A Fulani herders’ organization has accused the Plateau State government of complicity in the ongoing violence against Fulani pastoralists and their cattle.
The organization focused on the Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Mangu LGAs, stating that herders in those areas had been subjected to violence even though they had not broken the law.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared the group’s statement with the state government on X, in which it accused security officers operating in the state of being involved in some of the attacks.
It further claimed that security agencies’ responses to complaints of attacks were slow or nonexistent, with cops either not showing up at all or arriving at the sites after the fact.
In addition, the group claimed that several of the individuals detained in relation to the attacks were subsequently released.
Makama said that the organization “expressed concern over what it described as a possible agenda to force Fulani herders out of Plateau State, insisting that such an outcome would not be accepted.”
The statement called on the Plateau State Government to deny any involvement in the attacks, bring those responsible to justice, and provide financial compensation to the families of the victims and their animals.
Fulani pastoralists and other communities in the state need long-term solutions to ensure their safety, according to the group.
The document expressed concern that herders may feel compelled to take action in self-defence if the situation is not addressed and justice is not served. It was based on the argument that citizens of Nigeria are entitled to self-defence under the law.
Instead than calling on the state government to take action, the group characterised its requests as an ultimatum.
Nevertheless, there has been no independent verification of the accusations against the security agencies and the Plateau State Government. There has been no response to the claims from the government or the appropriate security agencies.
Concerns regarding civilian safety and peaceful coexistence have been heightened by attacks, reprisals, and disputes involving farming and pastoral communities in Plateau State, which has been plagued by ongoing security issues.