By Charles Pemu 
JOS, PLATEAU STATE – Plateau State is grappling with an escalating crisis as militant groups advance on Berom communities, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to publicly condemn recent violence as “genocide.” His visit to affected areas included a direct challenge to security forces regarding their response and accountability in safeguarding citizens.
Last Tuesday, Tahoss village in Riyom Local Government Area experienced a deadly assault, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and widespread destruction, including a razed place of worship. Survivors described the attack as genocidal, noting the assailants operated unchecked despite a nearby military checkpoint, with no arrests reported.
Further compounding the tension, Dalyop Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, cited intelligence indicating over five armed militant groups advancing towards Bindi (Jebu) and Rinyan villages. Several other Plateau communities are now on high alert for potential attacks.
Addressing grief-stricken residents, Governor Mutfwang unequivocally labeled the massacres as terrorism, rejecting any notion of them being mere farmer-herder clashes. “This is genocide, plain and simple. We will escalate this matter to the highest levels,” he declared, vowing to end the bloodshed across Plateau State.
The Governor publicly questioned security lapses, challenging the Sector Commander on the absence of arrests following such atrocities. Mutfwang demanded immediate accountability from security operatives, emphasizing that the era of impunity must cease, and perpetrators must face justice.
Amidst these calls, Rev. Davou Musa, CAN Chairman for Riyom LGA, accused some military personnel of collusion, urging the Federal Government to withdraw the military and provide immediate humanitarian aid to affected populations.
Governor Mutfwang appealed for calm and vigilance within communities, promising relief for displaced persons. He also assured residents that their ancestral lands would not be abandoned, reiterating his demand for a comprehensive overhaul of the security structure and insisting that killers be identified and apprehended, rather than dismissed as “unknown gunmen.”