Mwaghavul Youth Movt Alerts Plateau Communities Over Alleged Ethnic Threats
Our Reporter
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement has called on all ethnic nationalities in Plateau State to remain vigilant following the reported abduction and killing of Pastor Hills Emmanuel and subsequent attacks in Mangu LGA, warning that threats targeting specific ethnic groups must not be ignored.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Joël Sunday, the group said Pastor Emmanuel was intercepted alongside another clergyman along the Barkin Ladi–Bokkos road and later killed.
What has heightened concern, the movement said, was the reported statement attributed to the attackers: “If you were Berom or Mwaghavul, we would slaughter you like your colleague, Pastor Hills Emmanuel.”
“The Mwaghavul Youth Movement defines such a statement as a matter of particular concern that must not be dismissed as an ordinary criminal threat,” the statement read.
“If individuals involved in criminal activities are now selecting their victims based on ethnic identity, then the implications extend far beyond the immediate victims.”
The group said such profiling creates a dangerous atmosphere where travel through certain areas could be linked to ethnic targeting, and risks sowing fear and suspicion between communities that have lived together for decades.
The movement urged security agencies “not to look away but treat the reported statement as actionable intelligence” and investigate whether there is an organized pattern behind the alleged targeting of Mwaghavul and Berom persons.
It also drew attention to two killings reported in Mangu LGA on September 3, 2026: Mr. Bulus Danladi, 78, killed in Kop-Naanle in Mangun District, and Mr. Kwopnaan Lot Yunana, 33, killed in Kinat in Mangu Halle District.
The youth group said while it does not wish to pre-empt investigations, the timing of the attacks so soon after the reported threat makes it imperative for authorities to establish any connection.
“The timing and proximity of these developments demand urgent intelligence-led investigation and preventive action before the threat escalates into a wider campaign of ethnic targeting across Plateau State,” it said.
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement called on all Plateau ethnic nationalities to embrace “collective vigilance and solidarity.”
“When one Plateau community is threatened because of who they are, every other community must pay close attention. It may be the Mwaghavul or Berom today. It could be another ethnic nationality tomorrow,” the statement said.
The group advised Mwaghavul people to strengthen community early-warning systems, share credible information with authorities, avoid unnecessary night travel on vulnerable routes, and maintain communication with relatives when travelling.
It also urged Berom leaders to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring communities.
The movement cautioned against reprisals or collective punishment. “We must not be reminded to defend our communities through lawful means, intelligence, solidarity, responsible advocacy and legitimate engagement with security institutions,” it stated.
The group also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS and other agencies to treat the security of vulnerable corridors and the reported statements as “an urgent priority” and to communicate updates to the public to prevent rumours and misinformation.
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement said it mourns Pastor Emmanuel and extends sympathy to his family, congregation and to every Plateau citizen who has lost loved ones to kidnapping and violence.
“Peace is everyone’s responsibility,” the statement concluded.
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