From Ben Adaji Jalingo
Munga Dosso community in Karim Lamido local Government Area of Taraba State, that lost over 50 persons to Fulani headers attack, has appealed to the state government to ensure strict enforcement of the anti-open grazing law to address herders and farmers conflict.
Youth Leader of the community, Mr Robert Bukar made the appeal yesterday while briefing newsmen in Jalingo. He said this would go along way in addressing incessant herders and farmers conflict.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that Munga Dosso community came under heavy attack by Fulani herders, resulting in the death of scores.
Bukar noted that the bill was signed into law by former Governor Darius Ishaku in 2018.
He said the enforcement of the law would address the lingering farmers/herders conflict in the state.
He also decried the absence of government’s representatives to sympathise with the community, even as the surviving victims are licking their wounds without any assistance.
“Notably, no government representative from the federal, state or local levels visited the community after this incident.
“We have a senator, a member of the House of Representatives, state Assembly member, yet non deemed it necessary to visit us and listen to our lamentations.
“As a peace-loving community, we always report all incidents and seek assistance from security agencies, which our Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, promptly provided.
“However, we were disappointed by the lack of government representation at the mass burial, where officials failed to commiserate with our people.
“It is true that the state government sent relief materials to the victims, but that is not our problem. We expected their solidarity at this time.
“Each of these tragedies represent not just individual losses, but also the deepening of rifts fueled by distrust and desperation.
“The aftermath of such violence has tragically resulted in not only fatalities, but also a significant number of injuries and displacements.
“It has led to a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention. Families are left to mourn their loved ones, while survivors grapple with trauma and insecurity.
“Access to essential resources has become increasingly challenging, complicating efforts for community stability,” Bukar noted.
Bukar also decried the injustice that the community had suffered from security operatives.
He explained that their people were often arrested and sent to prison for any crime they commit, but Fulani criminals are being released from custody.
“Moreover, in all these, our people are often arrested, and from police station to prison, but none of the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“It is only in the recent crisis that the Fulani were arrested with assault rifles by the divisional police headquarters in Karim Lamido, but were released the next day to go and continue their normal attack,” Bukar said.
The youth leader also appealed to government to increase security deployment to allow farmers safely return to their farms.
