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Tag: Plateau communities

  • Gunmen attack herders, rustle 168 cattle in Plateau communities

    Gunmen attack herders, rustle 168 cattle in Plateau communities

    Gunmen attacked herders and rustled no fewer than 168 cattle in two incidents in Barikin Ladi and Jos East local government areas of Plateau State.

    The state Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN),  Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to reporters in Jos yesterday, explaining that the first incident occurred around Nding community in Fan district of Barikin Ladi Local Government Area, where 137 cattle were rustled, while the second attack happened in Kukukah community of Jos East Local Government Area, where 34 cattle were rustled, but three returned home.

    Babayo said the affected cattle belonged to Alhaji Wada Sale, Abdullahi Yusuf, and Alhaji Talba Abubakar. He added: “Soon after the incidents, I called heads of security forces, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Operation Enduring Peace, and Police in the state, to inform them about the development. I also reported the incident to the Sector 4 commander in Barkin Ladi.”

    Ibrahim stated that the gunmen opened fire at the herders grazing the cattle and moved away with the cattle, forcing the herders to flee.

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    He said: “On December 10, the gunmen stormed the grazing areas and started shooting. They succeeded in rustling the cattle while the herders escaped the attack.The two attacks took place on the same day.

    “The first one happened around Nding and the cattle were moved to fan in fan district Barikin Ladi; 137 cattle were rustled in the area. In addition to that, 34 cattle were rustled in Kukhkah in Jos East. It is very unfortunate that while the herders were carrying out their lawful business, some trouble makers would attack them and rustle their cattle.’’

    Ibrahim further called on members and those affected to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their duties, urging the security forces to track down the perpetrators of the attacks.

    National President, Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop, however, dismissed any cattle rustling around the area.

     Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Division, Nigeria Army, Lt.-Col Aliyu Danja, said they would inform the sector commander and the intelligence department for further action.

  • Plateau communities where it’s a taboo to defecate in toilet

    Since he was born 67 years ago, Bitrus Dung “has never defecated in a toilet.” For the sexagenarian and his kinsmen, passing excreta in a toilet is unhealthy, and in fact, a taboo. Thus he would rather relieve himself in the bush.

    He said: “Since I was born, I have never defecated in a toilet. I am not used to it. Most of us in this village are used to doing it in the bush. If all my family members will be doing it (defecating) in the house, the smell will kill us. I don’t know how we can manage that.”

    Like Dung, 73 –year-old Joshua Pam also dreads using the toilet. He disclosed that he has also never defecated in a toilet.

    “We don’t use pit toilet because of our water source. The only water source we have since I was born over 73 years ago is the well, which we dig in every house, and the water comes from under the ground. That means if you dig the ground and defecate inside it, it will surely pollute the water that is coming from the ground,” he argued.

    The issue of open defecation in rural and urban areas in Plateau State has become a source of concern to the state government and international organisations like the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU).

    Findings revealed that there are several communities in the state, where open defecation is seen as part of their tradition. In such communities, residents shun public toilets constructed for their use by the government and international donor agencies.

    The worst cases of open defecation in the state, however, occur in schools in the rural areas, where there is a dearth of water and sanitation facilities.

    In some of the schools, pupils were seen running from their classes into open spaces around the premises to defecate. Some teachers told The Nation, that, they were fighting hard to change the pupils’ orientation as regards open defection, sanitation and personal hygiene.

    A teacher, who pleaded anonymity stated thus: “Since I was posted to this school three years ago, my colleagues and I have been battling to change the orientation of these children. It is like we are forcing them to make use of the pit latrine system which they don’t have at home.

    “We have also been talking to parents to dig pit latrines in their homes, but that has been difficult. But now that these stakeholders are making it a law, I’m sure the parents are going to take it serious. The people hardly care about sanitation and all these things we are taking about,” he said.

    The Plateau State government, the European Union (EU) and UNICEF are collaborating to wean the rural dwellers off their attachment to open defecation. The intent is alert them to its health hazards and thus avert a looming health crisis.

    To this end, the stakeholders have developed plans and set aside over £200 million to construct public toilets in all the schools and the rural areas while embarking on vigorous public enlightenment campaign against open defecation in the state.

