The people of Munga Dosso community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council of Taraba State have expressed deep frustration over what they described as the "indifferent attitude" of their representatives in the National Assembly following a recent deadly attack on their community that claimed scores of lives.
The community, still mourning the loss of lives allegedly claimed by suspected Fulani herders weeks ago, is demanding accountability and presence from their elected officials - Senator Sha'abu Lau, representing Taraba North Senatorial District, and Abdullahi Lauya, representing Karim-Lamido, Ardo-Kola, and Lau Federal Constituency.
Community Speaks Out
In a world press conference held over the weekend at Saint Bernard's Hotel in Jalingo, community spokesperson Robert Bukar, flanked by other community members, vehemently criticized the lawmakers for allegedly failing to visit or send messages of condolence, despite the gravity of the violence and the mass burial of victims.
"We are not just disappointed, we feel abandoned. Our people were killed in cold blood, and those we voted into office have neither visited nor shown any sign of solidarity," Bukar told journalists.
History of Violence
The community highlighted what they described as decades-long violence and injustice allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herders, citing a pattern of guerrilla-style attacks dating back to the 1990s. They claimed the people of Munga Dosso have continuously faced unprovoked violence with little or no justice served.
"None of the perpetrators have ever been brought to justice. Instead, our people are arrested, moved from police cells to prisons, while those caught with assault rifles are released the very next day," Bukar stated.
Rejecting Disinformation
The community also condemned what they described as a coordinated disinformation campaign by Fulani groups. They rejected ongoing online claims that Munga Dosso residents were involved in attacks on Fulani settlements or cattle theft, calling the allegations baseless and damaging.
"Munga Dosso has never attacked any Fulani group. We are cattle rearers ourselves. Many families in this community own hundreds of cows and have lived peacefully with people from Gombe, Bauchi, and Adamawa. These false narratives are part of a smear campaign," Bukar asserted.
Urgent Appeals
The community issued an urgent appeal to the state government, security agencies, and their elected representatives to:
- Immediately deploy additional security personnel to ensure farmers can safely return to their lands
- Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the recent attacks
- Prosecute the perpetrators
- Fully enforce the state's anti-open grazing laws
They specifically called on Senator Lau and Representative Lauya to break their silence and visit the community, offering leadership and support during this critical time.
"The silence of our leaders is not only disheartening, it is also dangerous. We are calling on them to show up, speak up, and act decisively to protect the people they represent," Bukar lamented.
As the situation continues to develop, the community awaits response from their elected officials and government authorities regarding their demands for justice and security.
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