By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Fulani community in the Karim Lamido local government area of Taraba State has expressed its condemnation regarding the recent killings of two soldiers who were on a peacekeeping mission in the region.
Alhaji Ahmed Isa Karim, the group’s secretary, conveyed this condemnation during a press briefing in Jalingo on Saturday, describing the incident as deeply regrettable and entirely avoidable.
In recounting the tragic event, Ahmed emphasized that while he does not condone the attack on security forces, the Fulani were compelled to retaliate when the military allegedly sided with the Bandawa militia, leading to attacks on the Fulani community and their livestock.
He stressed that the military’s role should be to mediate conflicts impartially, rather than align with any faction involved in the disputes.
“The deaths of the two soldiers are profoundly unfortunate and should never have occurred. However, it is essential to clarify the circumstances. The military appeared to support the Bandawa militia, who had previously assaulted the herders and were subsequently repelled.
The militia returned with the soldiers and continued their brutal assault on our cattle and people, prompting a defensive response from the Fulani, which ultimately resulted in the soldiers’ fatalities.
“Currently, soldiers are indiscriminately detaining Fulani individuals in the area and seizing cattle without justification. It is crucial to recognize that not every Fulani is a criminal or implicated in the soldiers’ deaths. This tendency to stereotype our community is deeply unjust.
“Additionally, over a thousand confiscated cows are currently held at the local government secretariat and should be returned to their rightful owners. Just yesterday, during Jumma’a prayers, our community members were arrested in the mosque. It is unacceptable for the Nigerian Army to engage in such actions, especially in places of worship, and this behavior should be condemned by all reasonable members of society.
“We call on the appropriate authorities to intervene swiftly and facilitate an impartial resolution to this conflict, alongside the return of the confiscated cattle. Taking sides in such disputes does not foster solutions; it only exacerbates the situation. Therefore, we again urge the Nigerian Army to maintain neutrality in fulfilling what should be the responsibilities of the Police and Civil Defence.”
In response to the incident, Police Public Relations Officer James Leshen confirmed on Friday that security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore order.
“Security agencies have been mobilized to the community to address the situation and prevent further loss of life,” Leshen stated, noting that a comprehensive assessment of casualties is underway.
Musa Garba, a youth leader from Karim Lamido, also commented on the situation, calling the soldiers’ deaths “a tragic reminder of the urgent need for stronger governmental action.”
“Our community is weary of fleeing from our homes. We require a sustainable solution to these senseless killings,” he remarked.
The ongoing clashes between farmers and herders continue to pose significant security challenges in Taraba State, particularly in areas such as Karim Lamido, Lau, Wukari, Bali, and Gassol. Conflicts over land use, grazing rights, and access to water resources are often at the root of these disputes.
While the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement regarding the incident, it was confirmed by Lieutenant Umar Mohamed, the acting spokesperson for the 6 Brigade.
