PYC Apeals to FG for lasting solutions to protection of lives
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
Plateau State youths council Riyom branch has appealed to the Federal and state Governments to urgently safe guard their lives from the rampant attacks experienced by armed militias.
Chairman of the PYC, Zang Davou, while
making the appeal during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Plateau State Council in Jos, on Tuesday, said they are tired of burying their loved ones whose lives are being cut short by the militias.
He said the federal government needs to act fast by saving the lives of the people of the local government otherwise they would be forced to take laws into their own hands, saying they are ready to defend their land and die for it.
Davou while commending Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for setting up anti land grabbing Task Force to investigate and come up with solutions and best way to tackle insecurity in parts of the state, he added that the government must act fast to preserve lives.
The youth leader demand for massive, permanent and proactive deployment of security forces across all vulnerable communities in Riyom Local Government Area with operating bases to deter the attackers and protect their people, farmlands and properties.
He lamented that the destruction of farm lands by the attackers is seen as a deliberate strategy to impoverish the people and disposes them of their land.
While calling for Resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons to their ancestral homes, Davou also called for support from federal government and humanitarian agencies to provide urgent relief materials, medical supplies and psychological support to the thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) .
“While justice must be served, we advocate for sincere and inclusive dialogue initiatives that will involve all stakeholders, aimed at addressing the roots causes of these conflicts” He stressed.
The Riyom PYC Chairman explained that within the shortest period, “58 people were brutally murdered in cold blood. These were fathers,mothers, children and youths whose lives were cut short without mercy”
“31 people were severely injured and are currently battling for their lives,receiving treatment in various hospitals where many are struggling with inadequate resources for better medical care”
“82 houses and properties worth millions of naira were deliberately burnt and destroyed. Beyond the immediate physical destruction, large hectares of our cultivated farmlands, representing the very essence of our people’s sustainance, have been mowed down and decimated”
He added that “The recent surge of violence alone has led to the displacement of more than 15,000 people, who are now living in precarious conditions, without shelter, food or dignity.
