By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
Eleven indigenous youth associations in Plateau State have accused certain groups of orchestrating false allegations to distract security agencies and enable continued terrorism, banditry and occupation of ancestral lands in the state.
The groups, speaking under a joint press statement at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Jos, on 15th July 2026, include the Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Berom, Irigwe, Kulere, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Pan and Ron Youths Associations, in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies.
Addressing journalists, the coalition said indigenous communities have endured years of killings, displacement, and economic collapse.
“For far too long, our communities have become theatres of bloodshed; our ancestral lands violently invaded; our villages reduced to desolation; and thousands condemned to lives of fear and uncertainty,” the statement read.
The youth leaders described the crisis in Plateau as a “protracted humanitarian catastrophe” that has persisted despite interventions by successive governments. They said the adversary continues to mutate its tactics, requiring superior intelligence, inter-agency synergy and sustained operations to defeat.
0-4064×3048-0-0-{}-0-12#*Commendation for DSS Deployment*
The coalition praised the deployment of a Department of State Services, DSS, operational camp in Barkin Ladi LGA in May 2026, saying it brought renewed hope to communities living under constant attacks.
They noted that on 1st June 2026, the camp was attacked by suspected Fulani militants and bandits but the assault was successfully repelled. Prior to the deployment, they said over 200 persons were killed in the area within five months, while many fled their homes.
According to them, the DSS presence led to a noticeable decline in attacks. Apart from the 4th July 2026 incident at Sabon Layi where three vigilantes were killed, communities began to experience relative peace due to intelligence-driven operations.
*Allegations of False Claims*
The groups, however, expressed concern over allegations that surfaced accusing DSS operatives of sexually harassing Fulani women and intimidating men around Kwak, also known as “Ruga Jalo.”
“Let us be unequivocal. Allegations of misconduct must be investigated. But sensational claims must not be elevated to fact without proof. This, in our view, is a propaganda machine strategically employed to distract and whittle down the crackdown on insurgency,” they stated.
Citing information from credible community sources, the coalition said there was no evidence of sexual harassment, burning of houses or destruction of property in the viral video. They warned that allowing falsehood to dominate discourse encourages terrorism and undermines national security.
*Pattern of Attacks After Allegations*
The youth bodies linked the allegations to renewed violence. They said shortly after the claims gained prominence, armed men allegedly mobilized from Ruga Jalo and Fass in Jol Community and attacked Kum village in Riyom LGA, killing a 3-month-old baby and 8 other persons, mostly women.
On the night of 14th July, they added, terrorists also invaded Tanjol and Vwak hamlets in Jol and Wereng-Rim in Riyom, injuring two vigilantes and killing one Mr. Mangai Musa.
“Whenever sustained security pressure restricts terrorists, narratives emerge to distract public attention, weaken operational momentum, and then attacks follow. This pattern is too familiar to ignore,” the coalition said.
*Calls for Action*
The groups urged all security agencies not to be distracted from their constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens. They called for genuine operatives to be supported, while frivolous or malicious allegations meant to obstruct security efforts should be thoroughly investigated.
They appealed to the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and civil society to remain united in confronting terrorism and banditry.
Specifically, the coalition urged the Plateau State Government to replicate the intelligence-led security model in Barkin Ladi across other vulnerable LGAs including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam and Quan Pan.
“Our ancestral lands must no longer remain killing fields. Our displaced people deserve to return home in safety and dignity. The era in which terrorists dictate the rhythm of life in Plateau must come to an end. Enough is enough,” they declared.
The coalition pledged support for the DSS and other security agencies, adding that law-abiding citizens recognize and appreciate their sacrifices.
*Signed:*
1. Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini – State Coalition Chairman, Indigenous Youths Nationalities – 07035635487
2. Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri – Northern Zone Coalition Chairman, Indigenous Youths Nationalities – 08065245811