Women leaders from Plateau State have called for urgent federal intervention following the July 15 attack on Binda community in Ta-Hoss, Riyom Local Government Area, which left at least 27 people dead despite the presence of security personnel and armoured military assets.
Under the umbrella of the Berom Women Development Association (BWEDA) and affiliated groups, the women issued a joint statement describing the killings as an organised genocidal campaign against Plateau communities.
The statement noted that the violence has caused severe trauma, especially for women and children.
“As mothers and daughters of the land, we are shedding unseen tears and no words available to us can describe the feeling arising from these murders and destruction of entire communities which have continued in defiance of reason and logic,”the leaders stated.
They criticised what they described as a “reactionary” government approach, saying responses to attacks have mostly been condolence visits and palliatives.
“We have watched with trepidation how these attacks have become repetitive without corresponding government intervention. The response has always been merely reactionary, sadly contained in condolence visits and palliatives, without as much as a decisive final solution,” the statement added.
The groups called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to move beyond symbolic gestures and lead a more comprehensive response to the violence.
They also urged the Federal Government to review its security strategy for Plateau State, citing concerns over alleged lapses and possible collaboration between some security personnel and attackers.
“That security personnel have often been suspected of collaboration with these attackers demands urgent attention and not what appears as a nonchalant attitude,” the women warned.
The statement commended Governor Caleb Mutfwangbfor his prompt visit to the affected community and his reassurance that Riyom, like the rest of Plateau State, will not fall.
It also acknowledged the support of Dr. Nentawe Goshwe, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for visiting victims and offering relief.
The women concluded by demanding justice and stronger security measures to protect Plateau communities.
“We demand security for our land and people and justice for victims of these atrocities. We demand action. Enough of all the words and empty promises,” they declared.
