Nigerian Senate Divided As Bill to Ban Open Grazing, Establish Ranches Passes Second Reading

…Arewa (Northern) Senators kick against bill, say it is discriminatory

By Steven Kefas

(Kaduna), The long-standing crisis between farmers and herders in Nigeria may soon see a lasting solution if a proposed bill scales through the legislative process. The bill, which seeks to ban open grazing and establish a national commission to regulate and manage ranches across the country, has already passed the second reading in the Senate, albeit amidst heated debates and divisions among lawmakers.

Sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Benue North-West Senatorial District, the bill is titled: “A Bill to establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the regulation, management, preservation, and control of ranches throughout Nigeria; and for connected purposes, 2024.”

In his lead debate, Zam highlighted the increasing wave of violent conflicts that erupt from the interaction between pastoralists and farmers in Nigeria, describing the situation as having assumed a “war-like dimension with far-reaching negative impacts on the people and the country as a whole.”

He emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, stating, “As stakeholders in the Nigeria project and elected representatives of the people, doing so would amount to an abdication of our statutory and leadership responsibilities.”

Zam proposed banning open grazing as a “legislative therapy” to cure the menace of farmers and herders’ crises, lamenting that the Nigerian State had continued to pay lip service to the challenge without addressing it in concrete terms, in line with international best practices of animal husbandry.

“Every effort is laced with maneuvers that speak to our ethnic and political biases or sentiments, thus resisted by the people,” he said. “This 10th Senate has a date with history. We must rise in one accord to sort out this problem of herders-farmers violent conflicts that would, if allowed to linger longer, consume even more lives and properties than the civil war of 1967-1970.”

The Senator further stated, “Now is the time to put a permanent stop to the endless circle of attacks and counter-attacks by our people and their external collaborators. Now is the time to adopt international best practices in animal husbandry. Now is the time to bring about a law to stop open grazing. It is old-fashioned, hazardous, burdensome, and must be discarded.”

Zam’s bill proposes ranching as the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria and advocates for the urgent need to transit from traditional livestock keeping methods to modern, safer, and healthier methods for both the herds and the herders.

The bill further proposes that ranches would be established in the pastoralists’ states of origin without forcing it upon other states or communities that do not have pastoralists as citizens. Interested parties in the livestock business must seek and obtain approvals from their host communities to establish ranches for peaceful coexistence.

While some senators supported the bill, others objected to the clause stating that pastoralists should establish ranches in their states of origin.

Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe said, “I am of the view that the bill could be a solution to the clashes between farmers and herders if properly managed.” He recommended amending the constitution and the Land Use Act to simplify the management of lands within the respective states.

Abaribe noted that while some herders were peaceful and engaged in legitimate animal business, there were also criminal elements sponsored to destabilize communities. “Farmers are under threat, and what that has led to is the food crisis that we face in Nigeria today,” he added.

Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi-West) suggested that the best way forward was for every state to establish ranches. “I appreciate my colleague for introducing this bill. This is a national problem, and we all know this. We can’t just sit and do nothing as responsible parliamentarians. Before now, the North had cattle routes, which have been taken over by property owners. Now cattle roam the whole country. All states must be ready to establish cattle ranches,” he said.

However, a former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Mohammed Goje, drove the north’s position further when he observed that the bill was discriminatory by proposing to restrict the herders to a particular geographical location. “There are many angles to this issue of farmers and herders. We have to tackle the problem holistically. These Fulanis are Nigerians,” he maintained.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman-Kawu, shared a similar view, stating that the bill would breach the constitutional rights of the herders. “The bill is totally against the constitution of Nigeria. The bill will even compound the problem of the herders and the farmers. You can’t propose a law to attend to a particular group or section of the country only. This bill is not holistic, and we will fight it till the end,” Kawu stated.

The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, urged all senators to remain calm and allow the bill to proceed to a public hearing. “We must hold a public hearing and bring all the stakeholders to have a say, including cattle rearers and the state governments,” Akpabio remarked shortly before he rammed his gavel for the second reading.

Akpabio assured senators that everything possible would be done to reach a consensus on the proposals contained in the bill, including amending the Land Use Act where necessary.

However, Senator Adamu Aliero said any law that would restrict the movement of any Nigerian and his property would be a direct breach of Section 41 of the Constitution.

