Farmers in Shimankar community, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Tuesday, raised the alarm over the invasion of their farmlands by herdsmen.
It was gathered that violence had erupted in the community the previous day leaving many injured and houses burnt.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence began as a disagreement between two groups about ancient ceremonies and ritual performance in the town, but swiftly escalated, with homes and businesses set on fire.
But speaking with reporters in Jos on Tuesday, some farmers said in the aftermath of the violence, some herdsmen invaded their farms in several locations, causing huge destruction and damage to their farms while inflicting harm to those who resisted their onslaught.
Yakubu Plangnen, Charity Bulus, and Tobias Kwanmen are three Shimankar farmers who have been affected.
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, Alabo Alfred, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, assured the people of adequate security.
The PPRO who confirmed that four persons were injured during Monday’s violence in 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 called for calm following the outbreak of violence in the affected area.
The state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Joyce Ramnap, expressed deep concern and displeasure over the recent breach of peace that unfolded in Shimankar (Menkaat), Shendam Local Government Area, which had unfortunately caused unnecessary tension within 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 disagreements instead of resorting to violence.”
The Plateau State Government has directed security agencies to investigate the causes of the skirmishes and hold those responsible accountable.
