Plateau State youth coalition defends security agencies against bias allegations

A coalition of indigenous youth groups from Plateau State has rejected a petition by several Fulani associations that accused security agencies of bias and misconduct. The petition, signed by representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), and the Fulbe Youth Development Association (FUYODA), alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police Force, and the state security outfit Operation Rainbow were conducting discriminatory operations against Fulani communities.

During a press conference in Abuja, the coalition, which includes groups such as the Irigwe, Berom, and Tarok, stated they “smell a rat” in the campaign. They argued the allegations are an attempt to discredit security officials, specifically DSS State Director Paul Damian, and to undermine operations against armed militants. The coalition urged the federal government to maintain current security operations and called for an investigation into alleged collusion between certain military personnel and armed groups operating within the state.