A coalition of indigenous youth organizations in Plateau State announced on Wednesday that fresh violence in the Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas has resulted in at least 50 fatalities over the past week. Representing groups including the Berom, Irigwe, and Afizere, the coalition reported that hundreds of residents have been forced to flee their homes.
During a joint press briefing in Jos, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, president of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, stated that the immediate priority must be seeking justice for victims. He urged the federal government to identify, capture, and prosecute the perpetrators. Furthermore, the group requested an increased presence of Department of State Services personnel, noting that the agency’s intelligence-based strategies have previously proven effective in reducing regional violence.
Regarding the plight of internally displaced persons, Mwantiri described the situation as dire. While acknowledging the Plateau State government’s efforts to build 100 housing units in Bokkos, he noted that many others remain displaced. The coalition expressed strong support for the creation of state police forces, urging the National Assembly to move quickly on the necessary legislation. They further suggested that traditional leaders should participate in recruitment processes to ensure that only qualified individuals serve in the new force, thereby protecting the integrity of the institution.
