On Thursday morning, a significant number of women in the Panyam community of Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State once again staged a protest, blocking the Jos-Shendam highway. This demonstration was in response to the arrest of several youths suspected of involvement in the killing of Idris Adamu, a Fulani leader in the area,Daily Trust reports.
As reported by Daily Trust on Wednesday, these women had previously obstructed the same road when the district head and some residents of the area were initially apprehended, demanding their immediate release. Although the district head, Da Aminu Darwam, was eventually released, the remaining three youths remain in custody pending an investigation by the security authorities.
The youth had been taken into custody by personnel from Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce responsible for maintaining peace in the state. They were suspected of involvement in the tragic killing of the Fulani Ardo (leader) of the area. The incident occurred when the Ardo was returning from a visit to the district head and was attacked by unidentified criminals.
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Motorists traveling on the road were left stranded, with many forced to turn back as a result of the protest. Confirming the Thursday incident to Daily Trust, Captain Oya James, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, suggested that the women were possibly protesting against the arrest of the three individuals in connection with the Fulani leader’s killing. He assured that the situation had been brought under control and that the investigation of the arrested persons was ongoing. The primary suspect in the case remained at large.
Earlier in the week, Operation Safe Haven had pledged to identify those responsible for the killing of the Fulani leader and to recover the deceased’s body. The region has experienced a series of conflicts, primarily between farming communities and pastoralists in various villages within Mangu LGA, resulting in a significant loss of life.
Recently, efforts by security personnel have started to yield positive results, with some of the affected communities gradually returning to a state of peace and harmony. However, the killing of the Fulani leader has prompted widespread condemnation from various quarters, especially considering the relative peace that had been restored in the area.
