The Association of Berom and Ngas Youths in Politics has pushed back against recent remarks by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, describing his comments as a misrepresentation of the character and culture of their people and potentially divisive.
The youth groups addressed the press during a conference held today at De Bridge Hotel in Jos, setting the record straight on issues surrounding peace, identity, and the ongoing insecurity in the state.
Reading the official statement on behalf of the group, the Chairman, Gyang Samuel, described the Governor’s comments as “unfounded and misleading,” particularly the suggestion that members of the Ngas, Mwaghavul, or Berom communities are involved in criminal activities such as cattle rustling.
“We categorically reject the Governor’s claim,” Samuel said. “Ngas and Berom people are not criminals or cattle rustlers. We are known for our peaceful nature, farming heritage, and culture of hospitality.”
He highlighted the long-standing history of peaceful coexistence among the Berom, Ngas, and other ethnic groups in Plateau and across Nigeria, emphasizing their traditions of mutual respect and community values.
The Chairman further stressed the significance of cultural identity, citing festivals like Nzem Berom, Mandyeng, Pusdung, and Mos Tar, which reflect the rich spiritual and artistic traditions of the two ethnic groups.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the association, Johnson Nenman, reiterated their condemnation of the growing insecurity and criminality on the Plateau, but insisted that such acts should not be attributed to their people.
“It is on record that an Ngas man has never rustled cattle,” Nenman said. “There was even a case where cattle were stolen in an Ngas community, and it was the people themselves who investigated and returned the cattle to the rightful owner. That shows who we are.”
He called on the Governor to refrain from statements that could sow division, urging instead for inclusive dialogue among stakeholders.
“We are deeply pained by the killings and insecurity affecting our people,” he continued. “The solution is not in blame games or politicizing the crisis. We call on the Governor and all stakeholders—regardless of party or ethnicity—to sit together and chart a way forward.”
The youth leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to peace and development, urging the government to prioritize unity and collective responsibility over divisive rhetoric.
