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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.”
As the countdown edges closer to this weekend’s national trials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), anticipation has been raised by officials of National Sports Commission (NSC) for a transparent, competitive and world class process.
Sports247 gathered that this expectation is contained in a media statement issued by the NSC ahead of the three-day track and field competition at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) sports complex in Lagos.
While noting that the competition will serve as the official selection channel for Nigeria’s athletics’ contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, the NSC pointed out that a level terrain must be provided for all competitors.
The statement, which was signed by NSC director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade’s special assistant media, Kola Daniel, further noted that the trials are expected to attract some of the nation’s finest track and field athletes based abroad.
It is also billed to provide a strong competitive platform for both elite and home-based athletes to showcase their immense talent, achieve qualifying standards and earn places to the Commonwealth Games, which will hold from July 23rd to August 2nd.
NSC’s message added, “The National Sports Commission reiterates its commitment to a transparent, competitive and world-class selection process that reflects excellence and fairness while strengthening Nigeria’s preparations for Glasgow 2026.
“Among notable athletes expected are Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Fakorede Adekalu, Tyler Johnson and Ogundiran Blessing, alongside other elite and emerging stars who continue to raise the profile of Nigeria on the international stage.”
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) is set to host the 2026 edition of World Social Media Day in Jos, bringing together bloggers, content creators, media professionals, innovators, and young digital enthusiasts from across Plateau State.
The event is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Usiju World Event Center, near the State Secretariat, Jos. It is expected to provide a platform for discussions on the growing impact of digital media and social networking platforms in today’s world.
This year’s celebration will be held under the theme, “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” with a focus on empowering young people to harness technology, creativity, and social media for positive change and development.
Participants will have the opportunity to network, share ideas, learn from industry experts, and explore ways of using digital platforms to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Attendance is free, and interested participants are encouraged to register early and secure their place at the event.
REGISTER Here👇
https://forms.gle/RpQ6Cehn4ugNFyfs6
PLABOMA invites students, content creators, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, and members of the public to be part of this exciting celebration of digital innovation and youth empowerment.
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