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.
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