The Senate President acknowledged that offensive clauses not in line with the constitution should be expunged from the Bill during the public hearing and the national summit on security already agreed by the Senate.

The heated debate on the bill further divided the Senate, with the division centered around infractions on relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, protocols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding the free movement of persons and their property from state to state and country to country.

Senators Garba Musa Maidoki (PDP Kebbi South) and Abba Moro (PDP Benue South) supported the bill, while others like Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP Kebbi Central), Suleiman Kawu (NNPP Kano South), and Danjuma Goje (APC Gombe Central) kicked against it.

Senator Adamu Aliero, in opposing the bill, raised a constitutional point of order by quoting Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives all Nigerians free movement into any state with their property. He specifically told the Senate that it was wrong for the sponsor of the bill to propose establishing ranches in the state of origin of pastoralists alone.

Senator Kawu, in his opposition to the bill, said, “This bill is against the provisions of the constitution and, in fact, will compound the crisis of herders/farmers in Nigeria if allowed to become law.”

The bill, however, scaled the second reading when put to a voice vote by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, after the refusal of the sponsor to step it down. It was thereafter forwarded to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Judiciary and Legal Matters for further legislative inputs within the next four weeks.

The heated debates and divisions among senators on the proposed bill highlight the complexity of the farmers-herders crisis in Nigeria and the challenges in finding a lasting solution that balances the interests of all stakeholders while adhering to the provisions of the constitution and relevant protocols.

Indigenous Youth Groups Sound Alarm Over Rampant Land Grabs in Plateau State

By Steven Kefas

In a powerful and sobering press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on May 27, 2024, a coalition of indigenous youth associations from Plateau State raised the alarm over the alarming and unacceptable loss of ancestral lands suffered by customary landowners across the state.

Representing the Atakar, Berom, Irigwe, Mwagavwul and Ron communities, as well as the Coalition of Plateau State Indigenous Youth Bodies, the leaders painted a grim picture of well-orchestrated terror campaigns aimed at dispossessing native populations of their land and mineral resources.

“For several years, we have been crying out and lodging complaints to the appropriate authorities, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” lamented Silas Samuel Biniyat, President of the Attakar Youth Movement. “There is a clear agenda by Fulani terrorists to unleash attacks, kill innocent civilians, and displace our people from their ancestral homes – all to deny us access to our God-given lands and territories.”

The litany of affected areas reads like a roll call of despair, with the groups alleging that over 151 hamlets and villages across Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas have either been totally annexed or are under effective occupation by militants, bandits and terrorists.

“It’s quite provoking to imagine that the foundations of churches destroyed by these terrorist elements have overnight been reconstructed as mosques, in utter disregard for the fundamental rights of the displaced people,” said Peter Bini, President of the Irigwe Youth Movement.

The youth leaders asserted that there is a curious connection between the areas worst affected by displacement and the locations richly endowed with natural and mineral resources like fertile soils, water bodies, cassiterite, and columbite. They cited the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA as a prime example, where Fulani groups have largely displaced native farmers and now dominate local economic activities.

“The exploitation and domination of our people is evident at local produce markets and transport businesses in and around Gashish District,” added S.D. Dankaka, President of the Mwagavwul Youth Movement.

The groups expressed deep frustration with the Nigerian government’s feeble response so far, accusing security agents of making token arrests only to release suspects on “orders from above.” They demanded that the international community apply diplomatic pressure to compel the government to take decisive action.

“A situation where few arrests are made and hurriedly released is not only unjust but totally unacceptable, as this constitutes a grievous disservice to humanity,” stated Paul Dekete, Chairman of the Indigenous Youth Coalition.

While acknowledging the Plateau State Government’s passion for returning IDPs to their lands and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to address insecurity, the youth leaders underscored that the magnitude of the crisis requires international intervention and support for Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s “Time is Now” administration.

“We strongly believe that the good intention of the Governor of Plateau needs to be concretized through a marshall plan for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resettlement of victims across the affected Local Government Areas,” said D.S. Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association.

In a poignant conclusion, the groups argued that the plight of the victims stems from a weak system that fails to guarantee their safety or enforce their inalienable human rights. They called on the international community to either pressure the Nigerian government into transparent action or invoke multilateral diplomatic resources to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Plateau State and the Middle Belt region.

