Young people in Plateau take to the streets to demonstrate against violent deaths, march on state capital building

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Youths under the Coalition of Northern Zone Ethnic Nationalities and the Plateau Youth Coalition on Wednesday staged a protest at the Plateau State Government House in Jos.

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They demanded urgent action over the rising wave of attacks and insecurity in the state.

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The demonstrators, who expressed frustration over persistent killings in parts of Plateau State, said the worsening situation has left residents living in fear, noting that even security personnel have become targets of attacks.

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President of the Plateau Youth Coalition, Ezekiel Bini, decried the recent ambush and killing of security operatives in Kanam Local Government Area, warning that civilians now feel increasingly vulnerable.

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“If security agents who are supposed to protect us can be ambushed and killed, then what about us civilians? Our lives are now at the mercy of God,” Bini said.

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Also speaking, the President of the Berom Youth Movement, Dalyop Mwantiri, alleged that armed groups displaced from other troubled regions are relocating to Plateau.

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He claimed the attackers were targeting both Christians and Muslims in the state and called on the international community to intervene militarily.

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The protesters presented a list of demands to the state government and urged the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, to transmit their concerns to Bola Tinubu for urgent action.

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Speaking on behalf of women in the community, President of the Berom Women Development Association, Ngo Esther Banga, lamented the hardship faced by families due to the ongoing violence.

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“We cannot stay freely in our homes or look after our children,” she said.

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The protesters expressed disappointment that the governor was not present to receive them, noting that Caleb Mutfwang, his deputy and the Secretary to the State Government were away attending an official function.

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However, they vowed to return to the Government House on Monday to present their grievances directly to the governor.

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Plateau State has experienced repeated attacks in several communities in recent years, often linked to armed groups and communal tensions.

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The recurring violence has resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property across parts of the state.

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The latest protest comes amid renewed calls by community leaders and youth groups for stronger security measures, including the establishment of state police, as part of efforts to tackle the persistent insecurity in the region.

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