    The EU is meant to provide 70 per cent of the fund while the Plateau State government is to provide the remaining 30 per cent; UNICEF is billed to handle the water and sanitation aspect of the entire project.

    The collaboration to fight the open defecation menace was unveiled recently, when they went to a remote part of the state called Lo-Gwom Kwi in Riyom Local Government Area to commission a water and sanitation project including a motorized borehole.

    While welcoming the visitors to the programme in Kwi, the Riyom Local Government authority headed by Emmanuel Jugul, declared that the local authorities were going to put in place, a task force, for the purpose of fighting against open defecation in the villages. He also threatened to arrest and prosecute any member of the community caught defecating openly as soon as the sanitation facilities were commissioned.

    Jugul disclosed that the task force would begin its work with public enlightenment campaigns as the first phase of the assignment. The second phase, he said, would involve monitoring and arresting anyone engaging in open defecation in the area.

    The paramount ruler of Riyom Local Government, the ATA Aten of Ganawuri, HRH Yakubu Chai-Mang, in his remark at the occasion said, “We as traditional rulers in Riyom LGA, have decided to collaborate to ensure every home has a toilet. There will be time frame for households to do that, after which any family that does not have a toilet will be arrested and prosecuted for posing danger to public health. It is only animals that defecate openly, not human beings. Now that EU and UNICEF have come to our aid by constructing this solar powered borehole, the issue of lack of water will no longer be an excuse for anyone,” he said.

    The head of delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ketil Karlsen, reeled out disturbing statistics about the water, sanitation and hygiene situation in the state. He said: “Sixty two million Nigerians live without access to improved water and spend over half an hour travelling to fetch water, and over 27 per cent of Nigerians have no access to water at all.”

    He added that, “47 million Nigerians defecate in the open while 45, 000 children under five years die annually from diseases caused by poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene. Only 5.5 per cent of schools and 5.2 per cent of health facilities have basic, gender sensitive water sanitation and hygiene services.”

    As a result of the campaign, pupils in one of the primary schools in Kwi, are being compelled to come to school with water in cans for them to wash their hands after excretion.

    The pupils were also delighted when they saw modern toilet facilities fully connected to solar-powered borehole in their schools to ensure availability of water, day and night. The UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, appealed to the residents, school teachers to protect the facilities for the benefit of the school children.

    “Feel free to use the water we have provided for you to drink, cook and wash your hands so as to remain healthy at all times. Look after these facilities for your benefits and that of future generation. Ensure you maintain and sustain the facilities,” he advised.

    Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, in his remark, expressed gratitude to the donor agencies for their intervention in the promotion of personal hygiene and sanitation in the state. Lalong, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SSG) Richard Tokma, said the intervention would go a long way in addressing some of the challenges, particularly in rural communities.

    The governor recalled, that, at the inception of his administration in 2015, the state government paid 30 per cent counterpart fund of N550 million, which was aimed at fast-tracking both urban and rural components of the European Union Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme Phase III, that was stalled before he assumed office.

  • Warring Plateau communities agree on peace

    Fulani herdsmen and Irigwe farmers of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State have agreed to end killings and bloodletting and live in peace.

    The ethnic groups have been locked in religious violence since August 2017, and the peace agreement is coming one year into the conflict.

    The peace agreement was at the instance of the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Augustine Agundu, who also presided over the four-hour meeting.

    The Fulani leaders were led by the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nuru Muhammed, while the Irigwe leaders were led by the Bra Ngwe Rigwe, Chief Ronku Aka.

    Gen. Agundu, in his opening address, said: “I appreciate your response to the meeting; it shows we are all interested in peace in our land. I want you to realise that you have shed enough of blood on the Plateau and it is time to give peace a chance.

    “This conflict is man-made, and it is we who should sit and resolve it. A lot of innocent people have died and no one is gaining anything from it. We should consider those who died in conflicts as sacrifice for peaceful coexistence.”

    He urged the leaders to tell their people to surrender their arms as a proof of cease fire.

    “We will allow some time for that after which we will do a mop up to ensure one is keeping arms anymore,” he added.

    Muhammed and Aka jointly identified the points of agreement, saying:

    “The meeting was an opportunity to express our points of disagreements and an opportunity to resolve those disagreements; we have resolved to cease fire because we have apologised to one another.

