By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association has called for the constitution of an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the July 14 massacre in Bindi and Jebbu villages of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, where 27 persons were killed, over 2,000 displaced, and property worth millions destroyed.
The association made the demand on Wednesday during a press briefing held at the State Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, Plateau State.
In an address presented by its President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the group expressed outrage over what it described as a deliberate pattern of compromise and complacency by security personnel, particularly troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), during the attack.
According to Mwantiri: “We are calling for the constitution of an independent panel of investigation to clearly identify the individuals and collective roles played in the Bindi/Jebbu massacre, including the alleged complicity and failure of the Sector 6 Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Lt. Col. Thomas Paave, and the reinforcement team deployed during the incident.”
“The 27 killed and the widespread destruction occurred within the same vicinity where the reinforcement team was stationed before and during the attack. This begs serious questions.”
He said early warnings were sent and acknowledged by security operatives before the attack, but nothing was done to avert the bloodshed. Mwantiri further claimed that despite the proximity of two military posts located less than three kilometers from the attacked villages—no proactive steps were taken to prevent the killings or protect residents.
The group also raised alarm over the alleged killing of a local youth leader by a military operative after the attackers had fled the scene, describing the incident as “a disturbing puzzle that must be unraveled.”
While rejecting explanations provided by the OPSH Sector Commander that his men were overwhelmed and could not apprehend or neutralize any of the assailants, the BYM described such claims as “unbelievable and unacceptable.”
The group is also demanding that all perpetrators and their sponsors be identified and prosecuted openly, and that justice and adequate compensation be provided for the victims and their families.
“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction should extend its intervention schemes to the bereaved families, injured victims, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and others who lost homes, crops, and farmlands,” the BYM President stated.
In addition, the association condemned the continued detention of Berom youths arrested during what it called indiscriminate raids in Sagas/Gyembus, Jol, Gwon, and other areas, describing the arrests as a violation of constitutional rights.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all Berom youths arrested without prosecution. Their continued detention is a gross violation of their rights as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution and international human rights instruments.”
The association, however, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, as well as Governor Caleb Mutfwang for showing concern over the attacks.
Reaffirming their resolve to defend ancestral lands and heritage, the association called on all Berom people to remain vigilant and united.
“It should now be clear to all that the Berom Nation and, indeed, Plateau State, shall NEVER surrender to terror, and their lands NEITHER forfeited to invaders. In God we trust,” Mwantiri declared.
