A coalition of indigenous ethnic nationalities in Plateau State strongly denounced what they perceive as futile attempts by herders to justify the brutal killing of over 190 innocent individuals in rural communities on Christmas Eve. The group, in collaboration with the Forum of Bokkos Development Association, dismissed claims made by a Fulani group asserting that Fulani individuals and their cattle also suffered losses during the attack.
During a joint press conference held in Jos, the group criticized the statement attributed to the Coalition of Fulani Groups, considering it not only a mockery but also an indication that they have not expressed sympathy for the state regarding the killings, which have claimed over 200 lives.
President of the group BYM, Barr Dalyop Mwantiri, described the Fulani statement as concocted, illogical, and fictitious. He asserted that the Fulani statement was an attempt to cover up, confuse, misdirect, and downplay the crimes committed by their bandits. The group accused the Fulani of insincerity in their condolences, labeling it as a hidden form of mockery and hypocrisy.
Questioning the credibility of the Fulani account, the Plateau group challenged the notion that eight districts had suddenly risen against the Fulani without any reason. They urged the Fulani to be transparent about the underlying causes for such alleged conflicts, suggesting that the terrorist activities and banditry associated with some Fulani might be contributing factors.
The group emphasized that Fulani herders had been accommodated by local communities for decades but now seem to reject the hospitality and accommodation extended by sedentary peasant farmers. Citing experiences in other regions of Nigeria, the group accused Fulani militants of unleashing terror on vulnerable villages, annexing lands, and denying access to the native peoples. In Plateau, they claimed that over 102 hamlets and villages have been completely sacked and occupied by the Fulani.
