CAN accuse Adamawa state government of tactically supporting Fulani herdsmen
January 12th, 2018
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Adamawa State, has accused the Adamawa state government of tactically supporting Fulani herdsmen.
CAN decry the attitude of Governor Jubirila Bindow and condemned alleged comments by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Bindir, that Fulani herdsmen don’t carry firearms.
Chairman of the association, Bishop Dami Mamza in a statement on Wednesday, in Yola, said the government was insensitive to the ongoing killings.
“We wish to call on the state government in particular to caution its officials on unguarded utterances during and after conflicts, as it has come to CAN’s notice that the secretary to the Adamawa state government has propounded a new firearms narrative which seeks to justify the use of firearms by Fulani in the country. This is dangerous and reprehensible as the law of the country does not allow any civilian the possession of illegal firearms whether Herdsmen or farmers. CAN condemn the silence of the state governor who has failed to rebuke or dissociate himself from the SSG’s position. CAN wishes to state in unequivocal terms that violent elements are easily embolden and fuelled to terror killings by such reckless and unguarded utterances. We are saddened by the death of over 50 people killed in the repeated attacks carried out by herdsmen in Koh Village of Girei” he said.
He added that “this has happened after Lawaru, Dong, Kodomti, Shafaron, Plum, Kikan, Bilachi, Bang and Nzoruwe villages of Fufore, Numan and Demsa fell to the exploit of the same herdsmen and their expatriate mercenaries killing close to 150 people, injuring several hundreds and destroying properties worth millions of naira before the start of Christmas festivities. It on record that less than one week ago, no fewer than twenty innocent Christian farmers were killed in separate attacks in and around Tambo. Luru village in particular saw its worst days when Herdsmen wielding sophisticated firearms stormed the area Killing fifteen people. Within the period under review, not less than 10 churches were burnt down and in some instances worshipers killed”.
Lindaikeji