Plateau State Youth Leaders Call for Accountability in Security Operations

A coalition of indigenous youth organizations in Nigeria’s Plateau state has publicly challenged the effectiveness and impartiality of local security forces. Representing groups such as the Irigwe, Berom, Tarok, and Mwagavwul, the coalition expressed concern over the military's failure to protect rural communities from persistent armed attacks, which they claim have resulted in the destruction of property and the displacement of residents across 152 communities.

The coalition’s statement follows a petition submitted by Fulani organizations in early October, which alleged that security operations by the Department of State Services and the Mobile Police Force were biased against their communities. In response, the indigenous youth leaders rejected these claims, arguing that such allegations undermine necessary security efforts. The coalition has called for a formal investigation into potential misconduct and alleged collaboration between individual security personnel and armed groups, emphasizing the need for greater accountability to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations in the region.