From Jude Dangwam, Jos

A Coalition of youth leaders across Plateau communities has backed out from the planned nationwide protest organized by yet to be identified persons scheduled for August 1.The Coalition led by the Youth Leader of Rock Haven community, Pololis Gyang said they were aware of the ongoing recruitment of touts, cultists, students, and individuals of questionable character within their respective communities ahead of the proposed protest date to unleash terror in the state.

The youth leaders made this position known on Monday during a press conference held at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos the Plateau State capital.According to Gyang, “We acknowledge the widespread hunger, hardship, and uncertainty regarding the state of our economy. However, the suspicious manner in which the protest is being orchestrated raises significant concerns.”We believe that the right to protest is fundamental and inalienable, particularly in seeking better living conditions for our people. Nonetheless, we remain unconvinced by the motives of the organizers.”Why have the sponsors of this protest remained hidden and unknown, and why have they failed to clearly articulate the motives behind the protest? These are pressing questions that demand answers.”As youth leaders in Plateau State, we have witnessed numerous tensions leading to the loss of lives and properties, arising from protests such as ENDSARS and others. Sadly, we continue to live with the devastating effects of such protests to this day.””Moreover, we are aware of the ongoing recruitment of touts, cultists, students, and individuals of questionable character within our communities. We question why the shadow mobilizers for the protest are resorting to such measures if not to foment trouble and cause mayhem.” He statedThe youths reiterated that they are convinced that a genuine hunger protest should organically attract people and not through desperate antics and deliberate incitement they are currently witnessing already in the state.”We are aware of plots to loot and destroy certain markets, businesses, and critical infrastructure within the state capital to create palpable tension, thereby actualizing the hidden motives of the sponsors.”Consequently, we use this medium to call on our beloved Plateau youths to desist from joining a protest that undermines the relative peace we are currently enjoying in the state.” Gyang firmly statedThe youth further urged citizens of the state to protect their communities from elements seeking to cause pandemonium to further actualize their hidden agendas, which are contrary to the peace and stability of their beloved state.They however expressed their readiness to constructively engage with government at all levels to find a lasting peace solution to the challenges confronting the country.They called on the Federal Government to urgently address the precarious economic hardships in the nation to improve the living conditions of citizens. “We resolve to pursue this in good conscience for the peace and progress of our state and the nation at large.” They stated.