The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, has strongly condemned the move by Fulani herdsmen under the aegis of ‘Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore’ to form an armed vigilance force, saying it is capable of igniting a civil war.
SOKAPU, in a press release on Thursday, said that a civil war might flare up if Fulani and other ethnic groups are allowed to obtain arms.
Recall that the Miyetti Allah group had said it would form a vigilante force to protect herders across the country.
However, SOKAPU, an umbrella body of the Southern Kaduna people, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, said that the move by Fulani to bear arms was a call for anarchy and another civil war in the country.
“A civil war may spark off if Fulani and other ethnic groups obtain arms to protect themselves as groups under various independent commands,” he said.
The union also revealed that over 200 Southern Kaduna communities had been crushed and displaced by armed herdsmen.
“Over 200 Southern Kaduna communities have been sacked and displaced by armed herdsmen and allied criminals. Hundreds have been killed and more wounded. The sight of an armed Fulani vigilante force on our soil will be a very provocative act that will push other tribes to form the same,” it said.
It added that government should also approve other ethnic groups to do the same if the Fulani group would be permitted to form, arm, kit, and operate an armed wing.
