By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The international community and human rights organisations have been urged to, as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of the people of Plateau State to end the ongoing killings and restore displaced communities to their ancestral homes allegedly taken over by terrorists.
The call was made by the Berom in Diaspora Coalition (BDC), in conjunction with BECO, BEC and BEWDA, during a media briefing held on Tuesday in Jos.
Speaking on the theme, “Reclaiming Our Lost Ancestral Lands and Resettlement of Our People,” the representative of BDC, Mr. Barry Barnabas Dazih, also demanded the unconditional release of individuals allegedly arrested for defending themselves.
Dazih called on the Federal Government to declare Mahanga in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State a terrorist hideout, describing it as a major stronghold for armed groups allegedly responsible for recurring attacks across the state.
He lamented what he described as efforts by some government officials and politicians to deny the alleged genocide against their people, warning that such actions could embolden attackers to continue their activities.
According to him, while the government is aware of its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, citizens are more concerned about safety than posthumous recognition.
“We are not interested in decent burial when innocent citizens are being slaughtered with reckless abandon. Citizens deserve protection, not mass burials,” he stated.
Dazih further noted that although the Plateau State Government had set up committees on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and promised to return them to their communities, the initiative had yet to yield tangible results.
“Our people remain displaced and destitute in their own land, while terrorists continue to occupy our ancestral homes,” he said.
He stressed that beyond assurances and promises, the coalition demands immediate and decisive action, describing the situation in Berom land and other affected local government areas as a severe humanitarian crisis.
Dazih also expressed concern over what he termed the failure of security agencies to act on credible intelligence provided by local communities.
“Security agencies often request information to track criminals, which our people provide, yet there is little or no response. Why has a civilian joint task force, like the one in the North-East, not been established here?” he queried.
He further called on the Governor, members of the National Assembly, and other political leaders to take decisive steps towards reclaiming the affected communities, while urging local government chairmen to intensify efforts in addressing the crisis.
The BDC representative also reiterated the urgent need for the establishment of state police, expressing concern over the slow pace of progress on the matter.
