The Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has rejected allegations linking Fulani herdsmen to the deadly attack on Mbwelle village in Kwatas district, where more than 20 people, including eight members of the same family, lost their lives.
Amid widespread speculation suggesting that the attackers were members of a Fulani militia group, the association has distanced its members from the incident, stating that there is no evidence to support such claims.
In a statement issued by the Bokkos Chairman of GAFDAN, Saleh Adamu, the group explained that it has consistently promoted peaceful coexistence between its members and host communities. He noted that the association regularly sensitises its members to avoid involvement in conflicts, regardless of provocation.
While condemning the attack as both tragic and unjustifiable, Adamu questioned the basis for the accusations against Fulani people, especially in the absence of verified evidence.
“I was surprised to hear about the attack, especially as the community had been enjoying relative peace. There had been no incidents to justify this,” Adamu said in the statement.
“But the allegations now are that the attackers were Fulani people and I wonder how they quickly arrived at such a conclusion even when there is no evidence to back it up.
“I will categorically say here that our people are not responsible for the attack in Mbwelle and in other parts of Plateau State.
“We have been holding meetings, and peace was gradually returning. This development is both unfortunate and condemnable.
“We do not yet know those responsible. We urge security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Adamu insisted.
The group reiterated its commitment to peace and called on authorities to carry out a thorough investigation to uncover those behind the attack.
