Women from the Mushere community of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, took an unprecedented step by staging a nude protest over the removal of the traditional ruler of Mushere Chiefdom, the Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang, by the state government.

The removal of the monarch, announced by the Ministry for Chieftaincy Affairs, was linked to ongoing insecurity in the chiefdom and allegations of his involvement in some conflicts, as well as his failure to address violent attacks, leading to accusations that he was a sellout among residents.

However, many indigenes of the chiefdom have risen in defence of the dethroned traditional ruler, claiming that his removal was a witch-hunt, as he had worked hard to restore peace and return displaced people to their homes.

Supporters of the monarch also claim that the government’s action was a misplaced priority during an active security crisis.

Since his removal in early April, different groups have staged pockets of protests demanding his immediate reinstatement, but the mother of all the protests was the naked demonstration by community women who stormed the council secretariat carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “Bring Back Julius Our Chief,” calling on the government to immediately reinstate their monarch, insisting that his removal has destabilised the community.

In video footage of the protest that circulated widely on social media, a group of elderly women was seen completely naked and marching through the community, chanting solidarity songs and expressing their grievances.

One of the leaders of the protesters, who spoke to journalists on why they had to go naked during the protest, said they stripped naked to tell Governor Mutfwang that he had erred in removing the monarch, insisting that he had done a lot to restore peace in the chiefdom.

“We had to remove our clothes to protest and demand that our paramount ruler, Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang, who was unjustly removed from office, be reinstated immediately.

“This is a message from us to Governor Caleb Mutfwang that he should return Mishkakam Julius Diblang immediately or a big calamity will befall him. The world has seen our nakedness, and those who understand these things will know that you don’t take a woman’s nakedness for granted.

“Governor Mutfwang should better listen to us and bring back Mishkakam Mushere before it’s too late,” she said.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with former governors and key stakeholders in response to escalating security concerns across the state.

The gathering focused on addressing the long-standing insecurity that has led to the deaths of hundreds of people, including women and children, in several communities.

Sources indicate that the meeting may be connected to the recent attack in Anguwan Rukuba and subsequent violence in parts of the state, where dozens were reportedly killed.

Held at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, the meeting was attended by former governors Simon Bako Lalong, Jonah David Jang, Joshua Chibi Dariye, as well as former military administrator, Rear Admiral Samuel Bitrus Atukum (retd.), among other notable figures.

In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Mutfwang noted that the closed-door session thoroughly examined issues affecting the welfare, well-being, and development of Plateau residents, with particular attention on the recent surge in violent attacks in rural areas.

Participants at the meeting reviewed the security situation and expressed deep concern over the recurring loss of lives and destruction of property over the years.

They resolved to work together to curb the violence by promoting lasting peace, strengthening unity, and fostering peaceful coexistence among residents.

The leaders also agreed on the need to pursue justice for victims and to establish strong frameworks that reflect the values of courage, discipline, and patriotism associated with Plateau State.