Youths in Mabudi, headquarters of Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Wednesday staged a protest over persistent water scarcity in the community, warning that they may boycott future elections if urgent action is not taken.
According to The PUNCH, the protesters, dressed in T-shirts bearing the inscription “No Water, No Vote,” marched through major streets of the community, chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate access to potable water.
Some demonstrators carried placards expressing frustration over the prolonged lack of basic amenities, insisting that government authorities must prioritise the welfare of residents.
Speaking during the protest, a youth leader, Mr Nanlir Gambo, said the demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of government officials and elected representatives to the worsening water crisis affecting the area.
“This protest is a clear message that we are serious about our demands. Politicians cannot continue to make promises during elections and disappear afterwards without addressing our needs,” Gambo said.
He lamented that residents had continued to rely on unsafe sources of water, describing the situation as unacceptable and dangerous to public health.
According to him, the recurring shortage has placed enormous pressure on households, particularly women and children, who often travel long distances daily in search of water.
“The burden of this problem falls heavily on women and children. Our people deserve clean and accessible water, and we are united in demanding urgent intervention,” he added.
Reacting to the protest, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area, Mr. Butko Iliya, said temporary measures had already been introduced to ease the situation.
He explained that the council chairman, Mr Nanfa Nbin, had been supplying water to affected communities through tankers since the onset of the dry season.
“At least one tanker is sent to each village daily to cushion the effects of the shortage while permanent solutions are being pursued,” Iliya stated.
He further disclosed that the Plateau State Government had directed intensified efforts to address the challenge.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Ministry of Water Resources and Energy has commenced immediate and long-term interventions to tackle the crisis.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Lohnan V. Gambo, who led a delegation to the area following an appeal to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said urgent measures were already underway.
“The governor has directed the ministry to implement immediate interventions while sustainable solutions are being developed. A comprehensive geophysical survey has already commenced in Mabudi and neighbouring communities,” he said.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the council chairman, Council Secretary Nanman Domtau appreciated the swift response of the state government and pledged the council’s support in addressing the water challenge.
Also speaking, the Galadima of Mabudi, Chief Ringjul Dashe, commended the intervention, stressing that access to clean water remains essential to the survival and well-being of residents.
