A Coalition of 15 non-governmental organizations focused on peace and national unity in Northern Nigeria has issued a caution against actions that could demoralize Nigerian Army troops involved in restoring peace, following the discovery of 11 bodies in Kaduna forest.
Led by the Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI), the coalition expressed concern over allegations against the troops in connection with the killings of Fulani natives. During an on-the-spot visit to the crime scene and Fulani Community in Kaduna, the coalition emphasized the importance of maintaining calm among the Fulani community, assuring them of justice in the tragic incident.
Exonerating the Nigerian Army, the coalition passed a vote of confidence in Major General V.O Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, and the troops. They commended the professionalism and commitment of the military in addressing banditry and criminality in the region.
In a statement signed by Amb. Melvin Ejeh, leader of the coalition and Executive Director of GOPRI, the coalition acknowledged that allegations against the troops lacked evidence. Their fact-finding visit to Tilde Fulani in Laduga grazing reserve in Kaduna State revealed no connection to the soldiers.
The coalition appealed to the Fulani community to remain calm and pledged unwavering support in seeking justice. They discouraged faceless groups planning protests, describing them as merchants of crisis and urging them to desist.
Addressing the community, Amb. Melvin Ejeh urged against being manipulated by desperate politicians or crisis merchants, emphasizing the need to avoid tarnishing the reputation of the Nigerian Army. He highlighted the ongoing investigation into the incident and assured that justice would prevail.
The Village Head of Tilde Fulani, Alhaji Mohamadu Yusuf, thanked the coalition and assured them that the community would refrain from further engagements to avoid jeopardizing ongoing investigations. “We all want justice, and we are confident that justice will prevail in the end,” affirmed Alh. Mohammed Yusuf in response to the coalition’s commitment to uncovering the facts surrounding the tragic incident.
