Farmers in the Shimankar community, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, have raised concerns over herdsmen’s invasion of their farmlands on Tuesday, March 18th.  

According to PUNCH Metro, the attack, which occurred a day earlier, led to several injuries and the destruction of homes, sparking tension in the area.

According to eyewitnesses, the violence began as a disagreement between two groups about traditional ceremonies and ritual performances in the town and swiftly escalated, with homes and businesses being set on fire.

However, speaking with PUNCH Metro in Jos, some farmers alleged that in the aftermath of the carnage, some herdsmen raided their farms in several locations, causing massive destruction and damage while inflicting pain on those who opposed their onslaught. 

Some affected farmers are Yakubu Plangnen, Charity Bulus and Tobias Kwanmen, all from the Shimankar community.

Tobias said, “After the violence recorded in the Shimankar community, the Fulani herdsmen entered many farms in various areas and destroyed their farms. Not one person. Not two. So many of them have their farms completely in ruins, as I talk to you.

“I’m just coming from my watermelon farm. We were not aware of the destruction until this Tuesday morning. I went there and saw it myself. My own, that of my neighbour and other people, was destroyed. Although the invaders did not kill anyone, there was this security man who was employed to look after the farms. The herdsmen attacked him and cut off his hand when he was trying to protect the farm. The man was later evacuated to the hospital, but I don’t know whether he will survive the attack or not. We want the government and  security agents to help us because our lives are not safe, and we don’t know what will happen next.”

In a statement on Tuesday, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, assured the people of adequate security.

The PPRO, who confirmed that four persons were injured during Monday’s  violence in the Shimankar community, said, “The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, wishes to assure the good citizens and residents of Shimankar, Shendam LGA that the command has made all necessary deployments and emplaced measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Shimankar community.”

The PPRO added, “In the early hours of yesterday (Monday), the command received a report about a disagreement and eventual clash which ensued between certain segments of the Shimankar community in Shendam LGA. As a result of the clash, about four members of the community were injured, while some shops were seriously damaged.

“The Commissioner of Police, upon receipt of this report, immediately ordered a massive deployment of both manpower and operational assets to the area and normalcy was immediately restored. We therefore use this medium to inform the residents/citizens of Plateau State, visitors and the general public that the police are on top of the situation, and there is no cause for alarm.

“CP Adesina further assures the general public that the command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of their lives and properties. To this end, he urges them to call the following GSM numbers in case of emergency: 07059473022,09021579927,07034799878 and 08037681026.”

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has issued a plea for calm following the outbreak of violence in the affected community.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Joyce Ramnap, the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed deep concern and displeasure over the recent breach of peace in Shimankar (Menkaat), Shendam Local Government Area, which had unfortunately caused unnecessary tension in the community.

The statement reads, “Government condemns in the strongest terms the violent clashes that occurred, underscoring that peace, unity, and dialogue are the only viable solutions to resolving conflicts.

“I want to reiterate the Plateau State Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding peace and security for all citizens, especially during such tense moments.”

“Acknowledging the swift response of law enforcement agencies and the traditional institutions in containing the situation, we are calling for even greater collaboration between community leaders, security agencies, and the public to prevent further escalation, thus the need to maintain peace, calm, and restraint from all parties.

“We urge the people of the community to pursue peaceful resolutions to any disagHe also stated that the government has asked security services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the core causes of the clashes and hold anyone guilty for any breach of public peace accountable.

He also stated that the government has asked security services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the core causes of the clashes and hold anyone guilty of breaching public peace accountable.

He asked Plateau residents to be watchful but peaceful and to actively support all efforts to de-escalate the situation, citing the state government’s commitment to “fostering a peaceful coexistence for all citizens.”

Source: Punch