In a press conference held on Sunday, a coalition of Fulani groups in Plateau State, including Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Bajoil Fulani, Jonde Jam Kautal Hore, and Lawul Fulaku, expressed their grief over the loss of 350 members and 834 cattle between October 2023 and January 2024 in the state.
This marks the first public statement from the leadership of the Fulani communities, addressing their concerns regarding the recent attacks and killings in Bokkos and Barikin Ladi LGAs, where over 190 people lost their lives.
During the press conference led by the State Chairman of MACBAN, Malam Nura Adullahi, it was revealed that Fulani members residing in various communities had faced molestation, maltreatment, intimidation, and, in many cases, fatal attacks.
Adullahi stated, “Since August 29, 2023, to December 24, 2023, a total of 834 cattle were rustled in Kawel, Rom, and Sat in Bokkos and their accomplices from Mangu LGA.”
He further disclosed the brutal acts unleashed on Fulani communities in Mangu LGA between April 14th and July 15th of the previous year, resulting in the killing of over 350 individuals and the destruction of more than 115 villages.
The displaced Fulani communities, totalling 23,515 internally displaced persons (IDPs), are now scattered across camps, relatives’ homes, and neighbouring states such as Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba.
Adullahi highlighted the loss of household properties worth billions of naira during the carnage, with entire Fulani communities displaced from eight districts, including Mangu, Panyam, Pushit, Kerang, Bwoi, Kombun, Ampang, and Mangum.
Notable villages affected include Bwoi, Kombun, Sarfai, Rinago, Jukga, Kuwes, Kaangag, Farinkasa, Kerana, Lugga, Dimeza, Fungong, Gindirin, Gok, Bunghan, Gida, Milet, Rufwang, Dejwak, Lupo, Wushik, among others.
Adullahi emphasized that all recorded atrocities are documented by security agencies in the state. Despite their grievances, the Fulani groups called for calm among their members, urging them to avoid taking the law into their own hands. They appealed to security agencies to thoroughly investigate recent events and ensure justice.
