Reality Newspaper: ALLEGED FULANI OCCUPATION IN PARTS OF PLATEAU STATE: ATAKAR, BEROM, IRIGWE, MWAGAVWUL, AND RON YOUTHS ASSOCIATIONS, OTHERS RAISE ALARM. READ UNEDITED JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

A JOINT PRESS STATEMENT OF THE ATAKAR, BEROM, IRIGWE, MWAGAVWUL AND RON YOUTHS ASSOCIATIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COALITION OF PLATEAU STATE INDIGENOUS YOUTHS BODIES ON THE ALARMING SPATE OF FULANI OCCUPATION OF HAMLETS,VILLAGES AND COMMUNITIES AS WELL AS LAND GRABBING IN PLATEAU STATE, HELD AT NIGERIAN UNION OF JOURNALISTS-NUJ, ON THE 27TH MAY, 2024

In view of the unsatisfactory and feeble responses so far received from all levels of Government in Nigeria, the Atakar, Berom, Iriggwe, Mwagavwul and Ron Youths Associations in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youths Bodies are constraint to draw attention of the public and, especially, International Community through this Press Conference on the alarming and unacceptable loss of ancestral lands as well as the denial of access to farmlands and mining sites currently being suffered by the customary landowners in the State.

For several years to date, the Youths Bodies have been crying aloud and lodging complains to appropriate authorities including the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security, Operation Safe Haven-OPSH, National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly and others that there is a serious under current to the unprecedented and well orchestrated terror attacks unleashed on our Hamlets, Villages and Communities with the principal motive of dispossessing us of our God-giving lands and territory. The agenda and strategy of the Fulani terrorists is evidenced in attacks and killings on Hamlets, Villages and Communities thereby intimidating and displacing native inhabitants, leading to the disruption of their livelihoods, paving way for the occupation of such lands and denial of access which consequentially produces ungoverned spaces and "NO-GO" areas for supposedly conquered peoples in this 21st Century!

AMB. D. S. MWANTIRI ESQ AND MR. PAUL DEKETE

From our collective Community experiences, we strongly believe there is a curious connection between the areas where our people have suffered the worse forms of displacement and denial of access to the rich natural and mineral endowment of such locations. It's common knowledge that Hamlets and Villages in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas are richly endowed with resources such as favourable weather conditions, natural tourist sites, fertile soils, water bodies, Cassaterite, Columbite and so many other minerals. It's instructive, therefore, to judiciously note the rapidly changing economic and occupational demographics in the occupied territories. For instance, in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA, the Fulani have currently taken over the economic activities of the area, having largely displaced native farmers from their ancestral areas. The exploitation and domination of the people is evidenced at local produce markets and transport businesses in and around the said Gashish District.

It's quite provoking to imagine that foundation of churches that were destroyed by these terrorist elements have overnight been reconstructed as Mosques to the utter disregard of the Fundamental rights of the displaced people. A case in point is the Rankum (Mahanga) in Jol, Ranchos and Kak in Sopp, all in Riyom Local Government Area.

For the avoidance of doubt, over 151 Hamlets and Villages are either totally "annexed" or effectively being occupied by the Fulani militants, bandits or terrorists in the aforementioned Local Government of Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom. Below is the list of the affected areas which can independently be verified.

