‘There will be no peace until Berom Militias stop killing our herders, cows’ – Fulani group
Youth Group Cites Local Violence as Barrier to Peace in Plateau
JOS, Nigeria — A youth group representing the Fulani community, known as the Concerned Fulani Youths in Plateau, has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing violence in the state, suggesting that peace is unlikely to be achieved without a halt to local attacks against herdsmen.
During a meeting held in Jos on Tuesday, the group emphasized that true reconciliation between host communities and the Fulani people hinges on the cessation of assaults by local militias, specifically citing the “Berom Militias.” They argue that such violence is directed toward innocent herders and their livestock, which represent the primary source of livelihood for many Fulani families.
Saleh Umaru, the convener of the group, stated in a communique released after the meeting that many attacks attributed to Fulani herdsmen are in fact retaliatory actions in response to killings of their community members or theft of their cattle.
“After wide-ranging consultations with various Fulani groups and individual herders across Plateau State, we have reached a consensus that a significant cause of the ongoing violence, particularly in the Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas, is tied to the attacks instigated by Berom militia gangs,” Umaru asserted.
While acknowledging that some individuals within the Fulani community may engage in criminal activities, the group contends that the majority of violence stems from reprisals against prior aggression.
“We are generally peace-loving people who seek to rear our cattle without conflict, but the threat to our safety, including killings and the destruction of our settlements, compels us to respond in self-defense,” Umaru remarked.
He highlighted that numerous Fulani settlements have been targeted and destroyed by these local gangs, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
Umaru urged the government of Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to enact legislation that targets ethnic militia groups and bolster action by security agencies to combat their activities. He warned that without such measures, achieving lasting peace in the region will remain elusive.
