Members of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM) in the Mangu Kocal government area of Plateau State have vowed to do everything within the law to protect their ancestral lands and check frequent attacks and killings by “enemies of progress.”
The youths said that they’ve had enough of killings and invasions of their lands, which have severely disturbed their economic and political activities.
At the formal handover of the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Mwaghavul Youth in Mangu, S. D. Dankaka, who presented a detailed report of achievements, challenges, and landmark reforms recorded during its administration from 2021 to 2025, expressed sadness that the displacements of their people had prevented the group from achieving some of its goals.
He said despite the spate of attacks, the NEC was able to sustain peace in Mwaghavul community through the restoration of respect for the traditional council and rebuilding of trust among communities.
Dankaka said, “The committee, inaugurated on 6th February, 2021, assumed office with a focus on land security, income generation and preservation of culture and tradition.
“After the inauguration, the NEC organised a reconciliation meeting with aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the presence of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) and the Mwaghavul Traditional Council. This process produced a vision document that guided the administration’s policies and programs throughout its tenure.
“To effectively drive its objectives, 10 standing committees covered key areas such as media, sports, welfare, women’s affairs, community development, security and finance. Despite disruptions from insecurity and political activities, the committees delivered notable impacts:
He said the Security Advisory Committee coordinated community surveillance and early-warning systems across the chiefdoms.
“The tenure, however, faced major disruptions, including the death of HRH, Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Daa Andak Nelson Bakfur, and the abduction of several traditional rulers. Despite these challenges, the 15th NEC demonstrated leadership during the 2023 Mangu conflict, mobilising youths for peace and defense,: he said.
