A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Dickson Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi Constituency, has intensified efforts to address the recurring killings in the area. He recently engaged Fulani stakeholders in a meeting to discuss possible solutions to the protracted crisis. The meeting was attended by prominent Fulani leaders, including Alhaji Salleh Ibrahim, also known as Tambari, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Barkin Ladi chapter.
During the meeting, Chollom urged the Fulani leaders to openly identify the causes of the violence and suggest practical measures to prevent further bloodshed. He noted that previous peace efforts had failed to produce the desired results, stressing that a lasting solution required sincerity and the commitment of all stakeholders. The lawmaker emphasized the need for honest discussions to identify the causes of the continuous killings and how they can be curtailed.
The crisis in the area has resulted in significant human and economic losses, including deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of residents from their ancestral homes. Chollom reaffirmed his commitment to representing all constituents, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. He plans to engage with Berom stakeholders and members of other communities affected by the insecurity to hear their grievances and seek common ground.
The Fulani stakeholders identified several factors contributing to the violence, including cattle rustling, indiscriminate killings, youth restiveness, inadequate parental guidance, and perceived injustice. These factors, they believe, have exacerbated the tensions in the area. The stakeholders expressed their willingness to work with Chollom to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
The engagement between Chollom and the Fulani stakeholders has been described as "a step in the right direction" by Tambari. He expressed optimism that the initiative would produce positive results. Other stakeholders, including Ardo of Ropp, Abubakar Abdullahi, and Yusuf Mohammed, also pledged their support for the peace initiative.
The meeting with Fulani leaders is part of Chollom's broader strategy to address the insecurity in the area. He had previously called for a change in strategy by governments at all levels to address the renewed violence in the area. The lawmaker's efforts aim to bring together various stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to the crisis.
The outcome of the meeting and the future of the peace initiative remain to be seen. However, the engagement between Chollom and the Fulani stakeholders marks a significant step towards addressing the recurring killings in the area. The lawmaker's commitment to finding a lasting solution to the crisis is clear, and his efforts have been welcomed by various stakeholders.
Key points
- The Plateau State lawmaker, Hon. Dickson Chollom, has engaged Fulani stakeholders in a bid to end recurring killings in the area.
- The stakeholders identified cattle rustling, indiscriminate killings, and youth restiveness as some of the factors contributing to the violence.
- The engagement has been described as "a step in the right direction" by Fulani leaders, who are optimistic about the initiative's potential to produce positive results.
