FULANI YOUTH LEADER ACCUSES SECURITY OPERATIVES OF WORKING WITH MILITIAS

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

Fulani Youth Leader Alleges Security Personnel Collude With Militias in Plateau

A Fulani youth leader in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Umar Yusuf, has accused security operatives of working with local militia groups to attack herders, seize their cattle and extort money for their release.

Yusuf made the allegations during a town hall meeting organised by the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association of Nigeria (KPFAN) on Saturday.

He claimed that security personnel often accompany local Irigwe youths on raids targeting Fulani settlements, during which herders are allegedly attacked, killed and their livestock confiscated.

According to Yusuf, the alleged practice has persisted for years and has worsened in recent times.

He further alleged that cattle seized during such operations are taken to military camps, where they are kept for extended periods before owners are required to pay large sums of money to recover them.

Yusuf said the situation has inflicted significant economic hardship on Fulani herders, stressing that they deserve the same level of protection as other citizens.

He also alleged that on July 30, armed Irigwe youths, accompanied by some security personnel, attacked Fulani herders in Ancha village, killing six cows, injuring several others and fatally shooting a herder identified as Muhammadu Rebo while he was grazing his livestock.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and security authorities had not responded to the claims at the time of reporting.