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Shoot-on-sight order: Gov Mutfwang playing with fire – Fulani group blows hot

Published

6 months ago

May 17, 2026

A Fulani group, under the auspices of Concerned Amalgamated Fulani Association, has warned Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to retract the recent shoot-on-sight order he gave security agencies in the state against anyone found destroying farmlands in the state.

Mutfwang, worried at the renewed violence that has engulfed the state leading to the death of over 50 people in the last month, gave the order during a condolence visit to Barkin Ladi Local Government Area last week.

While many have applauded the Governor over what they believe is a bold step towards curtailing the series of attacks and killings allegedly carried out by Fulani bandits and Islamic extremists, the Fulani group has, however, warned the Governor that he is playing with fire by giving the order which it said is partisan and aimed at targeting the Fulani people.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the coordinator of the group, Modibo Sule, the order is bound to backfire and instead of having the effect it aims at, would be counter-productive if Fulani people decide to defend themselves in the face of attacks from ethnic militia gangs.

“His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State last week gave security agencies a shoot-on-sight order against anyone caught destroying farmlands in the state,” the group said in the statement.

“The order, according to the Governor, is to checkmate the lingering attacks and violence in the state but what we will remind the Governor is that the order seems to be one-sided, partisan, and seemingly aimed at Fulani people and in the long run, will be counterproductive.

“We want Governor Mutfwang to understand that no matter his good intentions, such an order has shown that he does not have the interest of the Fulani people at heart.

“Our people are peace-loving and have been living in peace with their neighbours in different communities until the natives began attacking them, killing them, stealing their cattle, and destroying their means of livelihood. In such unprovoked attacks, does anyone expect us to sit back and watch our people being destroyed?

“While the order from the Chief Security Officer of Plateau State is a firm stance against farm destruction and addresses a core livelihood threat to many communities, the order appears one-sided.

“It gives limited public emphasis to parallel grievances, including killings of herders, cattle rustling, poisoning of grazing fields and water sources, and destruction of livestock. This selective focus risks deepening mistrust.

“It is a selective enforcement that cannot deliver lasting peace. Insecurity in the state thrives on cycles of reprisals fueled by perceived bias. Partial measures that target one side while appearing to ignore the other only breed resentment, encourage underground retaliation, and erode confidence in government and security institutions.

“We demand equal justice for all and say no to favoritism, tribalism, ethnic, and religious bias from the government.

“Every criminal act, whether farm destruction, herder killings, livestock rustling, or attacks on communities, must be pursued with the same vigour regardless of the perpetrator’s identity.

“True security lies in impartiality, accountability, and even-handed protection of lives and livelihoods for farmers and herders alike. Anything less perpetuates the conflict rather than resolving it. Only fairness can break the cycle,” the group said.

Related Topics:blows fire Fulani Gov group hot Mutfwang order playing shootonsight

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Details Emerge as Middle Belt Leaders Visit Tinubu at Aso Rock

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

InCollage 20261106 060506456 1200x675.jpg

Details have emerged following the meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prominent Middle Belt leaders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

The leaders, who visited the President at the State House, reaffirmed their support for his administration and discussed issues affecting the Middle Belt region, particularly insecurity, national development, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Among those present at the meeting were the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; former Chief of Army Staff, General Ishaya Bamaiyi; and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.

Others included businessman Thomas Etuh and Dr Poju Bitrus.

During the meeting, the Middle Belt leaders expressed support for Tinubu’s administration, particularly its efforts to address insecurity and promote development across the country.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, acknowledged improvements in the security situation, while emphasising the need for sustained efforts to tackle the challenges facing communities in the region.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also highlighted efforts to rebuild trust among communities and strengthen peaceful coexistence between people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The meeting comes amid persistent security concerns in parts of the Middle Belt, particularly Plateau, Benue and other states that have witnessed recurring attacks, communal violence and displacement of residents.

The leaders’ visit also comes at a politically significant time, with political parties and their supporters beginning to intensify activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting is also taking place against the backdrop of President Tinubu’s planned visits to Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, where he is expected to commission projects and participate in political rallies.

As earlier reported by POLITICS NIGERIA, the Presidency announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Friday, November 6, for a two-state visit, beginning with Akwa Ibom before proceeding to Rivers State on Saturday.

President Bola Tinubu met with middle belt leaders on Thursday

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to commission several projects completed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

The projects include the new International Terminal Building, International Airport Hospital and Ibom Aviation Village, all located at the Victor Attah International Airport.

Others are the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, and Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.

The President is also expected to commission the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort before attending a political rally in the state.

Governor Eno has declared Friday a work-free day to enable residents and workers to participate in activities marking the President’s visit.

Tinubu is expected to proceed to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday to participate in an All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally.

The rally will be his third since he officially flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna State last month.

The planned visits come barely two days after the President returned to Abuja from Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.

Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday and was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Defence, the Inspector-General of Police and other government officials.

During his stay in Saudi Arabia, the President was granted access to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, where he offered prayers for Nigeria and its citizens.

News

Kaduna PDP guber candidate, Bawa suspends activities over death of party members

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2027 election in Kaduna State, Usman Shehu Bawa, ABG, has suspended all his campaign activities following the death of three party members in a fatal motor accident.

The victims died on their way home after attending a meeting in Kaduna.

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, said the gubernatorial candidate expressed deep sorrow over the death of the party members.

He explained that the inauguration of his campaign council, and other related activities planned for Saturday have been suspended till further notice.

He expressed regret for the inconvenience the suspension may have caused, particularly to individuals invited for the occasion.

The three deceased members are all from Jema’a Local Government Area of the state and are identified as Caleb Ishaya Alot – Secretary of PDP, Jema'a LGA, Mercy Achi – Women leader, Wise Ward and Charity Bahago – member of the PDP, Wise Ward.

According to Shehu ABG, "The incident is a painful loss to the bereaved families and the entire PDP family in the state."

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate families and the people of Jema’a Local Government Area and members of the party in the state over the painful loss.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident.

Kaduna PDP guber candidate, Bawa suspends activities over death of party members