The Berom Youth Molder-Association (BYM) acknowledges and respect the Constitutional and Statutory position that vested mineral resources in the Federal Government and administration of same in accordance with the applicable mining legislation. Even though the fact that Mineral Resources belongs to the Federal Government, it does not however, obliterate the rights and interests of lawful landowners and host Communities, which the same relevant laws imbedded. It is understandable that granting of a Mining title does not, in itself, extinguish the lawful rights and interests of persons who own or occupy the land upon which mining activities are to be or being conducted. In the same vein, Mining Operators must comply with the applicable legal requirements concerning access to land, community relations, environmental obligations, compensation and host-community development.

It is on the bedrock of the above that the BYM makes bold to address the gentlemen of the press and the public about some disturbing developments keenly observed at a mining site in latya Community of Du District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where a questionable Mining Lease No. ML-129 issued to Mr. Joshua Egbagbe, whom we view did not only fail to follow and observe due process in pursuance of the said Mining Lease, but his continued exhibition of recklessness-arbitrary arrest and detention of some community members, abuse of due and court process, utter disregard to host community and revered Traditional institution, unwarranted use of force through the instrumentality of the Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp personnel he sought for their deployment to harass and frustrate as well as shut down the mining site which the BYM consider as unacceptable to the sensibility of our Nationality.

2. PROPER INVOLEMENT OF LANDOWNERS AND HOST COMMUNITY
   The BYM is much concerned about the circumstances surrounding the alleged reliance on Mining Lease No. ML-129 by Mr. Joshua Egbagbe. Just as every land in has its historical background the people hold unto and project, so also every Mining Lease. This makes us to take a cursory look at an earlier mining title reportedly referred to as Mining Lease No. ML-126, associated with Mining Technologies Company Limited owned by Russians foreign investors, who had explored mineral resources in the area sometime in 1997 where the community executed an agreement that was for only four (4) year which elapsed in 2001.

While a petition dated 20th September, 2016 was filed to the Hon. Miniter of Mines and Steel Minerals Development against the renewal of the above lease initially used by Mr. Joshua Egbabe during the pendency of a matter instituted at the High Court and an Appeal before the Court of Appeal in Jos regarding the land ML-126 covered, and reply dated 13th October, 2016 staying action until the determination of the matter, it was shocking that Mr. Joshua, without either waiting for the determination of the pending matter in court, applying for revocation of the aforementioned Mining Lease or any requisite consent as statutorily provided, covertly applied and obtained a new lease referred to as ML-129 that exceeded (subsumed) the same land in dispute, which in our firm view is an abuse of court process that attracts punitive measures accordingly.

The disturbing issuance of ML-129 allegedly associated with the same land, where Mr. Joshua Egbagbe is parading himself to be the owner not known to the Host Community as due process, particularly the Community and landowners’ consent even when the land remained under a subsisting ML-126 without firstly revoking or, at best, renewing the latter is a fundamental flop that touches on the root of the validity and otherwise of the former as it has continually stood on nothing to justify or warrant the usage of it for any mining activity being carried out, thereby making it fundamentally defective.

The mining laws and regulations are clear that even if a person have a valid mining lease, the Community’s consent must first be established before the owner of the lease can enter the host Community to carry out mining activities, and when consent of the landowners and host Community is obtained, the holder of the lease must sign and execute a Community Development Agreement with the host community. In the instant case of Mr. Joshua, the reverse is the case as he has not only continued mining, using the questionable Lease for the pass twenty-Nine years without executing a single project for the community but also resorted severally to using the instrumentality of the Police Force and others to be intimidating, harassing, arresting and detaining and arraigning some members of the Host Community which is unacceptable.

It is evidence-base that the host Community has written several Complaints/petitions to the appropriate offices of the Mineral sector of the Federal and Plateau State Government against the conduct of Mr. Joshua Egbagbe, demanding the revocation of Mining Lease ML-129 but to no avail.

3. AUTHENTICATION OF ML-129 IS URGENTLY REQUIRED The central issue before the Government is not whether mineral resources belong to the Federal Government, but the crux of the matter is whether the document and title being relied upon by Mr. Joshua Egbagbe as in ML-129 is genuine, valid, subsisting and lawfully applicable to the particular land at Latya.

