ADVERTISEMENT

Killer Fulani herdsmen need to be stopped

The herdsmen have been harassing farmers in the middle belt for a long time but their activities came to a head in February 2016 when they murdered hundreds of villagers in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Fulani herdsmen with their cattle

The herdsmen have been harassing farmers in the middle belt for a long time but their activities came to a head in February 2016 when they murdered hundreds of villagers in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

“The Idoma nation is helpless. Over 300 Agatu people have been killed and others maimed in one week without concerted effort by the state government to abate the attack, killings and destruction,”Opiatoha K’Idoma, a group made up of Idomas, Benue’s predominant tribe, said in response to the incident.

“I’m shocked beyond words at the extent of destruction I have seen here in Agatu today. This is unbelievable. It is unimaginable. Nothing whatsoever justifies this brazen act of destruction meted out on the people of Agatu. My heart bleeds,” former Senate President, David Mark said at the time adding that 500 people had been killed in the massacre.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since then, there have been reports of small pockets of violence caused by the herdsmen around the country.

However, on Monday, April 11, 2016, the herdsmen again went on full rampage in Taraba State when they attacked Angai and Ndole villages in the Gashaka Local Council area.

“Happening now in Gashaka LGA, Taraba state. The genocide and ethnic cleansing continue! Fulani herdsmen have descended on about four villages in Gashaka LGA in Taraba central, slaughtering, destroying farmlands and houses and burning villagers alive. Please help broadcast this to the world. No sign of any security in sight,” a Facebook user, Bako Benjamin wrote on his page.

The incident has been confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joseph Kwaji.

“It is true that there was an attack by the herdsmen, but for now, I don’t have the full details of the crisis, so I cannot tell you the number of casualties now,” Kwaji said.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to residents of the area, the crisis started because one of the herdsmen “was prevented from raping a woman.”

The Fulani herdsmen have also been named as the fourth deadliest terror group in the world by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI).

According to the report, the herdsmen are believed to have killed at least 1,229 people in Nigeria in 2014, making the country the third most terrorized nation in the world.

The GTI also warned that the Fulani herdsmen have been linked to Boko Haram adding that the herdsmen’s attacks “now pose a serious threat to stability.”

The impunity with which the Fulani herdsmen attack villages shows that they believe they’re untouchable and this is because no major step has been taken to check their atrocities.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian government needs to act immediately to stop these murderous herdsmen before they become a full blown terrorist group.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Ita-Giwa launches Garri processing plant for Bakassi IDps

Ita-Giwa launches Garri processing plant for Bakassi IDps

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s aide sees his refusal to celebrate birthday as mark of great leadership

Tinubu’s aide sees his refusal to celebrate birthday as mark of great leadership

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT