The Northern Consensus Movement of Nigeria (NCM) has cautioned security agencies, particularly the military, against the unlawful killings of innocent Fulani youth in the name of fighting banditry.
The group described the Fulani as citizens of the country and insisted that they should be respected like others.
Daily Trust had on Thursday reported that the bodies of 11 Fulanis arrested by soldiers were found in Kachia Local Government Area of the state inside a forest. They were alleged to be killed by the soldiers but The military had denied the allegation saying they don’t kill people after arrest.
Meanwhile, NCM national president, Dr Auwal Abdullahi Aliyu, at a news briefing on Sunday while reacting to the recovery of the bodies, emphasised that the Nigerian military, known for its high professionalism, should not allow its good image built over the years to be tarnished by a few bad eggs.
He called on the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to investigate the alleged unlawful killings of Fulani youth in Kachia by soldiers, stating, “Fulanis are Nigerian citizens and should be respected as such. The alleged killings of their kinsmen should be investigated. We are not shielding them, but whoever is found committing crimes among them should be dealt with.
“Nigeria has a highly professional military, but the military should also be aware that something is happening, or the bad eggs among them are working towards tarnishing the good image of our military.”
He further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by calling the military to order, urging Fulani youth to remain calm and allow authorities to investigate the incident.