By Our Correspondent
A coalition of indigenous youth associations in Plateau State has called on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government and security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven operations across communities plagued by persistent attacks, saying terrorism and banditry must no longer be allowed to thrive in the state.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during a joint press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos by the Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Berom, Irigwe, Kunlere, Mushere, Mwagavwul, Pan and Ron Youth Associations, in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youths Bodies.
The groups alleged that recent claims of misconduct against operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwok, also known as Ruga Jalo, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, were part of a deliberate strategy aimed at distracting security agencies from ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits in the area.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, the Northern zone Chairman, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, flange by the
the Chairman of the State Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, Ambassador Ezekiel Peter Bini, said Plateau communities had endured years of killings, displacement and destruction, leaving thousands homeless and forcing many residents to abandon their farms and ancestral homes.
He described the security situation in parts of Plateau as a prolonged humanitarian crisis that requires coordinated intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and sustained military and security operations rather than routine responses.
The coalition commended the deployment of a DSS operational camp to Barkin Ladi in May 2026, describing it as a major boost to efforts aimed at restoring peace to communities that had suffered repeated attacks.
According to the group, the operational base came under attack on June 1 by suspected Fulani militants and terrorist elements shortly after it became operational, but the DSS successfully repelled the assault, demonstrating professionalism and operational preparedness.
The coalition further claimed that before the deployment, over 200 people had reportedly been killed within five months in communities around the Barkin Ladi axis, while many others were displaced from their homes.
It noted that intelligence-led operations by the DSS had significantly reduced attacks in the area, with the exception of the July 4 incident in Sabon Layi, Barkin Ladi, where three vigilante operatives lost their lives.
The youth organisations expressed concern over allegations circulated on social media accusing DSS personnel of sexually harassing Fulani women and intimidating residents during security operations around Kwok.
While stressing that allegations against security agencies should always be investigated transparently, the coalition maintained that available information from communities did not support the claims being circulated.
The groups argued that unverified allegations and misinformation should not be allowed to undermine legitimate security operations, warning that false narratives could embolden criminal groups and weaken efforts to restore peace.
The coalition also linked the allegations to renewed attacks in neighbouring communities, claiming that shortly after the reports gained public attention, armed attackers allegedly moved from the Kwok axis and launched fresh attacks on Kum village in Riyom Local Government Area, where a three-month-old baby and eight other persons were reportedly killed.
It further alleged that armed men later attacked Tanjol and Vwak hamlets in Jol Community, as well as Wereng-Rim in Riyom Local Government Area, resulting in additional casualties and injuries to local vigilantes.
The groups said although it remains the responsibility of security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents, communities have observed what they described as a recurring pattern in which renewed attacks often follow attempts to discredit ongoing security operations.
They urged security agencies not to be discouraged by what they described as frivolous and malicious allegations but to remain focused on their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
The coalition called on the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and all Nigerians to unite against terrorism, banditry and violent criminality threatening peace and security in the state.
Specifically, the groups urged the Plateau State Government to strengthen collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies and replicate the intelligence-led security model introduced in Barkin Ladi across other vulnerable local government areas, including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam and Qua’an Pan.
According to the coalition, expanding proactive security deployments backed by intelligence and sustained operational presence would improve the protection of lives and property, restore public confidence and deny criminal groups the freedom to operate.
The youth associations also pledged their support for lawful and intelligence-driven security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, reclaiming illegally occupied communities and ensuring that residents can return safely to their ancestral homes.
They appealed to citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence, rejecting misinformation and supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in Plateau State.
