Map of Plateau State
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
A group of ethnic nationalities represented by the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavwul, and Ron Youths Associations, along with the Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youth Bodies, have voiced concerns about the displacement and appropriation of over 151 indigenous settlements and lands in Plateau State by the Fulani community.
During a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos on Monday, the group expressed disappointment in the lack of government response regarding their situation. The affected communities are located across Bassa, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu local government areas.
Chairman of Indigenous Youths, Mr. Paul Dekete, read a statement at the briefing, stating, “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 Youth 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 perpetrating attacks, killings, and intimidation in the affected areas, leading to the displacement of native inhabitants and the occupation of their lands. They emphasized the link between these actions and the rich natural resources present in the region.
“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.
The group pointed out the changing economic and occupational demographics in the occupied territories, particularly in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA, where the Fulani have taken over economic activities, displacing native farmers.
“It’s quite provoking to imagine that the foundation of churches that were destroyed by these terrorist elements have overnight been reconstructed as Mosques to the utter disregard of the Fundamental rights of the displaced people,” the statement said.
They cited specific examples, including Rankum (Mahanga) in Jol, Ranchos, and Kak in Sopp, all in Riyom Local Government Area, where churches were destroyed and replaced with mosques.
According to the group, over 151 hamlets and villages have been annexed by Fulani militants in Plateau State, causing distress and disruption for the indigenous populations. They provided a list of affected areas for verification purposes.
