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:………………………………………

The post A JOINT PRESS STATEMENT OF THE AFIZERE, ANAGUTA, ATAKAR, ATTEN, BEROM, MWAGAVWUL, PAN & RON YOUTHS appeared first on eccvn.

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)

The post BYM CALLS FOR STRAIGHT NARRATIVES ON ARRESTED ASSOCIATES OF NIPSS SUSPECT; DEMANDS PROFESSIONALISM IN REPORTAGE appeared first on eccvn.

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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