“Our people are plagued because of a weak and reluctant system that hardly guarantees their safety nor enforces their rights as human beings,” declared Christopher Luka, President of the Ron Youth Movement. “The world cannot stand idly by in the face of such injustice.”

As the press conference drew to a close, the resounding chants of “Long Live Plateau Indigenous Youth Bodies,” “Long Live Plateau State,” and “Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria” echoed through the halls, a defiant cry for justice and a call to action that can no longer be ignored.

Genocidal Killings in the Middle Belt of Nigeria-Perspectives, Facts and Fugures

…first published on Wrong Speak newspaper.

On Monday morning at nine o’clock, Christians from Plateau state in the so-called Middlebelt of Nigeria came together to call for an end to the genocidal killings that have wounded and damaged their communities for decades. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) spearheaded the event in response to the ongoing terrorist attacks in Plateau and other parts of Nigeria. The protesters marched to the Governor House of Plateau, where former lawyer Caleb Mutfwang, sits in office. In front of the gathered group of protesters, he stated that he did not come as a governor to: “preside over burial ceremonies, but that it was time to move from the book of Lamentations to the book of Acts.” During the peace rally in front of the Governor House, Plateau state church leaders submitted a petition to Mutfwang to put an end to the killings.

This was not the first peace rally in Plateau, last Saturday there was a demonstration in the state capital Jos as well. Wednesday, January 10th, there will be a demonstration in London, England as well and another one is scheduled in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, on the 17th of this month. On social media Christians from the Middlebelt have held several debate groups, which I joined a few times to hear their stories. From what I have learned, there is a growing sense of the need to join strength and unite for a more safe and secure future of Christians in the Middlebelt. 

Genocidal campaign

According to a 2022 report by Genocide Watch, fourteen Christians are killed daily and 420 monthly in southern Kaduna, Benue and Plateau states. In fact, Genocide Watch published a Genocide Emergency Alert concerning Nigeria in December 2022 in which it stated that: “Nigeria is currently undergoing one of the deadliest genocides in the world. More people die in Nigeria every month than in Ukraine.” 

Greg Stanton, founding president and chairman of Genocide Watch, said that: “Fulani militants are committing human rights violations and massacres against Christians. This is not a herdsmen versus farmers conflict, but a genocidal war between ethnic groups, fueled by Islamic extremists with modern weapons.”

Christian persecution watchdog, Open Doors, writes that there are Islamic preachers from Saudi-Arabia and Iran joining the Fulani militant groups. According to Open Doors there is an agenda to spread Islam and turn Nigeria into an Islamic state.

Herdsmen or Jihadists?

Christians in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and other Middlebelt states, have been defensively murdered, abducted, raped, robbed and forced to flee for years. In April 2023 Fulani jihadists beheaded a 5-year old boy in Southern Kaduna. In August 2021, Thomas Wollo (46) was beheaded together with his 7-year old son, Nggwe in Plateau. Second, these attacks often take place during church services or at nighttime when people are either sleeping, or getting ready for bed. For example, a 25-year old seminary student, Na’aman Dalami, was killed when Fulani jihadists burned down the house of the parish priest where the young man was serving. Already in bed, he could not escape the fire and was burned alive. 

During the peace rally in Plateau last Monday morning, people held up signs saying: “It is not a clash, it is pure terrorism” and “Terrorists are not natives.” One of the elements in the petition that the church leaders handed to governor Mutfwang on Monday addresses the question whether we are talking about herdsmen or jihadists.These messages are in sharp contrast with the predominant narrative, both in Nigeria and the international press, that the ongoing massacre of mostly Christians from the Middlebelt is a clash between herdsmen and farmer communities. 

This idea in Nigeria and the West alike, that we are dealing with a confrontation or conflict between two involved parties; nomadic, predominantly Muslim, herdsmen and sedentary, often Christian, farmers is an often repeated narrative. According to  CNN it is an “escalating conflict between herders and farmers,” Al-Jazeera describes it as a “grazing conflict between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers.” These are only two examples of a widespread narrative. On the other hand, Genocide Watch speaks of Jihadists Herdsmen and the International Organisation for Peace-building & Social Justice (PSJ), the International Committee On Nigeria (ICON), politicians such as Baroness Cox of the United Kingdom’s Hous of Lords and retired member of United States Congress, Mr Frank Wolf, in a joined report refer to the Fulanis as extremists or militants. International Christian Concern (ICC) also speaks of Fulani militants, a name also used when the Global Terror Index in 2014 named them the world’s fourth deadliest terror group. 

