14/05/2026
13th May, 2026
RE: ADDRESS DELIVERED BY GOVERNOR CALEB MUTFWANG DURING HIS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO BARKIN LADI OVER THE REOCCURRENCE OF VIOLENT CLASHES BETWEEN FARMING AND HERDING COMMUNITIES
The Coalition of Fulani Registered Organizations, Plateau State Chapter, wishes to commend His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his swift response to the unfortunate resurgence of violent clashes between farming and herding communities in parts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
We particularly appreciate the Governor’s personal visit to the affected communities to sympathize with victims, engage critical stakeholders, and issue policy directives aimed at restoring peace and ending the destruction of lives and property across Plateau State.
As a coalition committed to peace, justice, coexistence, and lawful engagement among all communities in Plateau State, we acknowledge the concerns raised by the Governor regarding farm destruction and the growing insecurity affecting both farmers and herders.
We equally condemn, in strong terms, all acts of violence, killings, criminality, and destruction of livelihoods, regardless of the ethnic, religious, or social background of the victims.
However, we are deeply concerned about the persistent killing of herders, cattle rustling, poisoning of grazing fields and water sources, and the destruction of livestock belonging to Fulani pastoral communities across the state.
We respectfully recommend that the Governor’s decisive security policy, particularly the “shoot-at-sight” directive against farm destruction, be extended to cover cattle rustling, cattle poisoning, and deliberate attacks on herders and their livelihoods.
Such an inclusive approach will help curb the continuous loss of livelihoods suffered daily by Fulani communities through cattle rustling, shootings, poisoning, and other criminal acts perpetrated by individuals determined to undermine the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the state.
For many years, Fulani pastoral communities across Plateau State have endured enormous losses, including:
Deliberate poisoning of grazing lands and water sources;
Mass killing and rustling of cattle;
Violent attacks on herders and settlements;
Destruction of economic livelihoods;
Ethnic profiling and collective accusations against innocent pastoralists.
Sadly, many of these incidents have received inadequate public condemnation and insufficient governmental response, leaving victims without justice or protection.
The Coalition therefore calls on the Government of Plateau State to ensure fairness, equity, and justice in all policy pronouncements and security operations. The sanctity of human life and the protection of lawful property must apply equally to both farmers and herders without discrimination.
We remain hopeful that the Governor will positively respond to the concerns and appeals of Fulani herding communities whose lives and livelihoods continue to be affected by recurring violent conflicts across the state.
Furthermore, we urge security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of escalating tensions. Dialogue, justice, accountability, and mutual respect remain the only sustainable path toward lasting peace and coexistence in Plateau State.
The Coalition reiterates its commitment to peaceful coexistence, lawful engagement, and constructive collaboration with government authorities and all communities toward ending violence and promoting harmony across the state.
We therefore call on the Governor and his administration to rise above ethnic and sectional sentiments and continue to demonstrate statesmanship by ensuring justice, fairness, and equal treatment for every citizen, regardless of tribe, religion, or occupation.
E-Signed
Hon. Garba Abdullahi Muhammad (GAFDAN)
Chairman
Alh. Adam Yakubu
Secretary
Alh Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo (MACBAN)
Alh AY Umar (FUYODA)
Alh Abubakar Muhammad Garba (TABBITAL FULAKU)
Barr. Muhammad Salisu Isa (BAJOL FULAKU)
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