SOKAPU frowns at call for the establishment of a Fulani vigilante group
By: Femi Mustapha
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has expressed dismay over the call by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore of forming its vigilante group, noting that this should alarm all Nigerians who care about the existence of Nigeria as a corporate entity.
The SOKAPU Spokesman Luka Binniyat stated this in a statement made available to the Media in Kaduna yesterday.
The Union stated that Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore is not a government and therefore cannot make laws that rival that of a government that hosts its members.
SOKAPU further added that attempt to allow the Fulani to form, arm, kit, and operate an armed wing so brazenly, is to also approve other ethnic groups to do the same.
“In other words, SOKAPU is saying that a civil war may spark off if Fulani and other ethnic groups obtain arms for the exclusive reason of protecting themselves as groups under various independent commands.
“President Mohammadu Buhari must not take this lightly, even though he is fond of glossing over serious matters of security concerns.
“For the avoidance of doubt, SOKAPU condemns the formation of Fulani Vigilante force.
The Fulani have been accused of horrific crimes in many communities in Nigeria, given the truth that not all Fulani are outlaws.
“It is for the pervasive bloody crimes that criminal elements of Fulani have been accused of that spurred some state governments to create their Vigilante outfits.
“No state government must allow any tribal group to form its Vigilante group. It is a direct line to insurgency and separatism.
“At this point, SOKAPU wishes to hail the governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle for forming a volunteer vigilante service which he will train and arm under the supervision of the Nigeria Police.
“SOKAPU believes that all residents of Zamfara State, especially herders and farmers in rural communities of the state will soon enjoy robust security and pursue their livelihood without worry.
“This is what is expected of a responsive and responsible leader.” the statement reads
