The Berom Diaspora Coalition (BDC), alongside allied groups, has called on the Federal Government to declare Mahanga in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State a terrorist hideout, describing it as a major stronghold for armed groups allegedly responsible for persistent attacks across the state.
Speaking during a press conference held in Jos on April 28, 2026, under the theme “Reclaiming Our Lost Ancestral Lands and Resettlement of Our People,” Representing the coalition, Barnabas Dazi expressed deep concern over continued violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises affecting Berom communities.
The group alleged that hundreds of lives have been lost between November 2025 and April 2026, with several communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Bokkos, and Bassa Local Government Areas repeatedly attacked. According to the coalition, more than 70 Berom villages have been displaced, with some reportedly occupied by armed groups.
A key demand highlighted during the briefing was the urgent designation of Mahanga as a terrorist enclave. The coalition argued that such a move would enable security agencies to carry out decisive operations to dismantle what it described as a long-standing base for violent attacks.
Beyond security measures, the BDC emphasized the urgent need for the reclamation of ancestral lands and the safe resettlement of displaced persons. It criticized the slow pace of government intervention, noting that many affected families remain homeless while their lands are allegedly occupied.
The coalition urged both the Federal and Plateau State governments to move beyond assurances and take immediate action to restore displaced communities to their original homes. It also called for stronger prosecution of suspects linked to attacks and compensation for victims.
Reaffirming its stance, the group appealed to the international community and human rights organizations to intervene and help end the violence, stressing that the protection of lives and restoration of ancestral lands must remain a priority.