2.0 COMMUNITIES ANNEXED BY TERRORISTS, BANDISTS AND FULANI MILITANTS IN PLATEAU STATE

S/N	Community	District	LGA	Time annexed
1.	Krunkwa	Miango	Bassa	2015-2017
2.	Rotsu	Miango	Bassa	2015-2017
3.	Nzhwego	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
4.	Jiri	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
5.	Ri-Meli	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
6.	Ri-Bakwa	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
7.	Ri-Nju	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
8.	Chuvoh	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
9.	Nkienwhie	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
10.	Nzwherenvi	Miango	Bassa	2017-2018
11.	Ganda	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
12.	HotomWereng	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
13.	FubokMandung	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
14.	FubokFaram	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
15.	FarandongHai	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
16.	Morok	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
17.	Nghakudung	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
18.	Fangha	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
19.	Shilim	Daffo	Bokkos	2018
20.	Tamiso of Mangor	Bokkos	Bokkos	26/12/2023
21.	Lunghai of Mangor	Bokkos	Bokkos	26/12/2023
22.	Ngalmun of Mangor	Bokkos	Bokkos	26/12/2023
23.	Chirang of Mangor	Bokkos	Bokkos	26/12/2023
24.	Shorom of Mangor	Bokkos	Bokkos	26/12/2023
25.	Rotchun (Renamed RafinAcha)	Riyom	Riyom	10/9/2001
26.	Gwa-Rim (partly affected)	Riyom	Riyom	Sept/2014
27.	Rankum village (renamed Mahanga).	Riyom	Riyom	10/9/2001
28.	Vwuk of Wereng	Riyom	Riyom	2/1/2011
29.	Darin	Riyom	Riyom	28/4/2013
30.	Hywa(renamed"Lugere")	Riyom	Riyom	10/9/2001
31.	Fass(renamed"Tafawa")	Riyom	Riyom	10/9/2001
32.	JandaI	Riyom	Riyom	8/2/2010
33.	Janda II	Riyom	Riyom	8/2/2010
34.	Shong I	Bachi	Riyom	29/6/2012
35.	Shong II	Bachi	Riyom	29/6/2012
36.	Rakweng village	Bachi	Riyom	29/6/2012
37.	Dashugu village	Bachi	Riyom	29/6/2012
38.	Diyan-Hei village	Bachi	Riyom	29/6/2012
39.	Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	26/12/2014
40.	Maseh (renamed "Lugel")	Bachi	Riyom	7/7/2012
41.	Kampwas, Shonong village	Bachi	Riyom	7/7/2012
42.	Kasaof Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	7/7/2012
43.	Palang	Bachi	Riyom	23//6/2018
44.	Nanja-Hei of Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	23/6/2018
45.	Kuk of Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	23/6/2018
46.	Zere of Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	23/6/2018
47.	Nzong of Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	23/6/2018
48.	Ret-Nzere, Tahoss	Riyom	Riyom	7/7/2012
49.	Ninja-Hei, Sopp	Bachi	Riyom	7/7/2012
50.	Sehof Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	7/7/2012
51.	Rahol ofTahoss	Riyom	Riyom	7/7/2012
52.	Ranchol of Sopp	Bachi	Riyom	7/10/2013&30/8/2015
53.	Ninkas of Sharubutu	Bachi	Riyom	3013
54.	Batok 1 & 2 of Fang (partly)	Bachi	Riyom	2013
55.	Rafang of Lwa	Bachi	Bachi	2014
56.	Nicha of Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	7/10/2012
57.	DavwakJol	Riyom	Riyom	10/9/2001
58.	Nangam of Sopp	Bachi	Riyom	30/4/2014
59.	Kakof Sopp	Bachi	Riyom	30/4/2014
60.	Dajak of Sopp	Bachi	Riyom	30/4/2014
61.	Attakar	Ganawuri	Riyom	14/3/2014
62.	NantwaTahoss	Riyom	Riyom	7/7/2012
63.	Chuana of Sopp	Bachi	Riyom	7/7/2012
64.	Wull of Sopp	Bachi	Riyom	30/8/2015
65.	Ninchi of Shonong	Bachi	Riyom	30/4/2014
66.	TafolongBangai	Bachi	Riyom	30/4/2014
67.	Vwak of Lwa	Bachi	Riyom	30/4/2014
68.	Rahara of Lwa	Bachi	Riyom	30/4/2014
69.	Chicham of Attakar	Ganawuri	Riyom	8/2/ 2014.
