PLATEAU STATE: IS TIME FULANI HERDERS BE PERMITTED TO USE GUN INSTEAD OF STICK FOR REARING THEIR CATTLE

Government permitting the Fulani to use guns as tools for protecting themselves and their cattle is the only solution to tackle the menace and habitual activities of the Berom Militias of attacking, shooting and killing the herders, their animals and rustling the animals.

On daily basis Fulani herders and their animals are being targeted and killed across Plateau State, especially within the Berom communities of Riyom, Barikin Ladi, Jos South and others in the state.

Reasons for soliciting for the permission of the use of the guns by the Fulani become necessary for self protection and the lives of their animals

Just like armed tribal Militias who are claiming of acting in self defense the Fulani too need effective means of protection. Guns cannot be compared with the sticks traditionally used by Fulani herders to rear and protect their cattle.

Below are recorded cases of Militias attacking, killings, poisoning and rustling Fulani herders’ cattle in the state:

1. January 11, 2026 — Kwi, Riyom LGA and Kuru Gadabiyu, Barkin Ladi LGA: Seven cattle were reportedly poisoned in Kwi village, while three cattle were reportedly shot dead in Kuru Gadabiyu.
2. January 14, 2026 — Dan Sokoto, Ganawuri District, Riyom LGA: 102 cattle were reportedly rustled from Dan Sokoto.
3. April 23, 2026 — Kum, Riyom LGA: 84 cattle were reportedly rustled during an attack on Fulani herders.
4. April 2026 — Rakum, Kassa District, Barkin Ladi LGA: Nine cattle were reportedly poisoned.
5. June 6, 2026 — Sabon Gida, Jos South LGA: Five cattle were reportedly killed, while four others sustained gunshot injuries.
6. July 19, 2026 — Tanjol, Riyom LGA: One cow was reportedly killed while another sustained gunshot wounds.
7. August 6, 2026 — Wereng, Riyom LGA: 14 cattle were reportedly killed while another 11 sustained gunshot injuries.

RECORDED CASES OF ATTACKS AND KILLINGS OF FULANI PASTORALISTS IN PLATEAU STATE

1. February 19, 2026 — Dorowa–Jong Road, Barkin Ladi LGA

Three cattle herders were reportedly ambushed and killed along the Dorowa–Jong road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The chairman of MACBAN in Plateau State confirmed the killings.

2. February 21, 2026 — Jol, Riyom LGA

Two teenage Fulani herders, Muhammad Sani, 18, and Furuk Bilyaminu, 17, were reportedly attacked and killed while grazing cattle near Jol village in Riyom LGA. Three cattle were also reportedly killed during the attack.

3. April 6, 2026 — Jol, Riyom LGA

A Fulani herder was reportedly killed in the Jol community in Riyom LGA following a violent incident in the area. The incident was reported alongside killings in Barkin Ladi.

4. August 2025 — Butura District, Bokkos LGA

The European Union Agency for Asylum recorded that two herders were reportedly killed by gunmen in Butura District, Bokkos LGA, in August 2025.

These are recorded and reported cases of Fulani pastoralists losing their lives in attacks in Plateau State. They should not be ignored simply because the victims belong to a particular ethnic or religious group.

The government has a responsibility to protect the lives and property of every Nigerian citizen, including Fulani pastoralists.

If Fulani herders are permitted to possess firearms for protection, such firearms should be strictly registered in the names of their individual owners, properly licensed, traceable and monitored by the government, so that the government can determine who legally owns each firearm and hold the owner accountable for any misuse.

At the same time, every person responsible for attacking, killing or rustling the cattle of Fulani pastoralists must be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law, just as perpetrators of attacks against farmers and other communities must also be prosecuted.

By Mustapha Gembu

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#NorthCentralNigeria

#MustaphaGembu

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