BYM Calls for Arrest of ‘GAFDAN Media Team’ over Alleged Fake Report on Plateau Attack

• Accuses Facebook page of spreading terror propaganda to shield attackers

By Our Correspondent

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, has urged the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force to arrest the operators of a Facebook account, “GAFDAN MEDIA TEA”, over what it described as false and dangerous reporting on the recent attack in Jol, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

In a press statement signed by BYM National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the group said the account falsely claimed that “three herders were ambushed and killed by Berom people” around Jol axis, while concealing what it called a terrorist attack on the community.

BYM gave a different account of the Sunday afternoon incident. According to the group, “Armed Fulani Terrorists” operating from Mahanga invaded Jol community and attacked residents.

It stated that Mr. Thomas Damang, 48, was killed, while Ishaku Pam, 22, Ezra Yakubu, 28, and Shedrack Danladi, 34, sustained gunshot injuries.

The statement said local vigilantes and security personnel resisted the attackers. During the confrontation, “three terrorists were neutralized, and five others sustained injuries,” forcing the rest to retreat.

“Contrary to the false report by Gafdan Media Team, those killed were not innocent herders but members of the armed group that attacked the community,” BYM said.

The youth group alleged that this is part of a recurring pattern where platforms circulate “fabricated stories portraying attackers as innocent herders” whenever terrorists are confronted by security forces or community defenders.

BYM claimed the operators of Gafdan Media Team have “repeatedly demonstrated knowledge and narratives that align with the interests of terrorist groups operating in Plateau State” and that this “warrants urgent investigation.”

“Information warfare is an integral part of modern terrorism, and individuals who deliberately spread falsehood to shield violent criminals must be held accountable under the law,” the statement read.

Beyond security agencies, BYM called on the Federal Government, National Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, the international community, and global media to take note of what it termed a “coordinated campaign of disinformation surrounding the Plateau crisis.”

The group said the manipulation of facts “not only denies justice to victims but also enables the continuation of attacks against vulnerable communities.”

“The people of Plateau deserve protection, truth, and justice, not propaganda that rewards terrorism and silences victims,” BYM stated.

“Lasting peace can only be achieved when both those who wield weapons and those who weaponize misinformation are held accountable.”

Please follow and like us:

20