The Association of Matasan Fulani of Nigeria (AMFON) , has called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate the alleged killing of three of their member’s children at Elaye, Kabba in Kogi State.
The association in a petition dated, July 9, 2024 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, (SAN), appealed to the Commission to assist in recovering the corpses of the victims from the bush and to bring the perpetrators to book.
Presenting the petition to the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Mr Obina Nwakonye, the Secretary of the association, Idris Salisu, alleged that it was a gang of local hunters and vigilantes that attacked and killed the children.
He also alleged that the hunters and vigilantes carted away N1.6 million, being proceeds of cow sale.
He lamented that in spite of all efforts, the association was yet to recover the corpses of the deceased victims.
He have the names of the slain Fulani children as Yusuf Muhammadu Sani, Muhammadu Aliyu and Abubakar Dangi.
The petitioners told the Commission that the assailants had earlier attacked police officers that were supposed to provide protection for their community.
They alleged that the gang, on several occasions, extorted monies from their members.
He alleged that several complaints made to the village head failed to yield any positive result.
While assuring that Fulani youths in the area would not embark on any reprisal attack, the AMFON scribe, said the association would patiently wait for the outcome of the investigation by the NHRC.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the NHRC boss, the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Mr Nwakonye sympathised with the Fulani group over the killings.
He assured that the petition will be conveyed to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, who shall take appropriate steps in addressing their complaints.
Nwakonye advised them to remain law abiding and maintain peace in their place of abode and obey the rule of law.
Speaking to newsmen after submitting the petition, the AMFON Secretary said the Nigerian Police and other security agencies are trained to provide security in the country and wondered why hunters and vigilantes, who have no formal training are engaged to provide security in the state. (vitalnewsngr.com)
