Fulani leaders in Plateau State have identified land ownership disputes, criminality, insecurity, exclusion from government relief programmes, and climate change as some of the major factors fueling the protracted conflict in the state, while calling for inclusive dialogue, justice, and restoration of displaced communities.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholders' engagement with Fulani leaders from Jos North, where representatives of various Fulani organizations outlined their perspectives on the causes of the crisis and possible pathways to lasting peace.
Speaking at the meeting, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, Barrister Sari Suyissa Mohammed, said disputes over land ownership and the failure of communities to expose criminal elements within their ranks have contributed significantly to the violence.
He acknowledged that criminal elements exist among all ethnic groups, including Fulani communities, and stressed the need for collective efforts to identify and hand over offenders to security agencies.
"The issue of land ownership is one of the major triggers of the crisis in Plateau State. There are also criminals among all groups who benefit from the continuation of the conflict. Communities have failed to expose these individuals, making it difficult to end the cycle of violence," he said.
Mohammed urged authorities to investigate criminal activities impartially and ensure justice is applied equally to all parties involved in the conflict.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Plateau State Chapter, and Chairman of the Coalition of Fulani Registered Organisations in Plateau State, Alhaji Muhammad Abdullahi Muhammad, commended the fact-finding mission for engaging directly with Fulani stakeholders.
He noted that the crisis has evolved into a complex challenge driven by political, religious, security, economic, and environmental factors, including the impact of climate change on grazing lands.
According to him, increasing pressure on land resources has heightened tensions between farmers and herders, with both groups competing for limited space.
Muhammad called on government authorities to reopen designated grazing reserves allegedly restricted by non-state actors and to address concerns over cattle rustling, which he described as a major source of hardship for pastoral communities.
He also appealed for support for displaced Fulani communities and urged authorities to facilitate the return of herders who were displaced from their settlements following security incidents in parts of Mangu Local Government Area.
The Fulani leaders further emphasized the need for equal treatment of all affected communities, regardless of ethnic or religious background, while expressing support for ongoing peacebuilding and security initiatives aimed at restoring stability across Plateau State.
The meeting forms part of broader stakeholder consultations aimed at identifying the root causes of recurring violence in Plateau State and developing sustainable solutions to foster peaceful coexistence among communities.