We unequivocally appeal to the Hon. Minister of Solid Mineral and his good offices to critically visit and evaluate not only the whole process that brought about the issuance of ML-29, the said lease itself and also the statutory obligation on lease-holders to landowners and Host Community, whether or not such were ever complied with to warrant Mr. Joshua’s Mining Lease sail through against our agitation for its outright REVOCATION as he has adamantly continued fighting the Beroms and other Nigerians in that area since the time he obtained that so-call lease.

It is worthy of mention that, following the security challenges on the Plateau, in 2025, the Plateau State Government shutdown all mining activities in the State, and set up a Committee to screen and verify all Mining Leaseholders. Perplexingly, Mr. Joshua Egbagbe refused to submit himself to the committee for verification, but yet, he took some of the land owners and members of the host community to Court, contrary to the legal maxims that say, “he who seeks equity must do equity” and “he who comes to equity, must come with clean hands” in every circumstance with this inclusive.

In another turn of event in recent past, Mr. Joshua Egbagbe secured a deployment of Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence personnel, who shut down the Mining site not as a result of any uprising or court order to that effect, but under allegation that Community members are indulged in illegal mining, meanwhile, he is pressuring them to severe certain percentage of the proceed of the mining as condition precedence before he can allow them to return back to the mining site. This, again, is unacceptable as there are registered Mining Cooperatives, members of the Community belong.

The question that beckons for answer is, what is the justification of bringing the Police Force and other security personnel to the mining site? Was it to stop illegal mining or to negotiate a certain percentage of the purported illegal mining proceed for him as he had claimed? assuming but not conceding that members of the Host Community have committed any crime for carrying out mining in their ancestral land, shouldn’t the Government effect the arrest and prosecute such persons for the crime allegedly committed, and not for them to give Mr. Joshua Egbagbe the proceed of the so-call crime before they can be allowed to go back to site and continue committing the said mining offences?

. WHO AUTHORIZED THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE POLICE AND THE NIGERIAN SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORP TO THE LATYA MINING SITES?
We demand that the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, the Commandant Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp Plateau State and the Plateau State Government swiftly investigate and make known: Who requested for the deployment of Police and Civil Defence personnel;

• Who authorized the deployment;
• The stated purpose of the deployment; Whether there is any court order for the shutdown;
• Whether the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and/or Cadastre Office did authorize the operation;
• Whether the Plateau State Government requested the deployment;
• and Whether the deployment was made at the request of Mr. Joshua Egbagbe or any person acting on his behalf.

The Nigeria Police Force and Civil Defence Corp are agencies of Government, which private individuals should not be allowed to unnecessarily drag them into determining disputed ownership, mining-title or commercial rights.

5. POLICE AND CIVIL DEFENCE MUST NOT BE USED TO INTIMIDATE OR HARASS THE COMMUNITY
   We are particularly disturbed by incidences of arrest and detention of members of the Latya community arising from the mining controversies at the instance of Mr. Joshua Egbagbe. We demand:
   (a) The immediate release of any community member being unlawfully detained in connection with the issue at hand.
   (b) An immediate investigation into all reported arrests at the instance of Mr. Joshua Egbagbe or any other person;
   (c) An end to the incidences of intimidation, harassment and threats against members of the community;
   (d) That Mr. Joshua Egbagbe be restrained from using the Police or any security personnel as a means of intimidating or harassing members of the host community; and
   (e) That any criminal allegation against a community member be investigated independently on its merits rather than being used as a means of settling the mining dispute.
6. CASES REPORTED AGAINST COMMUNITY MEMBERS
   We are also aware of cases reportedly instituted or initiated against members of the community following complaints attributed to Mr. Joshua Egbagbe.

We call upon the Attorney-General of the Federation or that of Plateau State to immediately take over the prosecution of these cases and terminate them for public interest, and this will help to restore peace to the community. Where any case has been instituted without sufficient legal basis, we call upon the appropriate prosecuting authority and/or court to take the necessary lawful steps to discontinue or otherwise bring such proceedings to an end.

We respectfully emphasize that no person should be
arrested, prosecuted or detained merely because he or she challenges a disputed mining title or asserts a lawful interest in community land.