There is a serious discrepancy between what politicians and the experts say on the one hand, parroted by the media, and the analyses of human rights organizations when it comes to the murderous attacks on Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt states. Delineating the beheading of innocent people, including children, during their weakest or most vulnerable moments as a clash between two groups having a dispute over grazing land is misleading, only allowed to hold because of the media’s lack of reporting on what happens on a daily basis in Nigeria. 

On top of this, Nigerian Christian journalists, such as Steven Kefas and Luka Binniyat, who reported about the massacres on Christians in their land, have been arrested and imprisoned. 

SK “The Kaduna state government traveled about 800 kilometers to River state where I used to work and they abducted me. They did not arrest me, because there was no warrant for that arrest, I was abducted.”

Climate Change

Another favorite theme, when trying to analyze the ongoing persecution in Nigeria, is that this is all due to climate change. A while ago I spoke with Nigerian Christian journalist Steven Kefas and asked him about this narrative:

SK “It has nothing to do with climate change. They bring in climate change to deceive the international community and some gullible Nigerians, but we here in Nigeria, we have loved ones being killed, we have witnessed these attacks, we know that the attackers just come in to kill people. Sometimes when they kill people, they tell them: “Why don’t you call on your God to come and defend you?”  There is a lady I interviewed, who was taken by these terrorists, she was raped and molested in the forest and they told her: “You say you have a God, why don’t you call your God to come and safe you from our hand?” This tells you that these people have an agenda, it is a jihadist agenda, that is not just restricted or limited to Nigeria. It is an agenda that is across Africa, we have them in Mali, Somalia, Guinea and some other places. So that is what is on the plate and it has nothing to do with climate change.”

Talking Politics

Former president of Nigeria, Buhari, is a Fulani Muslim himself. During his administration the Nigerian government, according to Genocide Watch, turned a blind eye to the Fulani massacres of Christians. Genocide Watch, in the same report, also stated that the United State Department is in full denial of the Fulani massacres of Christians. According to Open Doors there are alarming reports that show deliberate neglect and sometimes even complicity of the Nigerian Security Forces with regard to these deadly attacks by Fulani militants. Buhari, according to Open Doors, has “openly and publicly admitted knowledge of the atrocities, often adducing justifications for the criminals.”

When Trump left office, he had put Nigeria on the list of ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ after the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had been advising the government to do so for several years. This is a list of countries that violate religious freedom. Then, when Biden took office, Nigeria was taken off of this blacklist and Secretary of State Blinken had a virtual meeting with then Nigerian president Buhari in which they wanted to “strengthen their communal interests” as it was called. I asked Mr Kefas what he thought of that decision, considering that by then it was already widely known that there was a genocide happening on the Nigerian Christian population, specifically in the Middlebelt region. Climate change, security, a strategic partnership, all was brought to the table, except the murdering of Christians. 

SK “As to your question why the United States took Nigeria off of the list ‘Countries of Particular Concern’, well unfortunately only the Biden administration can answer that question.” 

SK “The current administration in the USA seems to be more concerned about their own interests, they don’t seem to be interested in human rights, the rights of Christians across the world or traditional worshippers across the world. Whatever is going to affect their interest, they don’t joke with it. I think that is what is really top on their priority list right now.”

In addition to this, on January 4th of this year, the State Department published a list of countries that violate religious freedom. Nigeria is not mentioned and yet, Christians are murdered during church services or specifically targeted during Christian holidays, as we have seen recently when over 200 Christians were massacred on Christmas Eve in Plateau state. And, equally important, the Fulani militants are not mentioned in the same document as part of the Entities of Particular Concern, whereas for example Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa, both active in Nigeria, are listed as such. Yet, the Fulani militants commit crimes that are no different from those committed by Boko Haram, i.e. killing, raping, plundering, kidnapping, using coercion, intimidation and installing fear among the Christian population of the Middlebelt. 

