SaharaReporters has learnt that members of the Fulani community in Mahanga, located in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, have agreed to relocate from their hamlets following an agreement with the Special Task Force.
SaharaReporters has learnt that members of the Fulani community in Mahanga, located in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, have agreed to relocate from their hamlets following an agreement with the Special Task Force.
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The Fulani residents of the area agreed to move to temporary camps pending the conclusion of a proposed “military operation” being planned by the task force under the supervision of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Members of the task force did not disclose the nature and time line for the military operations.
Saleh Byari, the acting secretary of Miyetti-Allah, a Fulani group, disclosed the arrangement today.
“We resisted the first move because we were not shown where we will be resettled, and we perceived it as a plot to send us parking from the state using the soldiers who are ignorant,” said Mr. Byari. However, he stated that the Fulani residents have now been shown the nearby camps where they will be resettled.
He described the camps as “close to our hamlets,” adding, “from the camps we can even see our houses.” Mr. Byari stated that the security agencies had assured members of the Fulani community that “they will not allow anything to happen to our houses, and that they are going to reach the Plateau State government on how to bring relief materials to our people.”
He disclosed that the group would not hesitate to go to court if they realize there was a plot to dispossess them of their residences. “We will do all we can to follow due process and get our rights back,” he said.
The spokesman of the task force, Captain Salisu Mustapha, also confirmed the agreement with the Fulani.
“They came and we have reached an agreement after our Commander briefed them that it is not an issue of doing injustice to any section but to achieve maximum security. It is clear that they will go back to their homes after the operations,” said the captain.
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