Over 200 killed in Plateau as youths back DSS anti-terror operations

Not fewer than 200 people have been killed in the last five months in communities around Barkin Ladi axis of Plateau State, prompting indigenous youth groups to throw their weight behind ongoing intelligence-led operations by the Department of State Services (DSS) while dismissing allegations of misconduct against its operatives as a distraction.

The position was contained in a joint statement signed by Ezekiel Bini, the State Coalition Chairman of Indigenous Youth Nationalities and Dalyop Mwantiri   , the Northern Zone Coalition Chairman of Indigenous Youth Nationalities and read by    Mwantiri   at a press conference held on Wednesday in Jos.

The text was read on behalf of Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Berom, Irigwe, Kunlere, Mushere, Mwagavwul, Pan and Ron youth associations alongside the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies.

“It is worthy of mention that, prior to the deployment, reign of terror attacks on hamlets, villages and communities had become almost habitual, with no fewer than 200 persons reportedly killed within the last 5 months around that axis, while countless others fled their ancestral homes. Commendably, the impact of the deployment became increasingly evident; Communities that had become accustomed to nightly terror began to experience a measure of relief.

“For far too long, the indigenous peoples of Plateau State have borne the unbearable burden of relentless terror. Our communities have become theatres of bloodshed, our ancestral lands violently invaded, our villages reduced to desolation, while thousands have been displaced from their homes,” the coalition said.

“The deployment of a DSS operational camp in Barkin Ladi in May 2026 brought renewed hope to communities living under constant attacks. Its intelligence-driven operations significantly reduced the frequency of attacks, but allegations of sexual harassment against DSS personnel emerged just as the operations were yielding results and appeared intended to distract the security crackdown.

“To the best of our knowledge, there was no trace of sexual harassment, intimidation or destruction of property as alleged. Such claims should be investigated, but unsubstantiated allegations must not be allowed to undermine legitimate security operations or encourage terrorism,” the group added.

The coalition alleged that shortly after the allegations gained public attention, armed attackers mobilised from Kwak, also known as “Ruga Jalo,” and joined other gunmen from Fass in Riyom Local Government Area to launch fresh attacks on Kum, Tanjol, Vwak and Wereng-Rim communities, killing several residents and injuring others.

The youth groups said the pattern suggested that whenever sustained security pressure begins to restrict the activities of armed groups, narratives capable of weakening public confidence in security agencies often emerge, followed by renewed attacks on vulnerable communities.

They called on the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies not to be distracted by what they described as malicious campaigns, urging them instead to intensify intelligence-led operations and replicate the Barkin Ladi security model in other flashpoints, including Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos South, Kanam and Qua’an Pan.

The coalition pledged its support for all lawful and professional security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, reclaiming occupied ancestral lands and restoring displaced persons to their communities.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant, provide credible intelligence to security agencies, reject misinformation capable of undermining security operations, and work collectively towards justice, accountability and lasting peace in Plateau State.