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The Berom Diaspora Coalition (BDC), in conjunction with BECO, BYM, BEC and BEWDA, has called for urgent action to reclaim displaced ancestral lands and resettle affected communities in Plateau State.
The demand was made during a press conference held in Jos on Tuesday under the theme: Reclaiming Our Lost Ancestral Lands and Resettlement of Our People.
The statement, read by BDC Representative, Rwas Barnabas Dazih, said the coalition remained alarmed by continued attacks, killings and displacement of Berom communities and other ethnic groups across Plateau and the Middle Belt.
“Between November 2025 and April 2026, over 500 people have been brutally killed, some maimed, while houses and farmlands worth millions of naira were destroyed without provocation,” the group alleged.
The coalition said the attacks had spread across several communities including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Bokkos and Bassa, creating fear and uncertainty among residents.
“From Gwol, Riyom, Jos South, Bokkos and Bassa, the terrorists have taken the onslaught to the heart of Jos city with the March 29 Easter attack that claimed about 30 innocent lives at Angwan Rukuba in Jos North,” the statement added.
BDC further said more than 70 Berom villages had been displaced, with some allegedly occupied by armed groups, worsening the humanitarian situation and increasing the number of widows, orphans and homeless persons.
“This new wave of attacks from November 2025 to date has created a worse dimension of humanitarian crisis, thereby increasing the number of orphans, widows, homeless and vulnerable people from attacked communities,” the group stated.
The coalition criticized security agencies for allegedly failing to prevent attacks despite warnings, while arresting local residents who defended themselves during invasions.
“We therefore demand the unconditional release of our people arrested for defending themselves without further delay,” the statement said.
The group also urged government authorities to move beyond promises and ensure the immediate return of displaced persons to their communities, noting that many victims were still living in hardship while their lands remained occupied.
“We are calling on the international community and human rights organisations as a matter of urgency to end the killings in our land and restore us to our ancestral homes and lands that are being taken away from us,” the coalition declared.
The coalition urged Plateau citizens to remain united against terrorism, while renewing calls for stronger security measures, including state police, to address the worsening insecurity in the state.
Hon. Stephen Choji Kim of Kassa, Barkin Ladi, recounted the painful loss of his senior brother, who was kidnapped in September and later found dead after ransom was reportedly paid. He said the family sought help from security agencies but got no timely response.
He also narrated the killing of another relative in Kassa, describing the pain many families have suffered. Kim called on government to improve security, return displaced people to their homes, and ensure justice for victims.
Mr. Chollom Gyang, Secretary General of the Berom Education and Cultural Organization (BECO), lamented the worsening insecurity in Plateau State, recalling past crises in Jos and surrounding communities. He questioned the handling of security operations over the years and called for sincere efforts to end the recurring violence.
He said the insecurity had gone beyond Plateau, noting that attacks are now affecting several parts of Nigeria. Gyang urged government to take decisive action, stressing that communities were tired of mourning repeated losses and wanted lasting peace and safety.
Barr. Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), lamented the continued killings and displacement of communities in Plateau State. He said residents have suffered repeated attacks and called on government to urgently protect lives and restore peace.
He also questioned the response to insecurity, saying communities deserve justice and accountability for victims. Mwantiri urged authorities to act quickly to end the violence and return normal life to affected areas.
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