Fulani coalition urges Mutfwang to extend shoot‑on‑sight order to cattle rustlers and herdsmen attackers

The Plateau State chapter of the Coalition of Fulani Registered Organizations has urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to broaden his recent shoot‑on‑sight directive. The coalition, which represents various Fulani pastoralist and socio‑cultural groups in the state, called for the order to also cover cattle rustlers and anyone who attacks Fulani herdsmen while they conduct legitimate business.

In a statement signed on Saturday by its chairman, Hon. Garba Abdullahi Muhammad, the coalition said that if the governor is to be perceived as fair and just, he should issue a similar directive for those who steal Fulani cattle or assault herdsmen.

While praising the governor for his swift response to the renewed clashes between farmers and herders in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos Local Government Areas and for his efforts to restore peace, Muhammad expressed concern that overzealous security forces and ethnic militia groups might exploit the pronouncement to target innocent Fulani people.

“While we commend Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on his efforts at resolving the current crisis and restoring peace in the state, especially in the local government areas, we also urge him to extend the shoot‑on‑sight order to cattle rustlers and those who attack innocent Fulani herdsmen going about their legitimate businesses,” said Muhammad.

“By doing that, he will be seen as being fair and just. Anything else will be viewed as taking sides and being partisan. We also fear that overzealous security personnel and ethnic militias could take advantage of the order and unleash terror on innocent herdsmen,” he added.

‎

The coalition also highlighted incidents of herder killings, cattle rustling, poisoning of grazing lands and water sources, and destruction of livestock belonging to Fulani communities in certain localities. It called on the government to extend the shoot‑at‑sight directive, which currently covers farm destruction, to include cattle rustling, cattle poisoning, and attacks on herders and their livelihoods.

‎

“The Coalition calls for fairness, justice, and equal protection for both farmers and herders. Lasting peace in Plateau can only be achieved through dialogue, accountability, and mutual respect,” the statement added.

‎