They were alleged to have descended on a small group of mourners of Fulani descent. They shot all of them. Fifteen people of Fulani extraction lay dead at the end of the operation. Three were badly injured. We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), keen on the need to maintain peace and harmony in Nigeria, are deeply concerned particularly as this tragic scenario constitutes the emerging pattern in several parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Benue and Adamawa states.
Cattle-grazing is not new in this country and it had been very peaceful in the past. But recently there appears to be a kind of organized resistance and stereotyping of the Fulani herdsmen. This is what we find disturbing. Witnesses have reportedly confirmed that efforts at reconciliation between Fulani herdsmen and their neighbours have always been frustrated by external forces who perpetrate fresh killings just when peace accords have either been signed or were about to be signed.
MURIC will not stand akimbo while its members are being haunted from pillar to post. We therefore strongly condemn the callous, criminal and barbaric act of those men in army uniforms who massacred innocent Fulani. We affirm that herdsmen have the right to graze their cattle. It is the duty of the state and Federal Governments to ensure that grazing grounds are provided where farmlands will not be in danger of being destroyed. This has been the practice for decades and we are surprised that it is now becoming an issue.
We also urge the National Human Rights Commission to investigate this atrocity and come up with a report. Finally, we remind Nigerians that a nation seeking peace cannot afford to target any ethnic group for profiling. Muslims throughout the country are urged to continue to live in peace with their neighbours and to eschew all acts capable of causing public disorder.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