One of the ten points on the agenda, submitted to the governor of Plateau State, Mr Wutfang on Monday, is to recognize the Fulani militants as such: “We unanimously call on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as a matter of urgency, to initiate the process of officially proscribing the armed terrorist militias responsible for these mindless killings. They should be officially designated as terrorists. This will give the military the power to fully engage them as provided in the Terrorism Act of 2022.”

This demand is repeated by the many Nigerian Christians I speak almost daily. Recognize the militants as such, to give the armed forces the tools to deal with the massacres in a proper way. It would also allow for a clear distinction between Fulani herdsmen who are indeed looking for grazing land for their cattle and armed militias who massacre innocent citizens and drive them away from their ancestral lands, driven by a radical agenda to conquer the land and spread Islam. This becomes even more apparent when we realize that Fulani militants are also active in neighboring countries such as Chad and Cameroon, to combine forces may be the best way forward if we can agree who we are fighting against. 

Military neutralizes 39 terrorists, arrests 157, rescues 109 hostages

Troops of the armed forces eliminated 39 terrorists, apprehended 159 others and rescued 109 hostages in different operations in the last two weeks

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this on Thursday in Abuja at a bi-weekly news briefing on military operations across the country.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai ambushed and arrested Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe, respectively in the Northeast.

He said that the offensive led to the surrender by some terrorists at Gwoza area of Borno and resulted in the elimination of some others; the rescue of hostages and the recovery of arms and ammunition.

He added that in another operation, troops neutralised 11 terrorists, arrested 45 others and rescued 34 hostages within the period and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.

According to him, troops recovered six AK47 rifles, one HK21 gun, one GPMG, one fabricated gun, 11 AK47 magazines and 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

They also recovered 17 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one bandolier, and seven empty cases of 7.62mm special, five motorcycles, eight mobile phones and N368, 950.

Buba said the air component of the operations acquired and engaged terrorists’ enclaves at Wulde in Borno, adding that the outcome was being monitored.

He said that in the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two gunmen, rescued three hostages and arrested 15 crime suspects during the period.

He added that the troops arrested two suspects in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, one of whom was a notorious armed robber on the wanted list of a security agency.

According to him, troops recovered three AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifles, one fabricated pistol, one Dane gun and 41 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in the state.

Operation Whirl Stroke the North Central also arrested a member of notorious violent extremist group in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue, neutralised terrorists and rescued hostages.

Buba said troops recovered one FN rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and neutralised two terrorists, arrested 11 suspects and rescued six hostages.

The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the Northwest neutralised 12 terrorists, arrested 33 others, rescued 40 hostages and recovered three AK47 rifles, 18 motorcycles and three mobile phones.

Buba also told newsmen that the air component of the military operations conducted an interdiction of terrorists at Sububu Forest in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and degraded terrorists at the location.

Credit: Zagazola

JUST IN: Nigerian Army Launches Fresh Operation To End Plateau Killings

In a bid to end the incessant attacks on farming communities in Plateau state, the Nigerian Army on Saturday launched a new military operation in the state, code-named Operation Hakorin Damisa IV.

Hakorin Damisa means Leopard’s teeth when translated.

The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja who launched the new operation in Mangu Local Government Area of the state on Saturday said the aim was specifically to end the spate of attacks and killings in Mangu local government area and other parts of the state.

Middle Belt Times had earlier reported that in the last two months, more than 300 people had been killed in Mangu local government area and other neighboring communities following a series of attacks by terrorists suspected to be herdsmen.

After addressing troops deployed to carry out Operation Hakorin Damisa, the Chief of Army Staff moved to a Pilot Primary school in the community to have a meeting with the stakeholders.

Developing story…..

Nasarawa Gov Raises Alarm Over Influx Of Bandits From Plateau

Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, has raised the alarm over the influx of bandits fleeing from crisis spots in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The governor also raised alarm over the proliferation of illegal production of small arms and ammunition in the state.

Sule raised the alarm during an expanded security meeting held at the Government House, Lafia the state capital, with a view to addressing some emerging security threats in the state.

It was attended by security chiefs, selected local government chairmen and traditional rulers.

Daily Trust reports that intelligence reports located the bandits around Mangar and Ambaka areas in Wamba Local Government Area, as well as in Lafia East Development Area.

