Plateau Youths in Lagos Fear Returning Home for Christmas Amid Rising Insecurity
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Plateau youths living in Lagos under the umbrella of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association (TAPYA) have expressed deep fears about returning home for Christmas and New Year celebrations due to the persistent insecurity and violent attacks plaguing their communities.
Speaking at the association’s maiden congress held Monday at the Plateau House in Victoria Island, Interim Chairman Salvation Nanman said many young people from Langtang North, Langtang South and parts of Wase are afraid of travelling home to reunite with their families.
“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,” he said.
Nanman urged both the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to strengthen security operations and demonstrate firm political will to end the violence.
He noted that youths living outside the state, particularly in Lagos, remain anxious about the safety of their families back home.
“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,” he added.
Nanman explained that TAPYA—founded in Jos in 2001—was recently extended to Lagos to unite Tarok-speaking youths, promote leadership, empower members with skills, and preserve Tarok identity and culture.
He said the group plans to continue organising training, workshops and mentorship programmes in Lagos.
“If we can invest in the education of our youths and get them economically engaged, it will benefit Lagos State where we live, our home state, and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Nanman urged the Plateau State governor to prioritise the safety of lives and property and work towards uniting communities regardless of political differences.
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