From Fred Ezeh, Abuja 

Fulani herdsmen, in Taraba State, under the umbrella of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, alleged that a recent attack on Fulani community in Mambilla Plateau was the handiwork of some actors whose economic interest in that area pushed them to target their kinsmen occupying the mountainous community. 

They linked the alleged attacks and killings to recent arming of youths, to attack Fulani pastoralists, in addition to recent provocative utterances and actions of some top government officials, targeted at the herdsmen.  

They have, however, appealed to the Federal Government, to intervene by establishing an independent judicial inquiry, which would investigate and unravel the root cause of the crisis which led to the destruction of lives and properties worth millions of naira. 

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, National Chairman and Secretary of the association, Alhaji Bello Bodejo and Alhassan Saleh, respectively, threatened to mobilise against any panel of inquiry that would come from the state government.

The Fulani leaders appealed to members of the association to remain calm and be law-abiding, and assured  that that efforts are underway to seek redress, deploying all legal means.  They equally requested additional security reinforcement to comb the entire Mambilla and fish out the perpetrators whom they alleged are known to the state government and the community. 

He said record of casualties available to the association confirmed that over 250 women and children were killed by armed militias, in addition to 4, 000 livestock that were killed and 10, 000 families who were displaced and are currently taking refuge in neighbouring towns in Republic of Cameroon. 

Bodejo justified his allegation with the inability of neither the state government nor the Sarduna Local Government council to visit 10, 000 displaced families with relief materials till date.