Youths in Plateau State on Wednesday took to the streets in large numbers to protest the severe water shortage plaguing many communities across the state.

The protesters, mostly young men and women from Jos and its environs, blocked major roads and carried placards with messages such as “Water is Life, Give us Water” and “End Water Scarcity Now.” They expressed anger over the daily struggles residents face to get clean drinking water.

Many areas in Jos and other parts of Plateau have been without regular water supply for months. Residents say boreholes have dried up, government taps rarely flow, and commercial water vendors now charge exorbitant prices that many families cannot afford.

The youths blamed the Plateau State Water Board and relevant government agencies for the worsening situation. They called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to treat the crisis as an emergency and take immediate steps to restore water supply.

“Our mothers wake up very early to search for water. Schools and hospitals are also suffering. This is no longer acceptable,” one of the protest leaders said.

The acute water scarcity has affected daily life, hygiene, and businesses in the state. There are also growing fears of disease outbreaks if people continue to rely on unsafe alternative sources.

So far, the state government is yet to issue an official statement on the protest. However, residents are hoping for swift action, including the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and better management of existing facilities.

This protest highlights the frustration of many Plateau youths over poor access to basic amenities. Similar complaints have been raised in previous years, but the situation has continued to deteriorate, especially during the dry season.

The demonstrators have promised to sustain pressure until concrete measures are taken to address the water crisis. Community leaders have appealed for calm even as they urge the government to respond to the people’s demands.