News
PYC Northern Zone Demands Justice and Stronger Security Over Renewed Attacks in Plateau
Jos, April 19, 2025 — The Plateau Youth Council (PYC), Northern Zone, has strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks on communities in Bassa and Riyom local government areas, describing them as part of an ongoing campaign of genocide against the people of Plateau State.
Speaking at a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, the PYC Northern Zone Coordinator, Comrade Samson Y. Chiroma, expressed deep concern over the killing of over 51 persons in Bassa LGA and two others in Riyom. The attacks, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of April 14, were blamed on suspected Fulani militia.
“With a heavy heart, we address you today on the renewed wave of attacks unleashed on innocent citizens by known cowardly Fulani militia,” Chiroma said. “These evil acts have led to the death of our people, including women and children, and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
The PYC offered condolences to the bereaved families and commended the state government for its response. However, Chiroma stressed the need for urgent action to prevent further violence and protect farming communities, particularly as the planting season begins.
“Why do these attacks often coincide with the start of the wet season?” he asked. “Is it a grand plan to deny our people access to their farmlands and impoverish them further?”
The youth council threw its weight behind the recent broadcast by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who declared “Enough is Enough,” and vowed to pursue justice for victims through every legal means. The group also criticized the Federal Government’s characterization of the attacks as “communal clashes,” labeling the statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga as misleading.
“This is not a communal clash,” Chiroma said. “It is a deliberate and orchestrated genocide against our people by a terror group the UN has identified as one of the most dangerous in the world.”
The group further called on security agencies to investigate the leadership of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, particularly its Plateau State Chairman, Abdullahi Garba. According to Chiroma, Garba made public statements in Kaduna suggesting that peace would remain elusive in Plateau unless certain conditions were met—a claim followed by fresh killings in the Zikke Kimakpa community.
“Do authorities really need to look any further to find those behind the killings?” he asked. “No one should be above the law.”
The PYC urged the state government to strengthen the Operation Rainbow security outfit with more personnel and equipment to complement existing security structures. They also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, despite the high level of provocation.
In closing, the council issued a strong warning: “Enough is enough. If another attack happens within the zone, the youth will not be blamed for whatever actions they take in defense of their people.”
By Aderonke Ojo
Connor Tuodolo, Founder of the Squash Premier League and the Beacon of Positivity Foundation (BOPF), says the initiative aims to use squash as a tool to take children off the streets.
It is also to empower them with life skills and opportunities to shape them into responsible citizens.
Tuodolo said this to newsmen at the opening of the second edition of the Squash Premier League at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, themed “Breeding the Next Generation of Champions”, attracted 105 young athletes from squash academies across the country.
The week-long competition, which runs from Aug. 3 to Aug. 8, features the Under-15, Under-19, senior club members and doubles categories.
According to Tuodolo, the league was established not only to produce elite squash players but also to provide young Nigerians with positive opportunities through sports.
“We want organisations that believe in youth development to join us in taking children off the streets, empowering them through sports and creating opportunities for them to become productive citizens,” he said.
He said the initiative grew from his experience as a squash player, and his conviction that Nigeria needed a sustainable grassroots platform where young athletes could develop their talents through regular training and competition.
“What keeps us going is seeing these children smile and discover their potential. That is the greatest motivation for us,” he said.
Tuodolo said the league had recorded steady growth since its inception in 2025, with participation increasing from 26 athletes in the maiden edition to 105 competitors this season.
“When we started, we had only 26 athletes. The next competition attracted 45 players, followed by about 50, then 69, and now we have 105 participants. That shows the league is growing and that there is hope for squash in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the organisers deliberately limited participation to squash academies to encourage coaches to establish and strengthen grassroots development programmes across the country.
According to him, the league is organised three times annually during school holidays to provide young players with regular opportunities to compete and assess their development.
Tuodolo said the competition also incorporates coaching and officiating clinics for both players and officials in order to improve participants technical knowledge and understanding of the rules of the game.
He, however, identified inadequate funding as the biggest challenge confronting the initiative.
“Our biggest challenge is funding. Although I have a committed team working with me, many of them sacrifice their personal time and resources simply because they believe in giving these children opportunities,” he said.
He added that donor support had yet to meet the financial demands of the expanding competition.
“I had hoped donor funding would cover most of our expenses, but because the platform is still developing, much of the financial responsibility falls on me. It has been difficult, but giving up is not an option,” he said.
The league founder appealed to corporate organisations, particularly those in the oil and gas sector, to partner with the organisers through sponsorship.
“My appeal is to corporate organisations to support this initiative. By doing so, they will not only sustain the league but also invest in youth development and nation-building through sports,” he said.
Tuodolo added that BOPF also carries out community outreach programmes, including free eye tests and the distribution of medicated glasses, as part of its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people.
He expressed optimism that with sustained support, the league would become one of Africa’s leading grassroots squash competitions.
Some of the young participants described the championship as an opportunity to pursue their sporting dreams.
15 -year-old Edna Philip from Plateau said she hoped the competition would help her realise her ambition of becoming one of the world’s best squash players.
“I have been playing squash for three years, and I hope to become one of the best squash players in the world. I am grateful to my parents and my coach for supporting me,” she said.
16-year-old Nanme Rindaps, who finished as runner-up in the previous edition, said he returned to Abuja determined to improve his performance and win the title.
“I came here to learn new techniques, improve my game and compete for victory,” he said.
Another participant, Praise Chukwuemeka, thanked her parents for supporting her sporting career, expressing confidence that competing against stronger opponents would improve her performance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
-
Entertainment1 day agoBig Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026
-
News3 days ago
OpenAI reportedly finds evidence that more of its agents ran amok
-
News4 days ago
2027: You have the power to ensure credible elections – Peter Obi to Nigerians
-
News1 day ago
The fourth edition of Jasper Fiton Football Tournament Begins in Bokkos, Unites 45 Teams for Peace and Talent Discovery
