The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, BYM, Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, has issued a strong call to action, urging youths in crisis prone communities, particularly in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, to rise up and defend their people in the face of continued violent attacks by armed bandits and terrorists.
Mwantiri made the call on Friday during an emotionally charged address at the mass burial of twelve miners who were gruesomely murdered by gunmen at a mining site in the Ratoso community of Fann District. The killings have further heightened tension in the area, which has witnessed repeated attacks in recent years.
Speaking before a crowd that included grieving relatives of the victims, traditional rulers, community leaders, clergymen, youth groups, and political figures, the BYM President expressed deep frustration over what he described as the failure of the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to protect vulnerable communities.
According to him, the continued silence and perceived inaction of authorities have emboldened attackers, creating an atmosphere where violent groups operate with little fear of consequences.
“We are here once again to bury our own young people, young men who had bright futures and were contributing meaningfully to society. These were not beggars. They were hardworking individuals feeding their families and living independently. Today they have been pushed to the grave by terrorist elements,” Mwantiri said.
He lamented that no government officials came forward to console the families of the victims, adding that the affected communities had been left to mourn and comfort themselves.
“Nobody came to console us. We are forced to console ourselves. What a country. What a season we are living in,” he added.
Mwantiri directly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Plateau State, the Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, and all security agencies operating within and outside the state to take urgent and decisive action to end the bloodshed.
He warned that the people had reached their breaking point and would no longer accept repeated attacks without resistance.
“We have been pushed to the wall. We will no longer tolerate this. We will no longer take this situation as normal. It must end. Enough is enough,” he declared.
The BYM President argued that the attackers only understand the language of force, insisting that continued failure by authorities could leave communities with no option but to defend themselves.
“Terror begets terror. If the only language these attackers understand is violence, then we are being pushed to consider matching their venom for venom,” he said.
He stressed that while self defence was not the preferred option, survival might leave the youths with no alternative if the government and security agencies continue to fail in their constitutional responsibilities.
“Two things are involved here. Either the government rises to the occasion and flushes out these Fulani terrorist elements that have invaded our land and made it their place of abode, or we will be left with no option but to defend ourselves maximally if we must survive,” Mwantiri said.
Although he prayed against further violence, he warned that prolonged silence from authorities could drive desperate communities to extreme measures.
Addressing clergymen present at the burial, Mwantiri urged religious leaders to go beyond preaching and actively champion the cause of justice and security.
“Our parents in the Lord, you climb the pulpit to preach, but today you are here to conduct funeral services for members of your churches. This is not the time for silence or political correctness,” he said.
He also addressed politicians at the event, urging them to put aside party affiliations and personal interests in the face of a collective threat.
“To our politicians, this is not the time to play politics. It is time for our survival. Terrorists do not know whether you belong to PDP, APC, APGA, or any other party. All they know is that you do not deserve to live,” he said.
Mwantiri called for unity across ethnic, religious, and political lines, stressing that division only strengthens those responsible for the attacks.
He further suggested peaceful protests and processions to draw national and international attention to the security situation in Plateau communities, appealing to religious leaders to lead such efforts.
The BYM President also accused authorities of applying double standards in responding to violence, claiming that swift action would have been taken if the victims belonged to certain groups.
He concluded by appealing to former United States President Donald Trump to hasten any military support he had previously indicated for Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, particularly in Plateau State.
“If urgent action is not taken to dismantle these terrorist enclaves, there will be no right thinking person left alive in this country,” Mwantiri warned.
The killings in Ratoso community have once again drawn attention to the persistent insecurity in mining and rural areas of Plateau State, with residents renewing calls for immediate and sustainable solutions to end the cycle of violence.
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