Ex-Military Administrator Urges FG to Declare Killer Herdsmen as Terrorists

Plateau State Violence Sparks Call for Stronger Action

Retired Real Admiral Bitrus Atukum, former military administrator of Plateau State, has demanded the Federal Government officially designate Fulani herdsmen attacking communities in the state as terrorists. The ex-military officer warned these attacks aim to keep citizens in perpetual poverty through systematic violence.

Pattern of Economic Sabotage and Land Grabbing

Atukum accused the herdsmen of deliberate “economic sabotage,” noting they consistently target farming communities during critical agricultural periods – planting and harvest seasons. He identified land grabbing as another primary motive behind the violent assaults.

The retired officer criticized the government’s soft approach to Plateau insecurity, stating: “Government is fighting this insecurity on the Plateau with kid gloves.” His comments follow recent deadly attacks in Bokkos LGA where over 50 people were killed, thousands displaced, and livelihoods destroyed.

Clear Terrorism Pattern Demands Action

“The endless attacks on villages by the Fulani is a strategic act of terrorism,” Atukum declared. “Government should label them as terrorists who are at war with both civilians and the nation.”

He urged communities to defend their ancestral lands while condemning a recent press briefing by Fulani group leader Garba Abdullahi Mohammed in Kaduna. Atukum questioned why security forces haven’t pursued herdsmen hiding in Plateau’s hills and mountains where they allegedly store weapons.

“What is the difficulty in ordering the army to fish them out there?” he asked, emphasizing the need for more decisive military action against the attackers.

The former administrator dismissed past explanations of “farmer-herder clashes,” asking pointedly: “How can you have clash in someone’s bedroom?” – referencing attacks on homes and villages.

Atukum concluded by urging stronger government intervention: “In addition to what the government is doing, they can do more.”