The Tarangol Youths and the entire community of Kwatas Ward, Bokkos Local Government Area, have formally submitted a counter-complaint against three prominent Fulani leaders – Alh. Saleh Yusuf Adamu, Alh. Umar Ori, and Alh. Mohammed Gorte – accusing them of trespass, illegal erection of buildings, incitement of public disorder, and threatening the peace of Tarangol community. This development comes after the trio’s letter to the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, where they made claims against the Tarangol community.
In the counter-complaint, representatives of the Tarangol Youths – Daniel Peter, Youth Leader of Chikam, and Comrade Matta Patrick Danladi, Youth President of Tarangol – dismissed the allegations made in the letter dated August 23, 2024. The Fulani leaders had accused two Tarangol youths of misconduct and claimed that their cows were shot, and huts and foodstuffs burned, a claim the Tarangol community insists is baseless and false.
The counter-complaint highlights a long history of tension between the Tarangol community and Fulani herdsmen, with incidents of violent attacks dating back to 2018, resulting in over 50 deaths and significant property destruction. The Tarangol community claims that Fulani herdsmen recently trespassed on their land in Chikam (Garau) and began illegal construction without permission, which has escalated tensions. Despite repeated peaceful requests for their withdrawal, the herdsmen allegedly continue to encroach on the community’s land and destroy crops.
The Tarangol community further insists that there is no “Fulani community” in Chikam, as alleged in the letter to the Commissioner of Police. They believe the letter from the Fulani leaders was written to incite violence and disrupt the peace in the region.
Local authorities, including the Executive Governor of Plateau State, the Commissioner of Police, and the State Security Services, have been urged to thoroughly investigate the matter to prevent any further breakdown of peace and security in the community.
The Tarangol Youths reaffirmed their commitment to law and order, while also warning that the situation could escalate if the authorities do not act swiftly.
Signed:
- Daniel Peter, Youth Leader, Chikam
- Comr. Matta Patrick Danladi, Youth President, Tarangol
- Bitrus Mabur, Secretary, Chikam Youth
- Amos Malo, Mai Angwan, Chikam
