Facts have emerged to show that Nigeria is gradually being occupied by Fulani people, most of who are mercenaries from neighbouring countries and other insurgents, threatening no fewer than 17 states of the federation, even as the Federal Government, today, reinforced a committee, made up of some governors, to find solution to the conflicts.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Benue state governor, Gabriel Suswam who have been battling with the Fulani insurgents, said that from what has been happening, the insurgents are not Nigerian Fulanis.
He made it clear that most of the insurgents are mercenaries that take advantage of the small misunderstanding between some communities in Nigeria to infiltrate many parts of the state and the country at large.
“Nigerian Fulani people are not known to be in possession of AK 4 and other sophisticated weapons. Even their women fight with guns.”
This is just as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki, had earlier briefed the NEC on incessant Conflicts between Farmers and Pastorialists, highlighting on the challenges and solutions in Nigeria.
Dasuki named Seventeen States identified as flash points of the Fulani uprising. They are, among others, Plateau, Benue, Adamawa, Niger, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kaduna and Oyo states
NSA assured the Council that his office is working out an International Conference in Nigeria to deal with the situation, adding that an International NGO in Geneva is already working with some communities in Plateau State to find ways of settling the conflicts.
The council was informed of the establishment of a committee on Grazing Reserves under the Chairmanship of Governor Murtala Nyako, adding that the Committee is already working to provide solutions to the Farmers Pastorialists Conflicts.
The Council recommended that Governor of Benue State should join Governor Nyako as co-chair to fast-track the working of the Committee.
The Council resolved that a Technical Committee should be set up to come up with recommendations, within two weeks, on how to manage incessant conflicts between Crop Farmers and Pastorialists.
Members of the Committee Minister of Agriculture as Chairman, while the Ministers of Environment, Science and Technology, Interior , Water Resources and of National Planning, as well as the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Security Adviser and representatives of States are members.
