A coalition of Berom socio-cultural and diaspora organisations has raised fresh alarm over escalating violence in Plateau State, demanding the immediate reclamation of ancestral lands and resettlement of displaced communities.
Addressing journalists at Afic Motel in Jos, the Berom Diaspora Coalition (BDC), alongside BECO, BYM, BEC, and BEWDA, described the situation in Berom land and parts of the Middle Belt as a worsening humanitarian and security crisis. The press conference statement was read by the Convener of BDC, Barnabas Dazih, who laid out the coalition’s position and demands.
Other key stakeholders who spoke at the briefing included the Secretary of BECO, Da Chollom Gyang; President of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM), Barrister Solomon Dalyop; and Chairman of the Berom Community Development Association, Silas Bot Chuwang. Each speaker reinforced concerns over insecurity, displacement, and what they described as insufficient government response.
The groups recalled their earlier international press conference in November 2025, noting that instead of abating, the killings and destruction have intensified. According to the coalition, more than 500 people have been killed between November 2025 and April 2026, with many others injured, displaced, or rendered homeless.
Entire communities across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Bokkos, Bassa, and even Jos North have reportedly come under sustained attacks. The March 29 Easter incident in Angwan Rukuba, which claimed about 30 lives, was cited as evidence that violence has now reached the heart of the state capital.
The groups alleged that the attacks are being carried out by armed Fulani militant elements, describing the pattern of violence as coordinated and persistent. They further claimed that over 70 Berom villages have been displaced, with some allegedly occupied by the attackers, thereby deepening the humanitarian crisis and increasing the number of widows, orphans, and vulnerable persons.
Beyond the loss of lives, the coalition lamented widespread destruction of farmlands—the economic backbone of the affected communities—as well as restricted access to mining sites. They accused the attackers of deliberately targeting livelihoods, thereby compounding poverty and displacement.
While acknowledging assurances from President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the coalition expressed disappointment that such commitments have yet to translate into tangible improvements. Instead, they argued, the attackers have become “more daring and emboldened.”
The coalition sharply criticised security agencies, accusing them of selective enforcement and double standards. They questioned why perpetrators of attacks are rarely apprehended, while locals who attempt to defend themselves are allegedly arrested and labeled as criminals. Citing Section 33(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, the group maintained that self-defense is a legally recognized right under Nigerian law.
They also demanded the unconditional release of individuals reportedly detained for acts of self-defense and called for thorough investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of those responsible for the violence. According to the coalition, past interventions have often ended without accountability, allowing perpetrators to return and continue attacks.
On displacement, the groups faulted government efforts, noting that despite the establishment of committees on internally displaced persons, there has been little progress in returning affected communities to their ancestral homes. They warned that continued delays risk normalising the occupation of displaced territories.
The coalition further raised concerns over what it described as the failure of security agencies to act on credible intelligence provided by locals. They questioned the reluctance to establish community-based security structures similar to the Civilian Joint Task Force in the North-East, especially given the persistent claim that difficult terrain hampers operations.
Particular attention was drawn to Mahanga in Riyom Local Government Area, which the groups identified as a suspected stronghold of armed groups. They called on political leaders at all levels to take decisive action to reclaim such areas and restore security.
Reiterating calls for the establishment of state police, the coalition described the current centralized policing structure as inadequate for addressing localized security threats.
The groups also appealed to the international community and human rights organizations to intervene, urging urgent action to halt the violence and support the safe return of displaced persons.
The briefing also featured an interactive session, where journalists posed questions and representatives of affected communities provided detailed, first-hand accounts of some of the attacks and killings, further underscoring the gravity of the situation on ground.
the coalition called on affected communities to remain resolute, emphasizing the need to defend their heritage while pressing authorities to fulfill their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