6. POLICE AND ALL SECURITY PERSONNEL SHOULD VACATE THE MINING SITE
   In the absence of a valid court order or lawful directive from the competent authority authorizing the continued occupation of the mining site, we call upon the Plateau State Police Command and any security personnel to vacate the Latya mining site within 24 hours. The presence of armed security personnel at a disputed mining site has heightened tension and created fear among members of the community.

OUR DEMANDS The Berom Youth Molders hereby calls on the Hon. Minister of Mines, Steel and Solid Minerals Development, the Mining Cadastre Office, the Plateau State Government, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command and other relevant authorities to swiftly act anticipatorily on the following prayers:

-Immediate revocation of the purported Mining Lease No. ML-129 by the Mining Cadastre Office or any office that is saddled with such responsibility;

• Investigation into the relationship between ML-126 and ML-129, and whether or not it is tenable within the relevant legislations and regulations for two Mining Leases to cover the same land;
• Investigation into the circumstances under which ML-129 was purportedly processed, granted and/or became associated with the disputed land;
• Verification of compliance with the applicable Community Development Agreement requirements;
• Investigation by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police into who requested and authorized the deployment of Police personnel to Latya;
• Investigation by the Federal Government into the circumstances surrounding the use of the Police and Civil Defence at the mining site;
• Cause an immediate cessation of the use of Police personnel or any security personnel to intimidate, harass or unlawfully arrest members of the community and any Plateau person in connection with the mining area in view;
• Immediate release of community members who are being unlawfully detained;
• Cause a discontinuance and/or review of all cases initiated against members of the community at the instance of Mr. Joshua Egbagbe if found to have no proper legal foundation;
• Withdrawal of Police personnel or any security personnel from the mining site on account of Mr Joshua Egbagbe within 24 hours; Immediate:
• ARREST, INVESTIGATION and possible PROSECUTION of Mr. Joshua Egbagbe by relevant authorities including Plateau State Government if found that he truly declined and defied appearance before the Committee set up to verify the authenticity of all Mining Operators on the Plateau as unambiguously directed by the Executive Governor. And any other measure or step deemed necessary in the circumstance of this disturbing development, please.

WE WILL REMAIN PEACEFUL
The Berom Youth Molders wishes to make it categorically clear that we do not support violence, destruction of property, confrontation with security agencies or any other unlawful conduct. Our demand is for justice, transparency, due process and the rule of law. We call upon members of the Latya community and youths of Du District as well as Berom Nationality to continuously remain calmed and peaceful while anticipating Government action(s) towards addressing these concerns raised.

NOTICE OF PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION
However, if the Federal and Plateau State Governments fail to respond to these demands and fail to revoke mining lease ML-129 within one week period, we shall exercise our constitutional right to peaceful assembly and lawful protest to stem an observed abrogated over-reachment of Mr Joshua Egbeba

10. CONCLUSION The Latya mining dispute must not be allowed to become a conflict between the people and the security agencies. Mineral resources belong to the Federal Government, but the administration of mineral resources must be carried out according to law and with due regard to lawful landowners, host communities and legitimate mining-title holders. The people of Latya are not asking for special treatment.

LONG LIVE LATYA! LONG LIVE DU DISTRICT!! LONG LIVE PLATEAU STATE AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!!

Signed:

1. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq.
   President of Berom Youths Moulder-Association 08065245811
   Mr. Emmanuel Mangu,
   Secretary General,
   Berom Youths Moulders-Association
   07036120089
2. : BEROM YOUTH MOLDERS-ASSOCIATION (BYM) Name:

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BYM is equally concerned about the reported use of drones for surveillance by the terrorists during attacks and calls on security agencies to investigate the development and prevent the misuse of technology to terrorise vulnerable communities.

The Association is also alarmed by the continued destruction of farmlands in Jol, Rim and other communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs. Farmers are losing crops and livelihoods while herders continue grazing mischievously close to residential areas and cultivated farmlands.

This is particularly disturbing given the recent resolution reached during the meeting with the New General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd Armoured Division to establish buffer zones across communities affected by insecurity in Barkin Ladi and Riyom. BYM therefore calls for the immediate enforcement of the agreed buffer zones and stronger security measures to protect lives, homes and farmlands.

We demand increased security presence in Wereng, Jol, Rim, Riyom and other vulnerable communities, alongside a transparent investigation into the attack and reported drone activities.