Our correspondent reports that part of the agenda of the security meeting included reviewing the movement of Fulani herders in areas bordering the neighbouring Benue State.

“Recently, there have been movements of herders, especially Fulani herders. This may not pose a big security challenge because they are moving to grazing areas but unfortunately, those areas are also problematic because they are at the border between Keana and Guma Local Government Area in Benue State.

“It will be a recipe for problems down the line and around the Tunga area which is our major concern,” the governor pointed out.

Sule commended security agencies operating in the state for carrying out operations in Akwanga and Kokona local government areas, which led to the arrest of a notorious kidnapper identified as Lagudi and some members of his gang.

The governor also commended the 177 Guards Brigade, Keffi, as well as the police for their efforts in curtailing the activities of the notorious Yan Shara cult group in Keffi.

He, however, called for additional efforts by the security agencies to further prevent the Yan Shara from relocating to other areas.

He called for steps to secure palaces of traditional rulers in the state.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Baba Maiyaki, said security operatives were ready to nip the activities of the Yan Shara cult group.

Source: Daily Trust

Plateau Killings: Foundation to full blown nationwide terrorism is being laid says Para-Mallam Peace Foundation

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

A Peace Foundation known as the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation based in Jos, Plateau state has added its voice to the conversation on the renewed killings and violence ongoing in Mangu local government area of Plateau state. The Foundation said the Federal government cannot afford to continue to remain silent amidst what it described as act of terror unleashed on innocent civilians in Plateau state.

In a statement signed by the President of the Foundation, Rev. Dr Gideon Para-Mallam and made available to Middle Belt Belt Times, the Peace Foundation known for its peace efforts across the Middle Belt said a “Foundation is being laid for a full blown nationwide terrorism in the country.”

Para-Mallam called on the Federal government to be more proactive and decisive in tackling the violence which has been ongoing for several years. The statement also claimed that 346 people have been killed in Mangu local government area of Plateau state between April and July 2023.

The statement reads in full:

“Sunday night – July 9th 2023, around 9:00pm, 8 people were killed in Farin Lamba in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. One woman, a 2-year-old baby and 6 young men on riding their motor bikes and conveying their passengers. The gun men came on a killing mission and not finding those they targeted, they started killing those on the highways. Monday morning July 10th 2023 in Vwang Village, Jos South, 2 women were shot dead @ Wereng Rim in the same Riyom LGA. Prior to this on Friday July 7th , 15 people were killed and the following day Saturday night July 8th , 13 people: 12 men and a little boy of under 6 years old were killed in Sabon gari village in Mangu LGA. Mangu LGA has become the latest killing fields of Nigeria.

Death is an equalizer. It will find anyone of us at some point in life’s journey. This is a fact of life. However, why must human agents serve as life’s terminators? The degrading of the value of human life without respect to our common humanity is beyond comprehension in Nigeria. This is what we are witnessing in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area. There have been sustained attacks which have continued unabated since April 17th , 2023 till date. Over 300 lives have been lost on the Plateau from April to date. Out of this number, over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA, as at Saturday, July 8th , 2023. The current harvest of deaths in Mangu LGA must be treated with the utmost urgency it deserves.

The Federal Government cannot afford to remain silent. Silence suggests looking the other way while the current inhumanity continuous. The Federal Government or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not issued any official statement condemning the present killings since his being sworn into office on May 29th 2023 till date. Two months on yet we still do not have a formal Presidential comment on these killings? What signals is being communicated by such silence remains to be seen but the impunity demonstrated by the immediate past government of President Mohammadu Buhari should not be sustained by his successor. Why keep silent when hundreds of men, women and children are being killed almost daily in Plateau State?

The Mwaghvul Development Association (MDA), through its National Secretary Dr. Solomon Mangvwat, reports that a total of 54 villages have so far been attacked during this short period. 208 of their people have been killed, hundreds are missing as several bodies were burnt either in their homes while sleeping at night or in the bush as they fled were killed in the process of escape. Handicap persons unable to flee the attackers were mercilessly killed.

