Youths in Plateau State have condemned the persistent wave of violence sweeping through communities in Riyom Local Government Area, where armed gunmen have reportedly killed 58 people and destroyed 82 homes in a spate of brutal attacks over recent weeks.
At a press conference held Tuesday in Jos, the state capital, the Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Riyom branch, Zang Davou, painted a harrowing picture of what he described as an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.
According to Davou, thousands have been displaced, scores injured, and entire communities reduced to rubble.
“For over two decades, since 2002, Riyom Local Government Area has been subjected to a relentless and systematic campaign of violence, solely perpetrated and orchestrated by armed Fulani militias,” Davou said.
He lamented that the latest wave of attacks showed a disturbing escalation in coordination and sophistication, leaving behind scenes of horror and devastation.
“In just a few weeks, 58 innocent lives were brutally murdered in cold blood — fathers, mothers, children, and youths. As I address you, the marauders are in possession of some victims’ phones and still answer calls made to them,” Davou revealed.
Beyond the killings, Davou disclosed that 31 individuals are currently hospitalised with serious injuries, struggling to survive amid a lack of medical supplies and adequate care.
He said the attackers razed over 82 houses, destroyed properties worth millions, and rendered farmlands — a key source of livelihood — unproductive.
“Beyond the immediate physical destruction, large hectares of our cultivated farmlands, representing the very essence of our people’s sustenance, have been mowed down and decimated.
"The consequence of this recent surge of violence alone has led to the displacement of more than 15,000 people, who are now living in precarious conditions, without shelter, food, or dignity.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of security agencies and governments at all levels (local, state, and federal) in curbing these attacks, it is imperative to state unequivocally that such efforts, however commendable, cannot be seen as enough," he said.
Davou stated, "Our governments need to understand that the magnitude of the problem Riyom Local Government is facing far outweighs their current response. The primary responsibility of government, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is the protection of lives and property, and the welfare of its citizens.
"In Riyom, this fundamental responsibility is being severely challenged, and the lives and livelihoods of our people remain gravely imperiled.
“The youth of Riyom are resilient, but our resilience is being tested to its limits. We are tired of burying our loved ones whose lives are cut short by armed Fulani militias.
"We are tired of seeing our heritage destroyed and annihilated. We are tired of living in fear. We believe in the promise of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, and that peace must begin in our homes, our communities, and our local government areas," he added.
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