By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
Jos, Plateau State – The Berom Diaspora Coalition (BDC), alongside key Berom socio-cultural groups, has called on the Federal Government to declare Mahanga in Riyom Local Government Area a terrorist enclave, urgently resettle displaced communities, and invite international intervention to reclaim ancestral lands. The coalition also passed a vote of no confidence in the Nigerian military, citing failure to stop ongoing attacks across Plateau State.
The demands were issued on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a press conference at AFIC Motels, Jos. The briefing was jointly convened by the BDC, Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO), Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA), and the Berom Elders Council (BEC). The theme was “Reclaiming Our Lost Ancestral Lands and Resettlement of Our People.”
Presenting the coalition’s position, Barry Barnabas Dazih, speaking for the BDC,
Presenting the coalition’s position, Barry Barnabas Dazih, speaking for the BDC, described the situation in Berom land as dire. He alleged that between November 2025 and April 2026, over 500 people were killed, with houses and farmlands worth millions of naira destroyed. He added that more than 70 Berom villages have been displaced, with some now occupied by armed groups.
Dazih said Mahanga in Riyom LGA has been repeatedly identified by community and youth groups as a major stronghold for armed Fulani militant groups and bandits responsible for attacks across the state. He urged the Federal Government to declare the settlement a terrorist hideout and take decisive steps to dismantle it and restore displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
Hon. Stephen Choji Kim,
Hon. Stephen Choji Kim, who also addressed the press, said communities are “under siege” and warned that without decisive government action, the people face the risk of extinction. Recounting personal loss, he said his brother was kidnapped and later found dead despite reports to security agencies. He added that if government cannot protect citizens, they must be prepared to defend themselves within the law. 
BECO Secretary General, Chollom Gyang,
BECO Secretary General, Chollom Gyang, announced a vote of no confidence in the military, accusing security forces of bias. He alleged that soldiers have failed to stop attackers and that in several instances, youths who defended their communities were arrested instead of the assailants. Gyang argued that such actions undermine peace and erode public trust in security agencies.
Dr. Silas Bot Pwajok of the Berom Community Development Association called for stronger government accountability. He said citizens have a constitutional right to self-defence under Section 33(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution and urged authorities to act decisively. He added that if government officials can no longer protect lives and property, they should take responsibility, including stepping aside.
President of the BYM, Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri
President of the BYM, Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, rejected the description of the crisis as a farmer-herder clash. He described it as a sustained and coordinated attack by armed groups leading to killings, displacement, and occupation of lands. He said communities have repeatedly provided early warnings and credible intelligence on movements of armed groups, but security responses have been inadequate.
The coalition said attacks have occurred in Fan, Heipang, Kassa, Jol, Shonong, Gyel, Danwal, and other Berom villages, with farmlands destroyed and mining sites made inaccessible. It noted that violence has spread from Gwol (Barkin Ladi), Riyom, Jos South, Bokkos, and Bassa to Jos city, citing the March 29 Easter attack at Angwan Rukuba in Jos North that claimed about 30 lives.
While acknowledging assurances from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang to end the killings, the BDC said the situation has worsened, with terrorists becoming more emboldened. The group criticized what it called the arrest of community members for self-defence while attackers are not pursued, and demanded the unconditional release of those detained. It called for prosecutions that lead to convictions, sentencing, and compensation for victims.
A cross section of Berom elders during the press briefing
The coalition appealed to the international community and human rights organizations to intervene in what it described as a deepening humanitarian crisis. It urged immediate action beyond government promises, including the return of displaced persons, recovery of occupied villages, and concrete steps to restore peace across Plateau State.