70.	Kirim of Attakar	Ganawuri	Riyom	8/2/2014
71.	Ucha of Attakar	Ganawuri	Riyom	8/2/2014
72.	Bassat of Attakar	Bachi	Riyom	8/2/2014
73.	Mayit of Attakar	Bachi	Riyom	8/2/2014
74.	Tingamagwe of Attakar	Bachi	Riyom	8/2/2014
75.	Zadiyen of Attakar	Bachi	Riyom	8/2/2014
76.	Bubwat of Attakar	Ganawuri	Riyom	8/2/2014
77.	Lyoho of Jol	Riyom	Riyom	10/9/2001
78.	Dakar ofJol	Riyom	Riyom	10/9/2001
79.	DarelJol	Riyom	Riyom	2001
80.	Rachos of Kwi	Riyom	Riyom	2013
81.	Rakok of Kwi	Riyom	Riyom	2013
82.	Sara Tahoss	Riyom	Riyom	2001
83.	Rangyeng-BwatTahoss	Riyom	Riyom	2011
84.	Tanjol (partly)	Riyom	Riyom	2001-2018
85.	Tarai	Riyom	Riyom	2001-2018
86.	Daku of Jol	Riyom	Riyom	2013-2018
87.	Lotton of Jol	Riyom	Riyom	2013-2023
88.	Ningon village	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
89.	Bisichi(partly)	Foron	BarkinLadi	30/4/2014
90.	Rahol-Mazat village	Ropp	BarkinLadi	14/4/2015
91.	Kai village	Gashish	BarkinLadi	19/2/2014
92.	Mallel	Gashish	BarkinLadi	19/2/2014
93.	Bel of Sho	Ropp	BarkinLadi	9/3/2015
94.	RaheiSho	Ropp	BarkinLadi	3/4/2015
95.	Zim village	Ropp	BarkinLadi	19/5/2015
96.	Jong village	Ropp	BarkinLadi	19/5/2015
97.	Rabuk village	Ropp	BarkinLadi	19/5/2015
98.	Kai (Lukfine) village	Ropp	BarkinLadi	19/2/2014
99.	Lobiring	Ropp	BarkinLadi	19/5/2015
100.	NgioGashish District	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
101.	KachinGashish	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/11/2012
102.	SoiGashish	Gashish	BarkinLadi	23/6/2018
103.	Ruku, Gashish	Gashish	BarkinLadi	23/6/2018
104.	Tissan, Gashish	Gashish	BarkinLadi	23/6/2018
105.	Ku-bong	Gashish	BarkinLadi	21/2/2014
106.	RahwolChom (AngwanAlade)	Gashish	BarkinLadi	21/2/2014
107.	Rakwok	Ropp	BarkinLadi	21/2/2014
108.	Kereng (Kafi Abu)	Gashish	BarkinLadi	21/2/2014
109.	HwolLohala of Gassa	Ropp	BarkinLadi	2001
110.	Wong of Ropp	Ropp	BarkinLadi	2007
111.	Nshi-peng of Ropp	Ropp	BarkinLadi	2007
112.	Fagawang of Fan District	Fan	BarkinLadi
113.	Rarin ofSho	Ropp	BarkinLadi	30/8/2015
114.	RaholMazat	Ropp	BarkinLadi	2016
115.	Fanzat	Ropp	BarlinLadi	2005
116.	Ratatis	Ropp	BarkinLadi	26/6/2018
117.	Rapomol	Ropp	BarkinLadi	26/6/2018
118.	Were	Ropp	BarkinLadi	26/6/2018
119.	Ratyar of Lobiring	Ropp	BarkinLadi	May/2017
120.	Kufang (Gana) Ropp	Ropp	BarkinLadi	26/6/2018
121.	Ku-Tou	Ropp	BarkinLadi	2001
122.	RaholDayel	Ropp	BarlinLadi	2001
123.	Raleng of Sho	Ropp	BarkinLadi	…..
124.	Lobiring of Sho	Ropp	BarkinLadi	…
125.	Ku-jeiSho	Ropp	BarkinLadi	2/2/2015
126.	PwabedukGashish	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
127.	Hyai village	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
128.	Kufang	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
129.	Sharu village	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
130.	Dogo village	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
131.	Rantis	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
132.	Dyeng	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
133.	Ruk	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
134.	Uyurai	Gashish	BarkinLadi	7/7/2012
135.	Kadop	Gashish	BarkinLadi	2011
136. k	Kazok	Gashish	BarkinLadi	24/12/2023
137.	Hurum	Gashish	BarkinLadi	24/12/2023
138.	Maiyanga	Gashish	BarkinLadi	24/12/2023
139. D	Daruwat	Gashish	BarkinLadi	24/12/2023
140.	Tuguu	Pushit	Mangu	2023
141.	Nagaar	Pushit	Mangu	2023
142. d	Didin	Pushit	Mangu	2023
143.	Lawet	Pushit	Mangu	2023
144.	Changel	Panyam	Mangu	2023
145.	Alohom	Mangu	Mangu	2023
146.	Laduga	Mangu	Mangu	2023
147.	Kwahaskipanglang	Mangu	Mangu	2023
148.	Tyop	Mangu	Mangu	2023
149.	Gudum	Mangu	Mangu	2023
150.	Yidel	Murish, Mangu	Mangu	2023
151.	Kurfwang	Panyam	Mangu	2023

