Plateau Crisis: Protesting Fulanis boycott reconciliation meeting

The Fulani head were protesting the continuous cattle rustling around the state.

The Fulani leaders in Plateau State boycotted a reconciliation meeting on Thursday aimed at resolving the civil unrest in the state, following a recent incidence of cattle rustling.

The meeting between religious and ethnic/community leaders was held at the Center for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace, Jos.

Reading a one page, seven-point communiqué at the end of the meeting, Ignatius Kaigama, a the Catholic Archbishop of Jos diocese disclosed that the Fulanis had resolved not to attend any reconciliation meeting until their missing cows are returned.According to reports, more than 500 cows were rustled at different locations in the state.

“We encourage the Fulani community to return to our dialogue table. We also share in their concern and appeal that they resume active participation in our ongoing dialogue and consultation,” Mr. Kaigama read from the communiqué.

“Meanwhile, we appeal to all religious and ethnic/community groups to exercise self-restraint and to continue in the way of peace. “

The communiqué faulted government for failing to control the killing of innocent people in the state.

“We observe with dismay the inability of the government and security agents to arrest and prosecute criminals and perpetrators of violence which has promoted acts of impunity,” the communiqué said.

It also lamented the continuous harassment of citizens by security agents at stop and search check points around the state, while attacks on communities and individuals remained unchecked.

The Special Adviser to Governor Jonah Jang on Religious Matters (Islamic), Nasiru Goshi, in an interview with journalists shortly after the meeting, said government would take immediate action over the issue.

Hundreds of people have been killed in ethno-religious crisis in various Plateau communities in 2014.