Herders Raise The Alarm Over Alleged Burning Of Properties By Security Operatives

Fulani Herders in Luggere and Jong communities of Barikin Ladi LGA of Plateau State have raised the alarm over the alleged killing of their cattle, and burning of their homes and cars by security operatives.

They also accused security operatives of destroying their food, mattresses, and clothes, worth millions of naira.

According to the herders, the security operatives invaded the communities on Monday night, shooting sporadically and chasing all residents, including women and children.

Bala Salisu, a resident of Luggere, told journalists that “The security operatives stormed the area and destroyed our properties. They destroyed five vehicles, one motorcycle, pump generators, and valuable items.

“We were not found with any weapons or involved in criminal activity, so why destroying our communities? What is our offence? Are we not Nigerians?” he said.

Similarly, Muhammad Abdullahi, a resident of Jong, said, “Security operatives stormed our community around 9 pm. They started burning our houses and shooting our cattle indiscriminately. They killed many cattle and burned several houses.

We don’t know why they acted this way. What they’ve done to us is pure cheating because there’s no justification for it.”

According to him,  three of their members were killed on Thursday, adding that despite the incident, security operatives came for them again .

“Our children were returning from Dorowa and got killed. The security forces were at the funeral and pleaded with us to exercise patience, and we were convinced by their words.”

“If there’s any accusation against our members, it should be investigated with evidence before taking any action against them, instead of burning their foodstuffs.”

They called on the state government and other top security officials to ensure justice for what they described as deliberate attacks against them.

Efforts to get the reactions of the spokesman of Operation Enduring Peace and that of the Plateau Police Command DSP Alfred Alabo were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.