    “There will be no more attacks in our communities; any further attack will be considered as a criminal act and the culprits will be arrested and treated as such.

    “There will be no more herdsmen/farmers clash because of this parley. Having reached the agreement as leaders on behalf of our people, we are going back home to inform our people to embrace each other and see themselves as members of the same community. We will also organize several programmes of integration like sporting activities, festivals and so on.”

  • More outrage over killings in Plateau communities

    Outrage and brickbats continued yesterday over the Plateau State killings.

    Scores of people were killed by gunmen believed to be herdsmen. The state remained calm yesterday after Wednesday’s protest at the Government House in Jos.

    Governors, after a meeting in Abuja, urged security agents to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the killers.

    University lecturers called for a rejig of the country’s security system.

    Former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, who staged a one-person protest on Tuesday to the gate of Aso Villa in Abuja, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reveal the identities of all the perpetrators of the killings across the country.

    She urged the President to give justice to the dead and secure the living.

    She also demanded sanctions for Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris should the police fail to arrest those who allegedly made the recent herdsmen association statement and their members behind the so-called “retaliatory attacks”.

    Mrs. Ezekwesili made the demands in a statement titled, “It is time to act now—Enough is totally and truly now.

    The apex Islamic body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), said the atttcks were premeditated having been “deliberately planned with political, religious mindset”.

    Idris warned politicians to desist from arming thugs.

    The Presidency weighed in on the declaration of a seven-day mourning by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the opposition party’s action as “dancing on the graves of the dead and playing cheap and infantile politics”.

    Presidential adviser Femi Adesina said: “These are dolorous times that call for deep introspection on how cheap human lives have become, and the proffering of actionable ideas on how to get out of the bind.

    “The comatose and prostrate party is declaring seven days of mourning, during which flags in its offices would be flown at half mast nationwide. But, unknown to the party, those flags had been forcefully lowered since its 2015 loss at the polls, and may remain so for a long time to come, because Nigerians are politically discerning, and cannot be hoodwinked by cheap antics.”

    He added: “A quick checklist of some savage and brutal killings in Nigeria during PDP rule, between 1999 and 2015, for which no national mourning was declared:

    “November 20, 1999. Odi, in Bayelsa State, was invaded on orders of a PDP President. About 2,500 people killed. No national mourning.

    “Between February and May, 2000, about 5,000 people were killed during riots over Sharia law in different parts of the North. No national mourning.

    “In 2001, hundreds of people, including the old, infirm, women and children were killed in Zaki Biam. No crocodile tears.

    “Between September 7-12, 2001, Jos, Plateau State, erupted in internecine killings. Between 500 and 1,000 people were killed. Flags were not flown at half mast.

    “In February, 2004, at least 975 people were killed in Yelwa-Shendam, Plateau State. No mourning by the then ruling PDP.

    “Between November 28 and 29, 2008, Jos was in flames again, with 381 deaths.  No mourning.

    “In 2010, 992 people killed in Jos. Mum was the word.

    “In 2014 alone, according to Global Terrorism Index, at least 1,229 people were killed in the Middle Belt. No mourning.” he said

    Boko Haram killings in PDP years, he said, were over 10,000 while PDP flags were still fluttering proudly in the sky.

    He added: “Those who take pleasure in twisting statements from the Presidency may claim we are saying that many more people were killed under PDP than under President Muhammadu Buhari. It would be unconscionable to do so.

    “The intendment of this statement is to show that wanton killings had been with us for awhile; this government is working towards enduring solutions; and should be given the opportunity to do so.

    “Even a single soul is precious, and no man should take a life, which he cannot create. But when tragic situations as had happened in Plateau State occur, such should never be used to play crude politics. Those who wont to do so should have change of hearts, or lose their very humanity.”

    Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari said the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had resolved to meet with security chiefs to evolve a holistic solution to insecurity challenges.

    He said: “The forum strongly condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and the spate of insecurity in the country.

    “Members commiserated with the government and people of Plateau and other states, including victims who were caught in transit travelling to and from neighbouring states.

    “Governors unanimously called for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the attacks and resolved to find a quick and common solution to the security crises.

    “The forum resolved to pay a condolence visit to Plateau State to commiserate with the government and people of the state.’’

    According to Yari, the governors commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbanjo for their quick response and visit to Plateau, to sympathise with the people of the state.

