycle of violence affecting communities in the state. He urged security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Attempts to reach the police spokesperson in the state were unsuccessful.
Speaking during the protest, Plateau Youth Coalition President, Ezekiel Peter Bini, lamented the worsening insecurity, including the recent killing of security personnel in Kanam Local Government Area.
“If those assigned to protect us are being killed, then civilians are even more vulnerable,” he said.
Also addressing the crowd, Berom Youth Movement President, Dalyop Mwantiri, warned that armed groups displaced from the North-East and North-West were relocating to Plateau, targeting both Christians and Muslims. He called for urgent intervention, including international support.
The President of the Berom Women Development Association, Ngo Esther Banga, highlighted the plight of women and children, stating that many families now live in fear and cannot carry out normal daily activities.
The protesters submitted their demands to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, urging him to relay their concerns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, they were unable to meet the governor, who was reportedly away on official duty, along with his deputy and the Secretary to the State Government.
They vowed to return next week to present their grievances in person.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have launched a peace roadmap aimed at addressing the long-standing conflict between farmers and herders in the state.
Over the past two decades, nearly 12,000 people have been killed in Plateau State, with more than 420 communities affected and thousands displaced. The violence has been largely driven by disputes over land, deep-seated grievances, and ethnic tensions.
Officials say the newly introduced roadmap seeks to promote dialogue, strengthen relationships between communities, and provide practical solutions for resolving land-related disputes.