There are currently Eighteen Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-One (18,751) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are now housed in Fourteen Camps. The 14 camps are hosted by the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Local Church Councils (LCCs). A Breakdown of the IDPs shows: 2,081 widows, 6,066 Orphans between the ages of 0-5 years old. Old people account for 1,057 old aged persons and teenagers and adult orphans accounting for 828. A total of 6,603 households are currently affected by these deadly attacks. Meanwhile, the Fulani community claim that the attacks in Mangu are part of a crusade to get rid of them from. This claim was made in a letter dated 19th May, 2023, addressed to the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, Rukuba Barracks, and the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Jos, signed by Muhammad Nura Abdullahi, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). Similarly, in a report by Daily Trust Newspaper, 10th July, 2023, Muhammad Nura Abdullahi stated that there was an invasion of Fulani villages in Mangu LGA on Friday, 7th July, 2023 which led to the death of 15 Fulanis and 78 houses destroyed.

Take it or leave it, a foundation to full blown nation-wide terrorism is being laid. No country should localize and allow acts of terror on its citizens. Whatever the motivation behind these attacks on the Plateau, the fact remains – people are being killed in their hundreds. The burden of these killings should not rest only on the shoulders of the newly sown-in Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Muftwang. The burden should not also rest only on the shoulders of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In fact, the burden rests on the shoulders of all Nigerians. The MDA have a role to play in the search for peace and so also Miyetti Allah in seeking an end to the killings and finding ways to save lives and property. There is wisdom in collective action devoid of finger pointing or political calculations. The lives of all the citizens of Mangu LGA residents matters.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

There is need for strategic action on the part of the Nigerian government and international community to ensure sustainable peace returns to Plateau State. As a Peace Building Foundation, we believe that peace is possible in Mangu LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria. The Federal Government and Plateau State; indeed all States in Nigeria need to work together with unity of purpose, across political party lines to find peace for all the troubled hotspots in the entire country. How long must we sit-out these religiously motivated and criminal killings in Nigeria while the rights of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) are being trampled upon? Focusing on misleading narratives of the violence is itself not only misleading but unhelpful and glaring political correctness and hypocrisy. The narrative of reprisal attacks is not only simplistic but it hides the real issues and therefore the unjust killings have lingered on for too long not just in Mangu LGA but in other hotspots in the Middlebelt areas in particular.

It is important to take cognizance of the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who observes that: “Violence begets violence; hate begets hate; and toughness begets a greater toughness. It is all a descending spiral, and the end is destruction — for everybody. Along the way of life, someone must have enough sense and morality to cut off the chain of hate.”

What is happening in Plateau State has impact on Nigeria. What more, what is happening in Nigeria has global consequences in the medium and long-run. It is time to act and stop localizing Plateau’s killings fields. The time to put an end to violence in Plateau State and Nigeria is now!.”

Recall that Middle Belt Times earlier in the week reported the decision of the military to relocate its special task force codenamed, Operation Safe Haven to Mangu in its effort to address the incessant attacks on rural communities in the area.

Northern group writes Tinubu; seeks amnesty for Boko Haram, bandits with scholarships, generous pensions

The Northern Development Forum (NDF) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant amnesty to Boko Haram and bandits in the North to foster national inclusivity.

The group, which premised its demands on what it called the “prosperous life now being lived by ex-agitators in the Niger Delta”, said granting its request would help foster a lasting peace across the vast swathes of the northern region.

In a press statement by its spokesperson, Sheriff Abubakar, the NDF said the only way the North will have a respite from incessant attacks from Boko Haram and bandits is for the Tinubu government to grant amnesty to the rebels just like President Umar Musa Yar’Adua did in 2009 for Niger-Delta militants.

The group further stated that for 15 years and counting, the Niger-Delta militants have enjoyed unprecedented patronage from the Nigerian government, leaving those in the North in abject poverty and deprivation. It listed its demands for Boko Haram and bandits to include: Declaration of Amnesty; provision of scholarship; capacity building; and establishment of cooperative scheme. Several Niger-Delta agitators were offered scholarships, management skills and federally-backed pensions.

The statement reads in full:

“Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

“We are writing you today as concerned citizens and advocate for justice and unity in our great nation. Recent events have brought to light the urgent need for amnesty to be granted to Northern agitators popularly known as Boko Haram and bandits, paralleling the historic amnesty granted to Niger-Delta militants during the tenure of our late brother, President Umar Yar’adua ( Allah Yarhamuh).

