The Department of State Services (DSS) in Plateau State has alerted the state’s police command on the potential attacks on Fulani communities in the Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas in the state.
A letter, issued by the State Director of Security, Plateau Command, I. V. Chikere on Monday, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Hassan Steve Yabanet, titled “Threat of renewed attacks and reprisals in Bokkos and Barikin Ladi LGAs,” revealed intelligence indicating possible attacks on Fulani communities by suspected Berom, Muwhagvul, and Ron militia groups before, during, and after the Sallah festivities.
These actions are believed to be reprisals for the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks in various communities of the LGAs, where many villagers were killed and properties destroyed allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herders.
The statement called for robust security measures and patrols to prevent a recurrence of past violence.
The statement partly read “Similarly, everyone is advised to be security conscious as well as report suspicious activities to security and law enforcement organisations.
“On its part, the Service will sustain collaboration with sister security agencies and indeed other stakeholders to ensure hitch-free celebrations. Meanwhile, the Website, dss.gov.ng; Email address- [email protected] and Telephone lines +234915 339 1309; +234 908 837 3514 remain available to the members of the public who may wish to contact the Service during and after the holidays.”
In a separate statement via its national X account on Tuesday, issued by Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS, urged Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security and law enforcement agencies as they celebrate the Eid-El-Fitr festival.
Nigeria’s secret police extended warm congratulations to the Muslim Ummah for the peaceful completion of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
The agency shared the festival’s core values of love, mercy, and compassion while expressing gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to fulfil this sacred obligation.
MURIC Condemns Resurfaced Plateau Crisis, Laments Burning of Mosques, Churches
The Christmas Eve attack on villagers at Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGs on December 24, 2023, reportedly left about 200 villagers dead, with the Fulani herders fingered.
Fulani communities in the state refuted the allegation, instead, accused the indigenous people in the area of killing their members and rustling their cows.
Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGs of Plateau state have been in a series of attacks and counter-attacks in the last 12 months between native farmers and Fulani communities.
The crisis which seemed to be ethnic, later took a religious dimension resulting in the death of hundreds, destruction of worship places and wealth worth millions with thousands of others being displaced.
 in Plateau alerted police on the potential attacks on Fulani communities in the Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas){kind=link}