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By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Women across Plateau State have staged a strong show of solidarity against persistent insecurity, calling on the government and security agencies to end recurring attacks, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace.
The women made the demands during a non-violent peace march held on 3 November 2026, organised by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding Nigeria (WANEP-Nigeria), in collaboration with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA), with support from the Urgent Action Fund-Africa.
The protest comes amid recurring violent attacks by suspected armed men, which have claimed lives, displaced families, destroyed livelihoods and heightened humanitarian concerns across the state.
In a communiqué issued after the march, the women highlighted the 17 August attack on Bin-Per community in Mangu Local Government Area, where at least 25 people were reportedly killed and four others injured.
They also recalled attacks in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs on 28 August, which claimed at least five additional lives, including women.
Beyond the loss of lives, the women expressed concern over the growing vulnerability of women and girls to insecurity and gender-based violence.
They noted that the destruction of farmlands and businesses had threatened livelihoods and household food security, while children and young people continued to suffer displacement, trauma and disruption to their education.
As part of efforts to address the worsening situation, the women called for stronger security measures to safeguard lives and property in vulnerable communities, alongside justice, protection and comprehensive support for survivors of gender-based violence.
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They also demanded the restoration of destroyed farmlands, businesses and livelihoods, as well as improved coordination among security agencies and local communities to strengthen civilian protection.
Emphasising the importance of prevention, the women advocated functional early warning and response mechanisms involving women, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
They further called for meaningful representation of women in peacebuilding initiatives, community security structures and decision-making processes.
The communiqué also stressed the need for accountability for human rights violations, targeted relief for women and children, and public sensitisation campaigns promoting peace and tolerance in both local languages and English.
In addition, the women appealed to governments and development partners to provide increased humanitarian assistance, trauma healing, rehabilitation and sustained support for internally displaced persons.
The women emphasised that they were not merely victims of insecurity but essential partners in conflict prevention, early warning and sustainable peacebuilding.
They urged government authorities, security agencies and development partners to translate their demands into concrete action, stressing that lasting peace in Plateau State could only be achieved through justice, accountability, inclusive leadership and the protection of every community.
