Coalition of Fulani herders condemns killing of 5 police officers in Bauchi

…Pledges to assist security agents fish out perpetrators 

By Hassan Ibrahim

The leadership of Fulani herders under auspices of Coalition of Pastoralists/Fulbe Associations in Bauchi State has condemned in strong terms the killings of five police officers in Sabon Sara village, Darazo Local Government Area of the State.

The coalition also pledged to assist the state government and security agencies with useful information to fish out perpetrators of the act.

The Bauchi State Police Command had said that the five officers were ambushed by bandits.

The Police Spokesman, CSP Ahmed Wakil in a statement said that the police team were ambushed by unidentified Fulani youths, while on visibility policing patrol to prevent, mitigate and manage farmer/herder conflict within and around Sabon Sara Village in Darazo.

The slain officers are DSP Ahmad Muhammad (SID), ASP Mustapha Muhammad (10 PMF), Inspector Amarhel Yunusa (10 PMF), Inspector Idris Ahmed (10 PMF) and Corporal Isah Muazu (AKU). While two other officers sustained various degrees of injuries including Inspector Isah Musa (SID) and Inspector Yusuf Gambo (SID).

Addressing a press conference Tuesday in Bauchi, the coalition led by the Chairman of Miyyati Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bauchi State Alhaj Kabiru Yusuf Adam Tilde, strongly condemned any resistance to lawful arrest of individuals by law enforcement agencies and demanded the identification, arrest and prosecutions of all individuals responsible for attacking of the police offers. 

The chairman said, "We are calling on our members especially in Darazo LGA to desist from such incidents and any unlawful act. For those who were involved in this incident InshaAllah we will assist the state government and security agencies with useful information to fish out the perpetrators to be prosecuted and face the full wrath of the law.

"We are calling on the State Government and security agencies to take firm measures to prevent the escalation of local leadership disputes," he said.

The chairman also frowned at any attempt to misinterpret the incident as involving pastoralists and farmers, adding, "We called on state government and security agencies to continue to support the committee formed to restore grazing reserves, cattle routes and right -of-way which are vital to peace and harmony. Strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, farmers, herders and security agencies to sustain peace in Bauchi State."

The coalition also extends their condolences to the families of the deceased officers and pray Almighty Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus and give their families the strength to bear the loss and wish the injured quick recovery.