The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to cancel his planned trip to Cross River State, and visit the people of Barikin Ladi local government of plateau state, following the alleged killing on Saturday, June 23, 2018, of over 120 persons by the reported Fulani herdsmen in the state.
“Plateau people need you, show leadership, end the killings,” PDP said in its official twitter account, late hours yesterday.
This statement is coming after the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) took responsibility for the attacks. The group said it was an act of revenge against the majority Berom tribe of Plateau State, who they alleged, have been stealing their cows in the last few weeks.
According to them, Fulani herdsmen have lost over 300 cows in the week leading to the attack. Hence, the attack was was in retaliation over the killing of cows belonging to its members.
Prior to this incident, the president had indicated plans to embark on his second visit since assumption in office to Cross Rivers State. The President is said to be visiting on the grounds of agricultural development.
During the visit, the president is expected to commission a multi-billion naira automated rice seeds and seedlings factory in Calabar, reputed to be the first in Africa.
However, The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is currently in Plateau State with stakeholders to assess the security situation. Prof Osinbajo will also convey the President’s condolence to the affected communities, government and people of Plateau State.
Nigerians have gone on various social media platform in expressing their grievance. According to them, the blood of a single Nigerian is far more important than the political visit to calabar by the president.
In other to beef up security in the state, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris Kpotum, relocated the Deputy IGP, department of Ops to Jos, Plateau State.
According to the Nigerian police force, two Police Surveillance Helicopters, five Armoured Personnel Carriers, three Police Mobile Force Units (PMF), two Counter Terrorism Cells (CTU ) and Police Intelligence Unit and conventional Police personnel from other States have also been deployed to the affected areas in Plateau State.
