Tensions escalated in Mushere community, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, as women took to the streets in a dramatic protest against the removal of their traditional ruler, Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang.
The unusual demonstration, which drew widespread attention, marked the peak of growing resistance within the community following the state government’s decision to depose the monarch over allegations tied to insecurity and conflict management failures in the chiefdom.
While the government justified the action through the Ministry for Chieftaincy Affairs, citing concerns over rising violence and claims of the monarch’s alleged complicity, many residents have rejected the move, describing it as unjust and ill-timed.
Community members insist the dethroned ruler had made efforts to stabilise the area and facilitate the return of displaced persons, arguing that his removal has further deepened uncertainty in an already volatile environment.
Protests had been building since early April, but the demonstration by the women—many of them elderly—signaled a turning point, as they marched to the council secretariat with placards demanding his reinstatement.
Messages displayed during the protest included “Bring Back Julius Our Chief,” reflecting the community’s growing frustration and belief that the decision has disrupted local peace.
Explaining the extreme step, one of the protest leaders said the action was intended to send a strong cultural and emotional message to the state government.
“We had to remove our clothes to protest and demand that our paramount ruler, Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang, who was unjustly removed from office, be reinstated immediately.
“This is a message from us to Governor Caleb Mutfwang that he should return Mishkakam Julius Diblang immediately or a big calamity will befall him. The world has seen our nakedness, and those who understand these things will know that you don’t take a woman’s nakedness for granted.
“Governor Mutfwang should better listen to us and bring back Mishkakam Mushere before it’s too late,” she said.