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Jos, Plateau State – By Prime Brief Media

A coalition of Berom ethnic groups in Plateau State has accused the military of detaining eight of its members who were defending themselves against attacks by suspected Fulani jihadist elements, while alleging that over 500 people were killed in their communities between November 2025 and April 2026.

The coalition, comprising the Berom Diaspora Coalition, Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO), Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), and Berom Women Development Association, made the allegations during a press conference in Jos on 28 April, 2026.

"Between November 2025 and April 2026, over 500 people have been brutally killed, some maimed, houses and farmlands worth millions of naira destroyed without provocation, by terrorist Fulani jihadist elements," the coalition disclosed in a statement read by Barry Barnanas Dazih. "In fact, the killings in Berom land is like a script from a horror movie, with death stalking innocent Nigerians on a daily basis."

The group stated that attacks have spread from rural areas in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Bokkos, and Bassa to the heart of Jos city, citing the 29 March attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, that claimed approximately 30 lives.

Detention of eight members

BYM National President Solomon Mwantiri and BECO National Secretary General Chollom Gyang identified the eight detained members as Gyang Dantoro, Pam Dalyop, Jacob Musa, Femi Baudung, Samson Davou, Yakubu Dalyop, Vincent Adamu, and Choji Mwanvwang. The coalition noted that Mwanvwang is currently receiving hospital treatment.

"It is, however, shocking that where government fails in securing lives of citizens, those who are bold enough to go on self-defence when attacked are haunted and arrested, and labelled terrorists by security agencies," the coalition said.

Citing Section 33(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, the coalition argued that self-defence is recognised under Nigerian law, permitting "the use of reasonably necessary force to protect oneself, family, or property from unlawful violence attack, even if it results in the death of the attacker."

Military declines comment

When contacted, Operation Enduring Peace spokesman Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh declined to comment on the specific allegations. "Until I see the text of the press conference, I will not make any statement," he said.

The coalition also faulted federal and state government responses, stating that assurances from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang have "not yielded any dividends as the terrorists have become more daring and emboldened."

Calls for state police, international intervention

The group reiterated the urgency of establishing state police and called on the Federal Government to declare Mahanga in Riyom Local Government Area "a terrorist hideout and Fulani terrorist enclave," describing it as a "major stronghold for armed Fulani militant groups and bandits responsible for attacks across the state."

The coalition further appealed to the international community and human rights organisations to intervene. No official response from the military or Plateau State Government had been issued regarding the detention allegations at the time of this briefing.

Prime Brief Media will continue to track security and rescue efforts across the state as this story develops.

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