Ending Fulani expansionist’s killing in Nigeria -Editorial

Nigeria has recorded a high level of Fulani terrorist killings in recent years. But despite these unlawful killings, the government of the day keeps on compromising the situation. Many school children, travellers and citizens have been kidnapped and killed. There is the unimaginable splitting of innocent blood which has been described as a situation of a failed state.
According to reports, the number of deaths arising from Fulani terrorists, herdsmen and bandits killings has nearly surpassed that of the number of deaths during Nigeria’s civil war in 1976. Trillions of naira have been allegedly spent on counterattacks on the war against Fulani expansionists but no result has proved the military agility and capacity. Nigerians who expressed disappointment have accused the Fulani-led administration of handling the issue with kid’s gloves.

Reports had it that several homes and Communities have been deserted by herdsmen, bandits and terrorist activities of the armed Fulanis. Till now the intent of the Fulani herdsmen, bandits and expansionists killing is still unearthed. Farmlands have been deliberately destroyed, and farmers prevented from doing their lawful engagements. The Fulani jihadists appear to be heartless and uncompassionate when the devil of killing comes upon them. Several times the security has been accused of aiding and abetting the criminal activities of killer herders.

It was reported by several news outfits that during the governorship and House of Assembly elections on Saturday, March 11, Fulani herdsmen invaded six communities in the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria and killed no less than 50 persons.
Although the police in Benue State said the casualty figure was not up to 50, they could not provide counter details.

On April 7, 2023, 46 persons, including a son of the Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bako Eje were reportedly killed in a deadly attack launched on the Umogidi community of Entekpa Adoka district in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue.
However, Lt Col. Paul Hemba (retd.), Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security confirmed the development.

On February 6, 2023, Governor Samuel Ortom, lamented that over 6,000 persons have been killed in the state by marauding armed herdsmen who have in the last few years staged ceaseless attacks on communities in the state.

On 11th October 2022 about 10 Tiv farmers were feared killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Nasarawa State.

On 20th December 2021, no fewer than 20 Tiv farmers were reportedly killed and 5,000 others displaced in Lafia, Obi, and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State following an invasion of 12 communities by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

On June 5, 2022, Killer herdsmen on Sunday breached security at a parish in Owo, Ondo, leaving at least 28 dead.

On 14th March 2023 about 3 persons were killed in the Toru Angiama community in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State. On April 4, 2022, no fewer than twelve persons were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen in Plateau State,
The Fulani herders were said to have attacked villages of the Irigwe tribe in the Bassa Local Government Area.

On November 22, 2022, suspected killer herdsmen allegedly invaded Agbeta II Tuabon Community in Ebubu Clan, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State and reportedly killed two persons and more uncountable attacks.

The question is: has the government forgotten its role in protecting lives and properties? However, the unabated continued killing of innocent people on daily basis has been a great concern. It is an appeal that successful govt, especially the incoming administration should do everything possible to end herdsmen killing in the country.