Youths from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State yesterday protested the daily killings taking place in communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi councils, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to install military high command centres in strategic areas in the state.
Buhari
The youths, who were coordinated by Plateau Intelligentsia, blocked Old Bukuru bye-pass and demanded that the Federal Government intervene immediately and stop acts of terror perpetrated by unknown gunmen in several parts of the State.
The convener of the protest, Dr. Daniel Meshak, who registered the youths’ displeasure at the recurring attacks and killings to the speaker of the State Assembly, Mr. Peter Azi, disclosed that four youths, who were on their way to Jos to participate in the protest were ambushed and killed at Kura Falls, Barkin Ladi council.
He called on the Federal Government to prioritize the situation on the Plateau, with a view to “resettle, rehabilitate and compensate the victims of the attacks in a similar fashion as planned for victims of terror attacks in the North East.”
He condemned what he termed as “systematic genocide meted out on the people.”
decimated irredeemably. We have witnessed an uncomfortable silence, the purpose of this protest is to speak out.
decimated irredeemably. We have witnessed an uncomfortable silence, the purpose of this protest is to speak out.
“The villages that used to churn thousands of tonnes of vegetables and grains and provide jobs for thousands now face imminent threat of starvation, all their crops have been destroyed by assailants.
“The parents have lost farmlands and crops, schools, immunization and ante-natal activities have been disrupted. The beautiful scenery of Plateau is no longer attractive to tourists.
“These gunmen occupy lonely roads, lay ambushes and hack victims to death, this new method has placed every Plateau resident at risk of being a victim and we call on the federal government to do the needful and arrest this ugly trend on the Plateau.”
Responding, the speaker of the State Assembly, Mr. Peter Azi. Who commended the youths for engaging in the peaceful protest urged them to maintain the peace as the House is working to ensure an end to the killings.
He said: “A Committee has been set to look into the security issues and the committee is working assiduously to ensure an end to the problems. Anyone killing your youths in aiming at you, we’re not comfortable with the situation and we’re working to see it end.”
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