A Fulani youth group in Plateau State has warned that lasting peace in the region will remain elusive unless the government takes decisive action against local militia groups, particularly the Berom Militias, which they accuse of attacking and killing herdsmen and stealing their livestock. The group, known as Concerned Fulani Youths in Plateau, made the statement after a meeting in Jos on Tuesday, emphasizing that the ongoing violence is largely a result of retaliatory actions by herdsmen following these attacks. They argue that without addressing the root causes, including the activities of these militias, genuine reconciliation between Fulani herders and host communities cannot be achieved.
The group’s convener, Saleh Umaru, stated that after extensive consultations with Fulani communities and individual herders across Plateau State, they have reached a unanimous conclusion: the violence in predominantly Berom areas like Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas is primarily driven by attacks from Berom Militia gangs. While acknowledging that some herdsmen have engaged in criminal activities, Umaru stressed that most of the violent incidents are reprisal attacks meant to avenge killings, recover stolen cattle, or protect families and settlements from further harm.
According to the communique, Fulani people are inherently peaceful and only resort to violence when their lives, families, and livelihoods are threatened. The group cited documented cases of Fulani settlements being invaded and destroyed, with hundreds of herders killed and thousands of livestock stolen by militia groups. These incidents, they argue, naturally provoke defensive and retaliatory responses, perpetuating the cycle of violence. They insist that the current situation is not a simple clash between herders and farmers, but a deeper conflict fueled by organized attacks from armed local gangs.
Umaru called on the Plateau State government, led by Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to enact laws that criminalize ethnic militia gangs and empower security agencies to dismantle them. He emphasized that without such measures, peace will remain out of reach. The group also urged authorities to ensure justice for victims and to create an environment where both Fulani herders and host communities can coexist without fear of violence.
The statement underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive security and reconciliation strategy in Plateau State. As tensions continue to simmer, the voices of the Concerned Fulani Youths highlight a critical perspective that must be included in any lasting peace effort. Without addressing the role of local militias, any attempt to resolve the crisis may prove temporary, leaving the region vulnerable to further outbreaks of violence.
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