Plateau Massacre: Youth Leader Blames Security Lapses, Warnings Were Ignored Before Deadly Attacks

Fresh controversy has trailed the latest wave of killings in Plateau State, as the President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, accused security agencies of failing to act on prior intelligence that could have averted the tragedy.

According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria, Mwantiri expressed outrage over what he described as a pattern of negligence by security operatives, insisting that communities had issued multiple warnings ahead of the attacks but received little or no response.

The BYM leader said the assaults, which left several residents dead and properties destroyed, did not occur without forewarning. He maintained that local sources had alerted relevant authorities about impending threats, raising concerns about intelligence handling and operational response within the security architecture.

Mwantiri further lamented that the continued violence in Plateau communities reflects a broader failure of preventive security measures, arguing that timely intervention could have significantly reduced casualties. He called for a thorough investigation into the apparent lapses and demanded accountability from agencies responsible for safeguarding lives and property.

The development adds to growing tensions in Plateau State, where recurring attacks have fueled protests and heightened fears among residents in recent weeks. Just days earlier, youth groups had taken to the streets to protest rising insecurity and what they described as inadequate government response.

Plateau, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long grappled with cycles of violent conflict, often linked to ethno-communal tensions and disputes over land and resources. Analysts note that delays in security response have been a recurring criticism in previous incidents, further eroding public confidence in the system.

As calls for justice and reform intensify, stakeholders warn that failure to address the underlying security challenges—and to act decisively on early warnings—could deepen instability in the region.