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Maj. Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas, rtd, the chairman of the fact-finding committee on insecurity established by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has disclosed that all ethnic groups are implicated in the violence occurring in the state.
Following the submission of the committee's report to Mutfwang last month, there were rumors suggesting that the report had condemned Fulani herdsmen as the primary aggressors in the prolonged crisis.
However, in an interview with the Sun Newspaper, Nicholas, a former commander of Operation Safe Haven, clarified that the report did not assert that Fulani herdsmen were solely responsible for the violence and fatalities in the state.
The former military officer highlighted that during the committee’s discussions with various communities in the state, it became evident that both locals and outsiders were involved in the turmoil.
He also emphasized that every ethnic group in the state, regardless of their religious affiliations, participated in the conflict.
“This committee was established by the state government to conduct investigations and provide recommendations to the government. The documents remain confidential and have been submitted to the state government.
“Thus, they are not yet public knowledge, and it would be inappropriate for me to disclose the findings and recommendations until the government releases a white paper on the matter, at which point it can be made public. For now, it remains within the state government,” he stated.
Nicholas asserted that claims circulating about the committee having implicated the herdsmen were incorrect and misrepresented the committee’s findings, which indicated that all ethnic groups in the state were involved.
He reiterated that through discussions with community leaders, the committee gathered evidence showing that the violence in the state does not stem from a single group.
According to him, many of the attacks were retaliatory actions following an initial assault, often resulting in bloodshed and extensive property damage.
“I believe it is necessary to clarify that the Fulani are not the sole cause of the issues. The report did not state that.
“While it is evident that all ethnic groups in Plateau are in one way or another entangled in the crisis, certain communities have pointed fingers at specific ethnic groups.
“However, our report never singled out the Fulani. We made it clear that all ethnic groups have a stake in the crises affecting Plateau.
“Everyone is aware of the situation in Plateau. People are hesitant to openly discuss the problems. As I mentioned, the findings and recommendations are still forthcoming. Once they are made public, the community will see the insights and recommendations we have provided,” he added.
What did the committee's report conclude about the violence in Plateau State? The report concluded that all ethnic groups in Plateau State are involved in the violence, and it did not single out Fulani herdsmen as the only aggressors.
The report concluded that all ethnic groups in Plateau State are involved in the violence, and it did not single out Fulani herdsmen as the only aggressors.
Why is the report not yet public? The report remains confidential until the state government issues a white paper on it, after which it will be made public.
The report remains confidential until the state government issues a white paper on it, after which it will be made public.
What is the nature of the violence occurring in Plateau State? The violence is characterized by retaliatory attacks, where one group responds to an assault by another, leading to further bloodshed and destruction.
The violence is characterized by retaliatory attacks, where one group responds to an assault by another, leading to further bloodshed and destruction.
