The Plateau Youth Council (PYC) has raised an alarm over the devastating attacks in Riyom Local Government Area, revealing that 58 people have been killed and 31 others severely injured in the past six weeks. The council has called on the federal government to declare Mahanga, a community in Riyom LGA bordering Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA, a terrorist hideout.
According to Mr. Zang Davou, chairman of the PYC Riyom LGA branch, the attacks have also resulted in the destruction of 82 houses and farms, displacing over 15,000 residents. The attacks are allegedly being carried out by armed Fulani herders.
Escalating Violence and Community Impact
"What we have witnessed as a people in the past 41 days is horrifying evidence of escalating barbarity," Davou stated during a press briefing in Jos on Tuesday. "Within this short period, 58 innocent people were brutally murdered in cold blood. These were fathers, mothers, children, and youths, whose lives were cut short without mercy."
The PYC chairman further revealed that the attackers are currently in possession of cellphones belonging to some of their victims and have been answering calls placed to those numbers.
"Furthermore, 31 people were severely injured and are currently battling for their lives, receiving treatment in various hospitals where many are struggling with inadequate resources for better medical care," he added.
Economic and Social Devastation
The attacks have had a severe impact on the economic and social fabric of the affected communities. Large hectares of cultivated farmlands have been destroyed, threatening the livelihood and food security of the residents.
"The consequence of this recent surge of violence alone has led to the displacement of more than 15,000 people, who are now living in precarious conditions, without shelter, food, or dignity," Davou explained.
Calls for Enhanced Security Measures
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and governments at all levels in addressing the attacks, the PYC emphasized that these efforts are insufficient given the magnitude of the problem.
"The PYC stands today to demand a massive, permanent, and proactive deployment of security forces, particularly troops of Nigerian Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) across all vulnerable communities in Riyom Local Government Area," Davou stated.
The council also called for immediate measures to protect farms from further destruction and provide adequate security for farmers to return to their fields as the farming season progresses.
Resettlement of Displaced Persons
The PYC has demanded the immediate, safe, and dignified return and resettlement of all displaced persons to their ancestral homes. They stressed that this resettlement must be accompanied by comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including housing provision, livelihood support, and psychosocial services to help victims rebuild their lives.
"Unlike the ones done to achieve cheap political points, the one we demand must be accompanied by comprehensive rehabilitation programmes," Davou emphasized.
The situation in Plateau State continues to be a matter of grave concern, with calls for more decisive action from the government to address the security challenges and protect vulnerable communities.
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