Signed:
Rwang Tengwong
National Publicity SecretaryBerom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM)

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BYM DEMANDS ARREST OF GAFDAN MEDIA TEAM OVER ALLEGED TERROR PROPAGANDA

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), under the leadership of Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, is deeply alarmed by yet another calculated attempt to distort the truth surrounding the continuous terrorist attacks on indigenous communities in Plateau State, Nigeria.

A Facebook account operating under the name Gafdan Media Team falsely claimed that three herders were ambushed and killed by Berom people around the Jol axis of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This narrative is not only false but is a dangerous propaganda campaign designed to conceal the atrocities committed by armed terrorists while criminalising victims who are defending their communities.

The facts are clear. On Sunday afternoon, Armed Fulani Terrorists from Mahanga – a community they had displaced the natives from and grabbed, invaded Jol community in Riyom LGA, launching an unprovoked attack on innocent residents. During the assault, Mr. Thomas Damang, 48, was murdered, while Ishaku Pam (22), Ezra Yakubu (28), and Shedrack Danladi (34) sustained gunshot injuries.

The attackers met resistance from local vigilantes working alongside security personnel.

In the ensuing confrontation, three terrorists were neutralised and five others sustained injuries, forcing the remaining attackers to retreat. Contrary to the false report by Gafdan Media Team, those killed were not innocent herders but members of the armed group that attacked the community.

This recurring pattern of misinformation raises grave concerns. Every time terrorists are confronted by security personnel or local defenders, certain platforms quickly circulate fabricated stories portraying the attackers as innocent herders while ignoring the innocent civilians killed in the attacks.

Such propaganda emboldens terrorists, undermines security operations, and frustrates efforts to achieve justice for victims.

BYM is convinced that the operators of the Gafdan Media Team Facebook account have repeatedly demonstrated knowledge and narratives that align with the interests of terrorist groups operating in Plateau State. This pattern warrants urgent investigation.

We therefore call on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to immediately identify, investigate, and prosecute those behind this platform. Information warfare is an integral part of modern terrorism, and individuals who deliberately spread falsehood to shield violent criminals must be held accountable under the law.

We also call on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, the international community, and global media to pay close attention to the coordinated campaign of disinformation surrounding the Plateau crisis. The manipulation of facts not only denies justice to victims but also enables the continuation of attacks against vulnerable communities.

The people of Plateau deserve protection, truth, and justice—not propaganda that rewards terrorism and silences victims. Lasting peace can only be achieved when both those who wield weapons and those who weaponise misinformation are held accountable.

Signed:
Rwang Tengwong
National Publicity Secretary
Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM)

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The Association recalls that the location mentioned by MACBAN is among areas where security agencies have directed that grazing activities should not take place because they serve as buffer zones. This raises serious questions as to why cattle were taken into the prohibited area in the first place. Security agencies must investigate who violated this directive and determine the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

BYM is deeply concerned that this allegation may be part of a familiar pattern in which unverified claims are used to create a pretext for retaliatory attacks against peaceful communities. We therefore call on all security agencies to treat this development as an early warning signal and take proactive measures to prevent any violence against innocent people in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities.

It is also important to recall that large expanses of land grabbed by the fulanis from the natives remain under their control following years of attacks, killings and displacement of indigenous inhabitants. Despite the availability of such grazing spaces, some herders continue to move cattle dangerously close to residential communities, contrary to security advice and to the anxiety of local residents. While the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement, that right is not absolute and cannot be exercised in a manner that endangers the lives, safety and security of others.Furthermore, Nigerians will recall that only recently, similar allegations were made against operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) deployed to Barkin Ladi. Those claims were never substantiated. Since the deployment of the DSS, the area has witnessed relative peace. It is therefore unfortunate that another allegation has surfaced which appears capable of undermining the gains recorded by the security agencies.

BYM calls on the Plateau State Government and all security agencies to carry out a professional, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident. Those responsible, whoever they may be, should be brought to justice based on credible evidence and not on ethnic profiling or unsubstantiated accusations.

Finally, we urge the Berom people and all law-abiding residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies. We equally call on security personnel to strengthen surveillance around vulnerable communities to prevent any attempt by criminal elements to exploit this allegation as a justification for renewed attacks.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association remains committed to justice, peaceful coexistence and the protection of innocent lives. We shall continue to support every lawful effort aimed at securing lasting peace in Plateau State.

