The North Central Youth Council (NCYC) has issued a stern ultimatum to Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Muftwang, demanding that he either “declare war on bandits” or step down from office due to his administration’s failure to curb the rising insecurity in the state. The youth group’s statement comes in the wake of continued attacks by bandits, which have left many innocent civilians dead and communities in constant fear.
In a statement signed by NCYC’s National President, Activist Sunday Asuku, the group condemned the recurrent killings of Plateau citizens and accused the state government of gross incompetence in handling the security situation. According to Asuku, the failure of the government to protect its people is leading to increasing frustration, particularly among young people who feel neglected and abandoned by those in power.
The call for action follows a spate of violent incidents in the state, including the killing of hunters in Uromi, who were returning home for the Sallah celebrations. This attack was just one in a long series of deadly assaults by suspected bandits on local communities, which have escalated over the past several months. These attacks have not only left families grieving but have also contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Asuku, speaking on behalf of the NCYC, described the killings as “inexcusable” and emphasized that the safety and well-being of the people should be the top priority of any government. He urged Governor Muftwang to take decisive action against the bandits or resign from office if he could not effectively address the crisis.
“The primary responsibility of any serious government is the safety of lives and property. Governor Muftwang must rise to the occasion or honorably resign for a more competent hand to take over,” Asuku said in the statement.
The NCYC’s statement reflects a growing sense of frustration among the youth in Plateau State, who feel that the government has failed to protect them from violent criminals. Asuku warned that the slow and ineffective response from the state government could spark unrest among the youth, leading to potential reprisals and further violence.
“There are growing concerns among the youth about the constant attacks and the inability of the government to respond. If the government continues to fail in its responsibility to protect the people, there may be unrest. It is crucial that the governor takes action now to avoid further escalation,” Asuku warned.
The youth council has also pointed out that it is unacceptable for citizens to continue to live in fear, with many communities left without adequate protection from the authorities. With the frequency of attacks increasing, many are now questioning whether the government has the capacity or will to address the crisis effectively.
In addition to calling for state-level action, the NCYC is also urging the federal government to intervene. The youth group specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take a more hands-on approach in handling the security situation in Plateau State. Asuku has called for a restructuring of Operation Safe Haven, the security task force responsible for maintaining peace in the region.
Asuku believes that the current leadership of Operation Safe Haven has failed to make significant progress in addressing the security challenges facing the state. He recommended that the operation’s headquarters be relocated from Jos to a more crisis-prone area where it could have a more direct impact.
“Any commander who fails to deliver results should not be retained at the expense of the lives they are supposed to protect,” Asuku said, adding that a change in leadership within Operation Safe Haven could be necessary to regain control of the situation.
In an effort to involve local communities in the fight against bandits, the NCYC also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to take more responsibility for the safety of their territories. The youth council proposed the creation of a grassroots security initiative called “Operation Protect Your Territory,” which would encourage communities to be more vigilant and proactive in securing their areas.
“We cannot afford to sit idly by while our communities are being attacked. It is time for local leaders, including village heads and youth leaders, to step up and act as watchdogs for their communities. We must all work together to ensure the safety of our people,” Asuku urged.
The youth group also encouraged Plateau State’s traditional rulers to intensify local vigilance efforts and work alongside the security agencies to protect the lives and properties of their people. Asuku stressed that the government should not be the only entity responsible for ensuring safety; the entire community must work together to address the problem of banditry.
In his statement, Asuku extended his condolences to the families who have been affected by the recent killings and emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action. He argued that continued silence or inaction in the face of such bloodshed is unacceptable, and that Governor Muftwang must take responsibility for the state’s security challenges.
“The silence from our leaders is deafening, and it is no longer enough to offer condolences. We need action. It is time to stop talking and start doing,” Asuku said, calling on both the state and federal governments to come together to address the growing security crisis in Plateau State.
The increasing insecurity in Plateau State has left many residents feeling hopeless and vulnerable. For months, reports of attacks on villages, farmers, and innocent civilians have surfaced almost daily. Many citizens are frustrated by what they perceive as an inadequate response from the state government. They argue that if the government fails to act now, the situation will only worsen.
While the state has continued to assure citizens of its commitment to improving security, many are skeptical. The lack of visible progress on the ground, coupled with the rising number of fatalities, has led many to lose confidence in the government’s ability to protect them from the menace of banditry.
As the calls for Governor Muftwang to either declare war on bandits or step down continue to mount, the people of Plateau State are left wondering if their leaders will finally take the necessary steps to end the killings and restore peace to the region. The NCYC’s ultimatum highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the state’s response to the security crisis and sends a clear message that time is running out.
