Fresh tension in Plateau as Fulani group reacts to Gov Mutfwang’s directive

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A Fulani group, Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association, has reacted to an order by Caleb Mutfwang directing security agencies to shoot on sight anyone found destroying farmlands in any part of the state.

Mutfwang had, during a security meeting on Tuesday, instructed security operatives not to spare criminal elements, especially those invading farming communities, killing residents and destroying their means of livelihood.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday morning and signed by its National President, Muh’d Hussaini Buzaye, the Fulani group described the governor’s directive as extreme and called for its immediate withdrawal, warning that it could further escalate insecurity in the state.

Buzaye stated that the directive ordering security operatives to shoot anyone destroying farmlands, while allegedly remaining silent on ethnic militias accused of attacking and killing herders and poisoning cattle, showed that the Plateau State government was not concerned about the lives of Fulani people in the state.

In the statement, Buzaye appealed to Governor Mutfwang to reverse the order and ensure that all security directives and enforcement measures in the state are implemented with fairness, justice and equal treatment for all communities without discrimination.

He stated that the association’s position was in response to recent remarks by the governor directing security agencies to take decisive action against individuals found destroying farmlands.

“While acknowledging the importance of protecting agricultural livelihoods and ensuring food security, the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association also calls for justice and consistency in implementing any executive order and such must remain central in the enforcement of any security policy,” he said.

According to the association, if strict measures are to be enforced against those destroying farmlands, similar action should also be taken against other criminal activities threatening peace and stability in the state.

“These include cattle rustling, the poisoning of livestock, unlawful road blockages, attacks on innocent citizens, destruction of military checkpoints, and other acts of violence that undermine public safety and order,” the statement noted.

The group further raised concerns over the persistent loss of lives and property affecting its members, alleging that many herders are attacked and killed while carrying out their daily activities of rearing livestock.

It also noted that cattle rustling remains a major challenge, with several livestock reportedly stolen, killed or forcefully taken away, describing the situation as a troubling and recurring security crisis.

“These incidents frequently occur while our members are on transit or in the course of their legitimate livelihood activities, making the issue a matter of urgent humanitarian and security concern.

“‎The association emphasizes that these challenges require immediate and decisive attention from the Plateau State government and security agencies. The continued inaction from the state government and security agencies could worsen tensions and deepen mistrust among affected communities.
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‎”The directive by Gov. Mutfwang appears to focus mainly on farmers and those involved in farmland-related disputes, while raising concern over what they described as a lack of equal emphasis on addressing the equally serious challenges faced by herders.

“What are the measures being taken regarding the protection of herders, especially in cases involving attacks, cattle rustling, and loss of lives? Justice must be applied evenly to all sides for lasting peace to be achieved.

“The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association is also concerned over rising incidents of hate speech, tribal incitement, and divisive rhetoric within communities. Such behaviour significantly contributes to tension and mistrust among different groups in the state. We hereby, call for equal accountability for anyone found engaging in such acts, regardless of background or affiliation.
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‎”The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association reaffirms its commitment to peaceful coexistence and calls on all stakeholders in Plateau State to work collectively with government and security agencies in addressing insecurity, restoring trust, and strengthening unity across all communities in the state and Nigeria at large,” it concluded.

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