The Plateau Youth Council (PYC) has called on the federal government to declare Mahanga, a community in Riyom Local Government Area bordering Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA, a terrorist hideout following escalating violence in the region.
According to the youth body, the past six weeks have witnessed devastating attacks resulting in 58 deaths, 31 severe injuries, destruction of 82 houses and farms, and the displacement of over 15,000 residents by armed Fulani herders.
Alarming Statistics and Ongoing Violence
Mr. Zang Davou, chairman of the PYC Riyom LGA branch, disclosed these figures while briefing journalists in Jos on Tuesday. He emphasized that despite the peaceful nature of Riyom residents, the attacks have recently "escalated to an unprecedented level of coordination and sophistication."
"What we have witnessed as a people in the past 41 days is horrifying evidence of this escalating barbarity. 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," Davou stated.
He further revealed that the attackers are currently in possession of cellphones belonging to some victims and have been answering calls placed to those numbers.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond the immediate human toll, the attacks have severely damaged the economic and social fabric of affected communities. Large hectares of cultivated farmlands have been destroyed, threatening food security in the region.
"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 lamented.
Demands for Increased Security
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies and governments at various levels, the PYC insisted that current responses are inadequate given the magnitude of the crisis.
The youth council has put forward several demands, including:
Massive, permanent, and proactive deployment of security forces, particularly troops of Nigerian Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) across all vulnerable communities in Riyom LGA
Immediate, concrete, and strategic measures to protect farms from further destruction
Safe and dignified return of all displaced persons to their ancestral homes
Comprehensive rehabilitation programs including housing, livelihood support, and psychosocial services
"There is no gainsaying that food security is national security," Davou emphasized, highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing crisis.
The situation in Plateau State continues to raise concerns about Nigeria's security challenges, particularly in the Middle Belt region where farmer-herder conflicts have persisted for years.
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