Plateau youths in Lagos want end to killings at home

YOUTHS from Plateau State living in Lagos have called on both the Federal and Plateau State governments to strengthen the security architectures and back it up with political will to end incessant killings and other forms of criminalities in the state.

They said they want people at home to live in peace and be able to go about their normal duty without fear of being attacked by any criminal elements.

The youth made this call under the aegis of Tarok Progressive Youths Association (TAPYA), Lagos State Chapter at their maiden congress forum, held recently at the Plateau House on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Tarok is an ethnic group predominantly found in the Langtang-North and South as well as Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State and they speak Tarok language, also called iTárók.

Speaking at the forum, the interim chairman of the group, Salvation Nanman, gave an insight into the group’s formation and the Lagos State chapter in particular, saying that it has the objectives of addressing common issues affecting the Tarok people at home and in the diaspora.

He stated that TAPYA was originally founded in Jos, the state capital in 2001 while the Lagos chapter came into being about four months ago.

According to him, 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 job or self-employment, be law-abiding and live in harmony with host communities wherever they find themselves, as well as, contribute meaningfully to the development of not only the ancestral homeland and Plateau State but also Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

“We are industrious and loving people,” he added. “So, we urge our governor back home to ensure the safety of the lives and property of our people. It is time to address our challenges, strengthen our unity, purpose and set priorities for the future.”

Nanman underscored the importance of youths to socio- economic development of any society, saying “If we are able to invest in the education of our youths and get them economically engaged in any chosen vocations and also support them to thrive, better will it be for Lagos State where we live and also for our home state and Nigeria at large.

“All we need to do is to explore the economic opportunities that abound in the country to get what we need to live a happy life and also 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.

“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 having programmes such as training, workshops, mentorship to help connect and support one another to build more entrepreneurs and professionals among us.

“We will also continue to promote our culture and tradition including the Tarok language that forms the basis of our identity. “

Nanman, however, solicited support and active participation of all Tarok youths in Lagos, saying in unity they will achieve great things even as he appreciated the invited elders and leaders among them at the event for their guidance.

Also speaking, Messrs David Nansok and Timzing Venyir Ramnap, equally expressed happiness for the birth of Tarok Lagos Chapter, saying the platform would really strengthen the unity and progress not only among members but the entire Tarok people in Lagos State and elsewhere across the globe.

They disclosed that the Lagos State chapter of the association is the first to be constituted in the South-West with a plan to extend it to other states in the geopolitical zone in the near future.

They called on members to remain united and committed to the cause of the association.

Ramnap added that every Tarok youth is qualified to be a member of the association.