A group of Plateau State youths living in Lagos State has raised concerns over the insecurity, incessant violent attacks, and killings in the state, which they believe will make it impossible for them to return home and celebrate the Christmas and New Year period with their families.
The youths, under the aegis of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association (TAPYA), at their maiden congress held on Saturday at the Plateau House on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, called on the Federal and State governments, as well as security agencies, to strengthen security architectures and back them with the political will to end insecurity in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Interim Chairman of TAPYA, Salvation Nanman, said all people living outside the state are deeply worried about insecurity back home and desire that residents live in peace with one another.
“We want people at home to live in peace and be able to go about their normal duties without fear of being attacked by any criminal elements,” Nanman said.
He noted that the youths, especially those living in Lagos, are often scared to return home due to fears of being attacked by bandits and terrorists.
Nanman stated that the group, made up of the Tarok-speaking people mainly from Langtang North, Langtang South, and parts of Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, decided to come together and form an association in Lagos State to address common issues affecting the Tarok people both at home and in the diaspora.
“TAPYA was originally founded in Jos in 2001, while the Lagos chapter came into being about four months ago,” Nanman said.
“TAPYA was established to foster unity, promote leadership, and amplify the voices of young people across Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
“So, we want to ensure that our people are empowered with the right knowledge and skills, gainfully engaged either in paid jobs or self-employment, law-abiding, and living in harmony with host communities wherever they find themselves, as well as contributing meaningfully to the development of not only our ancestral homeland and Plateau State but also Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
“But now, most of us are afraid to go home to celebrate the upcoming Christmas and New Year with our families due to the insecurity and incessant violent attacks ongoing in Plateau State.
“We are industrious and loving people. So, we urge our governor back home to ensure the safety of lives and property. It is time to address our challenges, strengthen our unity and purpose, and set priorities for the future.
“For us as Tarok youths in Lagos, we remain committed to the welfare and development of our people and our host communities. Lagos is a home away from home for us.
“We will be holding programmes such as training, workshops, and mentorship to help connect and support one another, and to build more entrepreneurs and professionals among us.
“We will also continue to promote our culture and tradition, including the Tarok language, which forms the basis of our identity.
“If we can invest in the education of our youths, get them economically engaged in chosen vocations, and support them to thrive, it will benefit Lagos State where we live, our home state, and Nigeria at large.
“All we need to do is explore the economic opportunities that abound in the country to achieve a happy life and contribute to the happiness of others.
“So, we want our governor to do more for the people of the state and unite them as one, irrespective of their political affiliations,” Nanman emphasized.
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