BYM raises alarm over sexual harassment of women in Plateau rural communities

The Berom Youth Moulders Association, BYM, has raised an alarm over alleged increasing sexual harassment of vulnerable women and girls in rural communities in Plateau State by terrorist gangs and suspected Fulani bandits.

The BYM in a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, said it has received several reports that some women and girls have been facing sexual harassment by the terrorists who take pleasure in raping them whenever they attack the communities.

He added that some of the women were reportedly raped at gunpoint on their farms by the bandits.

Tengwong cited a situation where he said some women who were returning from their farms in Ganawuri District of Riyom Local Government Area were captured by bandits who took turns to rape them.

The BYM also warned that persistent insecurity across affected areas especially in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs is exposing female farmers and residents to abuse while carrying out their daily activities.

“The fear of attacks, killing and the added dimension of rape and sexual harassment has now become a constant reality for many residents,” Tengwong said.

He linked the alleged harassment to sustained attacks on communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi, including the destruction of farmlands and cattle rustling, which he said have further deepened vulnerability in rural areas.

“We are once again, calling on security agencies to up their game, provide constant security for the rural communities and do everything possible to make the people safe.

“We urged security agencies and governments at all levels to move beyond routine condemnations and take concrete steps to protect women and other vulnerable residents, bring perpetrators to justice, and restore safety to affected communities,” the BYM added.