Signed:
Rwang Tengwong
National Publicity SecretaryBerom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM)

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Protocols.
Gentlemen of the Press, we address you today with hearts weighed down by grief, yet strengthened by an unwavering resolve to speak the truth about the tragic reality confronting our people.
For far too long, the indigenous peoples of Plateau State and, indeed, other law-abiding Citizens have borne the unbearable burden of relentless terror. Our communities have become theatres of bloodshed; our ancestral lands have been violently invaded; our villages reduced to desolation; our farms abandoned; our economic life strangulated; and thousands of our people condemned to lives of displacement, fear and uncertainty.

Generations that ought to be building prosperity have, instead, buried loved ones, fled from their ancestral homes, and struggled merely to survive elsewhere.

The tragedy of Plateau is no longer an isolated security concern. It has become a protracted humanitarian catastrophe and a profound moral challenge to our collective conscience.
Despite numerous interventions by successive governments and security agencies, the killings have persisted with frightening regularity, creating the disturbing impression of an adversary that continuously mutates its methods, adapts its tactics and exploits every available opportunity. This is the hydra-headed challenge that has continued to test the resolve of both government and the Nigerian people.

It is for this reason that Nigerians have consistently demanded greater professionalism, intelligence gathering, inter-agency synergy, strategic deployment and decisive action from our security institutions. Terrorism cannot be defeated by routine responses alone. It requires superior intelligence, operational dominance, sustained pressure and an uncompromising determination to deny criminal elements every opportunity to regroup or expand their campaign of terror.

Against this backdrop, the deployment of a Department of State Services (DSS) operational camp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in May 2026 was received with widespread relief by law-abiding citizens and the bona fide indigenous communities of the area. For a people who have lived under the shadow of incessant attacks and rain of terror, it represented more than a security deployment; it symbolized renewed hope.

Barely days after the camp became operationaln , on 1st June 2026, it reportedly came under attack by Fulani militants, bandits and other terrorist networks. The attack was successfully repelled by the DSS, demonstrating commendable professionalism, preparedness and operational capability in confronting forces that have for years unleashed violence upon innocent communities.

It is worthy of mention that, prior to the deployment, reign of terror attacks on hamlets, villages and communities had become almost habitual, with no fewer than 200 persons reportedly killed within the last 5 months around that axis, while countless others fled their ancestral homes. Commendably, the impact of the deployment became increasingly evident; Communities that had become accustomed to nightly terror began to experience a measure of relief. The sustained intelligence-driven operations of the DSS significantly reduced the frequency of attacks and rekindled hope that peace could gradually return to communities long abandoned to fear.
Indeed, apart from the unfortunate incident at Sabon Layi in Barkin Ladi town on the 4th July. 2026 in which three vigilante operatives lost their lives, the period witnessed an appreciable decline in major attacks, validating the importance of sustained intelligence-led security operations.

It was therefore surprising that, at a time when these operations appeared to be yielding positive results, true to a strategy of distraction, spurious allegations suddenly surfaced, accusing the DSS personnel of sexually harassing Fulani women and intimidation posed to the men of the same extraction during operations around Kwok, otherwise known as “Ruga Jalo.” These allegations rapidly dominated public discourse and generated widespread reactions, which in a way tended to slow the patrols and operations of the deployed operatives.

Let us be unequivocal. Allegations of misconduct against any security agency must never be dismissed. Such weighty accusations deserve prompt, impartial and transparent investigation in accordance with our extant laws. However, sensational allegations, must never be elevated to established facts without evidently proving which, in our firm view, is a propaganda machine strategically employed sheepishly not only to majorly distract, but also whittle down the ongoing crackdown on regime of insurgency bedeviling Plateau State and the Country at large.

To the best of our knowledge, based on information available from credible sources within the affected communities, the fantastic fabricated allegations by respondents in that virally schemed video record acted on hearsay as there was no any element or a trace of sexual harassment, intimidation, burning of houses, destruction of property or other acts consistent with some of the alarming narratives circulated in the public domain. In that light, it is imperative to caution that public opinion must never be manipulated by falsehood, exaggeration or orchestrated misinformation, particularly where national security is concerned. allowing such pathological falsehood, which does not have any utilitarian value, to fly and dominate public discourse, it will definitely project the potency of encouraging and promoting terrorism in its large scale, which inevitably scuttles National growth and development.

