ICC Note: After radical Islamist Fulani herders slaughtered more than 300 Christians in the past two weeks in Benue State, Nigeria, leaders from the Fulani community in the region allege that Christians have killed more than 10,000 cattle. Still, the claims carry no evidence or proof. Even if the allegations proved true, the Fulani response that has included the murder of women and children, as well as destroying crops, represent a horrific disproportional response to crimes against animals and property.
By Uja Emmanuel
3/7/16 Makurdi, Nigeria (The Nation) – The Fulani community in Benue State has accused Agatu natives of killing 10,000 cattle belonging to its members.
Ado Boderi, who spoke on behalf of the Fulani community on Thursday, during a meeting between Agatu community, Fulani community and Police Inspector General Solomon Arase, said criminal elements from both sides escalated the crisis despite the quick intervention of the governor.
He said that Fulani herdsmen were a peace-loving people, whose main concern was the problem of cattle rustling.
Akpa Iduh, who spoke on behalf of the Agatu people, decried the continued unprovoked attacks on his people by “Fulani mercenaries”.
Mr. Iduh, who said that the crisis started over five decades ago, lamented that it had recently turned into a war because of the types of weapons the herdsmen were using against them.
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