A group representing 11 indigenous youth organizations in Plateau State, known as the Plateau Indigenous Youths Nationalities, has officially rejected claims made by the Fulani community in Barkin Ladi. The Fulani community had previously alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) engaged in harassment, indiscriminate arrests, and sexual assault during recent raids in the Kwok area.
Yusuf Muhammad, a Fulani community leader, had circulated a video alleging that security operatives destroyed property and attacked residents. However, the youth coalition, led by Ezekiel Peter Bini, held a press conference in Jos to dismiss these accusations as fabrications. They argued that the allegations are a calculated effort to smear security forces and divert attention from ongoing violence and land grabbing committed by militants in the region.
The coalition, which includes groups such as the Berom Youth-Moulders Association, contended that the presence of the DSS has actually helped reduce attacks in the area. Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, president of the youth group, stated that no evidence supports the claims of sexual assault or property destruction. Instead, he highlighted that these narratives often emerge as a tactical distraction when security operations successfully pressure criminal elements.
The youth leaders warned that spreading such unverified reports undermines national security and emboldens terrorists. They urged the public and authorities to remain focused on the primary goal of ending the insurgency. Furthermore, the coalition expressed their full support for the DSS, encouraging them to persist in their efforts to protect local communities without being deterred by what they described as malicious propaganda.
