x

Plateau Indigenous Communities raise alarm, says bandits have taken over 151 communities

Isreal Adamu

Groups of ethnic nationalities under the aegis of the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavwul, and Ron Youths Associations, in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youth Bodies, on Monday raised the alarm over what they termed the forceful displacement and annexation of over 151 indigenous hamlets, villages, and communities, as well as land grabbing in Plateau State by the gunmen .

They made this known while addressing newsmen at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos .

They added that the communities, are scattered across Bassa, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu local government areas.

The Chairman of Indigenous Youths, Mr. Paul Dekete, who was flanked alongside other tribal leaders said “In view of the unsatisfactory and feeble responses so far received from all levels of Government in Nigeria, the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavwul and Ron Youths Associations in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youths Bodies are constrained to draw attention of the public and, especially, International Community through this Press Conference on the alarming and unacceptable loss of ancestral lands as well as the denial of access to farmlands and mining sites currently being suffered by the customary landowners in the State.”

The group accused Fulani militants of carrying out attacks and killings in hamlets, villages, and communities, intimidating and displacing native inhabitants, disrupting their livelihoods, and paving the way for the occupation of their lands. This, they said, creates “no-go” areas for the indigenous people in the 21st century.

“It’s common knowledge that hamlets and villages in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas are richly endowed with resources such as favourable weather conditions, natural tourist sites, fertile soils, water bodies, Cassaterite, Columbite and so many other minerals,” the statement read.

They highlighted a strong connection between the areas where their people have suffered the worst forms of displacement and denial of access to the rich natural and mineral resources of those locations.

The group pointed out the rapidly changing economic and occupational demographics in the occupied territories, citing the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA, where the Fulani have taken over economic activities, displacing native farmers.

Hot this week

THE BEARING: Why Nigerians Must Register to Vote Ahead of 2027

Elections are often seen as beginning on voting day,...

Independent Hajj Reporters to Host 2025 Post-Hajj Lecture and Recognition Event

By Jabiru Hassan Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has announced that...

Eid-el-Maulud: Gov. Ododo Prays for Peace, Prosperity in Kogi, Nigeria

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

Marafa, Adamawa APC Youths Pay Condolence Visit to Northeast Vice Chairman

By Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna Chairman of the Amalgamation of APC...

NDLEA seizes 66.3 kg Narcotics from Kano Airport – NOA

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The National Orientation Agency, NOA, Director General,...

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu as Sole 2027 Presidential Candidate

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa The All Progressives Congress (APC) in...

Power Outages: Tinubu Moves To Ensure Reliable Electricity Supply in Tertiary Hospitals

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made concrete...

NCPC, Israel Foreign Affairs Spark Talks On Strengthening Bilateral Relations

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian...

BREAKING: Blackout as national grid collapses

Large parts of Nigeria were thrown into darkness on...

Ezekwesili Demands Reinstatement of Senator Natasha, Accuses Senate of Constitutional Overreach

Former Minister of Education Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has demanded...

NUPENG Suspends Strike as Dangote Agrees to Unionisation Demands

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers...

World Cup Qualifier: NFF Slams Dessers, Faults Troost-Ekong After Eagles’ Draw With South Africa

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sharply criticised Super...

Flood Tragedy in Zaria Claims Lives, Leaves Several Missing

At least two people have been confirmed dead and...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img