    He also commended Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong for the way he handled the situation.

    Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President Biodun Ogunyemi said: “We are alarmed at the spate of insecurity in the country, going by what has just happened in Jos. This country has become increasingly unsafe.

    “Do not forget that where there is no safety and peace, there is equally no development.

    “Now, having said this, we all know that education remains the backbone upon which every other sector thrives.

    “We are of the belief, therefore, that the general insecurity in the country is already affecting the quality of education as well as the quality of lives of Nigerians and, therefore, needs urgent intervention.”

    “The Federal Government must as a matter of urgency deploy all measures to arrest this unfortunate situation to re-assure Nigerians of their safety and freedom to live and work in any part of the country.”

    Ezekwesili accused President Buhari of bias in the handling of the herdsmen/farmers crises, saying he should stop the killigs as Nigeria should not be turned into a vast killing field.

    Other demands on the President by Mrs Ezekwesili include:

    • share the credible strategy and solutions of your administration to the daily killings of Nigerians with the people;
    • reveal the identities of all the perpetrators of at least all killings that have happened under your administration in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kaduna, Zamfara, Adamawa, Nassarawa, Kogi and other states and the state of judicial proceedings to secure deterrent sanctions; •reveal the identities, arrest and array all suspected murderers in court now;
    • end the freedom to kill and maim that the Nigerian has handed to terrorist-herdsmen. Commence effective investigation, arrest, prosecution and sanction of perpetrators of violent crimes in all affected states now.
    • give justice to the dead now and secure the living in all affected communities.
    • end the ineffectiveness of our security establishments, systems and processes now.
    • stop rewarding the incompetence and failure of leadership of the security architecture of Nigeria. The cost of their failure is extremely high in the 1,196 (approx.) Nigerians that have died in only the first five and half months of this year.
    • end your loyalty to your service chiefs and head of security because of their loyalty to your person. It is a breach of the oath you swore into office to place Nigeria above your personal interest. It is simply put, an abuse of office.
    • stop your cold and visible lack of empathy toward a segment of your citizens who are daily killed with impunity while you personally make and issue statements that include endorsing their killers’ scandalous justification of their crime as a mere retaliatory act for lost cows

    In a statement by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the JNI said “It is very demoralizing after experiencing three solid years of success stories of harmonious coexistence between the citizenry on the Plateau to have woken up back to the black-dark days of bloodbath of the past.

    “Despite the fact that in the past three years, there has been success stories of peaceful coexistence between the inhabitants of Plateau state. It is disheartening that once again, human life does not matter to some disgruntled elements within the nation.”

     

  • PDP knocks Presidency over statement on Plateau killings

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has knocked the Presidency for blaming weekend’s killings in some Plateau communities on opposition politicians.

    The attacks, which were reportedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen, left about 100 persons dead, over 50 houses burnt and many persons injured.

    In a statement on Monday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP described the Presidency’s statement as extremely callous, inhuman and brazenly divisive.

    The opposition party expressed shock that at a time Nigerians expected the Presidency to take immediate steps to restore order, safeguard the lives of the people, exert justice and bring succor to victims, it chose to toe the path of divisiveness, which the party said, was capable of worsening the tensed situation in the land.

    The statement said, “It is unfortunate that rather than taking actions to get to the roots of killings and banditry in the land, President Muhammadu Buhari resorted to political colorations by engaging in his usual blame game of unnamed politicians.

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    “It is equally disgusting that the Buhari Presidency relegated the main issue of the murder of our citizens and how to track down the perpetrators and bring them to book, thus confirming the fears of most Nigerians that this administration does not care about the lives of the people.

    “PDP insists that the basic responsibility of government, which is to ensure the safety and harmonious living of all Nigerians, ensure that our laws apply at all times and circumstances, without any fear or favour, has been completely abdicated by the Buhari administration, thereby leaving our people at the mercy of marauders”.

    The opposition party further stated that it’s shocking that the President, who is considered the father of the nation, had no soothing or reassuring words for the agonizing victims of the attack.

    The party said rather, the President has chosen to aggravate their pains with the unguarded comments attributed to him by his media aide.

    The PDP demanded an unreserved apology from President Buhari over the comments, which it described as manifest insensitivity to the plight of the victims of the Plateau massacre.