AMB. D. S. MWANTIRI ESQ AND MR. PAUL DEKETE

Furthermore, a worrisome dimension is that, this vicious trend is still ongoing, and is assuming greater intensity and sophistry as was witnessed during the Christmas-Eve Massacre that claimed over 257 human lives and Millions of Naira worth of properties. This is, of course, in addition to the senseless disruption and displacements of our people. The question beckoning for answers is: for how long shall the tactical endorsement and sponsorship of these atrocities continue? It's the firm belief of the Youths Bodies that the victims of these massacres deserve to get back their lands and access thereto from the forceful occupiers, and not mere journalistic condemnation of such onslaughts, killings, displacements and land grabbing. Government in Nigeria and, indeed, the International Community should demonstrate the courage and political will of getting to the root of this matter by not only identifying the occupiers of the sacked Hamlets, Villages and Communities, but to also unravel their internal and external networks and sponsors. In addition, we unequivocally call on the International Community to deploy its diplomatic ways and means to get the Nigerian Government to act positively so as to bring about legal and restorative justice for the victims. As far as we are concerned, a situation where few arrests are made and hurriedly released on "ORDERS FROM ABOVE" is not only unjust, but totally unacceptable as this constitutes a grievous disservice to humanity. To utterly ignore the plight of the victims of land grabbing in all these areas lays credence to the suspicion of tacit condonation, endorsement and compromise on the part of Government, security agents and, indeed, the International Community.

At this juncture, the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwagavwul and Ron as well as the Coalition of the Indigenous Youths Body wish to acknowledge the sincere passion of the Plateau State Government towards returning IDPs to their ancestral lands and, indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s avowed declaration that the menace of insecurity and its associated barbarism shall be squarely dealt with. However, the reality remains that the magnitude of the current situation truly requires the deliberate support of the International Community and, indeed, the United Nations at this juncture where the "TIME IS NOW" Administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has demonstrated the requisite political will to address the unattended situation. We strongly believe that the good intention of the Governor of Plateau, His Excellency, Barr Caleb Mutfwang need to be concretized through a marshall plan for Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Resettlement of victims all over the affected Local Government Areas.

In conclusion, it's evidently established that our people, who are Victims of terror attacks and massacre are, indeed, so plagued because of a weak and reluctant system that hardly guarantee their safety nor enforce their inalienable rights as human beings. This is why we believe it's incumbent on the International Community to pressure the Nigerian Government to come through with a clear-cut transparent program of action to rehabilitate and restore victims and the displaced, or alternatively, invoke multilateral diplomatic resources of mobilization and support to respond to this humanitarian situation snowballing in Plateau State and other parts of the Middle-Belt Region of Nigeria.

Long Live Plateau Indigenous Youths Bodies

Long Live Plateau State

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Signed:

Mr. Silas Samuel Biniyat(08069537240) Amb. D S Mwantiri, Esq. (08065245811)