With Yuletide drawing near, Plateau youths residing in Lagos have raised fears that worsening insecurity back home may prevent them from travelling to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their families.
The youths, under the umbrella of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association (TAPYA), expressed their concerns during their maiden congress held on Saturday at the Plateau House, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
They urged the Federal and State governments, as well as security agencies, to reinforce security structures in Plateau State and demonstrate the political will needed to end recurrent attacks.
In his opening address, TAPYA Interim Chairman, Salvation Nanman, said those living outside the state remain deeply distressed by the persistent killings and violent raids in many communities and desire lasting peace.
“We want people at home to live in peace and be able to go about their normal duties without fear of being attacked by any criminal elements,” Nanman said.
He explained that many youths in Lagos are reluctant to travel home for fear of being targeted by bandits or terrorists.
Nanman noted that the association comprises Tarok-speaking youths from Langtang North, Langtang South, and parts of Wase Local Government Areas, who came together in Lagos to address common issues affecting their people at home and in the diaspora.
“TAPYA was originally founded in Jos in 2001, while the Lagos chapter came into being about four months ago,” Nanman said.
He added that the group was established to promote unity, nurture leadership, and strengthen youth participation across Plateau and the nation.
Their objective, he said, is to build a generation equipped with skills, empowered for economic independence, and committed to peaceful coexistence.
However, he lamented that insecurity has now forced many of them to reconsider travelling home for festivities.
“But now, most of us are afraid to go home to celebrate the upcoming Christmas and New Year with our families due to the insecurity and incessant violent attacks ongoing in Plateau State.”
Nanman appealed to the Plateau State Government to prioritise the safety of lives and property, stressing that Tarok youths are peace-loving, industrious people seeking stability in their homeland.
He reiterated TAPYA’s commitment to contributing positively to Lagos and Plateau alike, noting that the Lagos chapter plans to organise trainings, workshops, mentorship programmes, and cultural initiatives aimed at empowering youths and preserving Tarok heritage.
“So, we want our governor to do more for the people of the state and unite them as one, irrespective of their political affiliations,” Nanman emphasized.