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BDC Demands Declaration of Mahanga as Terrorist Enclave, Urges Urgent Resettlement of Displaced Berom Communities
The Berom Diaspora Coalition (BDC), alongside allied groups, has called on the Federal Government to declare Mahanga in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State a terrorist hideout, describing it as a major stronghold for armed groups allegedly responsible for persistent attacks across the state.
Speaking during a press conference held in Jos on April 28, 2026, under the theme “Reclaiming Our Lost Ancestral Lands and Resettlement of Our People,” Representing the coalition, Barnabas Dazi expressed deep concern over continued violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises affecting Berom communities.
The group alleged that hundreds of lives have been lost between November 2025 and April 2026, with several communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Bokkos, and Bassa Local Government Areas repeatedly attacked. According to the coalition, more than 70 Berom villages have been displaced, with some reportedly occupied by armed groups.
A key demand highlighted during the briefing was the urgent designation of Mahanga as a terrorist enclave. The coalition argued that such a move would enable security agencies to carry out decisive operations to dismantle what it described as a long-standing base for violent attacks.
Beyond security measures, the BDC emphasized the urgent need for the reclamation of ancestral lands and the safe resettlement of displaced persons. It criticized the slow pace of government intervention, noting that many affected families remain homeless while their lands are allegedly occupied.
The coalition urged both the Federal and Plateau State governments to move beyond assurances and take immediate action to restore displaced communities to their original homes. It also called for stronger prosecution of suspects linked to attacks and compensation for victims.
Reaffirming its stance, the group appealed to the international community and human rights organizations to intervene and help end the violence, stressing that the protection of lives and restoration of ancestral lands must remain a priority.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reiterated the importance of effective communication in strengthening social security systems, as its Director General, Omolola Oloworaran, participated in the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar held in Abuja.
The seminar, hosted by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund in collaboration with the International Social Security Association, focused on the theme: improving inclusivity and access to social security services through clear and effective communication. It brought together stakeholders from across West Africa to explore ways of enhancing service delivery and public engagement.
Speaking at the event, Oloworaran commended the organisers for convening the dialogue and highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand social protection. She noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown commitment to social welfare by supporting vulnerable citizens through initiatives such as cash transfers, improved healthcare access, and the settlement of outstanding pension obligations.
The PenCom DG explained that while the Contributory Pension Scheme has built a solid institutional framework over the years, achieving real inclusion requires more than just expanding coverage. According to her, trust and understanding among contributors are critical, which is why the commission continues to strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote the Personal Pension Plan, and expand digital communication channels.
She emphasised that communication plays a central role in the success of pension reforms and service delivery, noting that policies and benefits can only be effective when contributors clearly understand and are able to act on them.
The engagement, she added, reflects PenCom’s broader commitment to building a more transparent, inclusive, and responsive pension system, where clear communication helps bridge gaps in access, foster trust, and support long-term growth in the sector.
The post PenCom DG Advocates Inclusivity in Social Protection Services appeared first on Business Today NG.
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