Plateau State has been subject to inter ethnic violence that could develop into another major security issue in the country. Within just one week, three different attacks have been launched against communities leading to the deaths of at least 30 people.
Fulani herdsmen attacks in Plateau State could easily develop into a major security crisis. There is a risk of state-wide violence if the security forces do not: remain impartial; improve their ability to keep peace; and protect innocents across all ethnic groups involved.
The first attack happened on 14 October in Taegbe community in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, leading to the killing of six people. The violence was blamed on Fulani herdsman and happened barely 24 hours after the state government had imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across Plateau State and ordered a special search and security enforcement operation in the Bassa community and environs. Eye witnesses report that the assailants came with sophisticated weapons and moved from house to house attacking and burning residences while also killing their occupants.
Two days later, on 16 October, a deadlier attack was unleashed in Plateau State on the same LGA in Nkiedonwhro village leading to 29 deaths. Residents told the local media that the military ushered them into a classroom allegedly to protect them, only to abandon them before being attacked by armed Fulani. Residents have also accused the security agencies of ignoring a warning of future attacks.
There have been recurring incidences of targeted communities accusing the security agencies of being complicit in the herdsmen attacks. This complaint has now been heard across a number of villages but the security agencies have failed to address it.
It is difficult for the army — which has a large presence in many of these villages — to explain how this could happen: with the very communities they protect becoming subject to attacks where so many people are killed and houses are burnt. The frequency of the attacks has led to a significant loss of trust in the ability of the country’s security agencies to protect these communities. This has led to suspicion and reinforced the impression among security analysts that either the state is protecting Fulani herdsmen or they are highly incompetent in keeping the peace.
The area has a long history of violent clashes between the Fulanis and local ethnic groups. Although Plateau State had enjoyed peace in recent years, these attacks risk a return to its unforgotten days of unpredictability and violence. Whether the security agencies are complicit or just unable to prevent the outbreaks, either conclusion means that these attacks have the potential of turning Plateau State into a statewide inter-ethnic conflict.
This article was taken from our weekly Nigeria Politics & Security publication. If you wish to learn more about this topic or discuss the paper with us then please contact us.
