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.

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday while receiving the founder and senior pastor of Eternity Network International (Koinonia Global), Joshua Selman, at the Government House in Jos during a condolence visit.

During the visit, Selman donated relief materials and cash valued at over ₦200 million to support victims of the recent attacks in Plateau State.

Mutfwang described the visit as a strong show of solidarity with the government and people of the state during a period of grief, expressing appreciation for the cleric’s gesture and humanitarian support.

He also commended members of the delegation, including former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy, and Mr Bestman Wadia, for their support and connection to the state.

The governor lamented the attacks but noted that government had extended assistance to both Christian and Muslim families affected by the violence, stressing the need for unity beyond religious lines.

He reiterated that ongoing efforts were being made to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and urged residents to remain hopeful despite the challenges.

Mutfwang further called on Plateau indigenes at home and in the diaspora to contribute to the development and stability of the state, describing Plateau as a “collective responsibility” that must be protected by all.

Earlier, Selman said the visit was to sympathise with victims and stand in solidarity with the people of the state.

He described Plateau as a land of great potential and resilience but lamented the recurring violence affecting communities.

As part of his intervention, Selman announced the donation of relief materials, including a truckload of about 3,000 bags of rice and other essentials valued at over ₦100 million, to be distributed in collaboration with the state government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

He also disclosed additional financial support of about ₦100 million for affected families, noting that the gesture was aimed at bringing comfort and hope to victims.

Selman stressed the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity, saying every stakeholder has a role to play in restoring peace and stability in the state.