Plateau youths protest insecurity, urging government and security agencies to act after renewed bandit and extremist attacks in rural communities

Youths under the banner of the Coalition of Northern Zone Ethnic Nationalities and the Plateau Youth Coalition staged a protest at the Plateau State Government House in Jos on Wednesday, expressing outrage over persistent killings and insecurity in local communities.

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The demonstration was prompted by renewed attacks by suspected Fulani bandits and Islamic extremists in rural areas, with the youths demanding decisive and proactive intervention from the state government and security agencies.

Protesters gathered at around 11 a.m., highlighting the worsening security situation and the inability of operatives to protect residents.

Addressing journalists, Coalition President Ezekiel Peter Bini said the protest was sparked by recent incidents in Kanam and Riyom Local Government Areas, where over 25 people, including soldiers and vigilante officers, were reportedly killed.

“If security agents who are supposed to protect the people can be ambushed and killed by bandits, then ordinary civilians are more like sitting ducks,” Bini said.

Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri also spoke at the event, alleging that displaced insurgents from other regions are relocating to Plateau and other Middle Belt states, worsening rural insecurity.

He emphasised that the violence transcends religious and ethnic lines and called for stronger collaboration with international partners to address the crisis.

Ngo Esther Banga highlighted the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

She warned that continued violence is increasing the number of widows and orphans and stressed the need for sustained peace to restore normalcy and revive tourism in the state.

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The Plateau youths protest insecurity underscores growing frustration among local communities over recurring attacks and signals urgent calls for effective government and security responses.