… Express loss of confidence in security agencies
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Youths in Plateau State have taken a swipe at the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, for describing the recent killings in Bassa local government area as communal clashes.
The youths, who addressed a news conference at the NUJ Press Centre on Saturday, also expressed loss of confidence in security agencies in suppressing the incessant Killings in the state.
Plateau Council Youth Leader in the Northern zone, Samson Chiroma, who read the text of the briefing, said that the attacks coming during the farming and harvest seasons were attempts to deprive them of their means of livelihood.
They vowed to defend themselves, saying that they will not cede an inch of their land to those they described as land grabbers.
The text read, “These wave of attacks visited on the peace-loving citizens, by known cowardly Fulani militia is one in many such incidents that has yet again resulted in the death of our people including women and children.”
“The youths wish to also correct an erroneous impression as contained in an official statement released by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, describing the latest attacks on our people as “communal clash”,
“The world should not be misled by this simplistic definition given to the carefully
planned and orchestrated genocide against our people by a rampaging Fulani militia that the United Nations has termed the fourth most dangerous terror group in the world.
“As a people, let it be known that our people has never and will never be cowed by these acts of genocide again, it did not happen during the Jihadists movement and certainly it can never happen in this age of enlightenment and technological sophistication. We will continue to resist any attempt of attacks and land grabbing.
“In this regard, we wish to align our thoughts and actions with that of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang who in his state wide broadcast stated categorically clear that Enough Is Enough!
“The youths of our Zones cannot afford to stand by and watch our brothers and sisters being maimed and killed under the cover of darkness without any form of provocation. We will use ALL legal means possible until we get justice for our slain brother and sisters. We will not leave anything to chance anymore.
“We must also place on record the recent killings and operation that lasted for more than 1:30 minutes from 12:00 am to 1:30 am on Monday April, 14 2025 by Fulani militias in their continues genocide on the Irigwe People of Bassa that over 51 people were killed, and another attac led that claimed two life at Riyom LGA
“We have taken notes that these attacks appear to have taken a pattern over the years. Why is it that such attacks only happen when the wet season is about to set in? Is it an attempt ora grand plan to stop our people from accessing their farms thereby subjecting them to perpetual economic hardship?
“Well, we have news for our attackers. They should know that no amount of attacks can stop us from cultivating our lands as that has always been the preoccupation of our people and we will continue to carry on with this vocation and practice. No level of intimidation can stop us.
“Enough is enough of all the attacks, and we stand today to send a strong warning to those responsible of the resent barbaric killings of our innocent people, we are ready to defend our people and this should serve as a last warning because if any attack happens within the zone, youths action will not be blame.”
They enjoined the government to strengthen the state security outfit, Operation Rainbow, to complement the security agencies as it appeared they lacked the capacity to protect the people.