Plateau youth coalition rejects petition accusing security agencies of bias

JOS, Oct 21 – A coalition of indigenous youth groups in Plateau State has strongly rejected a petition accusing federal and state security agencies of bias against Fulani communities, describing the allegations as an attempt to undermine ongoing security operations.

Representing groups such as the Berom, Irigwe, Tarok, and Mwagavwul, the coalition issued a statement addressing an Oct. 5 petition signed by lawyer Mudahid Abdullahi on behalf of regional chapters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and allied organizations.

The youth alliance maintained that the petition and accompanying social media campaigns were intended to intimidate DSS Director of Operations Paul Damian and halt joint operations involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Mobile Police, and Operation Rainbow.

"We reject these allegations against the security agencies, which are working tirelessly to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities," a spokesperson for the coalition stated.

The coalition credited recent joint operations with successfully curbing mass attacks and apprehending criminal suspects, including Ardo Mahmoud Adams, whom they described as a ringleader of armed bandits.

Conversely, the youth groups highlighted multiple attacks on security personnel and local communities, including the killing of two DSS officers in the Jol community and the ambush of Operation Rainbow officer DSP David Babale.

Representatives of MACBAN and the other Fulani associations had previously petitioned federal authorities alleging harassment, intimidation, and the targeting of pastoralist communities, calling for the immediate redeployment of key security personnel.

Despite those opposing claims, the Plateau youth coalition urged the federal government to maintain support for the existing security framework and resist efforts to discontinue regional anti-banditry operations.