General News

Bandits Occupy 151 Plateau Communities

A coalition of ethnic nationalities, comprising the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavwul, and Ron Youths Associations, along with the Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youth Bodies, has raised alarm over the forceful displacement and annexation of 151 indigenous hamlets, villages, and communities, as well as land grabbing in Plateau State by the Fulani.

In a statement read by Mr. Paul Dekete, Chairman of the Indigenous Youths, alongside other tribal leaders, at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos yesterday, the group expressed disappointment over the government’s inadequate response to their plight over the years.

The annexed communities are spread across Bassa, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu local government areas.

The statement read, in part: “Given the unsatisfactory and weak responses from all levels of government in Nigeria, the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavwul, and Ron youths associations, in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youths Bodies, are compelled to draw public and international attention to the alarming and unacceptable loss of ancestral lands and the denial of access to farmlands and mining sites that the customary landowners in the state are currently experiencing.

“For several years, these youth bodies have been loudly voicing their concerns and lodging complaints with appropriate authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly, and others. They have reported a deliberate and systematic campaign of terror attacks aimed at dispossessing them of their God-given lands and territory.

“The strategy of the Fulani terrorists is clear: through attacks and killings in hamlets, villages, and communities, they intimidate and displace native inhabitants, disrupting their livelihoods and paving the way for occupation of their lands. This results in ungoverned spaces and ‘NO-GO’ areas for the supposedly conquered people in the 21st century.

“From our collective experiences, we believe there is a significant connection between the worst-hit areas of displacement and the rich natural and mineral resources in those locations.

“It is well known that hamlets and villages in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom Local Government Areas are rich in resources such as favourable weather conditions, natural tourist sites, fertile soils, and water bodies, as well as minerals like cassiterite and columbite. It is important to note the rapidly changing economic and occupational demographics in these occupied territories.

“For example, in the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA, the Fulani have taken over the economic activities, displacing native farmers from their ancestral lands. The exploitation and domination of the people are evident in local produce markets and transport businesses in and around the Gashish District. It is shocking that the foundations of churches destroyed by these terrorists have been rebuilt as mosques, disregarding the fundamental rights of the displaced people.

“A notable example is Rankum (Mahanga) in Jol, Ranchos, and Kak in Sopp, all in Riyom Local Government Area. Over 151 hamlets and villages have either been totally annexed or are effectively occupied by Fulani militants, bandits, or terrorists in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom. Below is a list of the affected areas, which can be independently verified.”

SOURCE: SUN NEWS

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