Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has warned Fulani herders against taking the law into their own hands, saying his administration will not tolerate any unlawful act capable of causing crisis in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, Fintiri gave the warning after brokering peace between the Fulani herders’ community and the Song Local Government Council.
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate anyone taking the law into their own hands.
He urged both parties to respect human life and take necessary steps to sustain peace, pledging to personally monitor developments in the area.
“Anyone who takes a human life will be dealt with without mercy. Government will not fold its arms and watch lawlessness,” he warned.
According to the statement, the governor brokered peace between the Fulani herders’ community and the management of Song Local Government Council following a misunderstanding that led to a boycott of Song Market.
“The peace meeting, convened at the instance of the Governor, was held on Sunday at the Government House, Yola.”
The statement added, “Fulani herders boycotted Song Market following a misunderstanding with the Chairman of Song Local Government Council, Alhaji Idris Yahaya.”
Fintiri further appealed to both parties to sheath their swords and prioritise the interests of Song Local Government Area above all other considerations to promote peace and economic growth in the area.
He emphasised that peace was essential for meaningful development and urged the herders to return to the market and coexist peacefully as members of one indivisible community.
“Return home and give peace a chance. Song belongs to all of you. You must live together, trade together and grow your economy together,” Fintiri said.
The statement said the meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Awwal Tukur, and other top government officials from Song; members of the Adamawa State Peace Commission; and traditional leaders from Song Local Government Area.
“At the end of the meeting, both parties resolved to embrace peace and return to normal activities in the interest of Song Local Government Area”, the statement concluded.