Tensions Rise in Plateau State as Herders Deny Terrorist Allegations
A heated dispute is unfolding in Nigeria’s Plateau State, where Fulani herders in the Mahanga community are facing accusations of harbouring terrorists. The herders, however, vehemently deny these allegations, claiming they are baseless and aimed at tarnishing their reputation. The accusations come from farming communities in Riyom, particularly the Berom ethnic group, who have lost over a dozen lives in attacks allegedly carried out by herders in the past two months.
In a surprising turn of events, the Fulani herders have countered with allegations of their own, stating that they have lost over 100 cattle to gunmen, who they believe are backed by the Berom community. During a recent visit by a fact-finding committee, Fulani leader Ardo Mahmud Adam dismissed the allegations, questioning the presence of security operatives in Mahanga. "If there were terrorists here, wouldn’t they have been arrested?" he asked, highlighting the lack of evidence to support the claims.
Adam further lamented that his community is often blamed for violence in other areas without evidence. "Whenever violence erupts in Mangu, Bokkos or Bassa, we are accused without evidence. No attacker has ever been traced back to Mahanga," he said. The herders are also struggling to rear their cattle safely, as gunmen frequently shoot their livestock, making it increasingly difficult to graze. "We can no longer rear cattle safely. Does being Fulani mean we don’t have the right to graze?" Adam asked, highlighting the plight of his community.
The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in Riyom, Alhaji Bello Adamu, expressed concern over the marginalisation of Fulani communities. "We are often accused without evidence, and denied our rights. Social media is used to label us as terrorists," he said, underscoring the need for a fair and balanced approach to the conflict. Retired Major General Rogers, chairman of the committee, urged both sides to avoid taking the law into their hands, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the conflict in Plateau State is complex and multifaceted. With both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and empathy. The Fulani herders’ denial of terrorist allegations highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the conflict, one that takes into account the perspectives and experiences of all parties involved. Ultimately, finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict will require a commitment to dialogue, understanding, and respect for the rights and dignity of all communities in Plateau State.
