Stakeholders in Plateau State have asserted that the ongoing crisis is an act of terrorism by Fulani militia aiming to seize land, and have urged the military to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
During News Central TV’s town hall meeting on Thursday, June 13, the stakeholders said the Fulanis were engaging in ethnic cleansing by killing locals and destroying property.
They reported that at least three thousand people have been killed, countless injured, and properties destroyed, leaving many residents without livelihoods.
Plateau Commissioner of Information, Musa Ashoms, representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the event, reiterated that the situation in the state is not a communal clash, as no communities on the Plateau are at war with each other.
He mentioned that the government has empowered a peace-building agency to engage in dialogue, interface, and interaction to heal wounds among affected communities. He added that a peace parley is currently underway between Bokkos communities.
Ashoms expressed disappointment that while many positive developments are occurring in Plateau, some media outlets focus solely on negative news.
He called for peace in the Plateau, stating that if the Fulanis consider themselves indigenes, they should not be in conflict with other indigenes.
“If we all claim to be citizens of the Plateau, shouldn’t we work hard to protect our brothers and sisters?” he questioned.
Garba Abdullahi, Chairman of the Gan’Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) in Plateau State, urged stakeholders to move beyond assigning blame and collaborate with the government to achieve lasting peace in the conflict-ridden areas.
“We should not reopen old wounds. Forgiveness is the path forward. If we all embrace each other and end the violence, peace will prevail.
“If we continue to apportion blame, we will not progress on the journey to peace.
“If an attack occurs, it means someone failed to do their job correctly.
“What is the government doing? If the government does not help, it will be responsible for the state’s misfortunes.
“What is happening here is reminiscent of Animal Farm: all animals are equal, but some are more equal. The Fulanis are also citizens of Plateau State,” Abdullahi stated.