Youths in Mabudi, headquarters of Langtang South Local Government Area, on Wednesday staged a protest over persistent water scarcity in the community, warning that they may boycott future elections if the situation is not addressed urgently.
The protesters marched through the area wearing T-shirts with the inscription: “No Water, No Vote,” while chanting slogans and displaying placards demanding access to potable water.
Residents lamented the absence of basic amenities and accused political leaders of neglecting the community despite repeated promises.
Speaking during the protest, youth leader Nanlir Gambo said the demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of government officials and elected representatives to the worsening condition in the area.
Gambo said: “This protest is just a sign that we are serious about our demands.
“We won’t allow any politician to come here and deceive us again, using our needs only to abscond after election.”
He lamented that residents now depend on unsafe water sources, describing the situation as unacceptable.
According to him, women and children bear the heaviest burden as they trek long distances daily in search of water.
The youth leader added that the community remained united in demanding immediate government intervention.
Responding to the protest, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Langtang South LGA, Butko Iliya, said the council had already introduced temporary measures to ease the crisis.
He said the council chairman, Nanfa Nbin, had been supplying water to affected communities through tankers since the beginning of the dry season.
According to Iliya, at least one tanker is delivered daily to each village.
He added that the Plateau State Government had also directed the council to intensify efforts toward addressing the situation.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Ministry of Water Resources and Energy has begun both immediate and long-term interventions to tackle the water crisis.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Lohnan V. Gambo, led a delegation to the area following an appeal by the council chairman to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Gambo said the governor directed the ministry to implement urgent measures while also pursuing sustainable solutions.
He disclosed that a comprehensive geophysical survey had already commenced in Mabudi and neighbouring communities.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the council chairman, Council Secretary Nanman Domtau appreciated the government’s response and pledged the council’s support.
Also speaking, the Galadima of Mabudi, Ringjul Dashe, described water as essential to human survival and commended the government for responding to the plight of residents.
According to UNICEF, Nigeria continues to face a severe water crisis despite its abundant water resources.
