CAN Warns against Jihad By Boko Haram, Fulani Herdsmen

Fulani herdsman with his cows

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the recent attacks by Boko Haram sect in some parts of the North and the continuous killings of families in communities in Benue State by Fulani herdsmen as a declaration of a new Jihad on none Muslims in the country.

CAN made the statement through its state Chairman, Dr. Yimam Orkwar, at a press briefing at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) House in Makurdi.

According to Orkwar, the action of Fulani herdsmen “especially the unprovoked attacks by them and unknown gunmen in military uniform on our people are sad and unwarranted.”

He said as a result of the attacks, most people had fled their homes in Adaka town, Mbalagh and Agan wards in Makurdi and Mbaye/Yandeve ward in Guma Local Government Area.

“And these victims have become refugees in Makurdi.”

CAN also demanded that Fulani herdsmen be sent out of the state “so that no group or mercenaries can masquerade as herdsmen in order to perpetrate further attacks on our people.”

It also kicked against plans to grant unconditional amnesty to the Boko Haram sect, stating that what the Boko

Haram was doing is different from what the militants in the Niger Delta did.

“The Niger Delta militants were only destroying pipelines but the Boko Haram has become blood thirsty and have continued to kill Nigerians without any remorse,” Orkwar said.

It called on government to decisively look into the lingering attacks by Fulani herdsmen with the view of proffering lasting solutions.