A muslim group, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has hit out at the condemnations of Fulani herdsmen for the recent wave of violence in several parts of Nigeria claiming that it is absurd to attribute all the recent attacks across the country to them.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar
Fulani herdsmen, over recent months, have been involved in numerous violent clashes with local farming communities, resulting in widespread killings and the wanton destruction of property. The clashes, between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, are normally found in the northern parts of Nigeria, but is now drifting to the south. Last week, the herdsmen attacked Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State attracting widespread condemnation.
In their response to the widespread condemnation of the Fulani herdsmen, JNI, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, described as absurd and unfortunate the widespread insinuation that Fulani herdsmen are responsible for the attacks on villagers in Benue, Enugu, Nasarawa and other parts of the country. JNI secretary general Alhaji Khalid Aliyu, said it was shocked by the attacks.
According to Alhaji Aliyu: “Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) received with great shock and deep concern the news of incessant killings and maiming of innocent lives and the destruction of public and private properties. Of particular concern are the brutal murders of people in Agatu in Benue State, Nimbo in Enugu State and some parts of Nasarawa State.
“It is indeed alarming that within few weeks, deadly attacks were reportedly unleashed while the perpetrators go un-arrested. JNI therefore condemns in strong terms these repeated heinous attacks and once again calls on the relevant security agencies to brace up to the trends, in order to put a stop to this ugly tide, as human lives are sacred and must be seen to be treated as so.”
He noted that the attacks were criminal in nature and should be treated as such. Alhaji Aliyu said the repeated heinous attacks are crimes against the citizenry and the perpetrators are therefore criminals and must be treated so as they were not carried out by Fulani herdsmen.
“It is indeed absurd and most unfortunate that certain groups or people ascribe the incidence on ethnic and/or religious premise and to whimsically apportion blame in order to batter the gradual restoration of peace and security in Nigeria. The JNI calls for concerted introspection and commitment by relevant agencies to take proactive and effective measures in addressing this pernicious problem,” Alhaji Aliyu added.
Nigerians from all parts of the country have condemned the attacks, and affected communities have blamed security agencies for their failure to protect them against their attackers who they said were herdsmen. Many Nigerians have also blamed President Muhammadu Buhari for not acting boldly enough in his condemnation of the attacks.
