By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
A coalition of Fulani associations in Taraba State has condemned the exclusion of its members from the committee recently set up by Governor Agbu Kefas to investigate and reconcile parties involved in the crisis in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area and other troubled parts of the state.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Jalingo, the leader of the coalition, Aishatu Ardo, described the composition of the committee as unfair and unrepresentative, particularly to the Fulani, whom she identified as the primary victims of the crisis.
Ardo, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO) in Taraba, commended the governor’s peacebuilding efforts but stressed that genuine peace can only be achieved through justice and fairness.
“We are not unmindful of His Excellency’s efforts to foster peaceful coexistence among Taraba’s diverse communities. However, we strongly condemn the unbalanced composition of the commission of inquiry. It is disheartening that the Fulani—who suffered significant casualties in both human and livestock losses—have no voice on the panel,” she said.
According to Ardo, the coalition aligns itself with various concerned citizens who have submitted open letters to the state government, protesting the composition of the “Karim-Lamido and Other Areas of Crises: Peace and Justice Commission of Inquiry.”
The group also called on the media to provide objective and balanced reporting of the crisis and demanded accountability from security operatives who have allegedly compromised their roles.
“We urge the media to present all sides of the story accurately, in order to restore public confidence. We are deeply troubled by reports of security personnel aiding and abetting criminal acts instead of restoring peace,” Ardo stated.
She specifically accused Capt. John Datol, the Acting Commanding Officer of the 114 Battalion, of leading military operations that resulted in the killing of unarmed Fulani civilians in villages such as Jen Ardido (Wuro Guga), Bandawa, Munga-Lelau, and Munga-Doso. She called for his removal from Taraba State and demanded an investigation into his alleged violations of the Nigerian Army’s Rules of Engagement and human rights abuses.
The coalition also raised alarm over a controversial form allegedly being distributed exclusively to Fulani communities across the state’s 16 local government areas.
“We wish to bring to public attention a disturbing development involving the distribution of a suspicious form to Fulani residents. This form is not connected to any known employment or empowerment initiative and seeks highly sensitive personal information,” Ardo said.
She described the selective distribution of the form as discriminatory and expressed fears of a hidden agenda behind the exercise.
“We strongly reject this form in its entirety. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to profile, isolate, or marginalize Fulani citizens under the guise of empowerment. Such acts are unjust, discriminatory, and unacceptable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.”
The coalition called on security agencies to obtain and scrutinize the form, investigate its origin, and determine the intent behind its targeted distribution.
“As citizens of Taraba State, the Fulani deserve to be treated with justice, dignity, and fairness in all matters of governance and public policy,” Ardo concluded.
It will be recalled that recent clashes involving ethnic groups in Bandawa, Munga-Lelau, Fulani, and Munga-Doso communities have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and the killing of livestock worth millions of Naira