GAFDAN rejects reports of targeting Fulani communities in Bokkos

Plateau State chapter of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, GAFDAN, has refuted allegations made by a group called the Bokkos United Community Based Organizations, indicating that Fulani people have relocated to some communities in the council with the intention of launching attacks and occupying the affected communities.

In a statement signed on Monday by the State Chairman of GAFDAN, Hon. Garba Abdullahi Muhammad, the organization described the allegations as not only deliberately false but inciteful and a misleading attempt to pit the Fulani people against the local communities.

The statement made available to DAILY POST noted that the accusations, which have been widely circulated on social media platforms, inadvertently described the Fulani people as terrorists and criminal elements who have stealthily infiltrated communities in Bokkos with the aim of unleashing terror attacks.

Expressing his dismay at what he called a desperate display of misinformation, Muhammad said 

the publication made sweeping allegations against Fulani people while also attempting to portray normal religious gatherings as evidence of criminal activity.

In the statement titled “Re-Rebutal of false, inciteful and misleading social media allegations targeting Fulani communities in Bokkos LGA,” the organization said it categorically rejects these allegations as baseless, reckless, inflammatory, and completely unsupported by any credible evidence.

Continuing, the GAFDAN Chairman said:

“It is deeply unfortunate that, at a time when the Government of Plateau State, traditional institutions, religious leaders, security agencies, and peace-building organizations are making genuine efforts to restore lasting peace across Plateau State, some individuals continue to circulate messages capable of reigniting fear, hatred, and mistrust among peaceful communities.” 

He stressed that the publication did not present any verifiable facts or evidence of such incursions but instead relied on ethnic profiling by branding an entire ethnic group as terrorists solely because they are Fulani. 

“Such generalizations are dangerous, unjust, and contrary to the principles of justice, fairness, and peaceful coexistence guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Muhammad further noted that it was even more disturbing that the accusing group attempted to portray Muslims observing their constitutional right to worship as proof of criminality. 

“Freedom of religion is a fundamental right enjoyed by every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity or faith. Suggesting that Friday prayers constitute evidence of terrorism is not only misleading but also promotes religious intolerance and deepens existing divisions within society.

“GAFDAN wishes to remind the public that duly constituted security agencies should handle security matters,” he added.

He also stated that where there is credible intelligence regarding criminal activities, such information should be reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation rather than disseminated on social media in a manner that stigmatizes innocent citizens and fuels ethnic tension.

“We are concerned that repeated circulation of unverified claims against Fulani communities has contributed significantly to the culture of suspicion, collective blame, and reprisals that have claimed many innocent lives across Plateau State.

“Lasting peace cannot be achieved through propaganda, misinformation, or inflammatory narratives,” he warned. 

The GAFDAN chairman called on security agencies to investigate the origin of the publication and take appropriate action against anyone found deliberately spreading false information capable of inciting violence.

He further called on community leaders, youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to discourage hate speech and promote responsible communication.

“Members of the public should verify information before sharing it and avoid publications that could undermine ongoing peace efforts. All ethnic and religious groups in Plateau State should continue embracing dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence,” he emphasized.