The Plateau Youth Council (PYC) has strongly condemned what it described as genocidal attacks following a brutal overnight assault by suspected Fulani militias on communities in Chakfem Chiefdom, Mangu Local Government Area, on Monday night.
According to reports, the attackers killed more than 10 residents, injured several others, and left behind a trail of destruction—razing homes, shops, and food storage barns in an attack that reportedly lasted through the night.
In a joint statement signed by Ephraim Prep and Joshua Gabriel Goholput, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council for Chakfem Chiefdom, the group expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the continued insecurity
The Plateau Youth Council committed that, despite repeated assurances from the government about improved security across Plateau State, heavily armed Fulani militias still carry out coordinated invasions of communities with impunity.
The youth group listed the invaded communities as Jin/Tim, Manden, Jibilang, Jibin Mudihin, Jilem, and Koppang, saying the bandits had a field day attacking the communities simultaneously all through the night, shooting sporadically and burning down houses.
In the statement, the Plateau Youth Council expressed sadness over the attack, noting it has once again thrown the communities into mourning.
It said the attacks, which led to the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of homes and property, were not just an isolated crime but part of a pattern that increasingly bears the mark of genocide against the people.
“This barbaric act is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern aimed at exterminating our people,” the group said.
“We condemn this barbaric assault in the strongest possible terms. No cause or grievance can justify the systematic shedding of innocent blood. Each life lost represents a shattered dream, a broken family, and a scar on the conscience of our nation.
“Beyond the physical destruction, such coordinated and repeated attacks sow seeds of fear and division, threatening the peace and unity we have worked so hard to preserve.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We mourn with families and share in their grief. Every life lost is a wound to our land, and every destroyed home is an assault on our collective future.
“Their pain is our pain, and their grief is shared by the entire Chakfem Chiefdom. We urge them to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that justice will one day prevail.
“We call on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The perpetrators of this heinous crime, which constitutes nothing short of genocide against defenseless communities, must not go unpunished.
“Anything short of justice will only embolden further bloodshed. Justice is not optional; it is a necessity for peace to reign. Government at all levels must rise to its responsibility of protecting lives and property by providing adequate security in vulnerable communities and offering immediate relief to survivors.
“As a people, we must strengthen our unity, uphold peace, and continue to demand justice through every means, peaceful or otherwise.
“The Plateau Youth Council of Chakfem Chiefdom reaffirms its commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of our people. We will not keep silent in the face of genocide, and we will not rest until lasting peace is restored,” the Plateau Youth Council stated
