JUST IN:
May 13, 2026
A Fulani group, the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association, has reacted to an order from Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang to security agencies to shoot-on-sight anyone found destroying farmlands in any part of the state.
Mutfwang had, during a security meeting on Tuesday, given the order to security operatives not to spare any criminal element, especially those who invade farming communities, killing the people and destroying their means of livelihood.
But in a statement on Wednesday morning signed by its National President Dr. Muh’d Hussaini Buzaye, the Fulani group said the order by the Governor was extreme and should be rescinded immediately as it has the potential of further escalating insecurity in the state.
Bazuye stated that the order for security operatives to shoot every destroyer of farmlands while remaining silent on ethnic militias who attack, kill herders, and poison their cattle was a testament that the Plateau State government was not concerned about the lives of Fulani people in the state.
In the statement, Buzaye made a strong appeal to Gov. Mutfwang to reverse the order, urging him to ensure that all security directives and enforcement measures in the state are applied with strict fairness, justice, and equal treatment for all communities without any form of bias or discrimination.
He stated that the association’s call comes in reaction to recent statements by the Governor ordering security agencies to take decisive action against individuals found destroying farmlands.
“While acknowledging the importance of protecting agricultural livelihoods and ensuring food security, the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association also calls for justice and consistency in implementing any executive order and such must remain central in the enforcement of any security policy,” he said.
According to the association, if such stringent measures were to be implemented against those who destroy farmlands, then equal and comparable action must also be taken against all other forms of criminal activity that continue to threaten peace and stability in the state.
“These include cattle rustling, the poisoning of livestock, unlawful road blockages, attacks on innocent citizens, destruction of military checkpoints, and other acts of violence that undermine public safety and order,” the statement noted.
The group further raised serious concerns over the persistent loss of lives and property affecting its members, stating that many herders are often attacked and killed while carrying out their daily activities of rearing animals. It also noted that cattle rustling remains a major challenge, with many livestock being stolen, killed, or forcefully taken away, describing the situation as a deeply troubling and recurring security crisis.
“These incidents frequently occur while our members are on transit or in the course of their legitimate livelihood activities, making the issue a matter of urgent humanitarian and security concern.
“The association emphasizes that these challenges require immediate and decisive attention from the Plateau State government and security agencies. The continued inaction from the state government and security agencies could worsen tensions and deepen mistrust among affected communities.
”The directive by Gov. Mutfwang appears to focus mainly on farmers and those involved in farmland-related disputes, while raising concern over what they described as a lack of equal emphasis on addressing the equally serious challenges faced by herders.
“What are the measures being taken regarding the protection of herders, especially in cases involving attacks, cattle rustling, and loss of lives? Justice must be applied evenly to all sides for lasting peace to be achieved.
“The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association is also concerned over rising incidents of hate speech, tribal incitement, and divisive rhetoric within communities.
Such behaviour significantly contributes to tension and mistrust among different groups in the state. We hereby, call for equal accountability for anyone found engaging in such acts, regardless of background or affiliation.
”The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association reaffirms its commitment to peaceful coexistence and calls on all stakeholders in Plateau State to work collectively with government and security agencies in addressing insecurity, restoring trust, and strengthening unity across all communities in the state and Nigeria at large,” it concluded.
Arise News
