The Mwaghavul Youth Movement has decried what it described as a sustained and coordinated genocide against its people by Fulani terrorists, which has resulted in the displacement of over 65,000 persons, the destruction of 6,111 houses, and the sacking of 30 villages across Mangu Local Government Area and beyond since April 2023.
Addressing a press briefing on Friday at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, the National President of the Movement, Comr. Kyesmang Jonathan Yusuf, said the ethnic attacks have claimed over 600 lives, disrupted community life, and left hundreds of thousands in dire humanitarian conditions.
According to him, “the Mwaghavul Nation has been a victim of coordinated genocide committed by Fulani terrorists against our nation since 13th April, 2023,” adding that the attacks are often preceded by false accusations designed to justify future violence.
Comr. Kyesmang warned that the unprovoked violence is not isolated but part of a broader threat to peace across the state.
“Our people, particularly the youth community, have become soft targets of these criminals. It is imperative that we recognize the broader threat posed by these terrorists to the peace of our State and Nation.”
He noted that the Movement would have ignored the baseless allegations recently circulated by some Fulani leaders, but the pattern of incitement followed by violence compelled them to respond.
“These lies often precede coordinated attacks on our people, which is why we are here to inform the general public of their evil intentions.”
Citing specific cases in the Kombun District and historical attacks dating as far back as 1969, the Movement said the narrative of Mwaghavul aggression was false and dangerous.
The District Head of Kombun, Da Gambo Tetmut, was praised for his peace efforts and humanitarian gestures, including returning over 200 cows and safeguarding livestock during previous crises actions the Movement said contradict the recent defamatory claims against him.
The Movement called on the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to investigate recent destruction of farmlands and the inciting statements made by Fulani leaders in viral videos.
It also demanded immediate arrests and prosecution of those issuing threats against their community.
“We demand that government takes concrete actions to empower us to protect our people and our land from these terrorists,” Kyesmang said, adding that justice must be served for victims of what they described as ongoing genocidal attacks.
While condemning all forms of terrorism and criminality, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and united Plateau but warned that their patience must not be mistaken for weakness.
