A coalition of Fulani groups in Plateau State, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, Bajoil Fulani, Jonde Jam Kautal Hore, and Lawul Fulaku, in a press conference held on Sunday, revealed that it has lost 350 members and 834 cattle between October 2023 and January 2024 in communities spanning Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu Local Government Areas.

The State Chairman of MACBAN, Malam Nura Abdullahi,led the press conference, expressing the distress felt by the Fulani communities over the recent attacks and killings in the villages of Bokkos and Barikin Ladi LGAs. The toll stands at over 190 lives lost, marking a troubling escalation in violence.

Adullahi conveyed the struggles faced by Fulani residents, stating, “Members of the Fulani living in various communities were being molested, maltreated, intimidated, and in many cases killed.” He provided a detailed account of the losses, revealing that 834 cattle were rustled in Kawel, Rom, and Sat in Bokkos and their accomplices from Mangu LGA between August 29, 2023, and December 24, 2023.

The chairman emphasized the gravity of the situation, adding, “The atrocities committed against the Fulani included the brutal killing of over 350 individuals and the burning down of more than 115 villages to ashes, resulting in the destruction of all properties and food items.” Adullahi highlighted the displacement of 23,515 internally displaced persons from Fulani communities, seeking refuge in camps and homes in neighboring states such as Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba.

He underscored the extensive losses, both in terms of property and human lives, stating that billions of naira worth of household properties were lost during the carnage. Entire Fulani communities were displaced from eight districts, including Mangu, Panyam, Pushit, Kerang, Bwoi, Kombun, Ampang, and Mangum.

Adullahi also called attention to specific villages where Fulani communities were displaced, including Bwoi, Kombun, Sarfai, Rinago, Jukga, Kuwes, Kaangag, Farinkasa, Kerana, Lugga, Dimeza, Fungong, Gindirin, Gok, Bunghan, Gida, Milet, Rufwang, Dejwak, Lupo, Wushik, among others.

Importantly, the chairman stated, “All the atrocities committed against us are in the records of security agencies in the state,” emphasizing that these documented incidents should serve as a basis for thorough investigations.

Despite the significant challenges faced by the Fulani communities, the groups called for calm among their members and urged against taking the law into their own hands. 

They appealed to security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent events and ensure justice. 

Adullahi concluded the press conference by stating, “We are hopeful that our cry for justice will be heard, and lasting solutions will be proffered to address the lingering issues leading to the unfortunate incidents in our communities.”