Kim Nani, the traditional ruler of Bindi-Jebbu, a community in Riyom local government area Plateau State which was recently invaded by Fulani militias where 27 people were killed, has raised an alarm over the desecration of the graveyard of the deceaseds’ by herders.
Nani who raised the alarm in an interview on television on Wednesday, expressed dismay that herders have resorted to grazing their cattle on the graves of the people they killed, showing gross disrespect for the dead.
He lamented that the actions of the Fulani herders is not only disrespectful but a sign that they are still not willing to live in peace with the natives in the community as they are still trying to come to terms with the senseless massacre of the people.
The traditional ruler said the 27 people who were brutally killed by the Fulani militias were buried in a mass grave and it was expected that the herders would at least, respect their memories and the community’s grief, but expressed shock that the cattle herders have decided to take their livestock to graze at the same site where the victims were laid to rest.
He opined that it is sad that the very mass grave that the 27 people were killed and buried have become the favourite spot where herders now find attractive to graze their cattle which is a clear sign that they still have an unfinished business in the community.
The monarch noted that the action of the herders at a time the people are still in mourning has further stoked the community’s sense of insecurity as it appears to be a deliberate attempt to provoke survivors and families of the victims to lay a foundation for another attack.
He added that the act was a violation of the sanctity of the dead and their resting place as well as a reminder of the unresolved violence that has plagued parts of the state.
Nani called on security agencies to act swiftly to forestall further attacks to ensure that the people of the community can live in peace and go about their daily activities without fear of renewed hostilities.
