The Take It Back Movement in Plateau State has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate an independent and transparent investigation into the mass killings and displacement in the state, urging that the National Human Rights Commission lead the inquiry.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Jos to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day, where the State Coordinator of the group, John Onah, highlighted the alarming security situation in the region.
"According to Amnesty International Nigeria, at least 2,630 people have been killed in Plateau State since this administration took office two years ago," Onah stated. "Nationwide, over 10,217 people have lost their lives to unchecked violence, with 672 villages sacked across just three States: Benue, Niger, and Plateau."
Humanitarian Crisis Looms
The group emphasized that these statistics represent real people whose lives have been devastated. "We are looking at a looming humanitarian crisis, with entire communities displaced, schools abandoned, and thousands of internally displaced persons living without access to food, shelter, or basic healthcare," Onah explained.
The movement revealed that in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, and Bokkos Local Government Areas alone, more than 150,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since President Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang took office.
Demands to Federal Government
The group outlined several demands to the federal government, including:
- Deployment of intelligence-driven security operations to vulnerable areas
- Launch of coordinated humanitarian response for displaced communities
- Investment in rebuilding sacked villages
- Independent investigations led by the National Human Rights Commission
State Government Responsibilities
For the Plateau State Government, the movement called for funding and empowerment of local peace commissions and vigilante networks, regular updates on investigations, and inclusion of internally displaced persons in recovery planning.
The group also urged security agencies to improve coordination and intelligence gathering while holding officers accountable where there is evidence of negligence or complicity.
Despite the dire situation, the Take It Back Movement expressed hope. "We speak today not to spread fear, but to inspire urgent and responsible action. The 'Take It Back Movement' remains committed to defending democracy, justice, and human dignity," the group affirmed.
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