It is pertinent to note that Kwok community is situated in close proximity to Sabon Layi. Like every professional security institution worldwide, the DSS conducts operations based on intelligence assessments and operational considerations that are often not available to the public. Such operational decisions should not become the subject of reckless speculation capable of undermining legitimate efforts to secure vulnerable communities.

What deeply concerns us is the pattern that appears to be emerging. Shortly after these allegations gained prominence, influx of Fulani militants alongside their terrorist cohorts from same Ruga Jalo location in Barkin Ladi LGA, without any restraint, mobilized and joined force with another gang from Fass of Jol Community wherefrom they, in commando style, went and struck again a nearby village of Kum in Riyom Local Government Area, brutally murdering a 3-months old baby and 8 other innocent persons, mostly women. In the same vein, the terrorists massively invaded Tanjol and Vwak hamlets of Jol Community and Wereng-Rim of Riyom LGA last night, 14th July and injured two vigilantes in Jol while 1 person named Mr Mangai Musa killed in the usual terror meted out.

While it remains the responsibility of the appropriate security authorities to establish the full operational circumstances surrounding these events, our communities cannot ignore what has become an all-too-familiar sequence: whenever sustained security pressure begins to restrict the activities of terrorists, narratives capable of distracting public attention, weakening operational momentum or eroding confidence in security agencies often emerge, only to be followed by renewed attacks on vulnerable communities.

Having lived through years of systematic violence, displacement and land occupation, our people cannot be faulted for viewing this disturbing pattern with grave concern.

We therefore urge all security agencies not to be distracted from their constitutional responsibility of protecting innocent citizens. Those engaged in genuine security operations should be encouraged, supported and held accountable strictly within the ambit of the law, while frivolous, malicious or unsubstantiated allegations intended to obstruct legitimate security efforts must be carefully scrutinized and investigated.

The blood of our people demands more than expressions of sympathy. It demands justice. It demands courage. It demands sustained action.
Our ancestral lands must no longer remain killing fields.
Our communities must no longer be sacrificed on the altar of impunity.
Our displaced people deserve to return home in safety and dignity.

The era in which terrorists dictate the rhythm of life in Plateau State must come to an end.,
Enough is enough!
We, therefor, call upon the Federal Government, the Government of Plateau State, all security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and every patriotic Nigerian to remain resolute and united in confronting terrorism, banditry and all forms of violent criminality that continue to threaten peace, security and territorial integrity of Plateau State and the nation at large.

In particular, we urge the Plateau State Government to consolidate and build upon the measurable gains already recorded in Barkin Ladi through closer institutional collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies. The intelligence-led security architecture that has yielded encouraging results in Barkin Ladi should, as a matter of urgency, be replicated across other vulnerable local government areas that continue to bear the brunt of these coordinated attacks, including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam and Quan Pan amongst others.

We are convinced that a coordinated expansion of such proactive security deployments, driven by intelligence, inter-agency synergy and sustained operational presence, will significantly strengthen the protection of lives and property, restore public confidence, and gradually deny criminal elements the operational space they have exploited for far too long.

Finally, we wish to unequivocally assure the Department of State Services and all other patriotic security agencies that the overwhelming majority of law-abiding citizens who genuinely yearn for peace recognize and appreciate every lawful sacrifice being made to halt the bloodshed and restore normalcy to our communities. We acknowledge that the task before our security personnel is both arduous and dangerous, and we commend every officer who continues to discharge his or her constitutional duty with courage, professionalism and fidelity to the rule of law.

As indigenous peoples whose communities have paid an immeasurable price in blood, displacement and destruction, we stand firmly behind every constitutional, intelligence-driven and professional measure aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, dislodging criminal occupiers from illegally acquired territories, securing our ancestral communities, and guaranteeing every law-abiding resident of Plateau State the freedom to live, farm, worship and pursue legitimate livelihoods without fear or intimidation.

We equally call upon all citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, reject falsehood, misinformation and propaganda capable of undermining legitimate security operations, and collectively recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, accountability, lasting peace and the preservation of our ancestral heritage.

The blood of our people cries out not for vengeance, but for justice.

