Shoot‑on‑sight order: Gov. Mutfwang’s risky move sparks a fierce Fulani backlash

A Fulani organization, the Concerned Amalgamated Fulani Association, has urged Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to withdraw a recent shoot‑on‑sight directive issued to security forces against individuals who destroy farmlands in the state.

Governor Mutfwang, concerned about the renewed violence that has claimed more than 50 lives in the past month, announced the order during a condolence visit to Barkin Ladi Local Government Area last week.

While many supporters view the governor’s action as a decisive step to curb attacks and killings allegedly carried out by Fulani bandits and Islamic extremists, the Fulani group warns that the order is partisan and could target Fulani people.

In a statement released on Saturday by the group’s coordinator, Modibo Sule, the order is likely to backfire and become counter‑productive if Fulani communities feel compelled to defend themselves against ethnic militia gangs.

“His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State last week gave security agencies a shoot‑on‑sight order against anyone caught destroying farmlands in the state,” the statement began.

“The order, according to the Governor, is to checkmate the lingering attacks and violence in the state but what we will remind the Governor is that the order seems to be one‑sided, partisan, and seemingly aimed at Fulani people and in the long run, will be counter‑productive.”

“We want Governor Mutfwang to understand that no matter his good intentions, such an order has shown that he does not have the interest of the Fulani people at heart.”

“Our people are peace‑loving and have been living in peace with their neighbours in different communities until the natives began attacking them, killing them, stealing their cattle, and destroying their means of livelihood. In such unprovoked attacks, does anyone expect us to sit back and watch our people being destroyed?”

“While the order from the Chief Security Officer of Plateau State is a firm stance against farm destruction and addresses a core livelihood threat to many communities, the order appears one‑sided.”

“It gives limited public emphasis to parallel grievances, including killings of herders, cattle rustling, poisoning of grazing fields and water sources, and destruction of livestock. This selective focus risks deepening mistrust.”

“It is a selective enforcement that cannot deliver lasting peace. Insecurity in the state thrives on cycles of reprisals fueled by perceived bias. Partial measures that target one side while appearing to ignore the other only breed resentment, encourage underground retaliation, and erode confidence in government and security institutions.”

“We demand equal justice for all and say no to favoritism, tribalism, ethnic, and religious bias from the government.”

“Every criminal act, whether farm destruction, herder killings, livestock rustling, or attacks on communities, must be pursued with the same vigour regardless of the perpetrator’s identity.”

“True security lies in impartiality, accountability, and even‑handed protection of lives and livelihoods for farmers and herders alike. Anything less perpetuates the conflict rather than resolving it. Only fairness can break the cycle,” the group said.