Tension has intensified across Nigeria’s religious and ethnic lines following new allegations by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, claiming that Fulani pastoralists are victims of “genocidal massacres” carried out by non-state actors, vigilante groups, and Yansakai militias.
Miyetti Allah’s Allegation
In a recent statement issued in Abuja, the association’s Secretary-General, Saleh Alhassan, lamented what he described as the “systematic and coordinated killings” of Fulani herders across several states. According to him, “vigilante groups have turned many rural communities into killing fields, executing Fulani men, women, and children in the name of fighting insecurity.”
Miyetti Allah demanded an independent probe into these killings and urged the Federal Government to take immediate action, warning that continued silence could “fuel further division and retaliation.” The group also condemned what it called media bias and ethnic profiling that portray herders as aggressors, rather than victims in some areas.
Christian Outrage and Counterclaims
However, the statement has sparked sharp criticism from several Christian leaders and human rights organizations, who accuse Miyetti Allah of attempting to rewrite the narrative surrounding violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and North-Central regions.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the group’s claims as “deeply insensitive” to the thousands of Christians who have been killed, displaced, or traumatized in herdsmen-related attacks over the years. CAN reiterated its call for the Federal Government to designate Miyetti Allah as a terrorist organization, alleging that some of its members have openly defended or justified attacks in states like Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna.
Prominent clerics such as Dr. Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre and Bishop David Oyedepo have also spoken out, condemning what they see as an attempt to normalize killings under the guise of reprisals for cattle rustling. “No life is worth the price of livestock,” Dr. Enenche said in a sermon that has gone viral on social media. “If the government cannot protect innocent citizens, the people will lose faith in justice.”
Security Concerns and Government Silence
Security analysts note that both sides have suffered devastating losses, with retaliatory attacks escalating in Plateau, Niger, and Benue States. Yet, despite repeated promises of justice, prosecutions remain rare, and community mistrust is deepening.
The Nigerian Police and Defence Headquarters have not yet issued a formal response to Miyetti Allah’s latest allegations. Meanwhile, civil society groups are calling for a truth and reconciliation process to address grievances from all affected communities, insisting that peace cannot be built on propaganda or selective empathy.
Trending Reactions and Public Debate
The issue has dominated social media discussions under hashtags like #FulaniHerders, #PlateauKillings, and #JusticeForVictims, with Nigerians sharply divided along ethnic and religious lines.
While some sympathize with Fulani pastoralists over alleged persecution, others view Miyetti Allah’s statement as an attempt to divert attention from long-standing attacks on farming and Christian communities.
Political observers warn that the rhetoric from both camps—if left unchecked—could inflame tensions ahead of upcoming regional elections and peace dialogues, making the search for justice and reconciliation even more urgent.