“We strongly urge you to consider this proposal and take decisive action to promote peace, inclusivity, and national cohesion.

“We are aware that on account of Amnesty to Niger Delta agitators, some of them have transitioned to politicians holding critical positions as Speaker of State House of Assembly, House of Representatives member, members of State Assemblies, among other sensitive political offices while others are now successful business people creating wealth and jobs. We want the same for Boko Haram and bandits.

“The Niger-Delta amnesty program, initiated in 2009, played a pivotal role in mitigating the conflicts in the region and fostering lasting peace. The program offered a pathway for former militants to reintegrate into society, providing them with rehabilitation, education, and employment opportunities.

“Today, we find ourselves facing a similar situation in the North, where agitations and conflicts have escalated to an alarming dimension. It is imperative that we do not ignore the plight of our fellow citizens who are voicing their concerns through agitations.

“We understand that quite a number of Boko Haram insurgents have been pardoned and rehabilitated through the de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DRR) programme of the Nigerian Army, but more need to still be done.

“Granting amnesty to agitators in the North would not only address their grievances but also pave the way for a more united and prosperous Nigeria.

“By extending amnesty to Northern agitators, we would send a powerful message of inclusivity, justice, and fairness. It would provide a much-needed opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation, allowing all parties to come together to find sustainable solutions to the issues that have plagued our nation.

“Mr President, if Amnesty is granted to these local gangs, it would allow those involved to lay down their arms, embrace peaceful means of expression, and contribute positively to the development of our beloved country.

“Furthermore, this act of amnesty would highlight your administration’s commitment to upholding the principles of equity and equality before the law. It would demonstrate that every citizen, regardless of their geographical location or ethnic background, is entitled to the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. Such a move would foster trust, build bridges, and foster a sense of national unity that is indispensable for our progress as a nation.

“We implore you, Mr President, to act with wisdom, compassion, and foresight in granting amnesty to Northern agitators. Your decisive action in this matter has the potential to bring about a transformative change and create an environment where every Nigerian can thrive. We firmly believe that by drawing on the precedent set by the Niger-Delta amnesty, we can overcome division and strife, forging a path towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

“Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We eagerly anticipate your positive response and the courageous steps you will take to ensure a brighter future for our nation.”

Source: Peoples Gazetter

Give us freehand to wipe out terrorists, Nigerian Army tells Northern state governors 

The Nigerian Army has appealed to the governors of the Northern region to give the troops freehand to eliminate terrorists.

The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, made the appeal at Army Headquarters, Abuja while playing host to the Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal

While ruling out the possibility of granting amnesty to bandits terrorizing the North western region of the country, Mr Lagbaja warned the criminals to flee the country with immediate effect.

The army chief’s disclosure came on the heels of the recent calls made by the former governor of the state, Sani Yerima that bandits should be given amnesty.

According to him, the Military would not allow them to enter other parts of the country.

“Your Excellency, I think we need to look at this amnesty programme. The criminal elements have proven to be incorrigible. So, the issue of amnesty has created avenue for them to be regroup and re-organise and launch attacks,” Mr Lagbaja said.

Source: Daily Nigeria

House Of Representatives Asks Nigerian National Security Adviser, Ribadu To Declare Emergency In Plateau State Over Terrorists’ Attacks

The House of Representatives has asked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to declare a national emergency situation in Plateau State over incessant terrorists’ attacks.

This was made following a motion of urgent public importance on the need for urgent intervention on the killings in some local government areas in Plateau State.

The House further requested that Operation Safe Haven identifies and evacuates all bandits’ cells in the state.

The House mandated the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Defence, Army, Air Force, Police, and Legislative Compliance (when created) to oversee compliance and report monthly until the situation was brought under control.

They stated that the recent attacks on the communities had resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals, significant injuries to others, the destruction of property, and the displacement of nearly 18,000 people.

The members also raised concern about the ongoing attacks by terrorist groups in the towns, claiming that if not addressed soon, it would result in low agricultural produce.

The house further requested that security personnel give aerial observation and assistance in capturing the terrorists and destroying their camps in order to prevent a recurrence and allow innocent farmers to return to their lands and ancestral homes.

Source: Saharareporters