Grazing rights: Vigilant youth in Plateau prevent bloodbath as Fulani/Berom ‘war’ escalates

by Adeola Balogun

An ongoing battle between Fulani herdsmen and Berom residents in Plateau State almost turned bloody but for the intervention of some vigilant youths.

The trouble reportedly started when an argument over grazing rights turned into a full fledged war. The development has led to unrest in the Gyel environs of the Jos South Local Government area of the state.

According to reports, the situation escalated over the weekend as sounds of gunfire were heard by residents of the community throughout Saturday night.

Nigerian Eye reports:

Our correspondent gathered that there were exchange of gunfire between some gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, and some vigilant youths in the community.

Although there was no reports of casualties, it was gathered that a group of men in army combat uniform had moved from Danchol area of Gyel and spread themselves around the community.

However their presence raised the suspicion of the youths who raised the alarm, prompting an exchange of gunfire between them and the suspected gunmen.

This was said to have prevented what would have been a bloodbath in the community.

Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, a non governmental organisation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, told our correspondent in Jos on Sunday that through out the night, he was inundated with calls from residents of the community, who feared an invasion of their homes by some gunmen.