Plateau Youths protest rising insecurity, call for urgent Govt action

2026-03-25 - 13:53

By Golok Nanmwa JOS — Youths under the banner of the Coalition of Northern Zone Ethnic Nationalities and the Plateau Youth Coalition staged a protest on Wednesday at the Plateau State Government House in Jos, expressing concern over persistent attacks in rural communities and escalating insecurity across the state. The protesters gathered at around 11 a.m., highlighting recent ambushes on security personnel and civilians, and calling for urgent measures to restore peace. Ezekiel Peter Bini, President of the Plateau Youth Coalition, said the protest was prompted by a recent attack in Kanam Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of about 14 security officers. “If security agents who are supposed to protect us can be ambushed, then what about civilians? Our lives are increasingly at risk,” Bini said. He added that reports of attacks continued to emerge, including a recent incident in Rim, Riyom Local Government Area. Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Movement and Chairman of the Northern Zone Coalition, noted that displaced insurgents from other regions appeared to be relocating to Plateau and the Middle Belt, creating additional security challenges. He stressed that attacks have affected communities across religious and ethnic lines, and urged collaboration between the Plateau State Government and international partners to address the situation. The protesters submitted a list of demands to be forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect residents. Ngo Esther Banga, President of the Berom Women Development Association, highlighted the impact of insecurity on women and children, noting that attacks have increased the number of widows and orphans, and called for restored peace to enable normal life and tourism to resume in the state. The group acknowledged that Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the deputy governor, and the Secretary to the State Government were away on official duties, but pledged to reconvene on Monday to present their grievances directly to the governor. The protest ended peacefully, with participants vowing to return in larger numbers if security concerns remain unaddressed.