A Plateau state socio-cultural pressure group, The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, has expressed strong condemnation of the horrific invasion of indigenous tribal communities in the state by Fulani terrorists militia.
The condemnation contained in a Press Release by BYM leader, Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri Esq, on Christmas Day and made available to the media via electronic mean condemned the attack “by the Fulani militia, which resulted in the senseless killing of not less than 50 innocent people, and the devastating loss of properties worth millions of naira.”
The groups leadership in the Press Release further said “From information available to us, 9 persons were killed at NTV, 5 at Mai Yanga Sabo, 3 persons at Darwat and 1 person at Hurum with neighbouring villages of Bokkos recording the highest deaths toll of over 40 persons while many were injured, food items looted and properties destroyed.
“This act of terrorism led to the complete displacement of thousands of persons which does not only demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life, but also seeks to undermine the peace and unity that are at the core of our nation’s values.
“On a day meant to celebrate love, compassion, and togetherness, the perpetrators of this dastardly act have brought untold agony, suffering and grief to the affected communities and surrounding communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
“The onslaught, followed by the invasion of Mangu and Bokkos on the 23rd day of December, 2023 claiming 22 persons, explicitly depicts the mission of the marauders to consistently maim lives and mar the Yuletide which they have long planned that Plateau would be subjected to a “mother-of- all- attacks” ever witnessed which is currently being executed.
“The BYM extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of jihad.
“We also wish to assure the affected communities that we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and will continue to advocate for justice and accountability. We call on the Government and relevant authorities not only to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice, but to swiftly come up with palliative packages as well as compensation for the victims. The BYM also urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
“We also call on the International Community to add its voice to the genocide on the Plateau which has been unabated for years.
“The BYM want to urge all Plateau sons and daughters to put aside their differences and come together to resist terrorist elements that have taken over our ancestral lands, turning same to terrorist enclaves wherefrom armed bandits and Fulani militants have been brought and stationed to continue with the mission of annihilation, ethnic cleansing and kidnapping amongst others. We must also recognize that the ongoing crisis in our dear State requires a whollistic approach, which would aid in addressing the root causes of the invasion otherwise there won’t be peace and sustainable development as well as social cohesion.
“In conclusion, the Berom nation wants to reiterate its commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, equality, and justice, and pledge to continue working with security personnel and all government agencies to ensure the promotion of peace and unity in our state.” It concluded.
Read full details of Press Release below.
DARK CHRISTMAS ON THE PLATEAU: OVER 50 PERSONS KILLED ON CHRISTMAS EVE ATTACK BY FULANI MILITANTS IN BARKIN LADI AND PART OF BOKKOS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, under the leadership of Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri Esq strongly condemns the horrific invasion of Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo and NTV villages in Gashish and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area as well as in Bokkos LGA on Christmas Eve night by the Fulani militia, which resulted in the senseless killing of not less than 50 innocent people, and the devastating loss of properties worth millions of naira.
From information available to us, 9 persons were killed at NTV, 5 at Mai Yanga Sabo, 3 persons at Darwat and 1 person at Hurum with neighbouring villages of Bokkos recording the highest deaths toll of over 40 persons while many were injured, food items looted and properties destroyed.
This act of terrorism led to the complete displacement of thousands of persons which does not only demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life, but also seeks to undermine the peace and unity that are at the core of our nation’s values.
On a day meant to celebrate love, compassion, and togetherness, the perpetrators of this dastardly act have brought untold agony, suffering and grief to the affected communities and surrounding communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
The onslaught, followed by the invasion of Mangu and Bokkos on the 23rd day of December, 2023 claiming 22 persons, explicitly depicts the mission of the marauders to consistently maim lives and mar the Yuletide which they have long planned that Plateau would be subjected to a “mother-of- all- attacks” ever witnessed which is currently being executed.
The BYM extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of jihad.
We also wish to assure the affected communities that we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and will continue to advocate for justice and accountability. We call on the Government and relevant authorities not only to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice, but to swiftly come up with palliative packages as well as compensation for the victims. The BYM also urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
We also call on the International Community to add its voice to the genocide on the Plateau which has been unabated for years.
The BYM want to urge all Plateau sons and daughters to put aside their differences and come together to resist terrorist elements that have taken over our ancestral lands, turning same to terrorist enclaves wherefrom armed bandits and Fulani militants have been brought and stationed to continue with the mission of annihilation, ethnic cleansing and kidnapping amongst others. We must also recognize that the ongoing crisis in our dear State requires a whollistic approach, which would aid in addressing the root causes of the invasion otherwise there won’t be peace and sustainable development as well as social cohesion.
In conclusion, the Berom nation wants to reiterate its commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, equality, and justice, and pledge to continue working with security personnel and all government agencies to ensure the promotion of peace and unity in our state.
Rwang Tengwong
BYM National Publicity Secretary
25th December, 2023
