In recent weeks, communities in Plateau State have suffered repeated attacks that have left dozens dead, hundreds of homes destroyed, and thousands displaced. The Plateau Youth Council (PYC) has now issued a strong call to the federal government to declare Mahanga, a community in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA), as a terrorist enclave.
According to the chairman of the PYC in Riyom, Mr. Zang Davou, these attacks have caused unimaginable hardship for residents in the area. Speaking to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, Davou said that in the last six weeks alone, 58 people have been killed, 31 seriously injured, and more than 15,000 displaced by what he described as heavily armed Fulani herders.
“These were fathers, mothers, children, and youths, whose lives were cut short without mercy,” Davou stated. He also noted that the assailants have taken possession of the phones of some of the victims and continue to answer calls placed to their lines.
Davou described the victims as peaceful and law-abiding people who have exercised extreme restraint in the face of ongoing violence. “Our people have consistently demonstrated remarkable restraint, refusing to resort to reprisals or retaliations,” he said.
He added that the destruction has not only affected people and property but also severely damaged the local economy. At least 82 houses and numerous farms have been destroyed. “Large hectares of our cultivated farmlands… have been mowed down and decimated,” he said, pointing out that these farmlands are the main source of livelihood for many families in the area.
The council is calling for a stronger and more permanent security presence, especially the deployment of Nigerian Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) units to vulnerable communities. “We demand immediate, concrete and strategic measures to protect our farms… and provide adequate security for farmers to return to their fields without fear as the farming season deepens,” he stated.
Davou also urged the government to focus on long-term solutions, not just temporary relief. He asked for a full return and rehabilitation program for the displaced persons, including shelter, livelihood support, and mental health services. “Unlike the ones done to achieve cheap political points, the one we demand must be accompanied by comprehensive rehabilitation programmes,” he said.
While the PYC acknowledged efforts by security forces and government officials, they noted these measures have not been sufficient. “Our governments need to understand that the magnitude of the problem Riyom Local Government is facing far outweighs their current response,” Davou concluded.
