JNI Demands Compensation For Families Of Herders Killed In Nasarawa

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has condemned the killing of Fulani herders in Doma local government area of Nasarawa State and called for a national broadcast after the federal government’s visit to the scene to deter reprisals.

JNI urged the federal government to pay compensation to the bereaved families, for equity, justice and foreclosing of any possibility of vengeance or reprisal.

In a statement issued by JNI secretary-general, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, yesterday, it also called on the government to prosecute officials that are found wanting in the discharge of their assignment(s), so as to serve as deterrent to other officials.

JNI said: “Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) after careful assessments and following of events as they unfolded over the Doma heinous attack, condemns in the strongest terms the carnage. It also identifies with the government and people of Nasarawa State, on the gruesome massacre of over 40 innocent Fulani herders in Doma local government area of Nasarawa State.”

The statement reads, “After the grotesque slayings of hundreds of cows by the so-called unidentified persons, without any intervention from the security forces in the area. As a matter of fact, some sources claimed helicopters bombed the victims, while others said it was a horrific sporadic coordinated attacks from different angles on the victims, a very heart-rending and mind-boggling situation.

“But for how long shall innocent defenseless Nigerians continue to suffer cruel termination of their lives and utter destructions of their property? It is an understatement to say that we have become so much terrified. The carnage was one incidence too many to bear. It should be stated that this singular act of heartlessness in Doma was a calculated attempt to instill fears among farmers and herders, so as to jeopardize the frantic efforts of mutual harmony that has been built by the relevant stakeholders especially the Nasarawa State government in recent years.

“Thus, we call on the government to: Identify with victims and places of attacks by commiserating with the people, it is better late than never. A national broadcast after the visit would be very necessary, to dissuade reprisals. Clearly, people are angered over many recent happenings affecting innocent defenseless people and government need to act fast.”

JNI added: “Collaborate with relevant security agencies with a timeline to bringing an end, and/or at least avert all security threats bedeviling the country and also mop-up small arms and light weapons (SALWs) in the hands of criminals, or else Nigeria will continue to witness the rise in arms proliferation for self-defense amongst citizens, since the government is seemingly not so disposed to doing so.

“We nonetheless, also call on the federal government to as a matter of urgency to investigate all its security agencies especially the Nigerian Air force based on the alleged use of helicopter gunships and drones in the Doma massacre to do well beyond condemnation, and fish out the perpetrators. Nigerians are desperately yearning for concrete actions.