Leaders of the Muslim and Hausa-Fulani communities in Plateau State have strongly opposed Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s call for the withdrawal of soldiers from ongoing peacekeeping operations in the state.
In a statement signed by Elder Sani Mudi and released on Sunday, the group expressed grave concerns, warning that such a move could embolden those seeking to target and eliminate their communities.
They cited the 2008 post-election crisis in Jos, during which individuals dressed in mobile police uniforms allegedly carried out coordinated attacks on innocent Muslims. According to them, hundreds were killed by what they described as a “killer squad” operating under the guise of security personnel.
A portion of their statement read:
“We, Muslims and Hausa-Fulani leaders, express fears that the call for the removal of soldiers from peacekeeping operations is mischievous and a grand plan to give room to some people to execute their evil plans of ridding Plateau of the presence of Hausa and Fulani, regarded as unwanted settlers in the state.”
The group insisted that the military’s presence is critical to preventing renewed ethnic and religious violence and maintaining peace across volatile flashpoints. They also urged the state government to prioritize justice, fairness, and reconciliation instead of decisions that could deepen mistrust and insecurity.
