By Yusuf Olukokun
An indigenous group known as the Coalition of Ethnic Natinalities in Plateau state has strongly accused Fulani militants for forcefully displacing over 151 indigenous villages.
The coalition includes people of Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavul and Ron; in addition with some indigenous youth groups, made this claim while briefing journalists in Jos, capital of Plateau state.
However, they vehemently accused the militants for land grabbing actions in some villages like Barki Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos and Basa local government area of the state.
Mr. Paul Dakete, Chairman of Indigenous Youths, expressed his humane disappointment in the past and present government for turning deaf ears to their will of narration of being faced with chaos.
The text read in part, “In view of the unsatisfactory and feeble responses so far received from all levels of government in Nigeria, the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwaghavul and Ron Youths Associations in conjunction with the Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youths Bodies are constraint to draw attention of the public and, especially, International Community.
“For several years to date, the youths bodies have been crying aloud and lodging complains to appropriate authorities including the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services, Operation Safe Haven-OPSH, National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly and others that there is a serious unprecedented under-current terror attacks with the principal motive of dispossessing them their God-giving lands and territory.”
In response to the claim made by the group, Mallam Nura Muhammad, Plateau State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, said the Fulanis are core inhabitants of the state, and any plan to dislodge them from the inherited space of their forefathers will be in futility.
He said further that, it is totally unacceptable to be blaming them for any chaos in the state. In his words: “We are all Nigerians too. We have no any other place to go, except to stay on our God-giving lands which we inherited from our forefathers.”
