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Democracy Day: Take It Back Movement Demands Transparent Probe Into Plateau Killings
As Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day, the Plateau State chapter of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has issued a sobering statement, describing the day as a “mourning period” for citizens in conflict-ridden regions. The group condemned rising insecurity, mass killings, and displacement across Plateau State, calling on the Federal Government to initiate an independent and transparent investigation into the violence.
Speaking during a press conference in Jos, the State Coordinator of the movement, Comrade John Onah, accused the government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives. He urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to respond urgently to what he called a “full-blown humanitarian crisis.”
“Every day, Plateau citizens wake up to the sound of gunfire, burning homes, and the lifeless bodies of their loved ones,” Onah lamented. “This is no longer just a security issue — it is the collapse of governance and responsibility.”
Citing data from Amnesty International Nigeria, Onah revealed that at least 2,630 people have been killed in Plateau State since 2023. Nationally, over 10,217 lives have reportedly been lost to violent attacks, with 672 villages sacked across Benue, Niger, and Plateau states.
He warned that communities in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs remain under siege, with more than 150,000 persons displaced, schools shut down, and access to food, shelter, and healthcare severely limited.
Federal Government Must Act
The TIB movement outlined a series of demands directed at the Federal Government:
- Immediate deployment of intelligence-driven security operations to high-risk areas.
- A coordinated humanitarian response to hunger, displacement, and healthcare needs.
- Restoration of destroyed communities and livelihoods.
- An independent investigation led by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) into all cases of mass killings and displacements.
Onah emphasized that Plateau State has been sidelined from critical federal interventions and infrastructure support, accusing the central government of “indifference” in the face of widespread suffering.
State Government Must Move Beyond Condolences
Turning to the Plateau State Government, the movement criticized Governor Caleb Mutfwang for offering condolences rather than decisive action.
“If the governor cannot protect his people or empower them to defend themselves, he should resign,” Onah declared, referencing Section 14(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which prioritizes the security and welfare of the people.
TIB’s demands to the state government include:
- Full funding and empowerment of local peace commissions and community-based security outfits, particularly Operation Rainbow.
- Regular public updates on investigations and justice efforts.
- Inclusion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in recovery and trauma counseling programs.
- Support for displaced children to return to school.
Call to Security Agencies and Civil Society
The group also called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and coordination, and to hold personnel accountable in cases of negligence or complicity.
It further appealed to civil society organizations and the media to amplify the voices of survivors, demand transparency, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice and peace.
“Though the situation in Plateau may seem dire, it is not hopeless,” Onah said. “We speak not to spread fear but to inspire urgency. For the sake of democracy, justice, and human dignity, we must take it back.”
JOS, Plateau State — The Plateau State Government has commenced a comprehensive assessment of key tourist and heritage sites across the Greater Jos Master Plan as part of efforts to restore the state’s tourism potential, preserve its natural heritage and drive economic growth.
The initiative, which aligns with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s “Time is Now” agenda on tourism, hospitality and economic diversification, is aimed at repositioning Plateau State as a leading tourism destination while creating jobs, promoting peace and attracting investment.
The inspection tour, held on Tuesday, was led by the Commissioner for Information and Communication and Supervising Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap (mni). She was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Mr. Musa Nyam Agwom, officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and other technical experts.
The delegation inspected several iconic tourist attractions, including the Gog and Magog rock formations at Shere Hills, the Unity Rock in Rayfield, which naturally resembles the map of Nigeria, the famous Riyom Rock Formation, regarded as one of Plateau State’s enduring symbols, and the historic Mado Tourist Village, a 50-room facility established in 1978 to serve visitors to the Jos Wildlife Park and Museum.
During the inspection, officials expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of some of the sites, particularly the Gog and Magog rock formation, where quarrying activities have reportedly destroyed sections of the natural landscape that once served as a popular destination for hiking and picnics.
Speaking with journalists after the tour, Rt. Hon. Ramnap said Plateau possesses exceptional natural tourism assets that require deliberate preservation and strategic development.
She explained that the assessment is designed to ensure the state’s heritage sites are fully integrated into the Greater Jos Master Plan, providing a roadmap for sustainable tourism development.
“It is not just about identifying these locations. We want to establish policies that will protect them, assess their strengths and challenges, and create long-term development strategies that will stand the test of time,” she said.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government is developing a comprehensive tourism policy that will safeguard heritage sites while unlocking their economic potential.
Expressing concern over the level of destruction observed at the Gog and Magog site, Ramnap said the government would investigate the activities of the quarry company operating in the area.
“It is unfortunate to see such an important natural attraction being tampered with. From what we have observed, the level of devastation appears to exceed what could have been approved. Government will investigate the matter and take appropriate measures to protect the site,” she stated.
She encouraged tourists, hikers and residents to continue exploring Plateau’s natural attractions, describing the state’s environment as a unique destination for recreation, wellness and investment.
“There is so much to offer on the Plateau. These natural sites provide opportunities for recreation, healing and economic growth through tourism,” she added.
Addressing concerns over poor road access and encroachment around some of the tourist sites, Ramnap said the findings from the inspection would inform future infrastructure development and conservation policies.
She noted that consultants are working alongside government officials to ensure the Greater Jos Master Plan incorporates improved road networks, environmental protection and community partnerships around identified tourism assets.
Also speaking, the Director of Building at the Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Joseph Yakwan, said the inspection would contribute significantly to the preparation of the Greater Jos Master Plan.
“The Greater Jos Master Plan is being developed by our ministry, and part of our responsibility is to ensure that tourism assets are adequately captured so they can contribute to the city’s future growth and development,” he said.
At the Riyom Rock Formation, community representative Hon. Terry Davou appealed to the state government to restore the iconic landmark and return it to its former status as one of Plateau’s premier tourist destinations.
He recalled that the rock attracted visitors from across Nigeria and overseas during the 1970s and 1980s and urged government to invest in its preservation and promotion.
“This rock has become one of the symbols of Plateau State. Whatever its origin, what matters today is preserving it and developing it into a world-class tourist attraction. Our community will be delighted if government invests in its restoration,” he said.
The assessment marks the beginning of a broader strategy by the Mutfwang administration to integrate tourism development into the Greater Jos Master Plan, protect Plateau State’s natural heritage and harness tourism as a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation and sustainable development.
AS Monaco of France’s Nigerian-born striker, Folarin Balogun, could be on his way back to London, England, later this month, with the possibility of linking forces with another attacker of the same descent, Dominic Solanke, at Tottenham Hotspur.
Sports247 gathered that Monaco are eager to cash in on the 25-year-old star’s spotlight outing with Team USA at the recent FIFA World Cup, where a bolt of controversy trailed him after his red card against Bosnia was suspended by FIFA’s egg heads.
Balogun found himself in a storm after he was expelled in the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, only to have it ‘suspended’ by FIFA after US president Donald Trump interfered with a phone call to the world football governing body’s boss, Gianni Infantino.
However, aside from the controversy that painted him and FIFA in a bad light, the former Arsenal youth team player ended up as USA’s top scorer with three goals before their eventual elimination by Belgium, and Monaco are now thinking about making a huge sale with the hitman’s exit.
UK’s Sun Sports disclosed, “Balogun looks likely to leave Monaco this summer. It’s understood that Roberto De Zerbi is looking to add more depth up top to challenge Dominic Solanke, and should the price be right for the former Arsenal youngster, a deal could be on the table.”
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