BYM warns of rising sexual harassment of women in rural Plateau communities.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association, BYM, has warned of a rise in sexual harassment against vulnerable women and girls in rural Plateau State communities, attributing the abuse to terrorist gangs and suspected Fulani bandits.

In a statement released on Friday, BYM’s National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Teng Tengwong, said the organization has received multiple reports that women and girls are being sexually harassed by terrorists who allegedly enjoy raping them during attacks on their communities.

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

He cited an incident in which women returning from their farms in Ganawuri District of Riyom Local Government Area were captured by bandits, who then took turns raping them.

The BYM also cautioned that ongoing insecurity in affected areas—particularly in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs—exposes female farmers and residents to abuse while they carry out daily activities.

“The fear of attacks, killings and the added dimension of rape and sexual harassment has now become a constant reality for many residents,” Teng 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 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,” the statement read.

“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.