The Take It Back Movement in Plateau State chapter has called on President Bola Tinubu led federal government to initiate an independent and transparent investigation into the mass killings and displacement in the state.
The group also said the investigation should be led by the National Human Rights Commission.
The call was made by the State Coordinator of the group, John Onah, flanked by other executives, while briefing journalists in Jos, to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day.
He said, âAccording to Amnesty International Nigeria, at least 2,630 people have been killed in Plateau State since this administration took office two years ago.
âNationwide, over 10,217 people have lost their lives to unchecked violence, with 672 villages sacked across just three States, Benue, Niger, and Plateau by armed groups.
âThese statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people whose dreams, futures, and families have been destroyed.
âWe are looking at a looming humanitarian crisis, with entire communities displaced, schools abandoned, and thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living without access to food, shelter, or basic healthcare.
âIn Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs alone, more than 150,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State took powerâ;, he decried.
Declaring its demands to the Federal Government, the group called for the, âDeployment of intelligence-driven security operations immediately to the most vulnerable LGAs in Plateau State.
âLaunch a coordinated humanitarian response to address displacement, hunger, and healthcare in affected communities.
âInvest in rebuilding sacked villages and restoring livelihoods to prevent future violence.
âInitiate independent and transparent investigations, led by the National Human Rights Commission, into all incidents of mass killings and village displacementsâ;, the group stressed.
Outlining its demands to the Plateau State Government, the group called for the, âFunding and empowerment of local peace commissions, vigilante networks, and community-based security efforts by equipping the Operations Rainbow to function.
âProvide regular updates to citizens on investigations and justice processes.
âInclude IDPs and survivors in recovery planning and trauma counseling programs, and listen to the voices of the vulnerable who are displaced; they MUST be empowered and go back to schoolâ;, it admonished.
Speaking to the security agencies, the group called for, âImproved coordination and intelligence gathering to preempt attacks.
âHold officers accountable where there is evidence of negligence or complicityâ;, the group maintained.
On the role of Civil Society and Media, the group urged the amplification of the challenges.
âAmplify the voices of survivors, displaced persons, and community leaders.
âHold public officials accountable by monitoring budgets, policy promises, and security lapsesâ;, the group implore.
âAdvocate for justice, equity, and Peace, even when it is uncomfortable to do soâ;.
The group, however, noted that the situation in Plateau State may be dire, it is not hopeless.
âWe speak today not to spread fear, but to inspire urgent and responsible action. The âTake It Back Movementâ remains committed to defending democracy, justice, and human dignity,â; it stressed.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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