Don’t use lethal force on pastoralists – Rights body warns Plateau govt 

A human rights organisation, the International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT Global), has called on the Plateau State Government to withdraw any directive that suggests shooting pastoralists found trespassing on farmlands.

The group made the call in a statement issued after reacting to recent developments and a court judgment involving Jos North Local Government Area. 

The statement was signed by Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director (Nigeria) of IHRC-RFT Global.

IHRC-RFT Global, which has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), said it welcomed the state government’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for judicial independence.

The organisation also commended the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, for urging calm and encouraging respect for legal processes in the state.

“As an organisation committed to human rights, justice, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence, we commend the Governor for reaffirming the principles of the rule of law, judicial independence, due process, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all residents,” the group said.

However, the group expressed concern over earlier directives suggesting that pastoralists caught grazing on farmlands could be shot, describing such a position as dangerous and inconsistent with constitutional rights.

“In the same spirit of constitutionalism and respect for human rights, we respectfully call on the Plateau State Government to review and withdraw any previous statements or directives suggesting that pastoralists found grazing on farmlands should be shot,” the statement said.

IHRC-RFT Global stressed that while it supports efforts to protect farmlands and communities from encroachment, the use of lethal force must not replace lawful procedures.

It warned that such actions raise serious concerns about the right to life and due process.

“We fully support efforts to protect farmers, farmlands, and community assets, but the use of lethal force outside clearly established legal procedures raises serious concerns regarding the right to life, due process, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it added.

The organisation said any violation of anti-open grazing laws or land-use regulations should be handled through legal means such as arrest, investigation, prosecution, and court rulings, rather than extrajudicial actions.

“We believe that violations should be addressed through lawful means, including arrest, investigation, prosecution, and judicial determination, rather than measures that may be interpreted as endorsing extrajudicial actions,” the statement said.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peace-building and peaceful coexistence among communities in Plateau State and across Nigeria.