Fulani group accuses Plateau govt of backing attacks on herders

A group representing Fulani herders has accused the Plateau State Government of allegedly supporting repeated attacks and killings of Fulani pastoralists and their livestock in parts of the state.

The group particularly mentioned Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas, where it claimed herders had continued to face attacks despite not committing any criminal offences.

In a statement addressed to the state government and shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the group alleged that its investigations linked some of the attacks to security personnel operating in the state.

It also accused security agencies of failing to respond promptly to reports of attacks, claiming that officers sometimes failed to arrive at the scenes or only showed up after the incidents had occurred.

The group further alleged that some suspects arrested in connection with the attacks were released shortly after being taken into custody.

According to Makama, the group “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.”

It urged the Plateau State Government to distance itself from the alleged attacks, arrest and prosecute those responsible, and compensate victims who had lost their lives and livestock.

The group also called for lasting measures to guarantee the safety of Fulani pastoralists and other communities across the state.

It warned that failure to address the alleged killings and ensure justice could force herders to resort to self-defence, arguing that Nigerian law allows citizens to defend themselves.

The group described its demands as an ultimatum rather than an appeal and called on the state government to act immediately.

However, the allegations against the Plateau State Government and security agencies have not been independently verified. The government and relevant security authorities have yet to respond to the claims.

The development comes amid continuing security challenges in Plateau State, where attacks, reprisals and disputes involving farming and pastoral communities have raised concerns about civilian safety and peaceful coexistence.