Youths across Plateau State are demanding urgent government action following a wave of brutal attacks that have killed more than 300 people and displaced over 50,000 others in just three months.

Communities in Riyom, Bokkos, and Mangu local government areas have been hit the hardest, with entire villages sacked, properties destroyed, and families forced to flee their homes. The attacks, believed to be carried out by suspected Fulani militias, have left many communities in mourning and despair.

In a series of emotional interviews with ESSENTIAL NEWS, youth leaders from the affected areas expressed anger and frustration at what they described as government inaction and security failure.

“We are tired of burying our young ones,” said Comrade Dauda Dung, youth leader in Riyom LGA. “Just last Friday, we buried 27 people from Jebbu Bindi. We’re constantly promised protection, but no arrests are ever made.”

Barrister Solomon Dalyop, National President of Berom Youth Moulders, accused security forces of neglect and complicity. He pointed out that some attacks happened close to military outposts, yet no help came. “These attackers are not ghosts. They have sponsors and operate freely. We demand justice, not more empty reassurances,” he said.

In Mangu, youth leader Comrade Inusa Pankyes noted that while armed attackers roam freely, community members are punished for trying to defend themselves. “Whenever our youths form vigilante groups, the military arrests them for carrying bows and arrows. Meanwhile, these attackers use sophisticated weapons and go unchallenged,” he said.

From Bokkos LGA, Micah Joshua warned that some parts of the area are now practically under the control of the attackers. “They want to take over our fertile lands, but we will not allow it. If the government continues to fail, we will defend ourselves,” he declared.

The youth leaders also rejected ongoing peace talks that have produced little results. “We cannot keep sitting at tables with people killing us,” one of them said.

Their message is clear: Enough is enough. They are calling on the government and security agencies to act now — not just with words, but with real action to end the violence, protect lives, and restore peace in Plateau State.