A group, the Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities in Plateau State, has expressed concern over alleged forceful displacement and annexation of 151 indigenous hamlets and villages in the state by suspected Fulani militants.
The group accused the militants of forceful land grabbing in villages across Bokkos, Barki Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bassa local government areas of the state.
The coalition, made up of the people of Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavul and Ron, in conjunction with Plateau indigenous youth bodies, made the claim while briefing newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Mr Paul Dekete, the chairman of the group, who was flanked by other tribal leaders, expressed disappointment over what they described as weak response by the government to their grievances.
“In view of the unsatisfactory and feeble responses so far received from all levels of government in Nigeria, the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavul 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.”
For several years to date, the group lamented that the youths bodies have been crying out and lodging complaints to appropriate authorities including the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services, Operation Safe Haven-OPSH, National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly and others that “there is a serious, unprecedented undercurrent terror attacks with the principal motive of dispossessing them their God-giving lands and territory”.
