Mwaghavul Youths Give 24-Hour Ultimatum for Release of Detained Member
Our Reporter
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies for the release of one of its members, Lekwar Benjamin Sunday, popularly known as “Karfe,” over his detention in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Joel Sunday, the group condemned the arrest and continued detention of Sunday, describing it as unjust and unprofessional.
The movement said it was drawn to reports alleging that Sunday was arrested in connection with the killing of a Fulani herder along the Lamor–Gohotkung road in Mangu.
The group rejected any attempt to link him to the incident without credible evidence, stating that information available to it indicated the killing arose from a dispute between two Fulani individuals over a woman.
“We are concerned by allegations that the incident is being attributed to Mwaghavul youths without sufficient evidence,” the statement said.
The youth body called for a thorough, impartial and professional investigation to establish the facts and ensure no individual or community is wrongly blamed.
It warned against what it described as criminalization, intimidation and collective persecution of its people, urging security agencies not to allow pressure or unverified allegations to replace evidence-based investigations.
“Security agencies must not allow pressure, ethnic narratives, or unverified allegations to replace evidence-based investigations. If lasting peace is to be achieved, justice must be administered fairly, without discrimination,” the group said.
The movement demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Sunday, saying there was no lawful basis for his continued detention, and also called for the release of other members allegedly being unlawfully detained or for authorities to establish legal grounds for their detention.
The group also said the focus on the herder’s killing should not overshadow the suffering of Mwaghavul communities, noting that two people were reportedly killed and another injured in an attack two days earlier.
“These victims deserve equal attention, compassion, and justice,” it said, calling on media, civil society and human rights advocates to demand impartial investigations into both incidents.
The movement urged its members to remain calm and peaceful while pursuing their constitutional rights, but warned that if authorities fail to meet its demands within 24 hours, it reserves the right to pursue all available lawful and peaceful measures.
“We remain committed to peace, justice, and the protection of our people’s rights, but we will not remain silent in the face of perceived injustice and persecution,” the statement added.
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