By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A coalition of Plateau State indigenous youth organisations has called on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and all patriotic Nigerians to unite in confronting terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime threatening the state’s peace and security.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos. The coalition comprises youth bodies from the Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Aten, Berom, Irigwe, Kunlere, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Pan and Ron ethnic nationalities.
The group, led by Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Northern Zone Coalition Chairman of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, also dismissed what it described as “false claims” by alleged Fulani occupiers over land ownership at Keak (Ruga Ajalo) in the Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Mwantiri urged the Plateau State
Government to strengthen its collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, noting that the intelligence-led security strategy adopted in Barkin Ladi has produced encouraging results
He called for the model to be extended to other violence-prone local government areas, including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam and Qua’an Pan.
According to him, expanding intelligence-driven security operations and enhancing cooperation among security agencies would improve the protection of lives and property, restore public confidence and reduce the operational space available to criminal groups.
The coalition also urged security agencies not to be distracted by what it described as frivolous and malicious allegations intended to undermine legitimate security operations.
“The blood of our people demands more than expressions of sympathy. It demands justice, courage and sustained action,” Mwantiri said.
He stressed that ancestral communities must no longer serve as killing fields and called for displaced persons to be safely returned to their homes with dignity
He further declared that the era of terrorists dictating the pace of life in Plateau State must come to an end, insisting that “enough is enough.”
The coalition expressed support for the DSS and other security agencies, commending officers who continue to perform their constitutional duties with professionalism and commitment despite the risks involved.
It also reaffirmed its support for lawful, intelligence-driven efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, reclaiming illegally occupied territories and ensuring that residents can live, farm, worship and conduct their legitimate businesses without fear.
The group appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence and reject misinformation capable of undermining security operations.
Mwantiri concluded that while the blood of victims cries out for justice rather than revenge, the future of Plateau State depends on the collective determination of its people to ensure that peace prevails over terror and truth triumphs over propaganda.