The tears of our widows and orphans demand not rhetoric, but decisive action.
The future of Plateau State depends on our collective resolve to ensure that terror never triumphs over peace, and that truth will never surrender to propaganda.

May God bless Plateau State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sign:

1. Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini,
   State Coalition’s Chairman of Indigenous Youths Nationalities, 07035635487
   Sign:………………………………………
2. Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri,
   Norther Zone Coalition’s Chairman of Indigenous Youths Nationalities 08065245811
   Sign:………………………………………

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For the avoidance of doubt, BYM is compelled to set the records straight for public information and independent verification, so that the issues can be objectively understood and properly appreciated.

Following the identification of one of the criminals neutralised by the military during the attack on NIPSS, vigilant members of the Berom host community swiftly swung into action, carried out a manhunt, arrested some known associates of the said criminal, and voluntarily handed them over to the military for thorough investigation. The arrests were part of the community-military synergy that has long existed and demonstrate the community’s commitment to supporting security agencies in exposing criminal networks within and beyond the area.

While the community and vigilante groups are still making assiduous efforts to assist security agencies in tracking other fleeing suspected associates, BYM wishes to register its displeasure and dismay over the fact that photographs of those associates handed over to the military for investigation have found their way onto social media through civilian sources, accompanied by false and misleading narratives. This is highly unacceptable, as the said associates, who should only be regarded as suspects, have, through such a leak of sensitive information, effectively been judged in the court of public opinion instead of the matter being handled discreetly as statutorily and professionally required.

This development raises serious concerns about the confidentiality of security information and respect for the rights of those arrested. It also has the potential to undermine ongoing efforts to track other fleeing members of the criminal gang and could adversely affect further investigations.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association finds it appalling and counterproductive that photographs of arrested suspects are released to unauthorised persons or outsiders almost immediately after their arrest, as has repeatedly been observed, without due regard for their constitutional rights or the need to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations.

With this recurring pattern, particularly in the matter at hand, how can meaningful progress be made in the manhunt for other associates, among whom there could be individuals possessing vital information about the true perpetrators and the shadowy sponsors behind this dastardly act of criminality? Would it not have been more appropriate for such sensitive information to be jealously guarded until considerable arrests had been made and investigations had substantially progressed before any disclosure to the public, if such disclosure eventually became necessary?

As this disturbing trend continues, BYM observes that, instead of strengthening civil-military relations, it risks weakening the synergy required in the ongoing fight against insurgency and criminality.

Unrestrained disclosure of sensitive information not only undermines public confidence but also has the potential to compromise ongoing investigations and jeopardise efforts to apprehend other suspects.

BYM therefore calls on the military authorities to investigate the source of this apparent information leak and ensure that sensitive security information is handled professionally. We also urge members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified reports capable of misleading the public and frustrating security operations.

The Berom people remain committed to supporting lawful efforts to rid Plateau State of criminal elements. We will continue to cooperate with security agencies while insisting on professionalism, transparency, accountability, and fairness in the handling of matters relating to the security of our communities and Nigeria at large.

Signed:
Rwang Tengwong
National Publicity Secretary
Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM)

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In the statement, the association called on all its members, particularly those residing in Plateau State, to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding amid the current security situation.

“We strongly advise all our members to prioritize their safety and well-being at this critical time,” the statement read. “As an association, we stand in solidarity with all affected communities and urge everyone to embrace peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. Violence and unrest only threaten the unity and progress we all strive to achieve.”

The BYM Jishe Branch specifically urged strict compliance with the 48-hour curfew imposed by the Plateau State Government across Jos North LGA. The curfew, which took effect at midnight on March 29, 2026, and is set to last until April 1, 2026, was introduced to restore order and protect lives and property.

“We encourage our members to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay updated through credible information channels,” the statement continued. “Let us also use this moment to pray for lasting peace, stability, and harmony in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

The association reiterated its commitment to the welfare and safety of its members and pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely while providing necessary updates.

Signed: BYM Jishe Branch Executives

This latest appeal comes as security agencies intensify operations in the area and residents are urged to cooperate fully with authorities. The attack in Angwan Rukuba has heightened tensions in the region, prompting widespread calls for justice and sustained peace efforts.

ECCVN will continue to monitor verified developments from official and credible sources. Our condolences remain with the families of the victims and all affected communities in Plateau State.

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