The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association, a major Fulani socio-cultural group, has strongly criticised the order by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, directing security agencies to shoot on sight anyone caught destroying farmlands in the state.
The group described the directive as extreme, dangerous and capable of worsening the already fragile security situation in Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang gave the order on Tuesday during a security meeting held with security agencies and community leaders in the state. The governor reportedly instructed security operatives to take firm action against criminal elements invading farming communities, killing residents and destroying farmlands and other sources of livelihood.
The governor’s directive came amid renewed concerns over violent attacks in several rural communities in Plateau State, where clashes between farmers and herders have continued to claim lives and destroy property over the years.
However, reacting to the development on Wednesday, the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association accused the state government of focusing mainly on crimes linked to herders while allegedly ignoring attacks and killings affecting Fulani communities.
In a statement signed by the National President of the association, Muh’d Hussaini Buzaye, the group appealed to Governor Mutfwang to immediately withdraw the order in the interest of peace and justice.
According to the association, the order has the potential to increase tension and deepen mistrust among communities in the state.
“The directive by the governor appears to focus mainly on farmers and farmland-related disputes, while there is little attention on attacks against herders and cattle owners,” the statement said.
The association argued that if the government intends to introduce strict measures against destruction of farmlands, similar actions should also be taken against cattle rustling, attacks on herders, poisoning of livestock, road blockages and other violent crimes affecting Fulani communities.
The group said many of its members had suffered repeated attacks while carrying out their daily activities.
According to the statement, several herders have allegedly been killed while moving with their cattle or carrying out lawful business activities in different parts of Plateau State.
The association also raised concern over increasing incidents of cattle rustling, claiming that many livestock had either been stolen, killed or poisoned by criminal elements.
“These incidents frequently occur while our members are on transit or carrying out their legitimate livelihood activities,” the group stated.
“It is a serious humanitarian and security issue that requires urgent attention from government and security agencies.”
The association further warned that continued silence over attacks on herders could worsen division among communities and make peace efforts more difficult.
It also accused some groups and individuals in the state of promoting hate speech and tribal incitement capable of creating more violence.
The Fulani group therefore called on the Plateau State Government to ensure fairness and equal treatment in the enforcement of security policies.
It urged security agencies to avoid selective justice and ensure that all criminal acts are treated equally regardless of the ethnic or religious background of those involved.
“The association believes justice must be applied evenly to all sides if lasting peace is to be achieved,” Buzaye stated.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all stakeholders to work together to restore peace and trust across Plateau communities.
Plateau State has for many years experienced violent conflicts linked to disputes over land, grazing routes, farming activities and ethnic tensions. Several communities across the state have witnessed deadly attacks, reprisals and destruction of homes and property.
In recent years, the violence has become more frequent in some local government areas, leading to the displacement of families and growing humanitarian concerns.
Farmers often accuse herders of invading farmlands and destroying crops with cattle, while herders also complain of attacks, cattle rustling and restrictions on grazing activities.
Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly promised to restore peace and strengthen security in Plateau State since assuming office in 2023.
The governor has also accused criminal groups of taking advantage of communal tensions to carry out attacks on innocent people.
Many farming communities in Plateau have recently complained about repeated attacks during the farming season, saying fear and insecurity are affecting food production and economic activities.
Community leaders have continued to call on both the federal and state governments to improve security presence in vulnerable areas and strengthen dialogue among affected groups.
They believe that while stronger security measures may be necessary to stop violence, such measures must be carefully implemented to avoid further ethnic tension and accusations of bias.
Human rights groups have also in the past cautioned against shoot-on-sight directives, warning that such orders could lead to abuse, unlawful killings and violations of citizens’ rights if not properly monitored.
As of Wednesday evening, the Plateau State Government had not officially responded to the statement issued by the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association.
Meanwhile, residents of the state continue to hope for lasting peace as security agencies intensify efforts to stop attacks and restore normal life in troubled communities.