The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has raised alarm over what it described as credible intelligence indicating an imminent threat to the life of Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, its National President following his vocal advocacy on the security crisis in Plateau State and the Middle-Belt region.
In a statement signed by Rwang Tengwong, its National Publicity Secretary, made available to Journalists on Saturday in Jos, the association alleged that the threats are linked to Mwantiri’s sustained public criticism of persistent attacks and land-related violence affecting Berom communities across Plateau.
“The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has received highly disturbing and credible intelligence reports indicating an imminent threat to the life of its National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri,” the statement read.
It added that “these threats are reportedly connected to his outspoken stance and sustained public engagements exposing the persistent attacks, armed invasions, and unattended land-grabbing agenda being carried out by violent armed groups”.
The group claimed that more than 3,000 Berom people, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in attacks it attributed to armed groups operating in parts of Plateau State, resulting in displacement and humanitarian crises in affected communities.
According to BYM, intelligence available to the association suggests that criminal elements angered by Mwantiri’s advocacy have allegedly placed a bounty on him and are plotting to harm him through surveillance, trailing, and possible infiltration using local collaborators.
The association said the alleged plans could involve covert strategies aimed at inflicting physical or psychological harm, possibly in ways that may appear accidental or natural, describing the development as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
BYM described the reported threat as not only a danger to its president but also a broader attack on freedom of speech, civic engagement, and community leadership in Plateau State, warning that any harm to Mwantiri would have serious implications.
The group called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and Operation Enduring Peace to immediately provide adequate protection for its president and launch a thorough investigation into the alleged threats.
It also urged the Plateau State Government and relevant federal authorities to treat the intelligence with seriousness, while calling on members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to report suspicious activities to security agencies to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
