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.”
